Pages: 5

This chapter introduces the reader to the content in the rest of the book. It begins with a context statement about the kind of reader the book assumes will be using it. It then addresses four basic questions: what is a proposal, why should you write a proposal, what makes a good proposal, and are there any added benefits in producing a proposal? This is followed by an explanation of three basic types of dissertation and three basic types of research. Finally, the chapter ends with an outline of the four parts into which the rest of the book is divided.

Pages: 13

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 6

This chapter covers the process of selecting a topic for a research project. It begins with a brief introduction followed by an explanation that this is a creative process which might feel unusual to business research students. This process is described based on four phases (preparation, incubation, illumination and verification) and an example is provided as an illustration. The importance of identifying a realistic source of data is then highlighted. After this, alternative topic selection strategies are discussed. The chapter concludes with a list of qualities of a good topic, and a final word about the alien nature of the topic selection process and its critical importance to the overall success of the proposed research project.

Pages: 5

This chapter covers the process of articulating a chosen research topic in the standard format of a title, an aim, several objectives and one or more research questions. After a brief introduction, title writing is explained with the titles of the four example proposals being evaluated. Aim writing is then discussed with an in-depth example from one of the sample proposals. After this, objective writing is presented in a similar manner, followed by a similar approach to research question writing. Finally, four exercises are provided which link back to the examples of titles, aims, objectives and research questions.

Pages: 30

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 4

This chapter covers how to correctly structure a business research proposal. After a brief introduction, the essential and optional elements of a proposal are presented. This is followed by a discussion about the use of numbering in section and subsection titles. Finally, an example is evaluated.

Pages: 7

This chapter covers the basics of academic writing style. It starts with a brief introduction which addresses a common misconception about academic writing style. The next section addresses the correct way to write sentences, avoiding first person language by using the third person passive voice. This is explained with the aid of several examples. Six dos and don’ts of academic writing style are then introduced with examples: avoiding contractions, using possessive apostrophes correctly, introducing acronyms before they are used, avoiding Latin abbreviations, writing numbers consistently and avoiding emotive or journalistic language. Avoiding subjective writing is then discussed with an example. Finally, the use of appropriate caution in the evaluation of evidence, known as hedging, is introduced with the aid of an example.

Pages: 5

This chapter covers an important academic writing issue, namely the use of evidence to back up claims. After a brief introduction, the use of evidence to back up specific factual claims is explored. This is followed by a discussion about how to correctly attribute external evidence and thus avoid plagiarism. Two deeper ways of correctly citing evidence are then explained further with the aid of examples: quoting (word for word citations) and summarising (expressing someone else’s evidence in your own words).

Pages: 5

This chapter covers perhaps the most important issue of academic writing: how to write academic paragraphs. After a brief introduction, a definition of a paragraph is provided. This is followed by a discussion of the ideal length of a paragraph. A model structure for paragraph writing is then derived from the introduction-main body-conclusion model of essay writing. After this, the use of transitional words to connect sentences in paragraphs together is described. Finally, some paragraphs from the example proposals are appraised for all these aspects.

Pages: 7

This chapter covers the issue of constructing academic arguments, known as argumentation. After a brief introduction, the two main styles of argumentation, known as single argument/opinion and discursive, are explored. This is followed by example arguments of both styles from the example proposals. After this, a method of argument planning technique based on a presentation metaphor is discussed. This is illustrated with an example. Finally, an exercise is provided which encourages the application of this technique to the reader’s draft proposal structure.

Pages: 48

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 5

This chapter covers writing the additional parts of a proposal introduction which were not already covered in Chapter 2, namely the background, the problem statement and other optional elements. After a brief introduction the purpose and style of a background is explained and followed by an evaluated example. This is followed by a section on writing a problem statement which also has an example afterwards which is evaluated. Possible additional elements of an introduction are then explored, namely a rationale or justification, a thesis statement, a limitations discussion, a significance or potential impact discussion and an outline of the remaining sections of the proposal. Finally, an example limitations discussion is evaluated.

