Research Methods For Finance And Accounting 5: Research Prop

Research Methods for Finance and Accounting 5: Research proposal to research project (dissertation) Martyn Jarvis Topic selection - recap

Research Methods for Finance and Accounting 5: Research proposal to research project (dissertation) Martyn Jarvis Topic selection - recap Personal interest Originality Practicality Body of literature Data gathering Boundary Topic selection -sources Work Other modules Other coursework Reading: Newspaper, professional journal, etc. Previous or current academic research Refereed academic journals Textbooks Topic selection - recap Criteria for topic selection Personal interest Existence of relevant body of literature Practicality 4 Topic selection Sources Taught modules Professional journals Newspapers Web sites Academic journal articles Research proposal coursework A working title and general overview of topic area (20%) Identification of the relevant literature (30%) Key research questions (10%) Methodology (30%) Presentation, including referencing (10%) 6 Research project process Components Research project Research proposal Research sequence Definition of topic Research ethics Components of research project Introduction, objectives Literature review Theoretical framework Methodology Results Discussion of results Conclusion, recommendations Components of a research proposal A working title of the topic area General overview of area Identification of the relevant literature Key research questions Methodology Bibliography Three questions Why? Background Importance What? Objectives How? Method The research sequence Identify broad area Select topic Decide approach Formulate plan Collect information Analyse data Present findings Definition of topic Alternative styles: Objectives Questions Hypotheses Research ethics Written permission from participating organisations Written permission from participating individuals No personal harm to participants Participants informed of motives for research Participants offered opportunity to receive feedback on results Coercion avoided Confidentiality and anonymity guaranteed Right of withdrawal at any time granted to participants Security of research data guaranteed Dissertation 20,000 words + / - 10% Not including appendices, list of references Hand-in date: Feb MANDIF/IB 30 April 2014 Otherwise 30 September Dissertation result Pass (> 39%) Fail ( Chapters th Sept 2013 Literature review and Harvard referencing C 13 & th Oct 2013 Research paradigm and methodology C 4 & th Oct 2013 Collecting and analysing qualitative data C 8 & st Oct 2013 Collecting and analysing quantitative data C 10, 11, th Oct 2013 Research proposal to research project (dissertation) C th Nov 2013 The use of SPSS to analyse quantitative data F th Nov th Nov nd Dec th Dec 2013 C = Collis and Hussey (2009), F = Field (: Tutorial programme Week Week commencing Topic Activity th Sept 2013 Introduction Research output Module outline PowerPoint slides Clatworthy and Jones (th Oct 2013 Literature review and Harvard referencing Clatworthy and Jones (2008) Exercise th Oct 2013 Research paradigm and methodology Sarens et al (st Oct 2013 Collecting and analysing qualitative data Linsley and Shrives (th Oct 2013 Collecting and analysing quantitative data Clatworthy and Jones (th Nov 2013 The use of SPSS to analyse quantitative data th Nov th Nov nd Dec th Dec 2013 Articles Clatworthy, M. and Jones, M.J. (2008) “Overseas equity analysis by UK analysts and fund managersâ€.

British Accounting Review , 40 (3), pp.. Linsley, P. And Shrives, P. (2006) “Risk reporting: A study of risk disclosures in the annual reports of UK companies†British Accounting Review , 38 (3), pp.. Sarens, G., Beelde I. and Everaert P. (2009) “Internal audit: A comfort provider to the audit committee†British Accounting Review , 41 (2), pp. 90–106.

5: Assessment Two assignments, each carrying 50% weighting of the overall mark. MSc Associate Coursework 1 only Coursework 1 Assignment issue date ( Start Date ) 1st October 2013 Assignment hand-in date ( Due Date ) 1st December 2013 Assignment return date ( Post Date ) 20th January 2014 Coursework 2 Assignment issue date ( Start Date ) 12th November 2012 Assignment hand-in date ( Due Date ) 9th February 2014 Assignment return date ( Post Date ) 10th March 2014

Paper For Above instruction

The core focus of this research proposal is to explore effective research methods within the domain of finance and accounting, aiming to develop a comprehensive plan for conducting a dissertation project. Central themes include the importance of selecting an appropriate and feasible research topic, understanding the structure and components of a research proposal, and establishing ethical considerations in research practices. The proposal emphasizes the necessity of aligning personal interest with academic relevance and practical viability, ensuring that the research contributes meaningfully to existing literature and addresses pertinent questions in finance and accounting.

