DPM 2100 Term Paper (Research Proposal)

Steps you should take:

1. Select a topic from the content on the course outline and communicate it to the Lecturer.
2. Consulate with the Lecturer to garner a research topic/question.

Assignment Framework:

1. Table of Content
2. Research Topic/Question
3. Introduction
4. Literature Review (use no less than 10 credible sources).
5. Operational definitions of Key Research Concepts
6. Limitations
7. Research Schedule
8. Reference List (APA Style)

Submission: Week 10 (January 21st, 2021).

The research proposal is a blueprint or plan of the research. It must be of 7 to typewritten/word

processed double spaced pages excluding the front/tit;e page, table of contents and provisional
bibliography.

The text must contain the following sections:

Introduction
This includes a background to and statement of the problem/question to be researched. These
will include the principal issues and assumptions from which the problem/question has emerged
that have determined the need for a study. It must also include the purpose and significance of
the study which is the principal “why?” the study, its relevance and importance to society policy
management etc.

Literature Review
For the purpose of the proposal this is intended to provide an insight into methodology,
operational definitions and significant findings/conclusions of the relevance to your study. This
should serve to help you during the conceptualization phase of the study and should focus on a
limited number of literatures especially those of recent vintage.
Operational definitions of Key Research Concepts
These are the definitions of key terms/variables in the research question/problem. These must not
be dictionary meanings but a detailed explanation of the form and function of the variable in the
reality/context in which it is found and where you are conducting your investigation.

Research Method/Technique
This must include the following:
● Overview of research method(s), focusing on what method you want to use and how. The
specific questions/objectives must be referred to in this process.
● Description of intended steps in the investigation.
● Plan devised to analyze data collected.

Limitations
These are possible limitations of the research as foreseen/established by the researcher. These
include the defined parameters to which the study is limited which can affect generalizations,
theorizing and conclusions. These limits can be theoretical and conceptual, temporal and spatial.

Research Schedule
This is important for the administration/management of the investigative process. This can be
done as a Gantt chart to capture the key elements/milestones of the research process and the
specified target dates.