PRM22106 Research Methods and Creative Thinking L7, Sem 2 2025

PRM22106 Introduction to the Module

The objective of this module is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles and stages  involved in developing a compelling research proposal, laying the groundwork for a successful dissertation. Throughout this module, you will learn how to:

1. Identify and refine research question(s)
2. Establish aim and objectives
3. Formulate hypotheses and/or research questions to guide your research
4. Conduct a literature review
5. Explore various methodological approaches in the research process
6. Consider ethical implications and plan for ethical conduct of research
7. Plan appropriate data analysis techniques

These components will enable you to acquire the essential skills needed to develop a rigorous and feasible research proposal that has the potential to contribute new insights to your field of study.

Assessment:

Your assessment is to develop a Research Proposal that ideally will provide the foundation for your dissertation proposal. 
You also will create a poster that visually represents the key ideas from your proposal.
These two elements will represent the culmination of a three-stage proposal checkpoint process. The proposal checkpoints will be used to prepare you for each of the required elements and allow feedback from your tutors as you move toward the final process.

Research Proposal (2,000 words maximum)

You will produce a research proposal centred around a topic relevant to your field of study, focusing on Project Management. We encourage you to select a topic aligned with your interests and one that you might consider exploring further for your final project/dissertation.

PRM22106 Research Proposal (Structure)

1. Title: This should reflect the essence of your research.
2. Introduction/background: The context/background of the research proposal.
3. Statement of the problem and rationale: Outline various aspects of the problem (background, present state, causes, consequences, knowledge gaps, etc.). Clearly state your research question(s) (if applicable), hypotheses (if applicable), aim and objectives. Explain why your research is important.
4. Literature Review: Brief overview of key literature supporting your research gap(s).
5. Theoretical framework (if applicable): Outline the theoretical basis for your research.
6. Methodology: How the research objectives will be realised either through the testing of proposed hypotheses or by exploring research questions. Outline a proposed research design, including: methodology (qualitative, 6.quantitative); data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments); the sample, sample size and sampling strategy (e.g., convenience purposive, snowball, etc.); and the data analysis techniques.
7. Implications and contribution to knowledge: Highlight how your study will address knowledge gaps and contribute new insights to your field.
8. Potential limitations: Acknowledge possible constraints or challenges that may impact your research (e.g., sample size, time and budget constraints, access to data, generalisability). Briefly discuss how you plan to address or mitigate these limitations where possible.
9. Ethical considerations: How the research participants will be handled ethically (e.g., informed consent, confidentiality).
10. Proposed timeline: Specification of the detailed timeline of different research activities based on the dissertation schedule.
11. Budget (if applicable): Detail of the costs required to complete all research activities.
12. References: List all the sources formatted according to Harvard referencing style.

Word Count Policy for Research Proposal:

If the research proposal exceeds the 2000-word limit by less than 10% (up to 2200 words):

• The mark will be reduced by five percentage points (i.e., 5 marks).
• The penalised mark will not be reduced below the pass mark.
• Marks already at or below the pass mark will not be reduced.

If the research proposal exceeds the word limit by 10% or more (2200 words or more): 

• The mark will be reduced by ten percentage points (i.e., 10 marks).
• The penalised mark will not be reduced below the pass mark.
• Marks already at or below the pass mark will not be reduced.

Please note that there is no automatic penalty for an under-length research proposal providing there is sufficient suitable content.
The total word count must be specified at the end of the research proposal.

Poster Presentation Reflecting Research Idea

In addition to the written proposal, you must create a one-page poster presentation that provides a visual summary of your work. This should include all major sections included in the proposal with a particular emphasis on the research objective, research questions, and proposed methods. 

Module Learning Outcomes of PRM22106 

1. Employ advanced skills to develop project ideas through creative thinking and critical evaluation of existing research knowledge and identification of potential gaps.
2. Explore and apply various creative thinking methodologies and tools to stimulate innovative and effective problem- solving in project management.
3. Explore and develop research methodologies aligned to creative practice that inform and support practical outcomes.
4. Analyse and evaluate research studies through critical evaluation and assessing the validity of research findings.
5. Apply the principles of ethics to research methods, approaches, and potential outcomes.