TECH8000

IT Capstone

Workshop 4
Developing research proposals and
methodologies
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 Subject Learning Outcomes

1 Design a plan for research that aims to identify

the causes and potential solutions of a
complex IT problem for a client.
2 Collaborate with colleagues in the completion of
IT-based research activities.
3
Recommend and critically analyse multi-
disciplinary IT solutions.
4
Present research findings and solutions to a client.
 Lesson Learning Outcomes

• Understanding a research proposal.

• Understanding the purpose and importance of a
research proposal.
• Writing a complete research proposal with all
key elements.
• Identifying research questions in a research
proposal.
• Proposing solutions for the identified research
problems.
 Recap
• What is Annotated Bibliography?
• What are different components of an
annotated bibliography?
• What is the difference between annotated
bibliography and literature review?
 What is a Research Proposal?
• A research proposal is a structured and
detailed document that outlines the
plan, objectives, methodology, and
significance of a proposed research
project.
• It serves as a formal request for
funding, approval, or support from
relevant stakeholders such as funding
agencies, academic institutions, or
research organisations [1].
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under
CC BY-SA-NC
 Purpose of a Research Proposal
• Planning and Organisation: A research proposal
helps researchers plan and organise their study
systematically. It outlines the research project's
scope, objectives, and methodology, ensuring that
all aspects of the research are well thought out
and structured.
• Communication: A well-written research
proposal communicates the researcher's ideas, This Photo by Unknown Author is
intentions, and plans to a wider audience, licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

including potential funders, supervisors,

collaborators, and reviewers. It presents the
research in a clear and concise manner, making it
easier for others to understand and evaluate.
 Purpose of a Research Proposal
• Justification and Rationale: The proposal provides a compelling rationale
for conducting the research. It explains the significance of the research
problem, outlines gaps in existing knowledge, and highlights the potential
contribution of the proposed study to the field.
• Evaluation and Approval: Research proposals are often submitted for
evaluation and approval to academic institutions, funding agencies, or
research organisations. Reviewers assess the proposal's feasibility,
methodology, and potential impact before granting funding or permission to
proceed.
• Resource Allocation: A research proposal outlines the resources required
for the study, including personnel, equipment, materials, and funding. This
helps stakeholders allocate resources effectively and ensures that the
research project is adequately supported.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

 Purpose of a Research Proposal
(Contd.)
Ethical Considerations: Research proposals often include
information about ethical considerations, such as participant consent,
data privacy, and potential risks to participants. This Photo by Unknown Author is
licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

Guidance and Direction: For researchers, a proposal serves as a

roadmap for the study. It outlines the sequence of tasks, activities, and
milestones required to complete the research successfully.

Scope and Boundaries: The proposal helps define the scope and
boundaries of the research. It specifies what will be included and
excluded from the study, providing clarity and focus.

Problem Solving: Through the process of writing a research

proposal, researchers may identify potential challenges, limitations, or
This Photo by Unknown Author is
issues that need to be addressed before starting the research. licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Components of a Research
Proposal

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

 Activity 1 - Illustrate
Individual Task: Identify the following sections in
2310.16848 (arxiv.org) and Illustrate the importance of
having the following elements in a research proposal
(10 minutes).
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Methodology
• Research Questions
• Bibliography
• Literature Review
• Ethical Considerations
• Budgeting and Costing
 Title and Introduction
A research proposal typically includes several key components
that outline the details of a proposed research project. These
components help provide a clear and comprehensive overview
of the research to be conducted. The following are the general
components commonly found in a research proposal:

Title: The title should be concise yet descriptive, reflecting the

main focus of the research. Titles could be formal and
informal. For instance, "How much is too much" is an
informal title.

Introduction: This section provides context for the research by

explaining the background, rationale, and significance of the
study. It should highlight the research problem or gap that the
study aims to address.
 Activity 2: Compiling a
Good Introduction Section
Watch the following video and find more tips regarding
writing a compelling Introduction Section. (10 minutes)

Share your findings with the class!

https://youtu.be/AKKyeOJkv-c
 Literature Review and Methodology
Research Objectives or Hypotheses: Clearly state the research
objectives, questions, or hypotheses that you intend to explore or test
during the study.

Literature Review: Summarise relevant literature and studies that are

related to your research topic. This section demonstrates your
understanding of existing knowledge and positions your research within
the broader academic context.

Theoretical Framework (optional): If applicable, describe the

theoretical framework or concepts that will guide your research.

