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CARRYING OUT A RESEARCH PROJECT

1.

PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH REPORT

The objective of this section is to show what needs to be done during the research preparation and presentation in order to achieve uniformity and consistency by all. Here we look it what makes up the: Front pages The body of research project

Text formatting
Back pages Binding

1.1 The Front Pages

Front pages consists of: The title page Dedication statement The executive summary also referred to as the abstract Acknowledgements Table of contents List of tables List of figures

1.1.1 The Title Page

Should bee the first page of the report but not numbered, single spaced and written in capital or upper case. Ensure appropriate and logical break for title of more than one line for ease reading. Page shows the following detail:

The title of the project


Company or institution to which the incumbent is attached to Name of program of study Name (s) of project participant (s)

Year of completion or award

1.1.2 Dedication

Dedication statement is meant to recognize or give tribute to particular individual (s)

1.1.3 The Executive Summary or Abstract


Abstract or executive summary is a page giving the reader an at a glance project synopsis or summary and should show the following: Statement of project problem (s) being researched on The project objective or purpose for pursuing the study Study methodology indicating project design, population / sample size and population / sample composition Source of data / information and how it is sourced Data analysis techniques Summary of findings, conclusions, recommendations and proposed areas of further study

1.1.4 Acknowledgements

This is where the writer thanks those persons to whom he / she is indebted for any assistance or guidance rendered during the research study.

1.1.5 Table of Contents

Shows all components of the research project report typed in lower case and showing: Title page Dedications Executive Summary Acknowledgements Table of contents List of tables List of figures List of appendices Note Show page numbers of chapters headings and sub-headings and lastly the back pages and appendices ensuring that:

Front pages and chapter page numbers are shown in Roman numerals. Chapter titles and chapter numbers are in capitals or upper case Sub-headings to be in lower case Maintain margins of 3.8 cm on left and 2.5 cm at top, bottom and right side of the page Page numbering to be at center of page Present references and appendices in Arabic numerals and typed in capitals e.g Appendix VIX

1.1.6 List of Tables Indicate the table number, its title and reference page in lower case

1.1.7 List of Figures Write figure number, title and reference page in lower case

1.2 THE BODY OF RESEARCH REPORT To constitute the main research report with distinct and appropriately flowing chapters.

1.2.1 Formatting of the Research Report This focuses on presentation specifications of the report with particular emphasis to: Margins

Typographical rules
Spacing Tables and figures Book titles/Quotations

Pages
Etc.

1.2.1 Margins Margins specifications as per slide 7 above

1.2.3 Typographical Rules

Use an A4 paper
Typing on one side of the paper only with single spacing Chapter numbering n Roman numerals at center of page and in capital letters Chapter titles in capitals and at center of page

Sub-headings in capitals and lower case combination, underlined and flushed against left margin but not underlined if done in bold
Each chapter to begin on new page

1.2.4 Spacing
Begin three spaces bellow last title line and two lines to separate paragraphs Maintain same fonts and font sizes throughout the whole report.

1.2.5 Tables and Figures

Tables to be numbered and given title headings


Use Arabic numerals and number either consecutively (1,2,3 etc.) or by sub-topic or by chapter (1.1,1.2, 1.3 , 3.1etc) Must have titles and the table & title to be on same page.

Maintain same numbering


Figure numbering and title to be at bottom of each illustration and typed in lower case

1.2.6 Book Titles /Quotations

Any quoted titles of books and / or journals to be underlined

1.2.7 Paging Front page materials to be in numbered in lower case and Roman numerals at bottom center of page From chapter 1 to end of appendices to be in Arabic numbering at bottom center of each page and in lower case

1.3 BACK PAGE OF THE REPORT Back page materials mainly made up of references and appendices.

1.3.1 References To immediately follow the last chapter of the report. To constitute all third party works (not original) Not numbered but in order of the alphabetical Written in lower case To indicate title, author and year of publication

1.3.2 Appendices

To include key copies of research instruments used e.g survey questionnaire, data form, research support documents etc.
Numbered in sequence and indicating title heading

1.4 BINDING OF THE REPORT To initially submit two loose copies for marking and two final and corrected bound copies as completed project report.

