Carrying Out a Research Project.pptx

7/30/2019 Carrying Out a Research Project.pptx

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CARRYING OUT A RESEARCH PROJECT


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1. PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH REPORT

The objective of this section is to show what needs to be done during the research preparation and

presentation in order to achieve uniformity and consistency by all.

Here we look it what makes up the:

Front pages

The body of research project

Text formatting

Back pages

Binding


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1.1 The Front Pages

Front pages consists of:

The title page

Dedication statement

The executive summary also referred to as the abstract

Acknowledgements

Table of contents

List of tables

List of figures


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1.1.1 The Title Page

Should bee the first page of the report but not numbered, single spaced and written in capital or

upper case. Ensure appropriate and logical break for title of more than one line for ease reading.

Page shows the following detail:

The title of the project

Company or institution to which the incumbent is attached to

Name of program of study

Name (s) of project participant (s)

Year of completion or award


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1.1.2 Dedication

Dedication statement is meant to recognize or give tribute to particular individual (s)

1.1.3 The Executive Summary or Abstract

Abstract or executive summary is a page giving the reader an at a glance project synopsis or

summary and should show the following:

Statement of project problem (s) being researched on

The project objective or purpose for pursuing the study

Study methodology indicating project design, population / sample size and population / sample

composition

Source of data / information and how it is sourced

Data analysis techniques

Summary of findings, conclusions, recommendations and proposed areas of further study


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1.1.4 Acknowledgements

This is where the writer thanks those persons to whom he / she is indebted for any assistance or

guidance rendered during the research study.

1.1.5 Table of Contents

Shows all components of the research project report typed in lower case and showing:

Title page

Dedications

Executive Summary

Acknowledgements

Table of contents

List of tables

List of figures

List of appendices

Note Show page numbers of chapters headings and sub-headings and lastly the back pages and

appendices ensuring that:


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Front pages and chapter page numbers are shown in Roman numerals.

Chapter titles and chapter numbers are in capitals or upper case

Sub-headings to be in lower case

Maintain margins of 3.8 cm on left and 2.5 cm at top, bottom and right side of the page

Page numbering to be at center of page

Present references and appendices in Arabic numerals and typed in capitals e.g Appendix VIX

1.1.6 List of Tables

Indicate the table number, its title and reference page in lower case

1.1.7 List of Figures

Write figure number, title and reference page in lower case


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1.2 THE BODY OF RESEARCH REPORT

To constitute the main research report with distinct and appropriately flowing chapters.

1.2.1 Formatting of the Research Report

This focuses on presentation specifications of the report with particular emphasis to:

Margins

Typographical rules

Spacing

Tables and figures

Book titles/QuotationsPages

Etc.


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1.2.1 Margins

Margins specifications as per slide 7 above

1.2.3 Typographical Rules

Use an A4 paper

Typing on one side of the paper only with single spacing

Chapter numbering n Roman numerals at center of page and in capital letters

Chapter titles in capitals and at center of page

Sub-headings in capitals and lower case combination, underlined and flushed against left margin

but not underlined if done in bold

Each chapter to begin on new page

1.2.4 Spacing

Begin three spaces bellow last title line and two lines to separate paragraphs

Maintain same fonts and font sizes throughout the whole report.


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1.2.5 Tables and Figures

Tables to be numbered and given title headings

Use Arabic numerals and number either consecutively (1,2,3 etc.) or by sub-topic or by

chapter (1.1,1.2, 1.3 , 3.1etc)Must have titles and the table & title to be on same page.

Maintain same numbering

Figure numbering and title to be at bottom of each illustration and typed in lower case

1.2.6 Book Titles /Quotations

Any quoted titles of books and / or journals to be underlined

1.2.7 Paging

Front page materials to be in numbered in lower case and Roman numerals at bottom centerof page

From chapter 1 to end of appendices to be in Arabic numbering at bottom center of each page

and in lower case


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1.3 BACK PAGE OF THE REPORT

Back page materials mainly made up of references and appendices.

1.3.1 References

To immediately follow the last chapter of the report.

