Research Proposal Guide: Options for Your Study Project

PROPOSAL BRIEF Module title Research Project Module code BUS7B63 Module leader Dr. Jill Newman Assessment title Research Study Options & Proposal Launch date 26 th June 2023 Submission deadline 6 th September 2023 Expected date for return of feedback TBC Module outcomes assessed N/A Assessment weighting N/A Word count (if relevant) Approx. 1,000 (depending on option selected) Assessment task details: 1. Complete the proposal proforma (see below). Select between the research study options and where prompted provide further detail on the research study you have chosen. Choose between three research study options*:  Empirical-based research study  Literature-based research study  Project-based research study (by exception): o Type A: Choose a project led by a supervisor (see the Project Overviews) 2. Once you have completed the proforma, complete your research study ethics application (see Moodle for the form). *Subject to availability. It is not guaranteed that all options will be available for each intake at all sites. Please confirm the available options with your module tutor/supervisor or the dissertation stage lead. Submission instructions Format of submission: Submission 1: Compete your research study proposal proforma Submission 2: Compete your research study ethics application How should it be submitted? Moodle submission points Submission 1: Proforma | Submission 2: Ethics application Note feedback will be provided on your proposal via Moodle.

Hints and tips Additional Guidance: Step 1: Choose between the three research study options Step 2: Choose your research topic (or project for project-based research studies) Step 3: Compete the research study proposal proforma (below) answering in full Step 4: Compete the research study ethics application (your supervisor will issue your approval once they have reviewed your research study proposal in conjunction with your application – do not start your research until you have formal approval otherwise this is a breach of the WGU ethics regulations) Refer to the module content as necessary to help you prepare your proposal. Carefully consider the implications of the research study option you select. For MBA dissertations your research must have a management or organisational focus. If you are unclear, it is important that you speak to the module leader or your supervisor. Do not rely on advice from fellow students or information found online. For empirical-based research studies it should be clear how you are collecting your data and what this data will be (for example, a questionnaire or series of interviews or a set of policy documents you have collated). Where relevant make sure you have gatekeeper approval before committing to your study. This is permission to complete your research using the organisation as the focus from a senior manager at the organisation. Note that this can sometimes be difficult to obtain. You cannot complete your research with employees of a specific organisation without this gatekeeper permission. The gatekeeper permission needs to be formal (e.g. an email) and will need to be shared with your supervisor. Remember that for this option, your data should be empirical. If you want to use only existing literature as the focus of your research this means you will be completing a literature-based research study (see below). If you are not clear please ask the module leader to clarify which option your study will be. For literature-based research studies you will need to select your topic focus carefully. You needed to ensure that your review question is specific enough so that your search results in a manageable (yet sufficient) number of research studies to analyse. Select one database as a trial run and see how many results you get. Remember you need to justify the inclusion and exclusion of each item in the search results. Ensure that your keywords or search sentence and limiting criteria gives you a set of results in the range: less than 150 but more than 20 (approximately). If you get too many results, consider adding additional keywords e.g. a specific country or limiting the date range e.g. the last five years only. If you have too few you may need to remove or edit a keyword. You should be looking to identify research studies, conference papers, literature reviews and meta-analyses, but not opinion pieces, book reviews or anything else that does not report the outcome of existing research. Remember to note down the details of your search in full – see the literature-based research study dissertation template on Moodle for details of what you will need to include in your dissertation. For project-based research studies - Type A (Project led by a supervisor) you will need to ensure that you have carefully read the Project Overview . Does the topic align with your route if you are taking a specific MBA pathway (such as MBA Project Management)? It is a requirement that your dissertation topic has a clear connection to your MBA route specialism.

