MBA Business Research Methods

Individual Research Proposal Assignment (30 Mark)

Purpose of the Assignment

This assignment aims to develop students ability to design a systematic, ethical, and academically sound business research proposal. The proposal should demonstrate understanding of research problem formulation, literature review, research design, methodology, and questionnaire development.

Instructions

Each student must prepare an individual research proposal (3,5004,500 words) on a contemporary business-related topic relevant to MBA specialization areas.

Structure of the Research Proposal (with Hints)

1. Title of the Study

Clear, concise, and research-focused. The title should reflect key variables and context.

2. Introduction and Background of the Study

Provide an overview of the business context, industry background, current challenges, and justification for the study.

Hint: Move from general context to specific research need.

3. Statement of the Problem

Clearly articulate the core research problem and explain why it is significant both practically and academically.

4. Research Objectives

List 35 specific and measurable objectives aligned with the problem statement.

5. Research Questions / Hypotheses

Formulate research questions or testable hypotheses linking key variables.

6. Significance of the Study

Explain how the study will benefit managers, organizations, academia, and future researchers.

7. Scope and Delimitations

Define the boundaries of the study in terms of industry, location, respondents, and time frame.

8. Review of Literature

Review 1015 recent scholarly articles. Organize the review thematically and clearly identify the research gap.

9. Conceptual Framework

Present a diagrammatic framework showing relationships among variables. All relationships must be theoretically justified.

10. Research Methodology

a. Research Design (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed)

b. Population and Sample (sampling technique and size)

c. Data Sources (primary and secondary)

d. Data Collection Method

e. Data Analysis Techniques

11. Questionnaire Design

Develop a structured questionnaire using Likert-scale items.

Include:

– Demographic section

– Variable-wise statements (minimum 1525 items)

Use clear, unbiased, and validated items where possible.

12. Ethical Considerations

Discuss informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntary participation.

13. Expected Outcomes

State the anticipated academic and managerial contributions.

14. Limitations of the Study

Highlight possible methodological and contextual limitations.

15. References

Include 1520 academic references using APA or Harvard style.

Formatting Guidelines

Word limit: 3,5004,500 words

Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt

Line spacing: 1.5

Referencing style: APA / Harvard

Date for submission April 10 2026

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