An Orientational Presentation by

F. Saruchera (Mr.)

Chinhoyi University of Technology

Department of Business Management & Entrepreneurship October 18, 2012

Ground Rules of the Workshop:

Maximum cooperation Notes-taking Cell phones on silent OR switched off Minimum movements Meaningful contributions/questions

Aims and objectives of the Presentation.

To provide the prospective researcher with the requisite skills needed in conducting both academic and scientific researches. To inculcate the spirit of engaging in problemsolving researches which are vital in both academic and commercial spheres. To provide a firm foundation upon which students can confidently conduct their current and future research projects and /or assignments. To create a complete astute graduate armed with both theoretical as well practical knowledge in research and its application in business and everyday life.

Flashback: What is Research?

According to Sanders et al (2003), research refers to the collection of information on particular subject matter. An active, diligent and systematic process of enquiry to discover, interpret and revive facts (Trochim, 2006).

Research is
Active need for an active researcher who must be in touch with all the relevant stakeholders affecting or being affected by the research Diligent the research must give out the best possible results An enquiry and a discovery A SYSTEMATIC PROCESS

Research as a systematic process

1 2

Define Research problem or question Decide on information sources and collection strategy Locate your resources Gather your data

3 4

5 6

Organize your data, write up Analyze & evaluate your write-up

Why research?
# Solving societys or organization's problems.** # Identification of new opportunities. # Discovering new knowledge frontiers. # Identification of gaps for further research. #Enable management to make informed decisions.

SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC HAVING IDENTIFIED THE RESEARCH

PROBLEM, it is imperative to select a topic that is suitable and relevant to the subject field or discipline in which the researcher is registered. It is the responsibility of the researcher to select the topic and to then discuss the merits of the chosen topic with a subject specialist or project supervisor before writing the research proposal. The selection of a topic should depend on a students short- and medium-term career plans. The student should find the topic interesting and worthwhile, and it should provide lasting intellectual stimulation

Assessing the feasibility of a proposed Research Topic: Considerations ASK YOURSELF:

Does my topic have enough scope and depth? Is sufficient information available? - the topic must fall into a broad scholarly field, i.e., there must be text books and journal literature available on the topic. Time availability? avoid too wide & unmanageable topics e.g. Focusing on the international market. Do I possess the necessary skills and do I have interest in the research area? Are these sustainable? Whats the risk(s) involved? consider sensitivity of information required; nature of support you anticipate from influential parties, supervisors / mentors, organisations etc

Cont..
#The title should be concise while unambiguously reflecting the exact topic of the research project / dissertation. # Fifteen words or less are normally sufficient. # Do not use single word titles for formal research writing.

# The more restricted the area of the investigation, the more the researcher needs to describe it adequately in the title. #The title must be linguistically correct. In summary, the title must be: Relevant, Appropriate, Current, and Sensibly demarcated.

Important considerations

Time limitations Time required for the completion of the project must be taken into account. Project difficulty Pick a simple but sound experiment to develop research skills. Subject availability Be sure that the type of subject (research unit) required is available. Relevance/Topicality Research must be relevant. To test the topicality of the research, ask the questions: So what? Who will benefit? Relevance and topicality are often indicated by the abundance of recent literature, although this does not necessarily mean there is practical/economic/social value.

Cont..

Originality The topic must be original within reason. The research need not necessarily generate radically new knowledge, but it must increase and/or consolidate existing knowledge. Cost Feasibility : Assess feasibility within respect to cost considerations.. Funds for running costs must be available. Technical Expertise- Expertise in the field must be available (supervisor/promoter). Testability Must be able to turn the problem into operationally definable or measurable terms. AVOID OVER-RESEARCHED AREAS e.g. Motivation, Staff turnover, CRM, Internet business, service quality....unless you can fully justify the gap

WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL (RP)

RP:-What it is why?
RP a written plan / outline for an intended research project Helps in planning of the overall project puts some discipline for the researcher through ensuring that all stages are considered & an allowance is made for everything Gives a brief insight into what the researcher intends to do, why (rationale), how (research methodology) etc Acts as a guide to the research project Demonstrates competences of the researcher Helps in obtaining financial support

COMPONENTS/STEPS
Identify / establish the research problem Develop a Research Topic (as per guidelines given) Title page

See Sample Research Title Page.doc

1.0 Introduction

Provides readers with the background information for the research reported in the paper. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it is related to other research (Wilkinson, 1991: 96). In an introduction, the writer should
create reader interest in the topic, lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to

the study, place the study within the larger context of the scholarly literature, and reach out to a specific audience (Creswell, 1994:42).