Does the topic align with your interests and future plans following your MBA? For this option you will need to follow the instructions given by your supervisor and complete the requirements of the Project Task Outline in full. It is not possible to change once you have committed, so consider your choice very carefully using the details provided in the Project Overview. For project-based research studies - Type B (Develop your own research project) you will need to spend additional time preparing a pitch. This will be reviewed by the Programme Team to ensure it is suitable for your MBA. Therefore, you must provide as much detail as possible on the proposed project. You must ensure that you have all permissions in place to ensure that you can access the relevant data and make use of it before committing to this option. An example project could be: a student works at an organisation that has just completed their annual staff questionnaire. The student’s manager has agreed that they can use this data for the basis of their project along with the staff questionnaire for the last five years. The student develops a clear research problem, aim and objectives based upon the data available from the existing questionnaire and agrees it with their line manager before submitting their pitch. For all research project options make sure to review the specific dissertation template and option brief. All templates and briefs are available on Moodle. All submitted work is expected to observe academic standards in terms of academic writing, use of language, etc. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in your proposal needing to be resubmitted . Marking and moderation Formative feedback will be provided on your proposal via Moodle. Your supervisor will issue your ethics approval once they have reviewed your research study proposal in conjunction with your application.

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BUS7B63: Research Study Options & Proposal Proposal Proforma: You MUST complete this section Name: Student Number: Programme: Remember that your research topic and your programme must be aligned . For example, if you are taking MBA project management your topic must have a project management element. Academic Year / Trimester: 2022/23 / 2 Declaration: ☐ I agree that:  I will ensure that my research study complies with the University’s Code of Practice on Ethical Standards for Research and that I will seek clarification from my supervisor or the module leader where I am unsure  After completing this proposal, I will complete my Ethics Application in full  I will not start my research data or source collection until I have had written ethics approval from my supervisor Research Study Options: (make ONE choice then procced to the specific section – you should only complete ONE section)  ☐ Empirical-based research study (primary or secondary data collection) → Go to section 1 ☐ Literature-based research study (secondary source collection) → Go to section 2 Project-based research: ☐ Type A: Project led by supervisor (following the project task outline provided) → Go to section 3A

Section 1 Empirical-based research study Instructions Please complete the following details to outline your proposed research. Complete all parts of this section. Working Title/Topic This will evolve during your research - it does not need to be your final title at this stage "Exploring the Impact of Work-From-Home Practices on Employee Productivity and Well-being: An Empirical-based Research Study" Does the topic being proposed align with your MBA programme route? (make ONE choice)  ☐ Yes ☐ No Research Question This should have a question mark ? at the end "What is the impact of work-from-home practices on employee productivity and well-being, as assessed through empirical-based research methods?" Research Aim This is one over- arching statement linked to your question "The aim of this research is to empirically examine the influence of work- from-home practices on employee productivity and well-being, contributing to a deeper understanding of the modern workplace dynamics." Research Objectives List four objectives e.g. 'to analyse...', 'to establish...', 'to review...', 'to examine...'. 'to recommend…' 1. To assess the quantitative impact of work-from-home practices on employee productivity in various industries. 2. To investigate the qualitative effects of remote work arrangements on employee well-being, encompassing job satisfaction and work-life balance. 3. To identify potential factors and trends that either enhance or hinder productivity and well-being in work-from-home scenarios. 4. To derive evidence-based recommendations for organizations to

