In summary, the research project should be presented in the following format:
Title page: What you are going to investigate.
Executive summary: Suggest you write this at the end
1. Introduction
1.1 Research Background: Why is the research that you will undertake important (in terms of practical or
policy implications, contribution to research)? A simple review of the literature and a connection between
existing literature and your proposal.
1.2 Research questions and objectives: State your research question and each of your objectives. Be as
specific as possible.
2. Literature Review: What is already known? What is not known? What needs to be further developed?
What is your theoretical foundation?
3. Research Methodology: How the research objectives are addressed?
3.1 Research design: Exploratory/descriptive; Qualitative/Quantitative; Provide justification for your
selections.
3.2 Data collection: Secondary data (How, where, when – any specifications); How did you ensure
validity and credibility? E.g. text mining; how was this done, any software used?
3.3 Data analysis: What analysis method did you used answer your research questions? Remember: for
qualitative data; Content/thematic analysis; Case study analysis.
3.4 Data Findings: What are the identified themes? Use of verbatim quotes to support your answers; Did
you answer all the research questions? Use tables/figures to present your answers.
4. Discussion and Conclusions: summarize your key findings/propositions and discuss them in light of
existing research (comparative discussion). Then outline:
4.1 Theoretical/Academic contributions: how did your study contribute to what we know already or
existing theories?
4.2 Managerial/Practical/Policy contributions: how did your study contribute to practice?
4.3 Research limitations & Areas for future research: time is not usually a good reason
▪ Reference list
▪ Appendix
The Marking Criteria for the Final Report will be:
1 Executive summary/Abstract: 5%
2 Introduction and Context 10%
3 Literature Review: 20%
4 Methodology/ Data Analysis and Discussion of findings: 40%
5 Conclusion and Recommendations: 15%
6 Referencing and Formatting (including grammar): 10%
The marker will be looking for well-constructed, critical arguments where relevant business
frameworks
are identified and used appropriately.
Expression should be clear and concise. Students are required to use the Harvard system of referencing
(https:/uow.libguides.com/refcite/uowharvard) and all sources have to be properly
acknowledged.
Students should ensure that they include a list of references with their paper.
Please find attached:
1) Research proposal with professor comments and marking
2) Final research paper example
3) Final report marking rubric