1.4.1 The Cover Page Any writing on the cover to be exactly the same as on the title page showing: Title Name of program Company or Institution name Name (s) of writer (s) Year of program Note; Front cover to be of blue colour

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background To Research Study Introduction to topic putting study into context and broadly touching on some considered key issues Pick on issues that lead you to the research problem or question Various dimensions in which problem manifest or showed itself At his point try and indicate gap to be bridged by this proposed study If the study is based on already established concepts or literature then this should be adequately articulated here to put the research study into context

1.2 Problem Statement Clearly state problem statement or the research question with following characteristics: Capable of being investigated or evaluated empirically through collection and analysis of relevant data. Must brief, clear and not ambiguous Researchable by offering itself to appropriate sources of data / information capable of providing right answers to stated research questions Presents itself well to stated established theory or concepts

1.3 Study Objective / Purpose Clear pronunciation of what the study seeks to address or accomplish in your own way or as already known or established by previous studies Indicate whether study is meant to: Explore-find out more about what is little known about Describe-To show what peculiar patterns or trends of situations, events or behaviors Explain Show why events, things happen that way

1.4 Research Questions / Sub-problems To be derived from main research questions or problem statement Rendering themselves to clear and precise answers of no yes or no nature Demands data collection and research process to provide answers The answers to individual research questions /sub-problems to provide cumulative answer which main research question/problem

1.5 Importance of Study Researcher to demonstrate why it is worthwhile to go through the pains research State what benefits to be derived from research

Who would benefit and how

1.6 Assumptions Statements believed to be facts but not proven or verified and known or thought to have a bearing or influence on study or results of study

1.7 Definition of Terms To identify and define all term that are perceived to be easily misinterpreted or misconstrued

Not necessarily dictionary meanings


Meaning to terms to be consistently maintained throughout the project.

1.8 Scope /Delimitation of Study Definition of study boundaries or what the study would include (population / sample size) What are key concerns and non-concerns of study To what extent /depth does it delve into trying to resolve the problem How wide is the data field expected to be

1.9 Limitations / Constraints Research conditions beyond control of researcher which may have implications or restrictions on study or results of study Where possible state compensatory factors to mitigate effects of noted constraint / limitations Key reminders by researcher to readers on what to take note of when considering design of study or interpreting its findings or conclusions.

1.10 Summary Summary of what makes up chapter and good linking statement to next chapter

2. LITERATURE REVIEW Purpose of literature is to enable one develop documented, logical rationale for a problem, research question or hypothesis.to flow from what I already known about topic to new findings and conclusions.

2.1 Purpose of Literature Review Review to show how and why research question / statement / hypothesis was formulated or arrived at in its present form Why proposed research strategy or objective was selected or adopted Carefully employ research literature to support and explain choice made of study topic. What science, concepts theory tracts lead to problem or research question.

Explore literature to support question, design and procedures or research

2.2 Focus of Literature Review What major concepts / theory led to research question / problem Major supporting research conclusions are already cited in literature What gaps are cited in the proposed research study Limitations /Constraints in previous formulation of question /problem Inadequacy in data collection Any cited inappropriate interpretation of results

2.3 The Review Process


Determine the key concepts or theories connected to the problem Summarize findings of previous studies on same subject if any. Establish relevance of each concept to problem or research question Conclusion to draw together all summary statements identify the gap On basis of identified gap establish focus or thrust of current research

2.4 Review Evaluation Is relationship between proposed study to past research clearly shown Elaborate what new knowledge current research provide compared to previous research Clearly how difference between current research compared to previous studies Have gaps to knowledge been identified Have we identified key articles relevant to the research Has the evaluation of articles /concepts been presented clearly in terms of procedure and results interpretations Have I made focus of current study clear to reader

2.5 Focus of Literature Review

What are the major concepts leading to research problem /question.


What already existing research findings cited from literature What has been identified as existing knowledge gap Limitations / constraints in formulation of previous research question /problem

Any identified data inadequacy


Any possible inappropriate interpretation of research results

2.6 Check List of Research Project Preparedness

What is the problem under investigation?


What research review has been done? What were thee findings of previous researchers? What was research population or sample like?

What were the noted differences in methodology of current and previous if any
What is the focus or thrust of current research? What is or has been the identified knowledge gap? OR

Has the research covered:


Research Problem/Question? Findings? Methodology?

Sampling?
Results /Conclusions? Recommendations? Further research areas?

4. TITLE PAGE

THE ROLE OF CORPORATE PARENTS IN MULTI-BUSINESS CORPORATIONS IN ZIMBABWE A Research Project presented to: The Graduate School of Business Management University of Zimbabwe In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements of the MASTERS DEGREE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT by Miriam Shumba (R9943358)

5. DEDICATION

TO MY DEAR WIFE, BABARA

6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Dr. Mary Barnwell, who was my supervisor, for her help, criticisms and comments throughout the preparation of this study.

My greatest thanks to all members of staff of the center for transport and logistics studies who have helped in one way or another at various times, from the initial stages to final completion of this project.I, especially wish to thank Rick Richards, Jenny Alexander and Ian Black who assisted me with the computation of data.

I am also grateful and highly indebted to Rodger Daniels, Milton Keynes Development Corporation director, for his assistance with some of the data which was used in this study.

