Research methods in a Hospitality Context Assignment - Research Project

Assessment Title - Research project: Proposal topic - The importance of loyalty system in hospitality industry.

Aim - The assessment gives the students the opportunity to conduct research based on a hospitality research topic of their choice. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the full stages of the research process and apply the needed skills to plan their research, conduct primary data collection and data analysis leading to the Research Project.

This assessment is a continuation of the first assessment of this module (Coursework 1: Research Proposal) as students will realize their Research Proposal into a Research Project to complete the research process.

Learning Outcomes -

1. Demonstrate research awareness, knowledge and applications to professional practice.

2. Identify major research approaches and methodologies that will assist in the development and management of the research process in a professional context.

3. Critically evaluate and apply research methods and project management techniques, in the design and planning of a research programme.

Assessment Brief - You will work individually on this assignment to write a Research Project based on the topic proposed in Research Proposal.

Tasks -

1. Review the feedback from your CW1: Research Proposal in detail.

2. Taking the feedback from CW1 into consideration, conduct a critical review by addressing the feedback comments and including additional resources as indicated below.

3. Develop the conceptual framework for your research and plan your data collection phase.

4. Design all elements needed for your data collection and conduct the data collection accordingly. You are required to do primary data collection.

5. Perform data analysis and draw conclusions and recommendations.

6. Write the Research Project to include all the parts listed in the following section.

Structure and Content of the Research Project - Your Research Project must include all the following sections in the given order:

1. Cover Page. The cover page must include:

1.1. The module code and title

1.2. The assessment title

1.3. The Aim of your Research Project

1.4. Your RGU Student ID

1.5. Your name (first name followed by last name)

1.6. The word count (please refer to the word count limit). Please use automated word count calculation tools.

2. Table of Contents.

2.1. Research Abstract

2.2. Topic Headings

2.2.1. Topic Sub-Headings

2.3. Reference List

2.4. Appendices

2.5. Tables

2.6. Figures

3. Research Abstract. Give a brief overview of your research including the amended final research aims and objectives from CW1 and their significance. Do not include the research questions from CW1.

4. Critical Literature Review. This section is to cover the following:

4.1. Address gaps Identified in existing literature to support the purpose of your Research Aims and Objectives and any issues mentioned in the preliminary literature review of your Research Proposal (CW1).

4.2. Include 5 additional journal articles and 3 additional secondary sources (not older than 2012) and explain how they helped your research.

5. Data Collection. This section is to include all details related to the following:

5.1. Conceptual Framework: after considering the feedback on your research questions, aim and objectives:

5.1.1. Develop the Conceptual Framework for your research breaking the key factors of your research into constructs, concepts with the applied context and variables.

5.1.2. Operationalize the variables into dimensions and indicators to explain your choices in applying the most useful measurement scales.

5.2. Methodological Framework: include the details of your data collection process. The use of Secondary Data is optional, while the collection of Primary Data is mandatory for your Research Project. For every data collection method used, you will need to explain:

5.2.1. The merits of the method to your research that influenced your choice.

5.2.2. The limitations of the method that affected your research and how you addressed them.

5.2.3. The specific type/form of the method used including details for pilot testing of relevant participants identified and the subsequent actual administration. The rationale behind the choice must be given in support of appropriate methods of data analysis to be performed.

5.2.4. The challenges you faced in collecting the data.

5.3. Sampling Framework: give details of the defined parameters of your total data population, sample size and sampling strategies. Explain your choices and discuss the reliability of the generalization.

5.4. Discuss the validity and reliability of the collected data by providing reasons for all decisions made in supporting your proportionate levels of confidence, significance and error to be applied in subsequent data analysis.

6. Data Analytical Framework. Present the results of your data analysis systematically in addressing each of your Research Project Objectives. Make sure that you effectively communicate the results (sourced visual graphics, referenced tabular presentations, color-coded categorization of qualitative variable dimensions and indicators...etc). For each data analysis calculation, you will need to:

6.1. Define each integer with a reference to the source of each number used in a formula and/or code relating to thematic or content analysis.

6.2. Reference the source of each applied data analysis method and/or formula.

6.3. Show step-by-step analysis for all calculations and/or qualitative themes identified.

6.4. Interpret the meaning of results obtained in relation to each relevant Research Project Objective.

7. Conclusion and Recommendations. Draw conclusions from the data analysis phase to support your Research Project Aim and compare your findings to those reviewed in the literature. Make recommendations on potential future research.

8. Reference List. Alphabetical list of all references you used in your Research Project including the critical literature review. All references must follow the RGU Harvard referencing system.

9. Appendixes. Provide all original raw data collected in addition to any other relevant information related to conducting your research (For example: extended transcripts of each respondent's answers to your open-ended questions, downloaded results of original raw data from your online survey including technical source application and date of your download, copy of any secondary data used such as applied case studies or downloaded relevant statistics from sourced websites ...etc.).