Each student or pair of students is required to submit a proposal for a research study to occur between January and April 2016.
This assignment requires students to develop a professional research proposal based on a previously selected topic. Students may submit the proposal individual OR they may choose to work with a partner on the submission. The expectations of the assignment are that students will concepts from the textbook and lectures to develop their research proposal. Students will be graded on their application of concepts and the quality of the research design as it relates to their selected topic and research question.
Format
Students are encouraged to produce a document between 4-7 pages in length (12 font, double spaced). The document must be written in third person and careful consideration regarding layout (page numbers, title page, margins etc) is expected (Students are advised to refer to APA instructions regarding the format of document). APA referencing standards are required.
Resource requirements
Students are encouraged to the research database in the Learning Resource Center to assist in identifying articles relevant to their chosen research area. A minimum of ten resources (academic peer reviewed journal articles) is required. Students are also advised to find evidence in popular sources that suggest the topic is current and relevant (3 sources is advised). For instance, the St.Catharines standard might discuss how the economy is impacting the tourism industry. Such an article would provide support for ensuring that business functions/activities remain stable. This could support a host of initiatives such as revenue management, employee training, inventories, etc. which would be mentioned in the early stages of a proposal.
Your proposal will be graded on the following:
| Introduction | Research Topic and its significance are detailed. Presents a significant research problem related to hospitality (or other approved topics). Articulates clear, reasonable research questions given the purpose, design, and methods of the proposed study. All constructs and variables have been appropriately defined. Propositions are supported from the research and theoretical literature. | 15 |
| Review of Past Literature | Research is organized according to subtopics. Quality resources correspond and support discussion of research and proposed study. Author makes connections between and within topics. Original ideas and examples summarize concepts of reported research. | 10 |
| Method | The purpose, questions, and design are consistent. Limitations and assumptions have been clearly stated. The description of the context and population is meaningful, including both quantitative and qualitative description (as appropriate). The proposed sampling process is reasonable to recruit a representative sample of the population. Attention is given to controlling for extraneous factors and sampling error. Descriptions of instruments and observation protocols include purpose statements, type and number of items, and type of scores. Evidence of the validity and reliability is presented. Procedures are thorough, manageable and coherent. Procedures include roles for researcher and participant. Analytical methods consider whether relationships or differences will be tested and are appropriate given the research questions and research design. Budget considers all related expenses for the study implementation. | 45 |
| Conclusion | Summary of previous discussion. Restates weaknesses or gaps in research knowledge and the value, significance and impact of the proposed research study. | 20 |
| Presentation | Adherence to English grammatical rules (e.g. spelling, sentence structure, punctuation). Document content is organized and flows well | 15 |
| Referencing | APA citation and referencing rules. Standards are met regarding the quantity and quality of resources | 15 |
Students are expected to comply with the college policy regarding the proper citation of sources. The penalty for plagiarism is that you will receive 0 on your assignment. The late penalty is 10% (applied 10 minutes after the assignment deadline and due date and every day until the assignment is received). Students experiencing circumstances which may require special consideration are advised to speak to faculty earlier than 72 hours before the assignment deadline. Each student or pair of students is required to submit a proposal for a research study to occur between January and April 2017
Grammar and style is important to conveying your thoughts in this paper. Students are advised to use resources such as writing workshops, grammar checkers (via web) to minimize careless errors. International and ‘English as a Second Language Students’ are advised to also check with the international student office for assistance with reports. Beginning your assignment early will assist in your ability to obtain support for draft revisions.
A final reminder that a proposal IS NOT a research study but a plan for research. Students that submit a research study rather than a proposal will receive a grade of 0. Submitting a research study would suggest that students have not followed course content or considered the requirements of a carefully designed research study. Students MUST obtain approval to continue with a College sanctioned study.
