Coventry University

MBA Research Proposal Guidelines

1. Title Give a clear and succinct title, indicating the problem area around which the research will be undertaken. 2. Background - Word Guide Introduction and Business Reasons 325 / Personal Reasons 75 Include a description of the background to your topic. Explain why you have chosen the topic - give both business and personal reasons. 3. Preliminary Literature Review - Word Guide 1000 Give a brief critical review of the literature that you have read in writing the proposal. This should include current sources. Dont forget to give a list of sources used (a minimum of 6) - use the Harvard Referencing system. Have you a conceptual framework? If so, include. Justify the need for the research. 4. Research Objectives Here you should write your research questions as they emerge from the background and critical literature review. Develop these into 3-5 specific research objectives that begin with To and use higher level verbs.

5. Research Plan - Word Guide 1000 A clear description of the three phases of the Research Plan is required: o Perspective o Design and o Data Collection Methods What is the access and sampling strategy (including sample numbers)? How will the data be analysed and presented? What are the limitations of your research - comment briefly on validity, reliability and generalisability

6. Ethics - Word Guide 250 What we are looking for here is a discussion of any ethical issues raised by your particular proposal and how you propose to handle them. You will need to acknowledge and follow the CU Ethical Approval Process. State when you need to use a participation information sheet and/or a consent form Health Warning What do you need to do to avoid the charge of plagiarism? 7. Planning and any special resources required -Word Guide 150 Include a Gantt chart. Alert us to any particular problems you are likely to face. 8. References Harvard Referencing