Research Integrity Procedures Assessment

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF SKILLS GAP ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED FIRMS IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN IN SOTHE AFRICA

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. RESEARCH BACKGROUND, CONTEXT
   2. PROBLEM STATEMENT/MOTIVATION
   3. RESEARCH QUESTION
   4. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
   5. LITERATURE REVIEW
   6. RESEARCH METHODS

1. RESEARCH DESIGN
2. INSTRUMENTATION
3. SAMPLING
4. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURES
   7. ETHICAL ISSUES/CLEARANCE
   8. PROJECT SCHEDULE
   9. REFERENCES   

1. RESEARCH BACKGROUND/CONTEXT

The background provides the reader of the report with information about the context of the research and the nature of the research.

Context means

• the environment in which the research is being conducted
• the subject of the research

2. PROBLEM STATEMENT/MOTIVATION

This describes the specific problem, in detail, about which that your research is trying to find out more information - The reason why the research is necessary. What is motivating the need for the research?

This should include (a) a clear statement that the problem exists, (b) evidence that supports the existence of the problem, (c) evidence of an existing trend that has led to the problem

3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This should follow logically from the problem statement. There should be a main/umbrella question call the Critical Research Question (CRQ), thus, may be followed by 2 or 3 sub-questions into which the can be divided. They usually begin with “Why” or “How,” and never lead to a “yes” or “no” answer.

4. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives should contain the purpose(s) of the research exercise, normally in point form. Research objective are the results sought by the researcher at the end of the research process, i.e. what the researcher will be able to achieve at the end of the research study. The objectives of a research project summarize what is to be achieved by the study. Objective should be closely related to the Problem Statement and the CRQ. The section should start with the following sentence:

The objectives of this research are to:

1. determine …
2. evaluate …
3. identify….

5. LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review includes a brief (mainly verbal) description of previous theoretical and experimental approaches.  It should be critical and where possible compare the results of different researchers in a common frame of reference.  Remember to reference!!!!!!!!

6. RESEARCH METHODS

The “Methods” section is the most important section in the entire proposal, as it explains each step the experimenter will take in order to conduct his or her research. This section discusses what measures the researcher will take in order to answer the research questions and meet the objectives. In this section, it is vital to include the following subheadings while expanding on them in as much detail as possible.

Research Design

Include the proposed research design of the study, whether it is a survey, experiment, observation, secondary data of analysis, etc. Then, explain how this design will derive results. Briefly discuss how the data will be administered and collected, including how the subjects will participate in the study.

Instrumentation

In this paragraph, briefly outline the instruments that will be used in the study, including any and all surveys, interviews, or observation grids. Discuss how the instrument(s) will measure the study’s independent and dependent variables.

Sampling

This section should include an expanded discussion of the sample. First, discuss the population under consideration. From where will participants be selected? Second, give the sampling method to be used. Which specific sampling method will be used to select participants? Lastly, list the elements that will be characteristic of the sample, such as sex, age, etc.

Data Collection and Analysis Procedures

Explain the general plan for how the data will be collected, especially how the letter of consent will be administered and collected. Include any survey, interview, or observation procedures, and identify any incentives for students participating in the study. Also, include what statistics or analytical tools will be used for analyzing the data, such as ANOVA, SPSS, or SAS statistics, if applicable.

7. ETHICAL ISSUES/CLEARANCE

If Ethics clearance is required, this needs to be applied for through the School Ethics Committee

8. PROJECT SCHEDULE

Timelines for the project to be provided in a Gantt chart

9. REFERENCES