BPMN6073 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

BPMN6073
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

GUIDE FOR STUDENT

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GENERAL GUIDE

1. Students are required to prepare a research proposal in ENGLISH.

2. The report should be 30 - 50 pages (excluding references and appendices).
3. The report should be typed on one side of answer sheets only, using Arial font size 11,
and double-spaced.
4. References in APA style must be included and taken from reliable sources such as
books or journals.
Refer to: http://www.emich.edu/halle/style_guides.html to view the details and
samples of APA style.
5. Plagiarism, copying and cheating will NOT be awarded any mark, and disciplinary
actions will be taken instead.
6. The cover of the assignment should include details as in Appendix 1.
7. The assignment has to be submitted on or before 21st July 2018.
8. Develop your full research proposal based on the guideline given in Appendix 2. The
details presented cover all the chapters HOWEVER you are ONLY required to submit
till CHAPTER 3 (which is your proposal).
9. The marking assessments are as shown in Appendix 3.

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Appendix 1

UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

BPMN6073
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Name

Matric No

Date of Submission

Lecturer’s name

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 Appendix 2

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL AND RESEARCH REPORT

RESEARCH OUTLINE

CONVENTIONAL PARTS OF A RESEARCH

Title
Preliminaries

Title Page
Acknowledgements
Copyright
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background of the Study
1.3 Problem Statement
1.4 Research Objectives
1.5 Research Questions
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Definition of Key Terms

Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Review of Related Literature
2.3 Underlying/Underpinning Theory
2.4 Research Model/Framework
2.5 Hypotheses Development

Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Population
3.4 The Sampling Technique
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3.5 Data Collection Procedures

3.6 Research Instruments
3.7 Statistical Methods

Chapter 4
FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Overview of Data Collected
4.2.1 Response Rate
4.3 Profile of Respondents
4.4 Goodness of Measures
4.4.1 Construct Validity
4.4.2 Results of Exploratory Factor Analysis
4.4.3 Reliability Test
4.5 Descriptive Analyses
4.5.1 Major Variables (Mean, Standard Deviation)
4.6 Correlation Analysis
4.7 Major Findings (Hypotheses Testing)
4.8 Summary of Findings

Chapter 5
DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

5.1 Discussion
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Conclusions

References
Appendices

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 Proposal Research Report

Substantive Chapter 1 to 5 Include all chapters

Chapter 1 is a what chapter
(Describe what you are going to research)
Chapter 2 is the foundation chapter
(Review the literature that relates to & supports the research)
Chapter 3 is a how chapter
(Describe how you are going to conduct the research)
Chapter 4 is Finding / Data Analysis
Chapter 5 is Discussion, Recommendation and Conclusion

Describes: Reports:

Procedure of data Procedure undertaken

collection and data Report results
analysis techniques Analyzes data collected

Mechanics Tense : Present or future Past (except direct

reading
Table/data reading)

EXAMPLE:

Title/Topic
Should accurately reflect the scope and content of the study in not more than 20 words.

TOPIC Example : Determinants of Job Performance

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Purpose – to provide a general introduction to the problem area, but not necessarily to the
specific problem to be addressed. After reading this section, supervisor should have a general
idea of what you are planning to investigate. This section usually contains:

• A presentation of the problem to be investigated in broad terms and

• A presentation of some supporting literature.

(This section is typically 2-4 pages)

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1.2 Background of the study

Purpose – to indicate why the study is a problem and why it should be addressed (you may
have put a bit of this in the problem statement section and that is okay, because here you will
expand that thinking).
Here you explicate the problem further with information from the literature. By referring to
the literature, you demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the stated problem
and some idea of what other research has been conducted. You will also advance your
readers’ knowledge of the problem.

You may want to provide some idea of the breadth and depth of the problem. Perhaps the
problem has never been researched or never been researched in the way you want to do it –
perhaps you want to address the problem in a different context than it has previously been
addressed. The problem may relate to a social condition that needs rectified. It may also
relate to a situation in your workplace that needs to be addressed. Whatever, your rationale
for why the problem needs to be studied, you need to defend it as worthy of study.

(Typically 2-3 pages)

1.3 Problem Statement

It is important that the problem be stated clearly. The essence of the problem can be stated
in a sentence or two, but it should stand alone in the section. Statements that describe the
area of the problem, conditions that relate to it or a bit of background can be included to
support the problem statement. After reading the problem statement, supervisor should
know clearly what you are studying and can examine that in terms of the proposed
methodology. A properly stated problem should:

a. State possible relationships between two or more variables.

b. Identify a question to be addressed.
c. Have the possibility of being measured in some acceptable manner.

