Why is it important that your research can be related to a relevant theory base, and when during the project does the theoretical framework need to be identified?

Emma was now at the start of her final year of her business and accounting degree. This was a four-year degree, with a placement year in the third year. Emma had been on placement in the finance and administration function of a budget airline company. Now, back at university, she was concerned that the project proposal form was due for submission in three weeks’ time. The project proposal comprised a draft title, outline of the research topic including research question, aims and objectives, introduction to academic literature including the proposed theoretical base, research method and consideration of ethical issues, likely timescale and an assessment of the resources that would be needed. The proposal was the first formally assessed part of the research project and was the key document that would be used to allocate an appropriate project supervisor.