Employee’s job satisfaction in the Bank of Cyprus
Some Guidelines for Writing your Research Proposals.

You are to write a Research Proposal with a word count 2500 words (+/- 10%) which is the sole piece of assessment for this module which is worth 15 credits towards your degree.
The research proposal is the document which you will use to demonstrate that you have developed the postgraduate level knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in independent research, analysis, evaluation, writing and presentation. Successful students will typically have knowledge and understanding of the range of relevant approaches to research methodology and research methods applicable within the disciplines of HRM. Further you will demonstrate preparedness to undertake a piece of independent research and the production of a postgraduate HRM focussed dissertation or research report which will demonstrate your ability to:
· choose and define an appropriate subject for research;
· develop hypotheses and/or research questions;
· consider the implications of their research within HRM;
· plan a complex research activity in a systematic and creative manner;
· communicate effectively in writing, reference written work, and use other appropriate methods of communicating (such as numerical and/or IT-based methods);
· conduct work in an appropriate ethical manner;
· use initiative and independence, which may mean working and learning in unfamiliar as well as familiar contexts.

The research proposal should follow the following format;
· A Provisional Dissertation Title: This is a working title and may change as you develop your research.

A brief introduction to the research proposal as with any academic essay.

· Part one: the context within which the research is to take place and the organisational issues that are to be addressed. This is important as it outlines why you are going to research the topic. It is useful to include some information on what your motivations are for choosing this particular topic, why you are interested in it. It should detail the research proposition or question/hypothesis which is the basis for the research followed by specific objectives which provide a sense of direction for your work. Key words – context, aims, objectives, research questions

Part two: An introduction to the relevant literature. This is a fairly brief consideration of the main literature within the area that you are proposing to research. Within this section, you should identify where your own research will fit with what has already been written. Ideally it should contain a review of up to five examples of relevant literature and indicate which other literatures might be reviewed. Key words – seminal, main stream, contemporary, academic, peer reviewed and relevant.

· Part three: Research methodology and research methods. In this section you will explain your research approach (methodology) and the way in which you intend to carry out your research (methods). You should explain which method(s) you have chosen and why. This section should include a detailed account of how you intend to collect your data; when, where and how you intend to undertake your research; who will make up your research population and why. Key words – ontology and epistemology, positivism, interpretivism, inductive, deductive, quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, sampling.

Part four: Data; what types of data will you collect and how you intend to analyse your data once it is collected. Key words – quantitative data, statistical tests, qualitative data, analytical induction, grounded theory, thematic analysis.

· Part five: Possible problems and limitations, this section helps you to demonstrate that you have given full consideration to issues that may arise during the research process.

· Part six: Main tasks and time scale. You should provide an estimate of the dates by which you intend to complete each stage of your research process. It is important that you do not underestimate the time it takes to collect the data and then analyse it; nor should you underestimate the writing-up time. You may wish to use a ‘Gantt Chart’ to visually represent this.

A brief conclusion as with any academic essay.

· References: Supply a full list of references of the citations made in your proposal using the Harvard method as required by the School.