A description of the proposal structure may also be outlined

1.1 Background to the Research Problem

It is necessary to provide the reader with some measure of background information relevant to the topic including: Broad environmental factors contributing to the research problem E.g. economic recession, consumer education, market changes etc Paradigm shift or changes in the economy, market or industry leading to the research problem This is the section that contextualizes the question and supplies the history and terminology so that the reader will be better able to follow the pages to come. It is often more engaging to use a topic-specific title for a section (subtitles) on background information, e.g. A General Overview of the Pre-advent of the Paradigm Shift etc

1.2 Problem Statement

A problem might be defined as the issue that exists in the literature, theory, or practice that leads to a need for the study (Creswell, 1994: 50). It is important in a proposal that the problem stands out - that the reader can easily recognize it. A problem statement should be presented within a context, and that context should be provided and briefly explained, including a discussion of the conceptual or theoretical framework in which it is embedded. Clearly and briefly identify and explain the problem within the framework of the theory or line of inquiry, based on the background given.

Cont.
State the problem in terms intelligible to someone who is generally sophisticated but who is relatively uninformed in the area of your investigation. Effective problem statements answer the question Why does this research need to be conducted? If a researcher is unable to answer this question clearly and concisely, and without resorting to hyper speaking, then the statement of the problem will come off as ambiguous and diffuse.

1.3 Research Objectives

# Objectives must be SMART. # These are broadly-stated statements of intent. # They highlight what the research seeks to achieve. # Must closely relate to the research topic and should naturally flow from the problem statement. # One should guard against listing too many objectives and # an appropriate choice of words should be made.

For example
To find out To design To establish To compare To evaluate To establish To determine To suggest / recommend**

1.4. Research questions/Hypotheses

Must be closely linked to the objectives Research questions are better formulated around respective objectives*** Questions must be relevant. Always ask the question, What do I seek to achieve with this question? The wording of the questions must be clear and unambiguous. Remember that there is a direct relationship between your research objectives, research questions and literature review.

 Problem statement Research Objectives Research Questions Literature Review Data Collection

Hypotheses (Optional)
A proposition formulated for empirical testing to determine if it is true or false An overriding question or main objective of the research which may be put in form of a statement or question Hypotheses are tentative answers or intelligent guesses Can be written in null or alternate form If you are interested in using hypotheses, kindly liaise with Statistics specialists

1.5 Literature Review

The review of the literature provides the background and context for the research problem. It should establish the need for the research and indicate that the writer is knowledgeable about the area (Wiersma, 1995). Literature review shares with the reader the results of other studies that are closely related to the study being reported (Fraenkel & Wallen, 1990). It relates a study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in the literature about a topic, filling in gaps and extending prior studies (Marshall & Rossman, 1989). It provides a framework for establishing the importance of the study, as well as a benchmark for comparing the results of a study with other findings. It frames the problem earlier identified.

Cont..
In a proposal, the literature review is generally brief and to the point. Be judicious in your choice of exemplars. Demonstrate to the reader that you have a comprehensive grasp of the field and are aware of important recent substantive and methodological developments. All work cited must be always acknowledged and referenced Use of the Harvard System is recommended** Internet sources should be completely acknowledged (full web address NOT just: google.com, search.com etc)**
WIKIPEDIA is NOT a refereed source its jus a compilation of

peoples opinions, not editedwe DONT ACCEPT IT!!

1.6 Research Methodology

# The methodology section is really the heart of the research proposal / final research. # It should include : The research design, population definition, sampling , data collection approaches, research instruments and data analysis procedures to be used; and the justification thereof.

1.7 Justification/Significance/Rationale of the Study

Indicate how your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Note that such refinements, revisions, or extensions may have either substantive, theoretical, or methodological significance. Think about implications i.e. how results of the study may affect scholarly research, theory, practice, educational interventions, curricula, counseling, policy. Justify why the research is important to the researcher, the concerned organization / industry and / or to the public / society as a whole

1.8 Limitations and Delimitations

A limitation is an impediment to the study.

Challenges faced during the research Should we then anticipate problems/challenges

during the proposal stage? Limitations, when identified, should normally have a prescription of solutions devised in overcoming the challenge.

A delimitation addresses how a study will be narrowed in scope, that is, how it is bounded.
Boundaries of the research Should be specific and justified

1.9 Research Outline/Plan

A detailed timetable scheduling all aspects of the research should be produced. This will include time taken to conduct background research, questionnaire or interview schedule development, data collection, data analysis and report writing. May make use of the Gantt Chart Sample Gant Chart.doc

1.10 Budget
If youre applying to a funding body you need to think about what you will need for your research and how much this is likely to cost. If you are a student you may not have to include this section in your proposal, although some Promoters will want to know that you have thought carefully about what resources are needed and from where you expect to obtain these.

1.11 Definition of Terms

The Researcher defines the key technical terms to be used (used) in the research Should be contextually defined i.e. as to be (used) in the research project e.g.

Consumer anyone who buys and/or uses

pharmaceutical products; could be a patient, drug store or the government health department.