(Should be concise and brief not more than 2 pages)

1.4 Research Objectives

• The objective is the purpose of the research and not the purpose of the researcher.
• The research objective explicitly states what the study wants to accomplish.
• Example: To examine the direct relationship between psychological capital (self-
efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience) and job performance.

1.5 Research Questions

• This constitutes the crucial part of research
What basic question would you like the research to provide?
• The research question/s constitutes the basic area of interest in the study. This
provides the direction for the study.
• The question/s must correspond with the objective.
• Example: Do psychological capital (self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and
resilience) have direct relationship with job performance?

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1.6 Significance of the Study
In this section, you indicate why the study is important in terms of who might benefit from
the results. How might the results be used to improve something? How might the results add
information to an existing data base? The significance of the study is in terms of theoretical
and practical contribution.

(Typically 1-3 pages)

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Define the key terms and variables (operational) adopted in the study. Define terms that are
technical that readers may not understand. Define professional jargon. Define terms that
you are using in a way they are not normally used and terms that have multiple meanings.
Sometime there is a tendency to define too many terms. When you are trying to decide if a
term should be defined, ask yourself if the people who are likely to read the dissertation are
likely to know the term.

The length of the definitions section can vary considerable if a number of terms need
to be defined. (Typically, the section is no more than 2 pages)

1.1 Organization of Remaining Chapters

-In final report

Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
Include a brief introduction in the section.

2.2 Review of Related Literature

• The term “related” indicates that the theories, principles, and concepts including
findings of studies cited must be related with the major variables under investigation
and the relationships expected from such investigation.

• Example of review of literature for the topic: The effect of psychological capital
and social support on job performance.

2.1 Definitions and conceptualization of job performance

2.2 Multidimensionality of job performance
2.2.1 Task performance
2.2.2 Contextual performance
2.3 Variables Related to this Study
2.3.1 Psychological Capital
2.3.2 Social support

*Synthesis of the Literature Reviewed

o Commonalities
o Points of Differences
o Implications to present study

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(Depends on the complexity of the research and the amount of literature on the
topic. If the topic is limited properly, it is likely that a 10-15 pages review will be
sufficient)

2.3 Underlying/Underpinning Theory

Theory is defined as an explanation of a phenomenon or an abstract generalization that
systematically explains the relationship among study variables or phenomenon, for
purposes of explaining, predicting and controlling such phenomenon. The theoretical
framework consists of theories that seem to be interrelated.

Example of Theories:

2.3.1 Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory

2.3.2 Social Exchange Theory

2.4 Research Framework/Theoretical Framework

Is there existing theory, construct or considered opinion on which the study can be
theoretically or conceptually based? Is there a logic that supports the study?
Sometimes it is necessary to use more than one theoretical construct to support the
study. For example, if you were studying job performance, you may want to partially
support with Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory and you may want to support
with Social Exchange Theory.

This may be presented by

a. Schematic Diagram or
b. A statistical Model

-The model must be explained

-The expected relationships must be stated

Example:

Independent Variables Dependent Variable

Psychological Capital
Self-efficacy
Optimism
Hope
Resilience
Job Performance

Social Support
Supervisor Support
Co-worker Support

Figure 2.1 Theoretical Framework

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2.5 Hypotheses development
• State what will be measured or the questions to be answered. You are more likely to
use hypotheses in a quantitative study when you are going to statistically analyze the
data to determine if there is a statistical relationship between variables. Generally,
researchers address two types of hypotheses. The first is the researcher’s hypothesis
(sometimes called the alternative hypothesis) which is a statement of the relationship
between two or more variables and is stated in positive form. The null or the
statistical hypothesis states that there will not be a relationship. The test of statistical
significance is conducted to attempt to refute the null hypothesis.

• Hypotheses can be stated as difference statements, if-then statements,

continuous statements or mathematical statements. Probably the most
common way of stating hypotheses is the difference statement. In both if-then
statements and continuous statements, a direction is stated. When using a
difference statement, you are not specifying a direction.

(Typically 1 page or less)

Example:

H1: Psychological capital (self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience) is

positively and significantly related to job performance.

H1a: Self-efficacy is positively and significantly related to job

performance.
H1b: Optimism is positively and significantly related to job
performance
H1c: Hope is positively and significantly related to job performance
H1d: Resilience is positively and significantly related to job
performance

Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
Include a brief introduction in the section.

3.2 Research Design

Research design is all about how the research is being conducted, the type of research
to be conducted and the approaches used for the study. A research design basically
provides the basic directions or “recipe” for carrying out the project. A researcher
should choose a research design that:

• Will provide relevant information on the research questions/hypotheses.

