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
o Include a working title that clearly reflects the research focus.
2. Introduction (approx. 150–200 words)
o Present the background of the business issue.
o Explain why it is relevant and worthy of study.
o State the purpose of the proposed research.
3. Problem Statement (approx. 150–200 words)
o Clearly define the specific business problem.
o Ground your problem in existing literature and/or real-world business outcomes.
o Justify the need for scholarly investigation.
4. Research Questions and Objectives (approx. 100–150 words)
o List 1–2 primary research questions.
o Include 2–3 specific research objectives aligned with the questions.
5. Brief Literature Foundation (approx. 200–250 words)
o Summarize key academic theories or frameworks related to your topic.
o Highlight previous research findings that support or contrast with your proposed study.
o Reference at least 3–5 peer-reviewed sources.
6. Proposed Methodology (approx. 200–250 words)
o Indicate the research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods).
o Describe the intended data collection method(s) (e.g., interviews, surveys, secondary data).
o Identify the target population/sample and potential data analysis techniques.
7. Implications for Practice (approx. 100–150 words)
o Explain how your proposed research could benefit business practitioners, leaders, or policymakers.
o Mention any potential limitations or ethical considerations.
8. Conclusion (approx. 50–100 words)
o Reiterate the importance of your proposed study.
o 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).
