develop a research proposal containing introductory information, brief review of literature and an indication of the choice of methods.

Objective
This assessment enables you to plan your dissertation research project and to prepare the initial three chapters as a starting point of the dissertation writing up

process. The submission prompts your thinking as to whether your research is in fact feasible, as well as enabling you to plan your dissertation study.

Assessment
Credit will be given for:
•    The quality of the argument presenting the links between research topic and its aims captured in research question and developed into research objectives
•    The quality of literature review illuminating the research question
•    The ability to identify appropriate research process and methods to achieve the research
•    The overall quality of the proposal and its feasibility of implementation

Submission
Final submission on Blackboard consists of your 2000 word (+/- 5%) research proposal.

Task
You are asked to prepare a research proposal that will form a first step in your development of your pathway dissertation. In your proposal, you should demonstrate

that you have found an issue that needs to be investigated and the reasons why you feel it is important. This submission allows you to shape your actual research

question, which will guide you through the rest of the dissertation process. The research area MUST be in line with your PATHWAY.

Your proposal should include the following information:
•    a working title – this could be in the form of your research question or as a brief indicator of the research area that you wish to investigate. Make sure that

your title is brief, and describes in a self-explanatory manner the direction of your research
•    an introduction – this section should introduce the intended research area. It should also include the aim of your research, which is translated into a

meaningful research question. You should aim to have only one research question to make the overall research process more manageable. Your research question should be

broken down into objectives that will allow you to identify the key areas that the dissertation will cover. Finally the section should also include a brief indicator

what is the purpose of this research, in effect demonstrating to the reader why it is useful to undertake this research.
•    a literature review – this section should align with the research question and the identified objectives. The information contained in the review should

illuminate the research question and highlight the theoretical background to the research.
•    the research process – this section should identify the research approach you are going to take, as well as, indicate the methods that will be most useful to

respond to the research question. It needs to be clearly apparent as to how the methods help collect information in response to the research question. The section

should also include a work plan and a timetable.

The structure of this research proposal is very similar to that of the dissertation. Thus, you will be able to use this material in your final dissertation, which you

will need to expand upon for the final submission.

ADDITIONAL WRITING TIPS:

Introduction
In your introduction section of the proposal, you should begin by explaining the subject area in which the research is to be located. It should also be at a level that

makes it easy to understand and should set the context for your proposed project. Do not forget that it MUST be in line with your PATHWAY, however, you should avoid

broad topic areas, which would be unmanageable for dissertation topics or vague descriptions of research areas. On the other hand it would also be useful if you

provide some explanation of what led you to the topic. Thus, if your topic emerges from a long-standing interest (family business) or from interests you developed

while studying at Regent’s University, do not hesitate to impart this information. It will help to convey your motivation for the study. Try to answer the following

questions in this section:
•    What new knowledge will the proposed project produce that we do not already know?
•    Why is it worth knowing, what are the major implications?

Identification of the relevant literature
Your literature review should demonstrate that you are aware of the debates and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature. References to key articles and texts

should be made to show that you appreciate their relevance to your research area. So you need to identify important literature, which will help you to reveal the

issues around your topic. To develop this section you should consider the points listed below:
•    Juxtapose the major work in this area;
•    Interpret the major issues surrounding your topic;
•    Describe the relationship of each work to the others under consideration.
•    Provide an overview of the subject, issue, or theory under consideration.