Part One: Discussion: Research Methods, Data, and Variables – Due Mn 11/20/17

(Only needs to be 150 words)

Initial Post: Using the Research Methods Chart, explain your research topic, question(s), or hypotheses, and the method (survey, interviews, observation, etc.) of research you plan to conduct and whether that research is qualitative, quantitative, or a mixture of both. Then, identify potential independent and dependent variables.

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Part Two: 02 Course Project – Beginning Your Research Plan/Proposal and Literature Review

In a single Word document, submit:

• Page 1 is the beginning stage of your research plan/proposal, and includes:
  • Your research question(s) or hypotheses.
  • The method(s) of research you will conduct, using the Research Methods Chart.
  • Identification of specific data you will collect, whether the data is qualitative or quantitative, and likely variables.
• Pages 2-3 contain the literature review (this should be a minimum of 1-2 pages, allowing for a thorough, yet concise review of resources)
  • Use credible resources, including information from the company’s website and other company documents (when available), as well as articles, eBooks, industry reports, and other relevant sources.
• 1 cover page can be used for both portions of the assignment.
• Reference list for all sources used.
  • The cover page and reference list are not included in the page count!

Course Project Overview

Throughout this project, you will research and analyze a problem or area for potential improvement for your chosen company. Choose one company from the following options: Walmart, Starbucks, or Amazon. Contact your instructor for prior approval if you feel you must research a different company. You will conduct a literature review to build your initial understanding of the company and its challenges and opportunities. You will study and utilize various research methodologies such as surveys, interviews, and observations to collect qualitative and/or quantitative data. You will analyze your data and findings in order to develop a sound strategy for negotiating the company’s problem or area for improvement, ultimately culminating in a research report and presentation appropriate for company stakeholders.

Due Date

Your final project will be due in Module 05, and presentation in module 6, with additional due dates occurring in previous modules.

Timeline

Module	Assignment
01	Discussion: Selecting of company, explore company literature/website & secondary sources to develop a research topic/question
02	Literature review, reference page, begin designing a research plan
03	Final research plan, identify potential errors that could occur (or limitations) and how to compensate or adjust for errors, begin conducting research
04	Implement/carry out research plan, informally record initial results
05	Final research report
06	Professional presentation (oral and slideshow)

Requirements

This project will be a formal business research report with a title page, executive summary, table of contents, and sections such as an introduction, problem statement, research objectives, literature review/background information, methodology, study limitations, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and an APA style reference list. The final business report will also be presented orally and visually, in a professional presentation appropriate for company stakeholders.

Evaluation

Each assignment leading up to the final assignment is evaluated and graded independently. You will have the opportunity to update, edit, and improve previously submitted assignments when you develop your final business report. Your instructor will provide specific grading criteria for each step of the project prior to its due date.