Methodology: Explain the research design, approach, and methods

you plan to use. This section should detail how you will collect data
(e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments) and analyse it (e.g., qualitative,
quantitative, mixed methods).
 Components of a Research Proposal
Data Collection and Analysis: Provide a clear description of how you
will gather and analyse your data. Include details on sampling
techniques, data collection tools, data processing, and statistical or
analytical methods.

Ethical Considerations: Discuss any ethical concerns related to your

research, including participant consent, privacy, and potential risks.

Significance and Contributions: Highlight the potential contributions

of your research to the field, as well as its broader societal or practical
implications.

Budget and Resources: If applicable, outline the resources, funding,

and equipment required for the research. Provide a budget breakdown
and justify the expenses.

Timeline: Present a realistic timeline for each phase of the research

project, from literature review to data collection, analysis, and
completion.
 Components of a Research
Proposal (Contd.)
1. References: List all the sources
cited in your proposal following a
specific citation style (e.g., APA,
MLA).
2. Appendices (if needed): Include
any supplementary materials,
such as questionnaires, survey
instruments, or additional data,
that support your proposal.
• Keep in mind that the specific
requirements for each component
might vary depending on the
guidelines provided by your
institution, funding agency, or
academic program.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
 Activity 3 – Brainstorm and
Demonstrate
In groups of 3 – 4, elaborate how will you highlight the
significance of your research problems in the research
proposal (10 minutes).

What is a Motivating Scenario in a Research Proposal?

Share your answers with the class!

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

Importance of a Research Proposal
A research proposal holds significant importance in the research process due to
several reasons:
Clarity and Focus: A research proposal helps researchers define and refine their
research objectives, questions, and scope. It provides a clear roadmap for the
study, ensuring that the research stays focused and aligned with its intended
purpose.
Planning and Organisation: Developing a research proposal requires careful
planning and organisation. It outlines the steps, methodology, and resources
needed for the study, contributing to efficient and effective research execution.
Ethical Considerations: Research proposals address ethical considerations
related to participant rights, data privacy, and potential risks. By identifying and
addressing ethical issues in advance, researchers ensure the responsible
conduct of their study.
Importance of a Research Proposal
• Funding and Resources: Many research projects require funding and
resources. A well-structured research proposal enhances the chances of
securing financial support from funding agencies, institutions, or
organisations interested in the research topic.

• Peer Review and Approval: In academia, research proposals undergo

peer review by experts in the field or approval by ethics committees and
institutional review boards.

• Originality and Significance: The proposal justifies the research by

demonstrating its originality and significance. It explains how the study
contributes to existing knowledge, fills gaps, or addresses relevant issues.

• Communication and Collaboration: Research proposals facilitate

communication among researchers, stakeholders, and collaborators. They
provide a common understanding of the research goals, methods, and
expected outcomes, enabling effective collaboration.

This Photo by Unknown Author is

licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Importance of a Research Proposal
• Problem Anticipation and Mitigation: During proposal development, researchers
often identify potential challenges, limitations, and alternative approaches. This foresight
allows for proactive problem-solving and adjustments before the research begins.

• Skill Development: Crafting a research proposal enhances critical thinking, literature

review, and research design skills.

• Quality Assurance: A research proposal serves as a quality assurance tool, ensuring

that the research is well-conceived, logically structured, and feasible. This contributes to
the overall credibility and reliability of the study's findings.

• Career Advancement: For students and early-career researchers, engaging in

proposal writing can lead to academic and professional growth.

This Photo by Unknown Author is

licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Importance of a Research Proposal

• Waste Prevention: A thorough research proposal

minimises the risk of investing time and resources
into research projects that may not yield meaningful
results. It prevents wasted effort by aligning research
efforts with viable and relevant objectives.
This Photo by Unknown
Author is licensed under
CC BY-SA-NC
• In summary, a research proposal is a crucial
document that lays the foundation for a successful
research endeavour. It ensures that the research is
well-designed, ethically sound, and aligned with
objectives, ultimately contributing to the
advancement of knowledge and the achievement of
research goals.
 Title of a Research Proposal
Defining the title of a research proposal is a critical step in capturing the essence
of your research project. The title should be concise, informative, and engaging,
providing readers with a clear idea of the focus and scope of your study. Here are
some steps to help you define an effective title for your research proposal:

• Identify the Main Topic: Begin by identifying the main topic or subject of your
research. What is the central theme or area that your study will explore?

• Focus on Key Variables or Concepts: Think about the key variables,

concepts, or factors that your research will investigate. These elements are
often central to your study and can be included in the title to provide a glimpse
of your research focus.

• Highlight the Research Problem or Question: If possible, incorporate the

research problem or main research question into the title. This helps convey
the purpose and significance of your study.

