Posted: April 14th, 2015

To what extent does Corporate Social Responsibility enhance corporate reputation and therefore, examine if CSR leads to increase the profit: A case study on Al-Baik Company in Saudi Arabia.

The Research Proposal should be 3000 words and should be structured as follows:

PRELIMINARIES*

A Title Page Detailing the title of the Research Proposal, the name of the student and programme of study, word count and the submission date (Appendix 1)

Declaration: Please download the declaration form from ULearn and insert a completed and signed form after the title page in your Proposal. A copy of the form is in Appendix 2 for information.

A Contents Page Detailing content headings and page numbers, and list of appendices and page numbers

SECTIONS

Introduction

Research Background

Aim and Objectives

(together this section should be approximately 600 words)

Literature Review (approximately 1000 words)

Methodological Framework (approximately 1000 words)

Planning and Critical Analysis (approximately 400 words)

One Reference List Following the Harvard Referencing System (Alphabetical Listing) with all sources cited in the text. You do not need to include a bibliography.

APPENDICES Well presented collection of any relevant supplementary material where appropriate. Appendices should be sequentially numbered, labelled and referenced appropriately in the text.

* The Preliminaries, charts, and List of References are NOT included in the word count.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL – Style Guide

The following requirements must be adhered to in the submitted proposal:

Front Page giving Title of Project and student details (see Appendix 1 for example) followed by the completed and signed declaration (see Appendix 2)
Length of Proposal : 3,000 words
A4 white paper, typed on the recto side of the page only
Text should be ‘1.5 lines’ spaced except for appendices.
Quotations should be identified as a quotation with double quotation marks and the page number

Example:

According to Fallows and Steven (2000), higher educational institutions (HEIs) have a particular responsibility in employability skills development:

“higher education in particular must provide its graduates with the skills to be able to operate professionally within the environment required for the learning age or learning society.” (p76)

Margins should be 25 mm (Top, Bottom, Left and Right)
Pages should be numbered consecutively using Arabic (1, 2 …)
Main text should be in Ariel, font size 12
Section titles, headings and sub-heading should be appropriately and consistently formatted generally using font sizes larger than 12.
References should be in one list arranged alphabetically by first author and following Harvard Referencing system

RESEARCH PROPOSAL CONTENT: SOME ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION

This section provides some further guidelines concerning the structure and content of individual elements of the proposal.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH BACKGROUND (approximately 600 words)

Introduction:

Purpose of proposal

Outline of proposal structure

Research background:

Introduction to the topic to be explored: developing rationale for topic

Aim and objectives:

Overall aim clearly stated

Related objectives identified and importance to achievement of aim justified

In this opening section you should detail the underlying rationale for the project. Think about this as the reasons that explain your choice of topic and its importance. This should be an introductory discussion that provides a background to the subject area and the main focus of the project. This discussion must lead to the development of one clear aim for the project.

This section should also include a list of objectives which you are proposing to achieve with the research There should be between 3 and 6 objectives, although more or less is acceptable depending on the nature of the project. Remember this is the plan for the rest of the work you will do towards producing your Project. The objectives should relate to what you are going to do.

The reader of the plan should have no doubt or uncertainty about the boundaries of the final project. If the scope is restricted to a particular country, region, industry, time period then this should be made explicit. If you need to carry out further analysis to establish the scope of the research then this should be highlighted here.

LITERATURE REVIEW (Approximately 1000 words)

The Literature Review

The literature review is very important because it demonstrates the main theories which are relevant to the topic of research. This is done by identifying the main texts and authors in the area (in books or journals) and discussing the key issues. The review of the existing literature should compare and contrast the relevant writers in the field of interest and link these to your proposed area of research. You should be able to show that you have undertaken sufficient reading on the respective topic to be able to justify the choice of project topic and to demonstrate where the contribution is located within the main body of theory and current knowledge, incorporating relevant core concepts, frameworks and theory. This section should reflect:

Expertise of the body of theory including the implications of recent developments
Engagement with and critical exploration of core concepts
Progressive argument/idea development
Citation of sources

Although textbooks are a valuable resource when doing research, contemporary issues are more likely to be discussed in the journals relating to the field. It is expected that recent developments, theories, or studies will be contained in journal articles and evidence that you have accessed these is required.

METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK (approximately 1000 words)

Theoretically underpinned presentation, discussion and justification of the proposed methodological framework to be adopted in the study. Each design choice must be identified, discussed and defended regarding suitability for study. Overall, the methodological framework should demonstrate appropriateness to the study aim and objectives and be capable of practical implementation.

