DISCUSSION As a doctoral candidate preparing your mini-research proposal, imagine you must now present the essence of your proposed study to a key stakeholder, such as a C-suite executive, investor, b

WEEK 6 TO DO

INCLUDE THIS REFERENCE

Bordens, K. S. (2021). Research Design and Methods: A Process Approach: 2025 Release. McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781264169634

DISCUSSION

As a doctoral candidate preparing your mini-research proposal, imagine you must now present the essence of your proposed study to a key stakeholder, such as a C-suite executive, investor, board member, policymaker, or department head who may be interested in supporting, funding, or approving your research.

Write a professional executive memo (500–600 words) addressed to this stakeholder. The memo should concisely summarize the problem, research purpose, proposed methodology, and the potential impact of your findings, but in a way that is persuasive, accessible, and decision-oriented (non-academic tone).

Your goal is to communicate why this research matters, how it will solve a real-world problem, and why the stakeholders should care.

To earn full credit, you must post at least 500-600 words and cite two outside scholarly resources and your textbook (at least three sources) 

ASSIGNMENT

Title: Bridging Theory and Practice: Designing a Research Proposal to Solve a Contemporary Business Challenge.

Now that you have explored various aspects of research planning and development in Weeks 1–5, this week you will integrate your knowledge into a cohesive mini research proposal. You are expected to apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world business challenge by formulating a research proposal that could feasibly be conducted in a business setting of your interest (e.g., a company, industry, or organization you are familiar with or aspire to work with).

This task is both summative and integrative: it consolidates your submissions and reflections so far, refines your research problem, and positions your academic work within a practical context. This assignment should reflect advanced scholarly writing, applied problem-solving, and critical thinking appropriate to the level of a doctoral business researcher.

Develop a Mini Research Proposal (2,000–3,000 words) titled:

“Solving a Real-World Business Problem Through Applied Research: A Mini Proposal”

Instructions:

You must select a real-world business problem that is:

• Relevant to your professional or industry background.

• Timely and complex enough to warrant research-based investigation.

• Suitable for a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach.

Then, write a mini research proposal that includes the following structured components:

Proposal Structure (with guiding prompts):

1. Title Page

   • Include a working title that clearly reflects the research focus.

2. Introduction (approx. 150–200 words)

   • Present the background of the business issue.

   • Explain why it is relevant and worthy of study.

   • State the purpose of the proposed research.

3. Problem Statement (approx. 150–200 words)

   • Clearly define the specific business problem.

   • Ground your problem in existing literature and/or real-world business outcomes.

   • Justify the need for scholarly investigation.

4. Research Questions and Objectives (approx. 100–150 words)

   • List 1–2 primary research questions.

   • Include 2–3 specific research objectives aligned with the questions.

5. Brief Literature Foundation (approx. 200–250 words)

   • Summarize key academic theories or frameworks related to your topic.

   • Highlight previous research findings that support or contrast with your proposed study.

   • Reference at least 3–5 peer-reviewed sources.

6. Proposed Methodology (approx. 200–250 words)

   • Indicate the research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods).

   • Describe the intended data collection method(s) (e.g., interviews, surveys, secondary data).

   • Identify the target population/sample and potential data analysis techniques.

7. Implications for Practice (approx. 100–150 words)

   • Explain how your proposed research could benefit business practitioners, leaders, or policymakers.

   • Mention any potential limitations or ethical considerations.

8. Conclusion (approx. 50–100 words)

   • Reiterate the importance of your proposed study.

   • Briefly summarize what the research intends to achieve.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Clarity and coherence of writing (professional academic tone).

• Application of business theory and concepts to a practical problem.

• Logical flow and structured proposal elements.

• Evidence of critical thinking and scholarly engagement with the topic.

• Appropriate citation and formatting (APA 7th edition preferred).