You must submit a research proposal in order to complete the Integrative Research and Consultancy Project.

Your research proposal must be written and presented in the format outlined below:

Title: A clear and concise title that is informative and helps identify the aim of the research. The title should be included on your cover page.

Introduction and Industry Background: An introduction to the topic and its concepts. Background information on the chosen industry or sector and the specific organisation, if applicable. This section should provide some background information on the research problem related to the industry$/$organisation and present the need for the study.

Literature Review: A critical literature review on the chosen topic with justification for your proposed research $$ identification of the $$knowledge gap$$ in the literature and how your proposed study will extend the current knowledge in this field. The search strategy used to identify the literature may be included in an appendix.

Research Aim, Research Questions or Hypotheses, and Objectives:

The overall aim of your proposed study should be presented along with the specific objectives and research questions$/$hypotheses that will enable you to meet your overall aim.

Research Methodology: This section may include the following information:

$$ The chosen methodology and justification for the choice $($i$.$e$.$ qualitative, quantitative, or other methods$).$

$$ The chosen research design to be used in the proposed study $($primary or secondary research, qualitative or quantitative etc.$).$

$$ Data collection methods to be used $($e$.$g$.$ survey, in$-$depth interview, study etc.$).$

$$ Plan for any pilot studies or pre$-$testing, if applicable.

$$ Sample size and justification of choice of sample size.

$$ Study site.

$$ Participants and Sampling: Description of the proposal sample, including how participants will be identified and recruited. Any inclusion$/$exclusion criteria for participants should be described.

$$ Data Analysis plans: The planned approach to data analysis e$.$g$.$ thematic analysis, statistical analysis using SPSS etc. with a discussion of the rationale for the type of analysis.

$$ Ethical considerations: Include an analysis of the implications of ethical issues related to the research.

References: The reference list of all publications and resources cited in the proposal should be included.

Appendices: Drafts of project materials may be included in the appendices, data collection instruments $($questionnaires$,$ interview schedules, interview or focus group topic guides$)$ and project recruitment materials $($e$.$g$.$ participant information sheet, consent form, project posters, or advertisements$).$ The literature review search strategy may also be included as an appendix.