Description
I have my proposals first draft but need help correcting it and making it longer, also my teacher gave me some feedback so I need help adding those as well. in other words make it way better, using my title and my topic. I am attaching my proposal form with the teachers comments, the original proposal form so you can see instructions, and some other documents that have examples.
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Dissertation Proposal Form
This form must be approved for a candidate to register for the dissertation. It is the student’s responsibility to find a
Faculty Promoter with whom to complete this form. It is also incumbent upon the student to make sure that all
academic and administrative criteria have been met. The form must be completed, signed by the respective parties,
and submitted to the Dissertation Coordinator for approval. Please type on this form. Handwritten forms will not be
accepted.
Section A: Student details
Name: Isabella Velez Carvajales
Email: [email protected]
Program (DBA; MBA, BBA):
Specialization: BBA
Section B: Proposal
Type below each topic
Proposed Dissertation Title: “Beyond Likes and shares: The Role of Influencers
in Fostering Social Responsibility on Social Media Platforms”
I.
II.
Research Question or Hypothesis:
This study aims to explore the impact of influencers on social media platforms beyond
mere likes and shares.
The central research question is: How do influencers contribute to fostering social
responsibility in online communities?
The hypothesis; influencers play a pivotal role in shaping societal values and behaviors
by leveraging their online presence.
The primary objectives include analyzing influencer strategies, assessing audience
engagement, and evaluating the extent to which influencers contribute to a sense of
social responsibility on social media. Through this investigation, the study seeks to
uncover the multifaceted dynamics of influencer-driven social responsibility initiatives.
III.
Review of Literature/Background:
The research review explores the growing field of influencer marketing, with a
particular emphasis on the ethical dimensions and responsibilities of influencers and
brands on social media platforms. Authored by Michael Kuzminov, Chief Growth
Officer at HypeFactory, the discussion highlights the transformative impact of
influencer marketing, underlined by its exponential growth, reaching a valuation of
$16.4 billion last year and a projected revenue of $143.10 billion by 2030. Making
influencers impactful in social responsibility.
The research explores into the ethical considerations surrounding influencer
marketing, with a focus on the authenticity and transparency expected from
influencers. Kuzminov states that influencers play a distinctive role as relatable figures,
requiring honesty and disclosure in their interactions with followers, more than
celebrities which are distant to their public. The central ethical challenge is identified
as sponsorship disclosure, with regulatory bodies like the FTC and UK authorities
establishing guidelines to ensure influencers’ compliance.
Additionally, gender stereotypes in marketing materials are scrutinized, aligning with
evolving standards set by the Committee on Advertising Practice (CAP) since June
2019. The review suggests that influencers and brands must adapt to these changing
norms to foster responsible and inclusive content.
To enhance the reliability and authenticity of influencer marketing, the article provides
strategic considerations. Brands are advised to align with their ethical principles
consistently, collaborating with real influencers who resonate with their intended
audience. Long-term partnerships with such influencers are presented to build
consumer trust and confidence.
The research emphasizes the evolving role of influencers beyond mere likes and
shares. It suggests that influencers have a responsibility to foster social responsibility
on social media platforms by adhering to ethical guidelines, promoting transparency,
and challenging stereotypes. The research encapsulates the multifaceted nature of
influencer marketing, acknowledging its impact on social responsibility and
emphasizing the pivotal role influencers play in shaping a responsible online
environment.
IV. Research Methodology: I will be doing a literature review by conducting an
extensive review of existing literature on the identified problem and will examine
studies, scholarly articles and relevant publications to understand the state of
knowledge. I will define the problem under investigation and establish a conceptual
framework that outlines the key variables. I will select an appropriate research design.
V.
Selected Bibliography:
1. Pew Research Center (2022) 2. views of social media and its impacts on society, Pew Research
Center’s Global Attitudes Project. Available at:
https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/12/06/views-of-social-media-and-its-impacts-onsociety-in-advanced-economies-2022/ (Accessed: 05 January 2024).
2. 8 insane (but true) influencer marketing case studies (no date) Trend. Available at:
https://www.trend.io/blog/influencer-marketing-case-studies (Accessed: 05 January 2024).
3. (No date) Social media influencer effects on CSR communication … – sage journals. Available
at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23294884211035112 (Accessed: 06 January
2024).