• Be Clear and Specific: The title should clearly indicate the subject matter of
your research. Avoid vague or overly broad titles that may not adequately
convey your study's focus.
 Title of a Research Proposal
• Use Keywords: Include relevant keywords in your title. Keywords are terms
that are commonly used in your field of study.

• Consider the Scope: Ensure that the title reflects the scope of your research.
It should neither be too narrow nor too broad. Strike a balance that conveys
the specific focus of your study while also indicating its broader relevance.

• Avoid Jargon: While using field-specific terminology can be helpful, avoid

excessive jargon that might confuse readers who are not familiar with your
area of research.

• Make it Engaging: An engaging title can pique the interest of potential

readers. Consider incorporating a compelling element that sparks curiosity.

• Check Length: Keep the title concise. Generally, research proposal titles
should be relatively short, ideally no more than 10-15 words.

• Review and Revise: After brainstorming, take time to review and revise your
title. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or colleagues to ensure that the title
accurately represents your research.
 Activity 4 – Explore and Propose

• In groups of 2 (10 minutes):

– Find some IT research problems.
– Define a Title for the Corresponding Research
Problems.
– Define two different titles for a same project.

Discussion:
After the activity, briefly discuss how different
titles can influence the perception and focus of
the research.
 Example Titles
Examples of Well-Defined Research Proposal Titles:

• "Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Reduction

among College Students: A Mixed Methods Study“.

• "The Impact of Social Media Usage on Body Image Perception in

Adolescents: A Cross-Cultural Analysis“.

• "Examining the Relationship between Employee Motivation and

Organisational Performance in the Healthcare Sector: A Case Study of
XYs Hospital“.

• "Assessing the Efficacy of a Parent-Teacher Communication Program on

Academic Achievement of Elementary School Students“.

• "Investigating the Role of Urban Green Spaces in Enhancing

Psychological Well-being: A Comparative Study of Urban and Suburban
Neighbourhoods“.
 Writing the Abstract
• Understand the Purpose of an Abstract: The abstract serves as a
brief snapshot of your research proposal. Its purpose is to give readers
a clear and concise understanding of what your research is about, why
it's important, and how you plan to carry it out.
• Keep it Succinct: An abstract is typically short, often ranging from 150
to 250 words.
• Structure of the Abstract: An abstract generally follows a structured
format that mirrors the main components of a research proposal:
• Introduction: Briefly introduce the research topic and its significance.
State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Objectives or Hypotheses: Clearly state the research objectives or
hypotheses. What do you intend to achieve through your study?
• Methodology: Provide a concise overview of the research design,
methods, and data collection techniques you plan to use.
• Results/Expected Outcomes: Mention the anticipated outcomes or
findings of your study. Highlight the potential contributions to the field.
 Writing the Abstract
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Write in clear and
straightforward language. Avoid jargon and technical terms that
might be unfamiliar to readers who are not experts in your field.
• Focus on Significance and Contributions: Highlight the
significance of your research and its potential contributions to
knowledge. Explain why your study is relevant and how it
addresses a gap in existing literature.
• Write in the Past Tense (for Completed Proposals): If your
research proposal has been completed, use the past tense to
describe what you have done and found. If your proposal is for
future research, use future tense to describe your planned
actions.
• Review and Revise: After writing the abstract, review it to ensure
that it effectively summarises the main points of your research
proposal.
 An Example Abstract
• Here's an example abstract following the structure outlined above:

"In this research proposal, we aim to investigate the effects of online

learning platforms on student engagement and academic performance in
higher education. Our objectives are to assess the usage patterns of online
learning tools, measure their impact on student motivation and participation,
and analyse the correlation between online engagement and final grades.
We will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data with in-
depth interviews. The expected outcomes of this study will shed light on the
effectiveness of online learning platforms in enhancing student learning
outcomes and provide valuable insights for educators seeking to optimise
their online teaching strategies."

