1 The Proposal
IBO4001 Business Dissertation – Dissertation Proposal
Please note that this work is assessed; it counts for 5% of your overall grade.
Word limit: 1000 words.
Introduction
The essential purpose of writing a detailed proposal is to set out the "what, why, and how" of your dissertation. This means explaining what area(s) you wish to research, why those areas are important, and how you intend to research them. The process of writing the proposal also helps to ensure that some serious and structured thought has been given to the dissertation. You should produce a proposal where it is clear how recommendations will be made to a real or hypothetical client in relation to the problem area you wish to explore.
Structure
You should adopt the following structure for your proposal and you must discuss the areas listed below with your supervisor before including them in your finalised piece of work.
Title
Your first title will be a working title and may change
Background
An outline of the contemporary business issue that you want to explore
You have to show that your work relates to previous theory and analysis but this should only be an overview of key sources not a full critical literature review (you will undertake that later on as part of the dissertation itself). At this stage you need to summarise at least 3 or 4 sources of literature. Journals are usually the most up to date and reliable sources.
This should let the reader know where the idea has come from and demonstrate why the dissertation is worth doing
You should also show that the dissertation has sufficient interest to take you through the months of study and preparation required
It should demonstrate that you know the area in which you are to research
Research Question and Objectives
These should be written as clearly as possible and should work like action points for the dissertation itself whether the research will work or the dissertation have the right outcomes depends upon the clarity of the stated questions and objectives
These should be SMART and set observable outcomes not vague statements of intent.
Method
Where and how are you going to go about the research? You are strongly advised to attempt some form of primary research – but will it involve a survey or interviews? What balance will there be between primary and secondary data?
You should demonstrate to the reader that you have thought thoroughly about the problems and methods in advance i.e. your chosen method will have to match the objectives and can justify your proposal by using sources of advice on research methodology.
Finally you should make a statement about the ethical approach you are using
Make sure you include a plan of your expected timescale
Reference list
Your written proposal must include a detailed reference list, emphasising the academic publications you have consulted. This does not count toward the 1000 word limit for this piece of work.
Assessment Criteria
Considerable background research is evident in respect of a current business issue/ problem
A case is made for the do-ability of the proposal ie the title and research question match well with the proposed research method. It should be clear how practical recommendations for the client are expected to res