• Will complete the job most efficiently.

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There are two approaches to run a research, a quantitative approaches and qualitative
approaches. But business research is a discipline that uses statistic therefore
quantitative approaches should be practiced.
There are three types of research design and as a researcher; you should be able to
identify the current issue you are researching falls under which category of research.
The three types of research design are as follow:

• Exploratory research
• Descriptive research
• Causal research

A research design is best describe with a single line statement such as following:

“This research is an exploratory research which looks onto the possible factor
resulting…..The researcher uses quantitative methods of analysis to study the
outcome.”

“This research is a causal research which intends to identify the main cause
of……. The researcher uses quantitative methods to test the variable and analyze the
outcome.”

3.3 Population
Provide details about the population used in your study.

• What sector labor force, organizations, industry or groups the population is

from
• What are the characteristic of the population

Usually, just one sentence is necessary to define the population.

Examples:

“The population for this study is defined as all adult customers who make a purchase
in our store during the sampling time frame.”

“The population for this study is defined as all potential consumer of our product”

Sample
While the population can usually be defined by a single statement, the sampling
procedure needs to be described in extensive detail. There are numerous sampling
methods from which to choose. Describe in minute detail, how you will select the
sample. Use specific names, place, times, etc. Do not omit any details. This is extremely
important because the reader of the paper must decide if your sample will sufficiently
represent the population.

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 Examples:

• What sectors of the labor force, organizations, industry or groups is the sample
drawn?
• What are the characteristics of the population sample?
• What are the strong points and limitation of the sample?
• What is the justification of choosing such sample?
• Can the findings be generalized to the populations?

3.4 The Sampling Technique

Describe and explain the sampling technique used in sample selection, whether it is
a simple random sampling, convenient sampling, stratified sampling or quota
sampling.

3.5 Data Collection Procedure

• Describe step by step procedure in the collection of the data.
• Include stages from requests to conduct study until the actual collection of
data.
• Indicate response rate.
• Include period of time covered for data collection.

3.6 Research Instruments

▪ Detailed description of the instrument/s
▪ Table of item distribution by variable
▪ Includes the various items used as measures
▪ Scales of measurements used
▪ As for scale type used, there is few scaling method that can be used to design
a questionnaire. Common scaling system used is Likert scaling. Identify clearly
the type of scaling used the either rate, rank or sort the answer selection for
the questionnaire. Describe in detail the scaling methods used and the reason
for choosing the respective scaling method.

Example:
Table 3 : Summary of measurements adapted in the study
Variables Items Reliability Source of Scale
Job Performance (41)
• Task Performance 23 0.94 Greenslade & Jimmieson
• Contextual Performance 18 0.91 (2007)

Personal Resources
• Psychological Capital (34)
8 0.77 Jones (1986)
▪ Self-efficacy
6 0.76 Scheier & Carver (1985)
▪ Optimism
6 0.64 Snyder et al. (1996)
▪ Hope
14 0.84 Block & Kremen (1996) &
▪ Resilience
Klonhlen (1996)

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3.6.1 Validation of Instruments

1. A pilot test is necessary to determine the validity and the reliability of the
instrument for the following.
a. Self-constructed items/instruments
b. Translated versions of the instrument
2. Possibilities - Content & construct validity; Reliability of instrument

3.7 Statistical Methods

Describe the statistical methods to be used in analyzing your results. (The SPSS
package is commonly used). The research question should be addressed one at a
time followed by a description of the type of statistical tests that will be performed
to answer that research question. Be specific. State what variables will be included in
the analysis and identify the independent variable and dependent variable if such
relationship exists.

Examples:

“To test the relationship between….and…., the ANOVA test from SPSS is being
executed.”

“We use One-sample T-test analysis to determine if there is a significant difference

between….”

(For 3.2 to 3.7, typically about 3-4 pages)

Chapter Four FINDINGS

4.1 Introductory Statement
States the purpose of the research and what are expected to be investigated

4.2 Overview of Data Collected

4.2.1 Response Rate

4.3 Profile of Respondents

4.4 Goodness of Measures

4.4.1 Construct validity
4.4.2 Results of Exploratory Factor Analysis
4.2.3 Reliability Test

4.5 Descriptive Analyses

4.5.1 Major Variables (Mean, Standard Deviation)

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4.6 Major Findings (Hypothesis/es Testing)

1. This section presents the major findings based on the tests of hypothesis.
Meanings of the findings are stated in terms of directions, strengths, and level
of significance observed.
2. Generally starts with decisions regarding the hypotheses (acceptance or
rejection).
3. Describes direction, strength and level of significance as inferred from the
empirical data generated.