optimize work-from-home practices for improved employee performance and satisfaction. Why is the study needed? Give a reasoned justification for the study - a brief statement on the organisational/business / management reason for the study. Examples may be due to a performance issue which could be people, process or resource based. The need for this study is highlighted by the principal shifts happening in the world of work, especially the sped-up reception of work-from-home practices. This change in work game plans has been fundamentally facilitated by late global occasions, and accordingly, the limits between conventional office settings and distant workspaces have obscured. As an understudy researcher, I solidly accept that this shift requires a thorough assessment of its suggestions on employee productivity and well-being because of the significant business and management suggestions it presents. Organizations today face a sensitive and difficult exercise. On one hand, they are quick to guarantee that their employees stay useful and productive in remote work conditions. Then again, they have a personal stake in shielding the well-being and work fulfillment of their workforce, as these variables significantly impact talent retention, execution, and in general, organizational achievement ( Ferrara, 2022) . The meaning of this study is highlighted by a few elements: 1. Business Productivity: Business achievement depends on the productivity and effectiveness of the workforce. Organizations should comprehend whether work-from-home practices upgrade or decrease employee productivity, as it has direct ramifications for their primary concern ( Vander Elst, 2020) . 2. **Talent Attraction and Retention**: In a period where talent is an important asset, organizations should guarantee that their employees are content and happy with their work game plans. The study will assist with distinguishing the elements that impact work fulfillment and, thusly, talent retention ( Anakpo, 2023) . 3. **Adaptation to New Norms**: The new speed increase of remote work rehearsals is adjusting the conventional organizational scene. Organizations need information-upheld experiences to adjust their management practices to this new worldview. 4. Employee Well-Being: The psychological and profound well-being of employees is presently a focal worry for businesses. This study is imperative for understanding whether work-from-home practices emphatically or adversely influence factors like work-life balance and psychological well-being.

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5. **Resource Allocation**: Organizations apportion resources in light of how they might interpret work rehearsals. This research will guide organizations in advancing resource allocation for remote work, whether it involves putting resources into innovation, preparation, or well-being programs ( Yang, 2023) . Generally, this study is basic for organizations to explore the developing work scene effectively. It will give noteworthy bits of knowledge to business pioneers and supervisors to adjust and calibrate their methodologies, amplifying both productivity and employee well-being. At last, this research aims to address the squeezing need for proof-based direction in a swiftly transforming world of work. References: Ferrara, B., Pansini, M., De Vincenzi, C., Buonomo, I., & Benevene, P. (2022). Investigating the role of remote working on employees’ performance and well-being: an evidence-based systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 19 (19), 12373. Anakpo, G., Nqwayibana, Z., & Mishi, S. (2023). The Impact of Work-from-Home on Employee Performance and Productivity: A Systematic Review. Sustainability , 15 (5), 4529. Yang, D., Kelly, E. L., Kubzansky, L. D., & Berkman, L. (2023). Working from home and worker well-being: New evidence from Germany. ILR Review , 76 (3), 504-531. Vander Elst, T., Verhoogen, R., & Godderis, L. (2020). Teleworking and employee well- being in corona times: The importance of optimal psychosocial work conditions. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , 62 (12), e776-e777. What sampling strategy will be used? (make ONE choice then choose which sub-type)  ☐ Non-probability ☐ Convenience (e.g. invite everyone you know) ☐ Snowball (e.g. invite everyone you know and ask them to share the link)  ☐ Self-selection (e.g. post an invite to a forum) ☐ Purposive (typical-case, extreme/deviant- case/outlier, maximum variation, homogenous, stratified purposeful, random purposeful) ☐ Quota (e.g. invite 25 men and 25 women) ☐ Other (please state):

☐ Probability Remember a probability sample requires randomisation to be introduced. This usually needs a list of all members of the population (sampling frame). For example, given a list of all employees in the department you invite every third person on the list to take part. The sample MUST be random (in the statistical sense of the word) to ensure that each potential participant in the population has an equal probability of being selected. ☐ Simple random (e.g. use a web-based random number generator to select from the sampling frame) ☐ Systematic random (e.g. every 3rd element of the sampling frame is chosen for the sample) ☐ Stratified random (take a random sample from various strata (homogeneous subgroups of members)) ☐ Cluster (divide the population into groups/clusters; take a simple random sample of the clusters; all members from the selected clusters are sampled) ☐ Other (please state): Will the study collect primary or secondary data? (make ONE choice) ☐ Primary  ☐ Secondary ☐ Other (please state) What type of data will be collected? (make ONE choice) ☐ Quantitative  ☐ Qualitative ☐ Other (please state): How will the data be collected? (make ONE choice) ☐ Questionnaire ☐ Structured interviews (qualitative questionnaire) ☐ Semi-structured interviews  ☐ Existing data set