This section presents, discusses and justifies the proposed methodological framework and the design choices made (Research Philosophy; Approach; Strategy; Time Horizon; Data Collection Tools, Sampling and Data Analysis). Robust theoretical underpinning is essential.

PLANNING AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS (Approximately 600 words)

Research Plan:

Planning and Critical Analysis (approximately 400 words)

This section focuses on multiple issues pertinent for the research.

Firstly, based on a Gant Chart there should be a detailed timetable scheduling all aspects of the research. This should include time anticipated to conduct background research, data gathering tool design, data collection, data analysis and Project writing. This is best achieved by working backwards from the final submission of the Project. Remember the proposal provides the plan for the research you will conduct so the Gantt chart should provide detail of the activities you will conduct during the course of the research. (You can download a model for the Gantt chart from BB).

Ethical considerations relating to the study must be discussed. Research involving human participants in particular requires consideration of research ethics. A brief discussion of such consideration is required.

Finally, a discussion of any anticipated challenges in the conduct of the study and potential limitations of the study is required to show that the researcher is aware and informed and thus better able to manage the research process. A good proposal will not only show awareness but also highlight potential options to overcome challenges and minimise limitations.

WRITING STYLE AND PRESENTATION

Formal, academic and mature style

Good grammar which is free from spelling errors and carelessness

All reference appropriate and in Harvard Reference style

CRITERIA AND FEEDBACK FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL	MARK ALLOCATED	MARK AWARDED
Introduction, Research Background and Aim and Objectives The purpose and structure of the proposal is succinctly set out Introduction to the topic to be explored, developing rationale for topic The aim and objectives are clearly identified. The objectives are well scoped and justified in relation to the aim.	20%
Literature Review Discussions are theoretically robust, well scoped, logically structured, appropriately detailed and show evidence of wider reading and engagement with theoretical concepts. Evidence of ability to synthesise information and present a lucid exposition of core concepts. Expertise of the body of theory including the implications of recent developments is evident. Progressive argument/idea development	30%
Methodological Framework The research design is clearly presented and well discussed. All key design choices are identified, critically analysed and defended with regards suitability for study. The research framework is relevant for the intended investigation. The discussion is appropriately detailed and scoped, relevant and theoretically robust.	30%
Planning and Critical Analysis Comprehensive and well considered research plan. Relevant discussion of ethics. Awareness of potential challenges and limitations evidenced along with identification of possible options.	10%
Structure, Presentation & Writing Style Recommended structure observed, professional presentation, grammatically correct, formal, analytical and mature writing style observed. Citation and Referencing Correctly cited in text using name, date convention and includes page reference for direct quotations. Harvard referencing style used (Single list of references ordered alphabetically regardless of source).	5% 5%

TOTAL	100%

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: A GUIDE TO INTERPRETING THE MARKS

The table below provides an indication of the interpretation of the overall mark awarded:

Please note that a mark of less than 50% constitutes a fail, whilst a mark of 70% or more is considered a pass with distinction for this module.

Generic Assessment Criteria for Research Proposal

>80%

Exceptional performance

Remit set for the assignment is fully covered.

Mastery of the subject area that demonstrates exceptional insight into relevant literature and both breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding.
Extensive evidence of critical and deep knowledge and understanding of the subject area.
Demonstrates outstanding ability to make inter-relationship between concepts, theories and industry policy and practice.
Displays outstanding effort to undertake research.
Excellent presentation, writing style, and accurate referencing/citation.
Fully meets the module learning outcomes covered by the assessment.

71-80%

Excellent performance [distinction mark is 70%]

Remit set for the assignment is fully covered.
Very good and critical comprehension of the subject area with some evidence of deep knowledge and understanding of a number of relevant theories, principles and concepts.
Presents evidence of critical and deep knowledge of the subject area and literature.
Demonstrates a clear ability to make relationships between concepts, theories and industry policy and practice.
Displays excellent secondary research skills.
- Demonstrates significant ability in synthesising knowledge from different sources.
- Fully meets the module learning outcomes covered by the assessment.

Excellent presentation, writing and referencing/citation style.

60-70%

Good performance

Full coverage of the remit.
Good comprehension of the subject area with some evidence of knowledge and understanding of key theories, principles and concepts, but lacking depth or critique in some areas.
Demonstrates some ability to make relationships between concepts, theories and industry policy and practice.
Good comprehension of how concepts and knowledge may be applied to improve business policies or practices.
Demonstrates ability in synthesising knowledge from different sources and use findings from a literature review appropriately.
Overall very good presentation, writing and referencing/citation style, with only minor flaws.
Fully meets the module learning outcomes for the assessment.

