Definitions of key concepts

· Main theories

· Main criticisms

· Identification of a ‘research gap’

Proposed approach and Methods (approximately 800 words)

· Research design

· Data gathering technique

· Uses and limitations

· Justification (brief)

· Ethics

Research plan or timetable (not part of the word count)

Starts December 1st to Submission of dissertation October 1st

References (not part of the word count)

Havard reference with intext citations

FOR EXTENDED LITERATURE REVIEW STUDENTS: Proposed approach and Methods (approximately 800 words)

· Research design- here, you write about how this will be a theoretical (desk-based) design. You briefly discuss this type of research here. This would be a good place to cite- find a citation from a research methods book or paper that shows the purpose of literature reviews.

· Data gathering technique- how you will be doing a systematic review of the academic literature. Literally, how you will find the material (e.g., which databases/journals you will use, what search terms will you use, what inclusion/exclusion criteria will apply). Also, if you are going to use input from professional bodies like CIPD, how will you find this? What’s your strategy?

· Uses and limitations- what this type of research can offer vs. what it cannot. This is also a good place to cite- find a citation from a research methods book or paper that shows the benefits/drawbacks of literature reviews.