☐ A data set will be collated ☐ Other (please state): How will the data be analysed? (make ONE choice) ☐ Quantitatively - Descriptive statistics and data visualisations ☐ Quantitatively - Inferential and descriptive statistics and data visualisations  ☐ Qualitatively - Thematic analysis ☐ Qualitatively/quantitatively - Content analysis ☐ Other quantitative (please state): ☐ Other qualitative (please state):

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Section 2 Literature-based research study Instructions Please complete the following details to outline your proposed research. Complete all parts of this section. Working Title/Topic This will evolve during your research - it does not need to be your final title at this stage Does the topic being proposed align with your MBA programme route? (make ONE choice) ☐ Yes ☐ No Review Question This should have a question mark ? at the end. For example, 'What contemporary research studies from the last 5 years consider 'topic x'?' "How do contemporary literature-based studies impact management and organizational practices, and what are the implications for MBA dissertations?" Review Aim This is one over-arching statement linked to your review question Review Objectives List four objectives e.g. 'to analyse...', 'to establish...', 'to review...', 'to examine...'. The final objective should be 'to recommend…' Why is the study needed? Give a reasoned justification for the study

- a brief statement on the organisational/business/ management reason for the study. Examples may be due to a performance issue which could be people, process or resource based. Which academic databases will you search for sources? For example, you could search databases: JSTOR; ProQuest Central; SAGE Journals; Science Direct/Elsevier; Web of Science; Wiley Online Library; PsycINFO; ACM; Westlaw UK; etc. or database aggregators such as: Resource Finder; Google Scholar; etc. for contemporary research studies on your research topic. Which keywords will you use to search for sources? Ideally this should be a Boolean search string (e.g. "human resource management" AND "paternity leave" AND "UK")  AND returns results where both keywords are present (limit results).

 OR returns results where either or both key words are present (expand results).  NOT excludes results where the key words is present.  ? (question mark): e.g. organi?ation = organisation and organization  * (asterisk): e.g. Manage* = manger, management, manages, managerial, managing, etc.  $ (dollar sign): 0 or 1 character Example: colo$r gives color and colour  Quotation marks “ ” these exact words, in this exact order How will you narrow the search results (inclusion and exclusion criteria)? (e.g. studies from or after 2015; articles in English only; etc.) What sampling strategy will be used? (make ONE choice then choose which sub-type) ☐ Non-probability ☐ Purposive (select all that meet the inclusion criteria) ☐ Quota (e.g. 10 quantitative studies and 10 qualitative studies - note: you must justify why the quota is appropriate) ☐ Other (please state): ☐ Probability Remember a probability sample requires randomisation to be introduced. This usually needs a list of the population (sampling frame). For example, given a list of all articles you could select every third study on the list for the study. The sample MUST be

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random (in the statistical sense of the word) to ensure that each potential study in the population has an equal probability of being selected. ☐ Simple random (e.g. use a web-based random number generator to select from the sampling frame) ☐ Systematic random (e.g. every 3rd element of the sampling frame is chosen for the sample) ☐ Other (please state): How will the sources be analysed? (make ONE choice) ☐ Qualitatively - Thematic analysis ☐ Qualitatively/quantitatively - Content analysis ☐ Other quantitative (please state): ☐ Other qualitative (please state):

Section 3A Project-based research study: Type A - Supervisor Instructions Please complete the following to outline your proposed research for your dissertation. Make sure to carefully review the Project Overviews. Does the project align with your route if you are taking a specific MBA pathway? Complete all parts of this section. Which project have you chosen? (make ONE choice) ☐ Econometric analysis: Regression and forecasting to produce a time series analysis of the stock market; crypto currency; or other economic indicators. ☐ Market research to establish the need for a new SME offering ‘HR as a service’ in the Wrexham area. ☐ NHS England Access Times Recovery Post Covid-19. Does the project selected align with your MBA programme route? (make ONE choice) ☐ Yes ☐ No

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1695832236687_Research Proposal 2 (2)

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