Initial stages involve identifying a suitable research project, which requires assessing personal motivation, the availability of relevant body of literature, and practicality of data collection. Topic selection should be grounded in credible sources such as academic journals, textbooks, professional journals, newspapers, and reputable websites. The importance of formulating clear research questions, hypotheses, objectives, and outlining the methodology is underscored to provide a structured approach to the research process.

The methodology chapter details choices between qualitative and quantitative approaches, emphasizing the use of secondary data (such as academic and professional literature) and primary data collection methods where applicable. Ethical considerations are central to research integrity, requiring prior permissions, informed consent, confidentiality, and safeguarding participant rights. The research proposal must also delineate the research process, including literature review, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings.

Further, the outline addresses the structure of the final dissertation, typically around 20,000 words, including components such as introduction, background, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusions, and recommendations. The importance of adhering to academic standards, rigorous referencing (e.g., Harvard style), and proper organization is emphasized throughout.

Supporting materials such as lecture and tutorial schedules are outlined to guide students through learning about research paradigms, data collection techniques, statistical analysis (with tools like SPSS), and academic writing. The assessment criteria involve two main coursework assignments, each carrying 50% weight, with specific deadlines provided. The document also highlights the supervisory process, the necessity of ethical approval, and guidance on selecting and formulating research questions that are relevant and feasible.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective research methods in finance and accounting are crucial for producing credible and valuable academic dissertations. The process begins with selecting a feasible and relevant research topic that aligns with personal interest and fills a gap within the existing literature. The topic selection process involves evaluating sources such as academic journals, professional publications, newspapers, and credible online platforms. This ensures the research is grounded in a solid theoretical foundation and current developments in the field.

Once the topic is identified, defining clear research questions and objectives is essential. These guide the methodology, which should be appropriate to the nature of the research—be it qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Quantitative research often involves statistical analysis using tools like SPSS, while qualitative methods might include interviews and content analysis. Ethical considerations are integral, requiring approvals, informed consent, confidentiality, and participants' right to withdraw without penalty.

The research proposal must articulate a coherent plan covering the research background, objectives, literature review, theoretical framework, methodology, and expected outcomes. A well-structured proposal not only clarifies the research path but also demonstrates feasibility and compliance with ethical standards. It serves as a blueprint for the dissertation, which roughly spans 20,000 words, organized into critical sections including introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions.

Throughout the research process, maintaining rigorous referencing—particularly in Harvard style—is vital to academic integrity. Data collection may involve secondary sources or primary data gathering, depending on the research design. Data analysis employs appropriate statistical tools like SPSS for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. The findings are interpreted within the theoretical framework, with discussion highlighting implications, limitations, and avenues for future research.

Finally, the dissertation concludes with a comprehensive summary of findings, practical recommendations, and reflections on the research process. Adherence to ethical standards throughout is non-negotiable, involving obtaining necessary permissions, safeguarding participant information, and ensuring data security. Supervisors guide the research journey, offering feedback and ensuring compliance with academic and ethical criteria. The entire process emphasizes systematic planning, disciplined execution, and diligent presentation, culminating in a scholarly contribution to the fields of finance and accounting.

References

• Collis, J., & Hussey, R. (2009). Business Research. 3rd Edition. Palgrave.
• Field, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. 4th Edition. Sage Publications.
• Humphrey, C., & Lee, B. (2008). The Real Life Guide to Accounting Research. Elsevier.
• Ryan, B., Scapens, R. W., & Theobald, M. (2002). Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting. Thomson Saunders.
• Smith, M. (2011). Research Methods in Accounting. Sage Publications.
• Pallant, J. (2013). SPSS Survival Manual. 5th Edition. OUP.
• Anderson, Sweeney, Williams, Freeman, Shoesmith. (2007). Statistics for Business and Economics. Thomson Learning.
• Wisniewski, M. (2006). Quantitative Methods for Decision Makers. FT Prentice Hall.
• Bradley, T. (2006). Essential Statistics for Economics, Business and Management. Wiley.
• Linsley, P., & Shrives, P. (2006). Risk reporting: A study of risk disclosures in the annual reports of UK companies. British Accounting Review, 38(3), pp. 329–347.