50 -59%

Satisfactory performance

Satisfactory coverage of the report remit.
Satisfactory comprehension of the subject area with some insight into relevant issues, theories, principles and concepts, but lacking depth of analysis or critique.
Some relevant company/industry research undertaken and some appropriate literature has been drawn on in the discussion, but further evidence required to fill gaps in some parts of the report.
Some ability to identify and comprehend how concepts and knowledge may be applied to improve business policies or practices.
Further practice required in skills related to synthesising knowledge from different sources
More attention required to presentation, writing or citation/referencing style.

Meets the module learning outcomes for the assessment.

40 -49%

Unsatisfactory performance – Marginal Fail

Unsatisfactory coverage of the remit.
Poor comprehension of the subject and little evidence of a full understanding of relevant theories, principles and concepts.
Unsatisfactory evidence that sufficient industry/company research has been undertaken or literature reviewed.
Demonstrates a poor ability to synthesise knowledge from different sources
Significant weaknesses in presentation, writing and referencing/citation style also need to be addressed.
Meets only some of the module learning outcomes for the assessment.

30-39%

Poor Fail

Unsatisfactory; significant gaps evident in meeting the remit set for the assessment.
Only demonstrates a very basic and superficial level of knowledge of the subject area with inadequate evidence of industry/company research and/or engagement with literature.
Minimal evidence of understanding of link between theories and business policy and practice.
Demonstrates little evidence of an ability to synthesise knowledge from different sources.
Incomplete evidence presented for arguments or conclusions presented.
Does not meet the module learning outcomes for the assessment.

20-29%

Bad fail

Clear failure, does not meet the remit set for the assessment.
Minimal knowledge of the subject area and lack of evidence of even a basic understanding of relevant theories, principles and concepts.
Inadequate and incomplete evidence of research effort or of reading of appropriate literature.
Severe weaknesses relating to the synthesis of knowledge from different sources.
Little/no understanding of links between theoretical concepts and business policy or practice.
Major flaws in presentation, writing style and referencing/citation style
Does not meet the learning outcomes of the module.

<20%

Very bad fail

Demonstrates a serious and unacceptable lack of knowledge and understanding of the subject area.

No evidence of understanding of relevant theories, principles and concepts.
No evidence of appropriate company/industry research
Very serious flaws in presentation, writing style and referencing/citation style.
No ability to synthesise knowledge from sources.
Does not meet the learning outcomes of the module.

PLAGIARISM[1]

Plagiarism is considered by …. University to be a very serious offence, which can result in severe penalties. The regulations concerning this area are complex and students are strongly advised to study the definitions and interpretations that are contained in Appendix 7 of the University Assessment Regulations. It is vital that all students have read and understood this section of the University’s Assessment Regulations.

Plagiarism is defined in the Assessment Regulations as the deliberate and substantial unacknowledged incorporation in students’ work of material derived from the work (published or unpublished) of another. Essentially, to plagiarise means to steal from the writing or ideas of another[2]. Whilst the writings and ideas of others form an important part of academic work, in particular the project, the work of others however must be clearly identifiable and distinguished from the students own writings and ideas. Failure to acknowledge properly the work of others is plagiarism, whether or not you intended to represent the work as your own.

Examples of plagiarism include:

The use of another’s material or ideas without due acknowledgment of the source.
Copying the work of another student with or without that student’s knowledge or consent.
Deliberate use of commissioned material or data collected by another and passing it off as the student’s own.

To avoid any possible allegation of plagiarism being made it is important to represent the writings of another person properly:

In the case of a short section of text that is taken unchanged from another’s work, the text must appear within quotation marks with an acknowledgement to the original work using the surname, year, page number convention [Example: (Hammer, 2004, p4)].
If a large section of text is taken unchanged, the selected text must be indented from both sides and appear within quotation marks with an acknowledgement given to the original work using the surname, year, page number convention [Example: (Hammer and Champy, 1993, p40-41)].
Where an idea, argument or work of another is paraphrased, the paraphrased version should be sufficiently removed from the original text version so that obvious copying, with only minor changes being made to the text, does not occur. An acknowledgement must also be given to the original idea, argument or work using the surname year convention [Example: (Doswell, 1995)].
Acknowledgement should be disclosed by the inclusion of a complete and comprehensive listing of all sources cited in the text.
The Harvard Referencing System is the required style for citation in the text and reference listing.

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To what extent does Corporate Social Responsibility enhance corporate reputation and therefore, examine if CSR leads to increase the profit: A case study on Al-Baik Company in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH BACKGROUND (approximately 600 words)

LITERATURE REVIEW (Approximately 1000 words)

The Literature Review

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