Example of Regression Analysis:

The study found that:

The regression tests had presented an inference with R square of .385.

Approximately 38.5% variations of job performance were caused by self-
efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience. The adjusted R2 value is .379.
Hypothesis 1 postulated a positive and significant relationship between all
dimensions of psychological capital and job performance. Resilience (β =
.177, p < .01), hope (β = .193, p < .01), and self-efficacy (β = .125, p < .01)
were positively and significantly related to work engagement. In contrast,
although optimism (β = -.100, p < .01) was associated with job
performance, the relationship was negative. Therefore, hypothesis 1 was
partially supported.

Table 4
Relationship between psychological capital (optimism, hope, self-efficacy, and resilience) and Job
Performance
Dependent Variable = Job Performance
Std β
Independent Variables
Resilience .177**
Hope .193**
Self-efficacy .125**
Optimism -.100**

R2 .385
Adjusted R2 .379
R2 Change .347
F-Change 76.297**

*p<0.05, **p<0.01

4.7 Summary of Findings

Summarize the results of the study.

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Chapter Five : DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Discussion of Findings
1. It is usually useful to list the research questions or hypotheses one by one
and present the data after each one.
2. Support with literature review for justification of findings

Discuss the findings from Chapter 4 and relate the findings to the literature in Chapter
2. Identify if your findings support existing theories. Explain why you think you found
what you did. Present plausible reasons why the results might have turned out the
way they did. In addition, try to explain the significance and non-significance of your
results using available theories, data, facts etc. In addition to that, highlight the
contribution on your present study towards the development of knowledge as well as
impact on policy makers. Discuss how your study is useful and helpful to address issues
that the study is dealing with.

5.2 Recommendation and Suggestion for Future Research

Present recommendations based on your findings. Avoid the temptation to present
recommendations based on your own beliefs or biases that are not specifically
supported by your data. Recommendations fall into two categories. The first is
recommendations to the study sponsor. What actions do you recommend they take
based upon the data? The second is recommendations to other researchers. There are
almost always ways that a study could be improved or refined. What would you
change if you were to do your study over again? These are recommendations to other
researchers.

5.3 Conclusions
Discuss how the objectives and research questions of the study have been met with
the research. Highlight the key findings, implications that your research have revealed.

REFERENCES
List references in APA format alphabetically by author’s last name.

APPENDIX
Include a copy of any actual instruments. If used, include a copy of the informed consent form.
Other relevant instruments that can be included in appendix include a copy of questionnaire
together with the cover letter.

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 Appendix 3

WRITTEN REPORT RUBRIC

Student’s Name: Matric No.:

Lecturer’s Name: Course Code:

Topic:
1 = Below Basic 2 = Basic 3 = Proficient 4 = Advance Marks
Organization Not organized, Some organization, Good organization and Excellent organization
discussion makes no discussions jump discussions are logically and discussions are
sense around, start and end are ordered. logically ordered.
unclear.
Poor introduction of Some introduction of Good introduction of In-depth introduction of
subject matter subject matter. subject matter. subject matter.
Provide little or no Insufficient information Discusses pertinent Discusses pertinent
information on subject on subject matter. Some information on subject information on subject
matter. Information is information is accurate, matter. Explains matter. Clearly explains
inaccurate or with many but enough errors are significance of topic but significance of topic.
Content errors. made to be distracting. some information is Information is
inaccurate. consistently accurate.
Minimal use of Some use of supporting Good use of supporting Insightful and
supporting detail. detail. detail. sophisticated use of
supporting detail.
Vague or confusing Weak conclusion. Effective conclusion. Interesting, effective
conclusion. conclusion.
Mechanics Errors are frequent and Some errors in style or Writing is generally Writing is free of errors
distracting. grammar occur that they errors free. in grammar,
become distracting. punctuation, sentence
structure, capitalization
and spelling.
Unacceptable Appearance is Appearance is generally Excellent formatting and
appearance. Does not acceptable but a lot good; only few elements appearance. Use
use appropriate font, could be improved. need to be improved. appropriate font, font
font size, line spacing size, line spacing and
and border areas. border areas.
Ethical References are not cited Few references are cited Most references are Complete references in
guidelines in text, and no in text and incomplete cited in text and text and references list.
references list is reference list. appropriately provided
provided. in references list.
Style/format is incorrect. Many references use Most references use References are in the
incorrect style/format. correct style/format. correct style/format.
Report handed in more Up to 5 days late. A day late. Report handed in on
than 5 days late. time.

TOTAL MARKS

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