Lastly, but not least, I would like to thank Rosemary Lewani who edited and typed the thesis.

6. THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study sets out to examine any evidence of changes that have taken place in shoppers trip making and expenditure patterns, following the opening of Central Milton Keynes shopping center. The research involved analysis of data from two surveys, one carried out by Towriss in 1978 and the other by the writer in 1981.

Analysis has been based on four neighbourhoods as the origins, with Central Milton Keynes, Bletchley (district center) and the for local centers as the destinations. Changes in the before / after patterns have been analyzed in aggregate and disaggregate terms with respect to various socio-economic groupings.

From the findings which were obtained, it appears that there is evidence of significant changes in center patronage by certain community groups. Change has also been identified with regards to expenditure distribution by center. The results seem to indicate that a hierarchical retail system has involved in Milton Keynes, with each center level playing a distinctive role.

The research concludes with policy and planning implications in the context of Milton Keynes and in general terms, which arise from the findings. Further areas of research have been identified and briefly outlined.

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 Definition of terms 1.2 Trends in retail development post 1945 1.2.1 Retail planning and policy maker 1.2.2 A critical view of retail planning in Great Britain 1.3 Problem Statement 1 1 1 1 4 6 8

1.4 Research Questions


1.5 Objectives 1.6 Hypothesis 1.7 Scope and limitations

8
9 9 9

1.8 Conclusion (structure of the research)

10

CHAPTER 2

THORY OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Central place and spatial interaction theories 2.3 Search and learning theory 2.4 The process of search and learning 2.5 A typical shopping trip 2.6 Determinants of shopping behavior 2.7 Demographic and socio-economic factors

11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20

CHAPTER 3

THE NW TOWWN OF MLTON KEYNES 3.1 Retail planning for new towns 3.2 Milton Keynes town 3.3 Shopping policy for Milton Keynes 3.4 Retail provisions in Milton Keynes

13 13 13 14 15

CHAPTER 4

METHODOLOGY 4.1 Research Design 4.2 Research Population 4.3 Sampling Frame and sample design 4.4Research instrument 4.5Variables 4.6 Validity and Reliability Issues 20

20 22
25 26 27

CHAPTTER 5

ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH FINDINGS 5.1 Analytical constraints 5.2 Sequential presentation of analysis and findings 5.3 Testing of research hypothesis and propositions 5.4 Comparison of two surveys 5.5 Patterns and spatial distributions of trip makingin general and by household characteristics 5.6 Patterns and spatial distribution of expenditures 5.7 Commentary and summary of findings

28 28 29 29

33 45 56

CHAPTER 6

CONCLLUSION 6.1 Evidence of change in before and after situation 6.2 Various groups defined by transport mode 6.3 Respective roles of the three center levels 6.4 Policy and retail planning implications (MK) 6.5 Policy and panning implications general 6.6 Further research

58 58 59 59 60 60 62

LIST OF TABLES 1 Trends in car ownership (cars per 1000 population 2 Total area by floor space in existing centers 3 Sub-area population estimates for the neighborhoods 4 Neighborhood centers by gross leasable floor space 5 Comparisons of frequency distributions of the two surveys at household level 6 Destination of day-to-day trips by center 7 Day-to-day shopping trips by center and household 8 Destination of main weekly trips by center 9 Main weekly shopping trips by center and household 10 Distribution of total trips by center 11 Total trips by center and type of shopping 2 15 21 23 31 34 35 36 37 40 41

LIST OF FIGURES 1 Retail change in Britain, 1950-80 2 The Katona Model of behavior cycle 3 Milton Keynes urban areas (gross floor space in 1968) 4 Destinations of major shopping trips in 1968 5 Shopping turnover for major centers around Milton Keynes in 1961 6 Map showing the study area 7 Frequency distribution of head of household by social class 8 Frequency distribution of households by car ownership 9 Frequency distribution of day-to-day and main weekly trip 10 Comparison of day-to-day and main weekly trips by center 11 Comparison of day-to-day and main weekly shopping trips by mode of transport 12 Frequency distribution of expenditure at household and trip 13 Comparison of changes in trip and expenditure distribution for day-to-day shopping by center 14 Comparison of day-to-day and main weekly spending patterns by center 5 10 17 18 19 22 30 30 32 39 44 46

49
51

LIST OF APPENDICES

1 The questionnaire / shopping diary


2 Calculating the sample size 3 Adjusting 1981 expenditure figures to 1978 prices 4 Socio-economic group and social class of household

66
68 71 72

5 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7

The level of car ownership Socio-economic groups of head of household The level of freezer ownership Period of stay in Milton Keynes by households Number of persons in each household Frequency distribution of day-to-day trips Frequency distribution of main weekly trips