Note:
Remember that the abstract is often the first part of your research
proposal that readers will encounter, so it's crucial to create a clear
and compelling summary that encourages them to read further.
 Writing the Introduction Section
1. Start Broad and Narrow Down: Begin with a general overview of the
subject area or field of study. Provide background information to help readers
understand the context of your research. Then, gradually narrow down the
focus to the specific research problem or question you intend to address.
2. State the Research Problem or Question: Clearly and concisely state
the central research problem, question, or hypothesis that your study aims to
investigate. This should be a clear and direct statement that captures the
essence of what your research seeks to address.
3. Provide Rationale and Significance: Explain why the chosen research
problem is important and why it warrants investigation. Highlight the
significance of your study within the broader field of research. Discuss how
your study will contribute to filling a gap in existing knowledge or addressing a
relevant issue [2].
4. Literature Review (Briefly): While a more comprehensive literature
review will be included later in the proposal, briefly mention key studies or
theories related to your research topic. This helps contextualise your
research within the existing body of knowledge and demonstrates your
understanding of the field.
 Writing the Introduction Section
5. Research Objectives or Hypotheses: Outline the specific objectives or
hypotheses of your study. Clearly state what you aim to achieve through your
research.
6. Scope and Limitations: Briefly define the scope of your research by
specifying what aspects you will focus on and what aspects you will not
address. Discuss any potential limitations, such as constraints on resources,
time, or access to data, that might impact the study's outcomes.
7. Research Design and Methodology (Briefly): Provide a concise
overview of the research design and methodology you plan to use. Mention
the research approach (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods), data
collection methods, and analytical techniques you intend to employ.
8. Clarity and Precision: Write your introduction in clear and concise
language. Avoid unnecessary jargon and technical terms that might confuse
readers. Your goal is to clearly communicate the purpose and context of your
research [2].
 Activity 5 – Brainstorm and Explore
Brainstorm and explore how many paragraphs an
Introduction section should have? (10 minutes)

• What specific focus should be maintained in each

paragraph?
• Draft the initial two paragraphs of the Introduction
Section concerning the IT problem outlined in Activity 3?

Be prepared to share with the class!

Components of the Introduction
Section

CC BY-NC 4.0
 Writing the Literature Review
Literature review demonstrates your understanding of the current state of
knowledge, identifies gaps or controversies, and justifies the need for your
proposed study.

1. Define the Scope:

• Clarify the scope of your literature review by specifying the key themes,
concepts, or variables you will be addressing. Determine the timeframe of the
literature you will review (recent studies, seminal works, etc.).
2. Conduct a Comprehensive Search:
• Thoroughly search academic databases, libraries, and reputable sources to
find relevant peer-reviewed articles, books, reports, and other scholarly
materials related to your research topic. Use keywords and search terms to
refine your search.
 Writing the Literature Review
3. Summarise Key Findings:
• For each source, provide a concise summary of the main findings, methodologies,
and key concepts. Highlight the relevance of each study to your research topic and
objectives.

4. Identify Gaps and Controversies:

• Discuss the gaps, limitations, or controversies in the existing literature. Point out
areas where further research is needed or where conflicting findings exist.

5. Develop a Synthesis:
• Synthesise the information from multiple sources to create a coherent narrative.
Show how different studies relate to one another, and discuss any patterns, trends,
or inconsistencies you observe.

6. Relate to Your Research:

• Explain how the reviewed literature connects to your research proposal. Justify the
need for your study by explaining how it will contribute to addressing gaps,
resolving controversies, or building upon existing knowledge.
 Writing the Literature Review
7. Maintain a Critical Approach:
• Evaluate the quality, credibility, and relevance of the sources you cite.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the studies you review, and be
objective in your analysis.

8. Cite Sources Appropriately:

• Ensure you properly cite all the sources you reference using the appropriate
citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
 Research Questions
• Research questions in a research
proposal are specific inquiries that
guide the focus of the study and
define what the research aims to
investigate or address.
• They articulate the key issues or
aspects that the researcher
intends to explore, analyse, or
understand through the research
process.
• Research questions help shape
the overall direction of the study
and provide a clear framework for
data collection, analysis, and
interpretation.

Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

(scribbr.com)
 Writing the Methodology
1. Research Design:
• Explain the overall approach you will take in your research. Will it be
qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods? Describe the rationale for your
chosen design and how it aligns with your research objectives.
2. Participants or Sample:
• Define the characteristics of the participants or sample you will study. Include
details such as the size of the sample, criteria for inclusion/exclusion, and the
method of recruitment.
3. Data Collection Methods:
• Detail the methods you will use to collect data. For qualitative research, this
might involve interviews, focus groups, or observations. For quantitative
research, it could include surveys, experiments, or measurements.
4. Data Sources:
• Specify the sources from which you will gather data. This could involve primary
sources (directly collected by you) or secondary sources (existing data,
documents, or records).
 Writing the Methodology
5. Instruments or Tools:
• If applicable, describe any instruments, surveys, questionnaires, or tools you will
use to collect data.

6. Data Collection Procedure:

• Outline the step-by-step process you will follow to collect data. Include details on
how you will approach participants, administer surveys, conduct interviews, or
gather information from various sources [3].

7. Data Analysis:
• Explain how you will analyse the collected data. Describe the techniques or
methods you will use to process and interpret the data to address your research
questions.