1.12 References

Only references cited in the text are included in the reference list Internet sources should have full web addresses and should include the date(s) when the site(s) was / were accessed WE USE the Harvard Referencing style.

The Harvard system of Referencing

In-text referencing Authors Surname & Year onlyinclude page(s) in cases of direct quotations / Figures. Author(s) name(s) [Surname first] (year), Title & Edition, Publisher, Country of Publisher

Kotler P. (1996), Marketing Planning, Control and

Implementation: 9th Edition, Prentice-Hall, India

Be arranged ascending in Alphabetical order Journals should include Authors, Title, Volume, Issue Number and year of publication

Referencing Examples:
Kotler P. (1996), Marketing Management: 10th Edition Prentice Hall, India Pellikka, J. and Lauronen, J. (2007) Fostering commercialization of innovation in small high technology firms, International Journal of Techno-entrepreneurship, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp.92108. Internet Sources:

http://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_

Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEA CAAJ&redir_esc=y Accessed July 15, 2012

Conclusion
If presented well and comprehensively, the research proposal becomes a useful background for preparing Chapter 1 of the final research (with minor adjustments, especially on tenses) It also becomes a background to the whole research project

THE RESEARCH PROJECT

THE RESEARCH PROJECT

It synthesizes pronouncements made by the research proposal; making the theoretical proposal practical. Organized in interlinking chapters. While the proposal makes use of future tenses, the final research write-up (draft and final) should make use of PAST TENSE, the assumption being that the research has already been carried out

Cont..
# Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a conclusion, serve for Chapter 5 (whose thrust is on Conclusions and Recommendations) # It is not unusual to open chapter introductions with some relevant witty quotations. # The conclusion closes the chapter and interlinks the next chapter. # Funnel approach to writing is used.

Chapter 1: General Introduction to the Research

Introduction Background to the Study Statement of the Problem / Problem Statement Research Objectives Research Questions
Research Proposition / Hypotheses (optional)

Justification / Significance of the study Assumptions (if any) Limitations Research Scope / Delimitations Definition of Terms Conclusion

Chapter 1 is an edited version of about 95% of a well-designed Research Proposal Normally recommended to make Ch. 1 writeup lastly since research objectives, questions, delimitations etc may be subject to amendments as the research sails through. Gives the impression of the whole research so should be carefully thought of and logically arranged.

Chapter 2 : Literature review

A review of the literature is a compilation of the research that has been published on a topic by recognized scholars and researchers. purpose is to convey to your reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on the research topic A literature review should do the following: a) Be organized around and related to the research question(s) raised b)Synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known. c) Identify gaps or areas of controversy in the literature. d)Formulate questions that need further research.

Why conduct Literature Review??

1. Helping the researcher understand the existing body of knowledge (BoK) including where excess research exists (i.e. what is already known?) and where new research is needed (i.e. what is needed to be known?) 2. Providing a solid theoretical foundation for the proposed study (related to what is already known?) 3. Substantiating the presence of the research problem (related to what is needed to be known?) 4. Justifying the proposed study as one that contributes something new to the BoK

Cont..

Hart (1998) contributes additional reasons for reviewing the literature, including: distinguishing what has been done from what needs to be done, discovering important variables relevant to the topic, synthesizing and gaining a new perspective, identifying relationships between ideas and practices, establishing the context of the topic or problem, enhancing and acquiring the subject vocabulary, understanding the structure of the subject, relating ideas and theory to applications,

Literature review sources

Sources most relevant for preparation of reviews Review papers or books that survey a topic (may indicate a dominant approach rather than what is relevant for you) Star papers that are repeatedly cited (may indicate a dominant approach rather than what is relevant for you). Model papers (may also be `star papers that are deemed exemplary within their field and may provide a benchmark for your own study). Recommended literature from `experts in the field (likely to be highly selective, so be cautious). Electronic data bases (watch out, as they can be overwhelming and incomplete)

Forms of reading

Rapid scanning form an impression of the potential relevance of the paper high, low, doubtful or potential Selective reading paying attention to only those sections, chapters or pages that contain relevant material Top and tailing reading of abstract, introduction and conclusion only, perhaps as a basis for deciding whether to undertake rapid scanning or close reading of the entire paper Notes/ Bibliography reading reading the references or the footnotes to gain a quick sense of where the author is `coming from. Sometimes the most revealing and insightful points can be tucked away in the references. Close reading attentive and repeated reading.

