1. MANCOSA Honours
Research Methodology

2. The Research Proposal Outline
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background to the Problem
Research Problem
Aim of the Study
Research Objectives
Research Questions
Brief Literature Review
Research Methodology
Sampling
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Significance of the Study
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendices (Copy of Research Instrument)

3. Introduction to Business Research

4. What is meaningful research?
Sustained
Coordinated
Documenting issues and problems in orderly fashion
Contributes to existing body of knowledge
Use pre-set analytical tools

5. Scientific Research Characteristics:
It is often theory-based in that some theory is either tested or developed.
It is activity that has a minimal ego involvement in that the true researcher is often humble and willing to admit he/she is wrong.
  Objectivity is maximised.
  Accepted rules for data collection are strictly followed.
  Standard rules relating to data analysis are applied.
  Conclusions are based on data, not on preconceptions, beliefs, values or biases.
  The whole activity places emphasis on uncovering regularities and patterns of social
and behavioural phenomena.
  Research places emphasis on the study of aggregates rather than individual cases.
  Researchers welcome the idea of replication, i.e. for their study to be replicated by other researchers in order to retest their findings.

6. Basic (pure scientific) vs Applied Research

7. Research Method Steps:
The Research Idea
What the researcher perceives as a problem
The problem should be significant, urgent and of high priority
Must not be predictable, overly simple, known
Contextualise the problem
Can it be measured?
How?

8. The Research Topic Must be clear, concise, well researched
Should involve a theory to guard against being an isolated piece of work
Drawn from:
* Observations of human behaviour
* Practical problems
* Previous research

9. Research Design

10. Deductive vs Inductive

11. Research Paradigms

12. Paradigms as they relate to research methodology

13. Difference of key concepts relating to paradigms

14. Research Concept: What is THEORY?

15. Research Concept: Variables

16. Hypothesis Write the Hypothesis:
A hypothesis is a tentative, testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables. Below are some simple examples of hypotheses.
Guess at the solution to the Research Problem based on literature, theory, and past experience.
Write the Hypothesis:
H̥ : GDP does not significantly measure comprehensively subjective and objective wellbeing
Hˌ: GDP does significantly measure comprehensively subjective and objective wellbeing

17. Research Objectives Research Questions
Clear statements regarding the specific purpose of the study
Identifies key variables, and hypothesised relationships
Research Questions
In line with objectives
Answers to Research Questions ensures Objectives have been achieved

18. PRACTICAL
Make a list of FIVE research topics that you deem to be relevant in your current management environment.
Explain why you consider each topic to be important;
Write the research purpose;
Write three (3) research questions that come to mind relating to the topics (it should be questions able to be tested); and
List the steps you would take in reviewing the literature relevant to this topics.