Research proposal and Literature reviewp01aper Details
Assessment 2: Research proposal and Literature review
You are required to prepare a research proposal outline and associated literature review that will inform the design and structure of the research project which is the final assessment (Assignment 3).
You will need to identify an industry-related research situation that interests you and consider and describe the problem needing investigation and the related research objectives, following the instructions below. A review of current literature is then required to help describe and contextualise the industry-related research situation and justify the research design and data collection methods you will use in the associated research project (Assignment 3). You can discuss your research situation with your lecturer, but the following example has been provided to help you start thinking about the relationship between an industry problem and the research that may be required to address this problem.
Example
You have recently been employed as a marketing manager for a tourist attraction located in Australia. Your marketing director has given you a number of research projects that need to be undertaken to inform the development of marketing plans and strategies. Your first task in your new role is to prepare a research proposal that outlines how you would undertake the following research project:
To determine what type of experiences visitors generally like to experience when they visit the attraction.
Instructions
1. Prepare a research proposal that addresses the following criteria:
i. Background (250 words) – provide a brief overview describing the industry-related research situation relevant to the research proposal you have selected to develop (for example, if using the example above you would describe the location of the attraction and the experiences it offers)
ii. Significance (250 words) – explain the significance and need for this research from the perspective of the management and marketing of the attraction
iii. Scope (150 words maximum) – explain the geographical, temporal and demographic scope of the proposed research
iv. Problem statement and objectives (150 words maximum) – determine a clear and concise problem statement and two research objectives that relate to your research proposal.
2. Prepare a literature review that critically evaluates ten (10) references from sources of academic literature (books and/or academic journal articles) from 2009 to 2014 that:
o relates to one significant concept or theme related to your selected research proposal (minimum 5 references)
o Will inform your research design and data collection methods related to your selected research proposal (minimum 5 references).
3. Provide a reference list (Harvard – see Summers and Smith (2006) Referencing Guide) for academic literature sources you use to justify your final research proposal.
4. Turnitin – attach a copy of your Turnitin Orginality Report for this assignment.
Note: This is a hypothetical exercise only that is designed to give you opportunity to learn, in a small but practical situation, about the research process and its place within tourism and hospitality management decision making. Under no circumstances are you to approach any employee of a tourist organisation or tourist attraction for assistance with this assignment and also Assignments 2 and 3.