Research Proposal Instructions
You will produce an individual written ‘Research Proposal’ addressing a current or past business problem within a Fortune 500 company. You will use the company you have already selected and utilize the research that you have already written about in your ‘Mid-Point Proposal Worksheet’ (ie: copy and paste into the Research Proposal template in the appropriate sections).
This proposal must:
- Address a ‘real’ business problem at a company of your choosing (a Fortune 500
Company)
- Contain an introduction to the problem
- Highlight the company’s history (3 full paragraphs)
- Provide at least four alternatives (with support) that you believe could correct
the problem (2 must have citations)
- Provide a cost-benefit analysis (if needed)
- Explain your recommended alternative to correct the problem
- Implement a schedule with a timeline. Use complete sentences.
- Conclusion. Be specific and detailed!
Your research must include:
- At least nine references which include a minimum of:
o One book
o Four scholarly journal articles from the Texas A&M – Central Texas library
database
o No more than 4 internet articles
All references and citations must conform to APA style guidelines (Times New Roman or Arial 12 point font, headers, 1 inch margins, double spaced). This should be written at a collegiate level with proper grammar and punctuation.
The final product should be a 9-11 page report consisting of:
- 1 – Cover Page
- 1 – Table of Contents
- 6 – 8 body Pages
- 1 – Reference Page
- Appendices
Use the template provide in Canvas.
For “Skeleton Outline” guidelines/format, see below.
- Informational guideline/format for “Individual Proposal [Written Paper]”:
- Cover Sheet
- Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Company History (3 Paragraphs minimum)
- Problem Identification (2 paragraphs)
- Four alternatives [REQUIRED] to solve the problem. (Alternative # 1. “DO NOTHING:” is required-along with an explanation of why this will not fix the problem). *Each paragraph 6-8 sentences each.
- Cost/Benefit Analysis: A cost benefit analysis is required if any of your alternatives to the problem include a monetary amount to address the issue.
- Selected alternative: Must reflect which alternative you would select, and explain why you believe this alternative will fix the problem. *You must only choose one! *6-8 sentence paragraph
- Implementation and Timeline: Your plan for implementing your chosen alternative must be depicted as follows (See below): *Can edit months to weeks if necessary. *Write in complete sentences. Be specific and detailed!
- Conclusion *1-2 paragraphs. Each paragraph 6-8 sentences.
