You must submit a research proposal in order to complete the Project.

You must submit a research proposal in order to complete the Project.
Your research proposal must be written and presented in the format outlined below:
Title: End to End Management of Cross-Cultural Business Development Deals Spanning Across
Multiple Countries in Pharmaceutical Industry .The title should be included on your cover page.
Introduction and Industry Background: An introduction to the topic and its concepts. Background
information on the chosen industry or sector and the specific organisation, if applicable. This section
should provide some background information on the research problem related to the
industry/organisation and present the need for the study.
Literature Review: A critical literature review on the chosen topic with justification for your proposed
research – identification of the ‘knowledge gap’ in the literature and how your proposed study will
extend the current knowledge in this field. The search strategy used to identify the literature may be
included in an appendix.
Research Aim, Research Questions or Hypotheses, and Objectives: The overall aim of your proposed
study should be presented along with the specific objectives and research questions/hypotheses that
will enable you to meet your overall aim.
Research Methodology: This section may include the following information:
 The chosen methodology and justification for the choice (i.e. qualitative, quantitative, or
other methods).
 The chosen research design to be used in the proposed study (primary or secondary
research, qualitative or quantitative etc.).
 Data collection methods to be used (e.g. survey, in-depth interview, study etc.).
 Plan for any pilot studies or pre-testing, if applicable.
 Sample size and justification of choice of sample size.
 Study site.
 Participants and Sampling: Description of the proposal sample, including how participants
will be identified and recruited. Any inclusion/exclusion criteria for participants should be
described.
 Data Analysis plans: The planned approach to data analysis e.g. thematic analysis, statistical
analysis using SPSS etc. with a discussion of the rationale for the type of analysis.
 Ethical considerations: Include an analysis of the implications of ethical issues related to the
research.
References: The reference list of all publications and resources cited in the proposal should be included.
Appendices: Drafts of project materials may be included in the appendices, data collection instruments
(questionnaires, interview schedules, interview or focus group topic guides) and project recruitment
materials (e.g. participant information sheet, consent form, project posters, or advertisements). The
literature review search strategy may also be included as an appendix.
Please read all questions and information provided carefully. Answers should be an appropriate length,
keeping in mind the question requirements and total word count allowance.
In addition, your assignment should demonstrate the following qualities: A critical appreciation of
relevant literature and its use to support your argument, substantiate calculations, and address other
aspects of the assignment.
Taking ownership of the content, being prepared to debate and argue a personal position, and providing
evidence of evaluative skills. A submission made up of extracts from published sources which is
descriptive or simply theoretical regurgitation is not acceptable. Your submission must have
interpretation and consideration of the challenges and issues of applying theory to practice.
Logical flow of ideas and treatment; appropriate selection of real-world factors related to the companies
under scrutiny. Evidence of additional personal research, and the ability to analyse material from a
variety of appropriate, relevant perspectives. Presentation, structure, appropriateness of methodology,
breaking into section headings/subheadings, tidiness.
Marks will be awarded for proper referencing and originality of work. Also note that plagiarism is a
serious offence and your submission will be electronically checked.