Important points in Ch. 2

ALL works cited must be acknowledged, otherwise it is considered PLAGIARISM, a serious academic crime! Acknowledgement of authors is usually introduced by use of words such as; Author X (19XX) says.., asserts.., argues.., postulates.., adds.., tends to differ. etc Be creative in use of these words, avoid monotonous phrases likeAccording to. Direct quotations should normally include page numbers: ..(Asser, 2012:123) For Authors work cited by another authority, quote it indirectly i.e. through the secondary source e.g. Saunders (1990) in Garth (2000) is of the opinion that

For works by up to three (3) Authors, the names (surnames) of all the 3 should be mentioned in the text. NB:Take note of the plural(s) For more that three Authors, the first (principal) Author need be mentioned, followed by et al, which means and others e.g: Sarchaz et al (2012) propose Use relevant past Empirical Studies Tables and Diagrams (Figures) should be systematically and fully labeled (with Title, Source, including page numbers where necessary) Tables: label on top / above the table Figures: Label beneath the Figure
This applies for all Tables/Figures throughout the research

project

Chapter 3: Research Methodology The methodology section is really the heart of the
research project It should include : The research design, population definition, sampling , data collection approaches, research instruments and data analysis procedures to be used. It is also important to choose a research method which is within the limits of what the researcher can do. Time, money, feasibility, ethics and availability to measure the phenomenon correctly are examples of issues constraining the research. Each aspect of Research methodology used/applied should be justified otherwise is considered as part of literature (hence should be acknowledged)

Chapter 4: Data Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation

Analyse the gathered data to extract information needed for decision making. Use simple statistical data analysis techniques such as graphs, charts, diagrams etc. ensure VARIETY! This helps to convey meaning in a simple way which can be understood by laymen. Ensure accuracy, meaningful and appropriate interpretation Strictly Address Research Objectives!

Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations

Drawing a conclusion is based on several factors of the research process, not just because the researcher got the expected result. It has to be based on the validity and reliability of the measurement, how good the measurement was to reflect the real world and what more could have affected the results. The chapter must take a retrospective view to establish whether the objectives of the study were achieved Recommendations are generally words of informed advice directed towards the sponsors of the research or the company one is researching onbased on literature review and research findings. Recommendations for further research

Chapter 6: The Entrepreneurial The Thrust centered on one of the key Chapter is
thrusts of the University Entrepreneurship! Outline and describe the business opportunities that exist in the sector/industry/organisation under research May zoom down to one entrepreneurial project you wish to undertake, with justification Outline the challenges that exist, recommending a relevant business model that could be used in successful running of the entrepreneurial project.

References
Every citation made in the body of your dissertation must appear in the list of references.( breadth of research) The reader will typically review the list of references to determine whether you have consulted the more prominent works in the field. Know that unlike a bibliography, which may include titles that are not directly referred to in the text, every item in your list of references must be referred to in the body of the thesis. The preferred way of organizing your references is alphabetically by author surname Refer to Proposals presentation for more

Appendices

Contains materials which may otherwise interrupt the general flow of the dissertation.
The following materials are appropriate:

Original scales or questionnaires. If an instrument is copyrighted, permission in writing to reproduce the instrument from the copyright holder or proof of purchase of the instrument. Interview protocols / Guide(s). Sample of informed consent forms. Cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders. Official letters of permission to conduct research.

Title page as per given format. 2. Research Supervision Acknowledgement / Approval Form as per given format 3. Dedication 4. Acknowledgements 5. Table of Contents should include lists of Tables, Figures and Appendices 6. Abstract** - brief but comprehensive summary of the research project. Should be 1 page, no paragraphs!
1.

Regulatory Requirements & General Guidelines

General presentation :
Font type Times New Roman
font size Font 12 spacing 1,5

Labeling of Figures and Tables ALL should be

labeledHOW? Page numbering Center bottom of each page from Chapter 1 (Numeric) For preliminary pages, use Roman Numerals, still on Bottom centre

2 final copies (one side printing), spiral bound to be submitted to the Department, via the assigned Supervisor
Should be signed by the Supervisor

RESEARCH ETHICS
Plagiarism Privacy

& confidentiality

Unauthorised access Violation of the Non-Disclosure

Agreement
Fabrication,

falsification & forgery

Important Dates2012/3 Research Project

Calendar Event / Activity
Proposal Submission & VIVA (come along with 2 copies) Research Project Supervisor Allocation First Draft Project Submission Final Project Submission

Date
November 13, 2012 November 16, 2012 May 10, 2013 May 31, 2013

Remember:

Be Health-Conscious!!
the NEWSTART (8 natural)

Remember

Doctors Dont overwork yourself take time to rest Drink lots of water : MashWest is generally hot. Eat properly at consistent times Trust in Devine Power Always ensure you save your work and have as
many back-ups as possible to avoid unnecessary stress & disappointments!

Upcoming Presentations

Research Ethics Managing your Research & Supervision Getting the best out of your ResearchAfter the Research Project, then what?
Keep checking the Notice Board!

THANK

YOU FOR BEING ATTENTIVE!! Wishing you the best in all your endeavors!
MAY

YOU BE RICHLY BLESSED!