To constitute all third party works (not original)

Not numbered but in order of the alphabetical

Written in lower case

To indicate title, author and year of publication

1.3.2 AppendicesTo include key copies of research instruments used e.g survey questionnaire, data form, research

support documents etc.

Numbered in sequence and indicating title heading


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1.4 BINDING OF THE REPORTTo initially submit two loose copies for marking and two final and corrected bound copies as

completed project report.

1.4.1 The Cover Page

Any writing on the cover to be exactly the same as on the title page showing:

Title

Name of program

Company or Institution name

Name (s) of writer (s)

Year of program

Note; Front cover to be of blue colour


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background To Research Study

Introduction to topic putting study into context and broadly touching on some considered key

issues

Pick on issues that lead you to the research problem or question

Various dimensions in which problem manifest or showed itself

At his point try and indicate gap to be bridged by this proposed study

If the study is based on already established concepts or literature then this should beadequately articulated here to put the research study into context

1.2 Problem Statement

Clearly state problem statement or the research question with following characteristics:

Capable of being investigated or evaluated empiricallythrough collection and analysis of

relevant data.

Must brief, clear and not ambiguous

Researchable by offering itself to appropriate sources of data / information capable of

providing right answers to stated research questions

Presents itself well to stated established theory or concepts


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1.3 Study Objective / Purpose

Clear pronunciation of what the study seeks to address or accomplishin your own way or asalready known or established by previous studies

Indicate whether study is meant to:

Explore-find out more about what is little known about

Describe-To show what peculiar patterns or trends of situations, events or behaviors

ExplainShow why events, things happen that way

1.4 Research Questions / Sub-problems

To be derived from main research questions or problem statement

Rendering themselves to clear and precise answers of no yes or no nature

Demands data collection and research process to provide answers

The answers to individual research questions /sub-problems to provide cumulative answer

which main research question/problem


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1.5 Importance of Study

Researcher to demonstrate why it is worthwhile to go through the pains research

State what benefits to be derived from research

Who would benefit and how

1.6 Assumptions

Statements believed to be facts but not proven or verified and known or thought to have a bearing or

influence on study or results of study

1.7 Definition of Terms

To identify and define all term that are perceived to be easily misinterpreted or misconstruedNot necessarily dictionary meanings

Meaning to terms to be consistently maintained throughout the project.


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1.8 Scope /Delimitation of Study

Definition of study boundaries or what the study would include (population / sample size)

What are key concerns and non-concerns of study

To what extent /depth does it delve into trying to resolve the problem

How wide is the data field expected to be

1.9 Limitations / Constraints

Research conditions beyond control of researcher which may have implications or restrictions on

study or results of study

Where possible state compensatory factors to mitigate effects of noted constraint / limitations

Key reminders by researcher to readers on what to take note of when considering design of study

or interpreting its findings or conclusions.

1.10 Summary

Summary of what makes up chapter and good linking statement to next chapter

2 LITERATURE REVIEW


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2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Purpose of literature is to enable one develop documented, logical rationale for a problem,

research question or hypothesis.to flow from what I already known about topic to new

findings and conclusions.

2.1 Purpose of Literature Review

Review to show how and why research question / statement / hypothesis was formulated or

arrived at in its present form

Why proposed research strategy or objective was selected or adopted

Carefully employ research literature to support and explain choice made of study topic.

What science, concepts theory tracts lead to problem or research question.

Explore literature to support question, design and procedures or research

2.2 Focus of Literature Review

What major concepts / theory led to research question / problem

Major supporting research conclusions are already cited in literature

What gaps are cited in the proposed research study

Limitations /Constraints in previous formulation of question /problem

Inadequacy in data collection

An cited ina ro riate inter retation of results


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2.3 The Review Process

Determine the key concepts or theories connected to the problem

Summarize findings of previous studies on same subject if any.

