Write a research proposal with references on Long-term impacts of remote work on employee performance, work life balance and team dynamics at Empowaworx Strategic Creative Marketing.

1. Introduction (250 Words)

The Introduction should be short and concise. Present basic information about the proposal itself, and what the reader can expect:

What is your study about?

What is the problem at the organisation/municipality and how did it originate?

Or, what is the purpose of this study?

What are expected outcomes?

As a hint, the introduction should not include quotations by other authors.

2. Background (250 words)

The background and introduction sets the stage for the problem to be researched.

The background should start with a concise overview of the research. Emphasise the importance of the proposed research. In addition, this section should attempt to convey experts views on the problem/ opportunity under investigation. The research context should not be a summary of the background/history of the organisation, but rather the background to the problem/challenge that the organisation is faced with. The research background should provide the context within which the research problem is situated. In other words there should be a logical flow from the background into the problem statement. There should be consistency and re-iteration with regards to the variables that are being investigated.

3. The research background (250 words)

State the exact problems/challenges/opportunities/issues that the organisation is faced with and hence the need to research (this must be in line with your title).

Keep the following in mind when writing your research problem:

• The general context of the problem area should be emphasised.
• Key concepts and ideas associated with the problem/opportunity should be highlighted.
• Briefly note some of the underlying assumptions in the research area.
• Describe what needs to be solved and identify the most significant issues that require exploration. It is imperative that the independent and dependent variables are identified.

4. Aim of the study (50 words)

The aim of the study refers to the desired outcomes, or the general intentions of the research, which 'paint a picture' of your study. It should emphasise what is to be accomplished and reflect the aspirations and expectations of the research topic.

The aim must be clear, unambiguous and concise, and indicate what you intend to achieve with the research regarding the research problem/ opportunity. The aim should consist of three parts: what is being studied; how it is being studied; why it is being studied.

The aim needs to flow logically from the problem statement.

For example, The aim of the study is to evaluate the factors that influence entrepreneurial behaviour in family businesses within Durban in order to provide recommendations to owners on ways to improve entrepreneurial expertise for business success

5. 3 research objectives

The objectives of the study refers to the operationalisation of the aim of the study. Simply put, the objectives use specific statements which define measurable outcomes. Objectives are stated as brief statements, one sentence each.

• Use bullets to list your objectives- there should be 3 objectives in total
• The purpose of the research report is to investigate a current issue within the scope of your Honours programme. However, simply investigating an issue is not enough, and therefore, you must be able to recommend solutions to remedy problems and capitalise on opportunities. As such, the final objective should focus on recommendations.

Remember, the Research Objectives should:

• Be concise and brief.
• Be interrelated- the aim is what you want to achieve, and the objectives describe how you are going to achieve that aim. For example:
  • To determine the factors that contribute to entrepreneurial behaviour in family businesses in Durban
  • To evaluate entrepreneurial behaviour in family businesses in Durban
  • To recommend mechanisms for the improvement of entrepreneurship in family businesses in Durban

6. 3 Research questions

Convert your research objectives into direct questions.

• In other words, there should be as many research questions as there are research objectives.
  • What are the factors that contribute to entrepreneurial behaviour in family businesses in Durban?
  • How does entrepreneurial behaviour influence family businesses in Durban?
  • What recommendations can be made to improve entrepreneurship in family businesses in Durban?

7. Justification or Rationale of the study

Justification of the study is also known as the rationale of the study whereby the justification or reasons for the study are provided. It answers the questions: Why is the study important? To whom is it important? What benefit will occur if the study is done?

Ensure that you are clearly stating who the study will benefit and how they will benefit from the study.

Additionally, state how the study will add to the body of knowledge in the study area.

8. Literature review (1000-1500 words)

The literature review requires you to have done an in-depth literature search using online databases and the library, on the area you have chosen to research. You may also consult journals, newspapers and the internet for information. The purpose of the literature review is, firstly, to attempt to understand the breadth and depth of existing literature on your chosen area of research. Secondly, it is to identify gaps in this literature gaps that you will attempt to address in your report.

• Write a 2-3 page synthesis report of the literature you have reviewed.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the body of literature on the topic, and identify gaps which your study will address.
• Include a short discussion on the theories that underpin the current research.
• Current literature must be cited (not older than 5 years; except in the case of original

authors or textbooks, or if it is thoroughly justified). Information is constantly changing and it is important that you keep abreast with current trends.

• It must become evident from this section that extensive reading was done.
• The literature that is consulted must be relevant to your research problem.
• It is imperative that in-text referencing is done correctly according to the Harvard Referencing style.
• All information which is not common knowledge or the writers own idea must be referenced. In other words, the relevant author must be acknowledged so as to avoid committing plagiarism which is a serious academic offense. It must be proved that the report has not merely duplicated past or current research. A minimum of 15 sources should be cited.

9. Research design and Methodology

10. Target population and sampling strategy

11. Ethical consideration