Research Project-Week One

DUE IN 24 HOURS – 1 1/2 PAGES
 
Research Project-Week One
Each week’s assignment in this class will lead up to the Research Project in Week Six. Before you work on Week One’s assignment, preview the Research Project in Week Six so you understand the final outcome of this project. Also read this week’s lecture. If you are having a difficult time choosing your topic, please contact your instructor for assistance before the assignment is due.
In a one-to two-page paper (not including the title and reference pages), provide

Background information about your Research Project (i.e., why have you decided to do this research?).
The management dilemma. (i.e., what is the problem you are trying to solve with this research?)
The research question and a hypothesis.
A brief summary of previously conducted scholarly research on similar topics that you can find through the Ashford University Library.

Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. It must include citations and references for the text and at least two scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library that you used as background research.

BELOW IS THE RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT PROJECT SO YOU CAN KNOW WHAT IT HAS TO BE ABOUT:
 
Week 6 – Research Project
Research Project
Focus of the Research Project
The final version of your Research Project should be 10 to 12 double-spaced pages (not including the title page, reference page, tables, appendices, etc.). The paper will be an original business research project that tests a hypothesis of your choice.  The research can relate to your place of current/previous employment or other contexts of interest. Sample topics could include, but are not limited to:

Manufacturing quality/cost improvement
Service quality improvement
Systems design
Accounts receivable/billing/accounts receivable aging
Marketing/advertising Issues
Sales of goods
Investments
Product safety
Workplace safety
Labor pools
Human resources matters of broad concern
Population studies

For your Research Project, you will be combining all parts that you have worked on from Weeks One through Five. Your paper should be formatted as follows:

Part 1: Introduction

Background information about your research project (Week One)
Describe the management dilemma (Week One)
Ethical Concerns (Week Two)
Develop and explain your hypothesis (Week One)

Part 2: Literature review

Background research on at least three scholarly sources (Week One)

Part 3: Data

Secondary data (Week Three)
Measurement benchmark and scales (Week Three)
Plans for using observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys (Week Four)
Plans for analyzing data (Week Five)
Plans for how to analyze results (Week Five)

Part 4: Results

Summarize and display the results of your research. Provide charts, graphs, tables, and so forth, as they might apply to your research.
State whether you reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis based on your study; explain.

Part 5: Conclusion

Summarize the entire study and reflect on it

Consider the “take-home” message that management and other decision makers can use from this research to make informed business decisions.
Include the strengths and weaknesses of the study and suggestions for future research.

Part 6: References

Include a separate references page and cite all references within the text of the paper.

Part 7: Appendix

If applicable

Writing the Research Project
The Research Project

Must be 10 to 12 double-spaced pages in length (not including the title page, reference page, tables, appendices, etc.) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
Must include a separate title page with the following:

Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted

Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least three scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library, in addition to the text.
Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.