Establish relevance of each concept to problem or research question

Conclusion to draw together all summary statements identify the gap

On basis of identified gap establish focus or thrust of current research

2.4 Review Evaluation

Is relationship between proposed study to past research clearly shown

Elaborate what new knowledge current research provide compared to previous research

Clearly how difference between current research compared to previous studies

Have gaps to knowledge been identified

Have we identified key articles relevant to the research

Has the evaluation of articles /concepts been presented clearly in terms of procedure and results

interpretations

Have I made focus of current study clear to reader


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2.5 Focus of Literature Review

What are the major concepts leading to research problem /question.

What already existing research findings cited from literature

What has been identified as existing knowledge gap

Limitations / constraints in formulation of previous research question /problem

Any identified data inadequacy

Any possible inappropriate interpretation of research results


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2.6 Check List of Research Project Preparedness

What is the problem under investigation?

What research review has been done?

What were thee findings of previous researchers?What was research population or sample like?

What were the noted differences in methodology of current and previous if any

What is the focus or thrust of current research?

What is or has been the identified knowledge gap?

OR

Has the research covered:

Research Problem/Question?

Findings?

Methodology?

Sampling?

Results /Conclusions?

Recommendations?

Further research areas?


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4. TITLE PAGE

THE ROLE OF CORPORATE PARENTS IN MULTI-BUSINESS

CORPORATIONS IN ZIMBABWE

A Research Project presented to:

The Graduate School of Business Management

University of Zimbabwe

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements of the

MASTERS DEGREE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

by

Miriam Shumba (R9943358)


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5. DEDICATION

TO MY DEAR WIFE, BABARA


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6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Dr. Mary Barnwell, who was my supervisor, for her help, criticisms

and comments throughout the preparation of this study.

My greatest thanks to all members of staff of the center for transport and logistics studies

who have helped in one way or another at various times, from the initial stages to finalcompletion of this project.I, especially wish to thank Rick Richards, Jenny Alexander and

Ian Black who assisted me with the computation of data.

I am also grateful and highly indebted to Rodger Daniels, Milton Keynes Development

Corporation director, for his assistance with some of the data which was used in this study.

Lastly, but not least, I would like to thank Rosemary Lewani who edited and typed the

thesis.


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6. THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study sets out to examine any evidence of changes that have taken place in shoppers trip

making and expenditure patterns, following the opening of Central Milton Keynes shopping

center. The research involved analysis of data from two surveys, one carried out by Towriss in

1978 and the other by the writer in 1981.

Analysis has been based on four neighbourhoods as the origins, with Central Milton Keynes,

Bletchley (district center) and the for local centers as the destinations. Changes in the before /

after patterns have been analyzed in aggregate and disaggregate terms with respect to varioussocio-economic groupings.

From the findings which were obtained, it appears that there is evidence of significant changes

in center patronage by certain community groups. Change has also been identified with

regards to expenditure distribution by center. The results seem to indicate that a hierarchical

retail system has involved in Milton Keynes, with each center level playing a distinctive role.

The research concludes with policy and planning implications in the context of Milton Keynes

and in general terms, which arise from the findings. Further areas of research have been

identified and briefly outlined.

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS


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6 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.1.1 Definition of terms 1

1.2 Trends in retail development post1945 11.2.1 Retail planning and policy maker 4

1.2.2 A critical view of retail planning in Great Britain 6

1.3 Problem Statement 8

1.4 Research Questions 8

1.5 Objectives 9

1.6 Hypothesis 9

1.7 Scope and limitations 9

1.8 Conclusion (structure of the research) 10

CHAPTER 2 THORY OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR 11

2.1 Introduction 12

2.2 Central place and spatial interaction theories 13

2.3 Search and learning theory 14

2.4 The process of search and learning 17

2.5 A typical shopping trip 18

2.6 Determinants of shopping behavior 192.7 Demographic and socio-economic factors 20


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CHAPTER 3 THE NW TOWWN OF MLTON KEYNES 13