Pages: 12

This chapter covers the process of doing and writing up a proposal literature review. It is considerably longer than previous chapters, emphasising its importance. It begins with an introduction which briefly explains what a thematic literature review is and how it needs to include critical analysis. This is followed by a presentation of the general principles of creating a literature review. After this, ways to obtain suitable research evidence are explored. Next, the process of choosing themes for a review is discussed. It is important to include theory within a review, so different ways of doing this are next described. The inclusion of critical analysis within a literature review is then introduced. Afterwards, ways to conclude a literature review are explained. Finally, an exercise is provided in the form of a checklist for evaluating a draft literature review.

Pages: 3

This brief chapter covers the process of creating and presenting a conceptual framework. Although conceptual frameworks are generally viewed as an optional element in proposals, they can provide a useful bridge between the literature review and the design of a draft data collection instrument. The chapter begins with an introduction which explains the difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework. Afterwards, some general advice on creating a conceptual framework is provided. This is followed by examples of two different types of conceptual framework, namely a process diagram and a tree diagram, which includes a discussion on the importance of adapting and applying other people’s frameworks. Finally, there is an exercise.

Pages: 15

This chapter covers a vital part of proposal writing – the methodology/method section. Beginning with an introduction, the difference between methodology and method and their main elements are explained. The purpose of this section and an appropriate argument style are then explored, followed by a recommended structure. The three main elements of methodology, namely philosophy, approach and strategy, are then presented. The strategy section is further divided into subsections covering possible alternatives, including surveys, case studies, ethnography and secondary data. Each is presented with examples. Elements of method are then explored; the four main types of primary data collection are introduced, validity and reliability arguments and the associated generation of hypotheses are explained and data analysis is discussed for both qualitative and quantitative research. Possible additional subsections on ethics and limitations are then presented and common mistakes are discussed. Finally, an evaluation framework called DECJAD is provided with an example and an exercise.

Pages: 5

This chapter covers the process of producing a schedule of planned tasks. It begins with an exploration of Gannt charts, which give a representation for planned tasks over a fixed time period. An example is evaluated. The process of undertaking a dissertation is then described in terms of five overlapping phases. Finally, the need to write an accompanying narrative with a chart is explored, and an exercise is provided.

Pages: 6

This chapter covers the process of using a referencing system. It focuses on the use of an alphabetical style referencing system, such as Harvard or APA, which is used in many proposals. After a brief introduction, the process of citing authors is explained, along with some examples. This is followed by advice on labelling tables and figures, again with relevant examples. After this, the production of a reference list is explored, with examples of different types of entry.

Pages: 21

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 7

This chapter covers wider issues of research planning and management which were not covered under Chapter 12, namely time management and stress management. It begins with an exploration of time management which is divided into general principles, getting started, and finishing on time. Two techniques for time management are suggested: task ranking by urgency and importance, and splitting up large tasks using a work breakdown structure. This is followed by a discussion on stress management which is divided into a definition, causes, the link between stress and productivity, signs of stress and advice on managing stress, including the four As of stress management.

Pages: 8

Most undergraduate and master’s students have little control over who is assigned as their supervisor. This chapter covers how to get the most out of this relationship. It begins with an introduction which compares the supervision process with a dance, followed by an exploration of different styles of supervision in terms of their degree of structure and emotional support. The need for correct role expectations, both for supervisors and students, is then discussed. Some advice is then provided on how to prepare for supervision meetings. This is followed by information and techniques on how you can become more assertive. Finally, some advice is given on how to have a successful relationship, including nurturing your supervisor, dealing with criticism and the steps you can consider taking if things become difficult.

Pages: 4

This final chapter covers the next steps you will need to undertake after completing your proposal, collectively referred to as the critical phase of doing your dissertation project. After a brief introduction, some advice is given on how best to respond to the feedback you are given on your proposal. In particular, the need to re-evaluate your choice of topic is discussed. After this, the process of turning your proposal introduction into your dissertation introduction is described. This is followed by sections on drafting your full literature review and your full methodology/method chapter. After this, the ethics application process is introduced briefly. Finally, the process of designing a draft primary data collection instrument is discussed.