8. Ethical Considerations:
• Discuss any ethical considerations associated with your research, such as
informed consent, confidentiality, or potential risks to participants. Explain how you
will address these ethical concerns.
 Writing the Methodology
9. Validity and Reliability:
• Address how you will ensure the validity (accuracy and truthfulness) and
reliability (consistency) of your research findings.

10. Timeframe:
• Provide an estimated timeline for each stage of your research, from data
collection to analysis and reporting. This helps demonstrate the feasibility of
your study within a specific timeframe.

11. Budget and Resources (if applicable):

• If your research involves costs, equipment, or resources, briefly outline the
budget required to carry out your proposed methodology [3].
 Organising the Bibliography
1. Gather Complete Source Information: Collect accurate and
complete information for each source you've cited or consulted,
including:
•Author(s) or editor(s) name(s)
•Title of the work (article, book, etc.)
•Publication date
•Publication title (journal name, book title, website name, etc.)
•Page numbers (for articles or book chapters)
•Publisher name (for books)
•URL (for online sources)
2. Organise the List: List the sources alphabetically by the last
name of the first author or editor. If there is no author, use the title of
the work for alphabetical arrangement.
 Organising the Bibliography
3. Use the Appropriate Citation Style:
• Follow the citation style specified by your institution, instructor, or the
guidelines for the research proposal. Common citation styles include APA,
MLA, Chicago, and others. Each style has specific formatting rules for different
types of sources (books, articles, websites, etc.).

4. Format Entries Correctly:

• Format each entry according to the rules of the chosen citation style. Common
elements to include in a bibliography entry include author(s), title, publication
date, publication title, page numbers, and URL (if applicable).

5. Maintain Consistency:
• Ensure that the formatting and punctuation are consistent throughout the
bibliography.
 Organising the Bibliography
6. Indentation and Hanging Indents:
• For entries longer than one line, use a hanging indent, where the first line is
flush left, and subsequent lines are indented. This enhances readability and
distinguishes between different entries.

7. Online Sources:
• For online sources, include the full URL. If the URL is lengthy, consider using a
URL shortener or providing a stable link (DOI) if available.

8. Double-Check Accuracy:
• Carefully proofread each entry to ensure accuracy and completeness. Verify
the spelling of authors' names, publication titles, and other details.

9. Verify Citing Guidelines:

• Confirm if your research proposal guidelines specify any additional
requirements for the bibliography section, such as the number of sources
required or the inclusion of specific types of sources.
 Activity 6 - Explore
Individual Task (10 Minutes): Brainstorm and explore

Different citation styles from Google Scholar.

What is the difference between different styles?
How to cite web articles?
How to cite web pages?

• Be prepared to share with the class!

 Next Week: What is Data
Collection?
• Data collection refers to the systematic process of
gathering and accumulating information or data from
various sources for a specific purpose or study.
• It involves the gathering of raw facts and figures that
are relevant to the research or analysis being
conducted [1].
• Data collection can be done through various
methods, including surveys, interviews,
observations, experiments, and the use of existing
databases or records.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

under CC BY-SA-NC
 Next Week: Data Collection
• The collected data serves
as the foundation for
analysis, interpretation,
and drawing conclusions
in research, business
decision-making, and
various other fields.
• It's a critical step in
generating reliable and
meaningful insights from
the information gathered.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed
under CC BY-SA-NC
 Activity 7 – Reflect and Share

• Individual task: Please reflect by answering the

following questions (5 minutes)
• What did you learn today? (1 or 2 things)
• What do you want to learn more?
• What did you like about today?
• What could we do better next time?

• Any volunteers to share their thoughts? (10 minutes)

 Recap
• Key points in writing the introduction
section.
• Key points in writing the literature review.
• Key point in developing a methodology.
• What should be mentioned in the budget?
 References
1) Scribbr. (2022, August 26). How to write a research proposal |
Examples & templates. Scribbr.
https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
2) The University of Sydney. (n.d.). How to write a research
proposal. The University of Sydney.
https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/help/advice/how-to-write-a-
research-proposal.html
3) Western Sydney University. (n.d.). How to write a research
proposal. Western Sydney University.
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/how-to-
apply/higher-degree-research-candidates/how-to-write-a-
research-proposal
 Your task & Next week
• Your task (MyKBS)
• Read subject outline
• Read assessment 1 instruction
• Next week’s topic
Workshop 5:
• Data Collection Techniques and Tools
• Data Visualisation

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

under CC BY-SA-NC
 End of Workshop 4 -
Developing research proposals and
methodologies
Thank you!