3.1 Retail planning for new towns 13

3.2 Milton Keynes town 13

3.3 Shopping policy for Milton Keynes 14

3.4 Retail provisions in Milton Keynes 15

CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY

4.1 Research Design 20

4.2 Research Population 20

4.3 Sampling Frame and sample design 22

4.4Research instrument 25

4.5Variables 26

4.6 Validity and Reliability Issues 27


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CHAPTTER 5 ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH FINDINGS

5.1 Analytical constraints 28

5.2 Sequential presentation of analysis and findings 28

5.3 Testing of research hypothesis and propositions 29

5.4 Comparison of two surveys 295.5 Patterns and spatial distributions of trip making-

in general and by household characteristics 33

5.6 Patterns and spatial distribution of expenditures 45

5.7 Commentary and summary of findings 56

CHAPTER 6 CONCLLUSION 586.1 Evidence of change in before and after situation 58

6.2 Various groups defined by transport mode 59

6.3 Respective roles of the three center levels 59

6.4 Policy and retail planning implications (MK) 60

6.5 Policy and panning implicationsgeneral 60

6.6 Further research 62


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LIST OF TABLES

1 Trends in car ownership (cars per 1000 population 2

2 Total area by floor space in existing centers 153 Sub-area population estimates for the neighborhoods 21

4 Neighborhood centers by gross leasable floor space 23

5 Comparisons of frequency distributions of the two surveys

at household level 31

6 Destination of day-to-day trips by center 34

7 Day-to-day shopping trips by center and household 358 Destination of main weekly trips by center 36

9 Main weekly shopping trips by center and household 37

10 Distribution of total trips by center 40

11 Total trips by center and type of shopping 41


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LIST OF FIGURES

1 Retail change in Britain, 1950-80 5

2 The Katona Model of behavior cycle 103 Milton Keynes urban areas (gross floor space in 1968) 17

4 Destinations of major shopping trips in 1968 18

5 Shopping turnover for major centers around Milton Keynes

in 1961 19

6 Map showing the study area 22

7 Frequency distribution of head of household by social class 308 Frequency distribution of households by car ownership 30

9 Frequency distribution of day-to-day and main weekly trip 32

10 Comparison of day-to-day and main weekly trips by center 39

11 Comparison of day-to-day and main weekly shopping trips

by mode of transport 44

12 Frequency distribution of expenditure at household and trip 46

13 Comparison of changes in trip and expenditure distributionfor day-to-day shopping by center 49

14 Comparison of day-to-day and main weekly spending patterns

by center 51


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LIST OF APPENDICES

1 The questionnaire / shopping diary 66

2 Calculating the sample size 68

3 Adjusting 1981 expenditure figures to 1978 prices 71

4 Socio-economic group and social class of household 72

5 T1 The level of car ownership 73

T2 Socio-economic groups of head of household 73

T3 The level of freezer ownership 74

T4 Period of stay in Milton Keynes by households 74

T5 Number of persons in each household 74T6 Frequency distribution of day-to-day trips 75

T7 Frequency distribution of main weekly trips 75

6 T1 Trip generation from each of the four neighborhoods 76

T2 Destination of day-to-day trips by social class 76

T3 Destination of day-to-day trips by freezer ownership 77

T4 Destination of day-to-day trips by car ownership 787 T1 Destination of main weekly trips by social class 79

T2 Destination of main weekly trips by freezer ownership 79

T3 Destination of main weekly trips by car ownership 80

T4 Destination of all shopping trips for all types of shopping by transport

mode 81

T5 Destination of total trips by period of stay Milton Keynes 82


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8 T1 Generation of expenditure by origin 83

T2 Expenditure per trip by center for all shopping 83

T3 Expenditure per dayto day trip by center 83

T4 Expenditure per main weekly shopping trip by center 84

9 Milton Keynes city bus service 85

3 1 Research Methodology


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3.1 Research Methodology

Detail description of how research has been carried out. Show key activities

and procedures undertaken for carrying out research.

Make sure literature or knowledge review guides or assist in the formulationof research methodology

3.2 Research Design

In research design show whether it is:Descriptive research

Experimental research

Correlative research

Historical resea

Etc.