73 73 74 74 74 75 75
76 76 77 78

6 T1 Trip generation from each of the four neighborhoods T2 Destination of day-to-day trips by social class T3 Destination of day-to-day trips by freezer ownership T4 Destination of day-to-day trips by car ownership

7 T1 T2 T3 T4

Destination of main weekly trips by social class Destination of main weekly trips by freezer ownership Destination of main weekly trips by car ownership Destination of all shopping trips for all types of shopping by transport mode T5 Destination of total trips by period of stay Milton Keynes

79 79 80
81 82

T1 Generation of expenditure by origin T2 Expenditure per trip by center for all shopping T3 Expenditure per day to day trip by center T4 Expenditure per main weekly shopping trip by center Milton Keynes city bus service

83 83 83 84 85

3.1 Research Methodology

Detail description of how research has been carried out. Show key activities and procedures undertaken for carrying out research.
Make sure literature or knowledge review guides or assist in the formulation of research methodology 3.2 Research Design In research design show whether it is:

Descriptive research
Experimental research Correlative research

Historical resea
Etc.

3.3 Subjects/Population

What makes up the research participants body, in other words what constitutes the research population or sample
What method / procedure was used to determine or arrive at particular sample size 3.4 Sampling Design and sampling frame Probability methods

Non-probability methods
Sampling method applied to the research

3.5 Research Tools / Instruments

What method of data / information collection has been employed:


Interviews Observations

Secondary (reading past reports)


Etc. 3.6 Data Collection Procedures What steps have been taken in administering and collection of data:

Setting up appointment dates with selected population or sample.


Distribution of data collection tools Retrieval of instruments

4.0 Data Analysis and Presentation

To include:
To organize and analyze in a way which logically present the findings Scan data for reliance, completeness, accuracy and patterns or trends 4.1 Arrangement of Data Sort data by arranging into manageable chunks Get responses by various identified and distinct respondent groups Identify patterns and trends

Using analytical tools at ones disposal including statistical methods

4.2 Summary of Data

If handling large amounts of data find ways of summarizing it through:


Tables Figures

Statistics
Quantitative methods Select and analyze data in relation to particular sub-problem or sub-question ensuring that response to each sub-problem / question make cumulative contribution to providing answer to the main research problem /question

4.3 Presenting Data

Data is more meaningful and telling when presented in tables, text or figure form

For more effective presentation structure it around sub-problems /questions makin sure presentations focus on sub-problems /questions

Sub-headings could be by sub-problem /question


4.4 The Use of Tables and Figures Figures and tables add clarity to research reporting

Each figure or table to have write up accompanying it to describe what the figure table is trying to illustrating
Table to have title at the top and figure to have title below

Each figure / table to immediately follow statement of first reference to it in the report and not to precede the statement

Figures and tables not contributing answers to research questions to be left out o report

A table or figure to be on one page and not to overlap to next page with no gaps left on individual pages Each table / figure to be self-explanatory Every table / figure to be followed by some explanation of its interpretation to note-worthy findings. 4.5 Discussions / Interpretations Any discussions and / or interpretations to focus on research results only

Should tie up together findings in relation to topical literature, theories, concepts or knowledge
Where results support or contradict previous research /literature /information this must be stated If different from previous research explain where, how and why If study is on basis of stated hypothesis, appropriate statistical test must be employed to test the hypothesis

Make sure all stated key sub-problems / questions have been adequately addressed Research results by and large should be tentative unless proved absolutely definite i.e.: Results would appear to indicate that.. This seems to prove Results suggest .

Interpretation of this could.


4.6 Chapter Summary A summary of key findings

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

The final chapter shows:


Summary research findings Research conclusions

Recommendations
Areas of further research, if any 5.1Summary Inform the reader of research problem studied, research methodology used, limitations, assumptions, major findings, and practical implications of research findings

5.2 Conclusions
Summarized answers to all sub-problems /questions

5.3 Recommendations

To critically examine findings in the light of practical implications and / or applications 5.4 Areas of Further Research
To state if any identified definite areas of further research believed necessary to further probe into and enhance findings on current research or closely linked but new areas meant to broaden findings so far made on current research

6. REFERENCES

A listing of all references if any.


7. APPENDICES

A listing of all appendices

THANK YOU FOR LISTERNING.

I WISH YOU GOOD LUCK IN YOUR EXAMINATIONS.

IT HAS BEEN A GREAT YEAR TOGETHER, THROUGH HARD TIMES AND GOOD TIMES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT TOWARDS MY EDUCATION.

MAY OUR LORD BLESS YOU ALL

I THANK YOU AGAIN

NYASHA KASEKE

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