3 3 Subjects/Population


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3.3 Subjects/Population

What makes up the research participants body, in other words what constitutes

the research population or sample

What method / procedure was used to determine or arrive at particular samplesize

3.4 Sampling Design and sampling frame

Probability methods

Non-probability methods

Sampling method applied to the research

3 5 Research Tools / Instruments


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3.5 Research Tools / Instruments

What method of data / information collection has been employed:

Interviews

Observations

Secondary (reading past reports)

Etc.

3.6 Data Collection Procedures

What steps have been taken in administering and collection of data:

Setting up appointment dates with selected population or sample.

Distribution of data collection tools

Retrieval of instruments

4 0 Data Analysis and Presentation


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4.0 Data Analysis and Presentation

To include:

To organize and analyze in a way which logically present the findings

Scan data for reliance, completeness, accuracy and patterns or trends

4.1 Arrangement of Data

Sort data by arranging into manageable chunks

Get responses by various identified and distinct respondent groups

Identify patterns and trends

Using analytical tools at ones disposal including statistical methods

4 2 Summary of Data


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4.2 Summary of Data

If handling large amounts of data find ways of summarizing it through:

Tables

Figures

Statistics

Quantitative methods

Select and analyze data in relation to particular sub-problem or sub-question

ensuring that response to each sub-problem / question make cumulative

contribution to providing answer to the main research problem /question

4 3 Presenting Data


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4.3 Presenting Data

Data is more meaningful and telling when presented in tables, text or figure form

For more effective presentation structure it around sub-problems /questions maki

sure presentations focus on sub-problems /questions

Sub-headings could be by sub-problem /question

4.4 The Use of Tables and Figures

Figures and tables add clarity to research reporting

Each figure or table to have write up accompanying it to describe what the figure

table is trying to illustrating

Table to have title at the top and figure to have title belowEach figure / table to immediately follow statement of first reference to it in the

report and not to precede the statement

Figures and tables not contributing answers to research questions to be left out o

report

A table or figure to be on one page and not to overlap to next page with no gaps


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A table or figure to be on one page and not to overlap to next page with no gaps

left on individual pages

Each table / figure to be self-explanatory

Every table / figure to be followed by some explanation of its interpretation tonote-worthy findings.

4.5 Discussions / Interpretations

Any discussions and / or interpretations to focus on research results onlyShould tie up together findings in relation to topical literature, theories, concepts

or knowledge

Where results support or contradict previous research /literature /information

this must be stated

If different from previous research explain where, how and why

If study is on basis of stated hypothesis, appropriate statistical test must be

employed to test the hypothesis

Make sure all stated key sub-problems / questions have been adequately


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Make sure all stated key sub problems / questions have been adequately

addressed

Research results by and large should be tentative unless proved absolutely

definite i.e.:Results would appearto indicate that..

This seems toprove

Results suggest .

Interpretation of this could.

4.6 Chapter Summary

A summary of key findings

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations


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5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

The final chapter shows:

Summary research findings

Research conclusions

Recommendations

Areas of further research, if any

5.1Summary

Inform the reader of research problem studied, research methodology used,

limitations, assumptions, major findings, and practical implications of research

findings5.2 Conclusions

Summarized answers to all sub-problems /questions

5.3 Recommendations


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5.3 Recommendations

To critically examine findings in the light of practical implications and / or

applications

5.4 Areas of Further Research

To state if any identified definite areas of further research believed necessary to

further probe into and enhance findings on current research orclosely linkedbut new areas meant to broaden findings so far made on current research

6. REFERENCES


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6. REFERENCES

A listing of all references if any.

7. APPENDICES

A listing of all appendices


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THANK YOU FOR LISTERNING.

I WISH YOU GOOD LUCK IN YOUR EXAMINATIONS.

IT HAS BEEN A GREAT YEAR TOGETHER, THROUGH HARD TIMES AND GOOD

TIMES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT TOWARDS MY EDUCATION.

MAY OUR LORD BLESS YOU ALL

I THANK YOU AGAIN

NYASHA KASEKE


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Carrying Out a Research Project.pptx