4. Kuzminov, M. (2023) Council post: Social Responsibility and Ethics in Influencer marketing,
Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2023/01/30/socialresponsibility-and-ethics-in-influencer-marketing/?sh=4913ed4685ca (Accessed: 05 January
2024).
5.
VI. Research and Writing Timeline:
VII. Ethics:
The research digs into the ethical aspects of influencer marketing, particularly
emphasizing transparency, authenticity, and responsibility. It explores the unique role
influencers play as relatable figures, stressing the need for honesty and disclosure in their
interactions and the importance of them in social responsibility.
VIII. Section C: Submission Registration
Promoter:
Proposed Defense Cohort (Choose One)
☐ January 2024
☐ May 2024
☐ January 2025
☐ May 2025
☐ June 2024
☐ June 2025
☐September 2024
☐September 2025
Note: Dissertation Defense must be completed within the three main cohorts, following coursework completion, for which
registration is open. (May and June count as a single Cohort for this purpose). Example: students completing in June or July 2023
may register to defend in January 2024 and must defend by September 2024.
Student Signature
Date
Section D: Approval
Role
Name
Signature
Date
Promoter
Dissertation
Coordinator
Academic
Department
The grade for the entire dissertation project is a composite grade allocated by the defense panel and takes three
areas into consideration:
•
•
•
Form (20%): the structural organization of the Dissertation document (grammar and vocabulary; writing
and reporting; technology; style)
Content (60%): the academic accuracy and value of the project (executive summary; research question
& objectives; background; main body; conclusions)
Defense (20%): the manner and methods used (visuals; content; questions & answers)
Narrowing scope of a dissertation (example)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aspect – you may want to choose one lens through which to view the research
problem or look at just one facet of it. As an example, you can choose a specific
service or the view of the customer (or the service provider’s view).
Components – AI is a broad topic. You may want to break this down into one specific
part of AI and focus on this aspect.
Place – you can focus your study on a smaller geographic region of analysis, for
example choosing a specific country.
Relationship – you may want to consider how two or more different perspectives or
variables relate to one another. As an example, you can create a regression model
and do a correlation between investment in AI and its impact on customer
satisfaction level.
Time – you can limit the time period of the study. As an example, you can focus the
study and collect data of the last 5 years, so your research is focused on the period
between 2017 – 2022.
Combination – you can use two or more of the above strategies to focus your topic
and make it more narrowly.
You can also try to build a concept map to help you breaking down your topic and make it
narrower. See an example below.
How to Develop a Good Research
Hypothesis
Content
The hypothesis in the scientific method
What is a research hypothesis
How to Formulate an Effective Research Hypothesis
Use a Checklist
Examples of a Testable Hypothesis
Examples of a Hypothesis Not Written in a Testable Form
Research Methods
A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or
more variables. It is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to
happen in a study.
For example, a study designed to look at the relationship between sleep
deprivation and test performance might have a hypothesis that states, “This
study is designed to assess the hypothesis that sleep-deprived people will
perform worse on a test than individuals who are not sleep-deprived.”
The Hypothesis in the Scientific Method
In the scientific method, whether it involves research in psychology, biology,
or some other area, a hypothesis represents what the researchers think will
happen in an experiment. The scientific method involves the following
steps:
1. Forming a question
2. Performing background research
3. Creating a hypothesis
4. Designing an experiment
5. Collecting data
6. Analysing the results
7. Drawing conclusions
8. Communicating the results
The hypothesis is a prediction, but it involves more than a guess. Most of
the time, the hypothesis begins with a question which is then explored
through background research. It is only at this point that researchers begin
to develop a testable hypothesis. Unless you are creating an exploratory
study, your hypothesis should always explain what you expect to happen.
Within social science, a hypothesis can take two forms. It can predict that
there is no relationship between two variables, in which case it is a null
hypothesis. Or, it can predict the existence of a relationship between
variables, which is known as an alternative hypothesis.
In either case, the variable that is thought to either affect or not affect the
outcome is known as the independent variable, and the variable that is
thought to either be affected or not is the dependent variable.
In a study exploring the effects of a particular drug, the hypothesis might be
that researchers expect the drug to have some type of effect on the
symptoms of a specific illness. In psychology, the hypothesis might focus on
how a certain aspect of the environment might influence a particular
behavior.
Remember, a hypothesis does not have to be correct. While the hypothesis
predicts what the researchers expect to see, the goal of the research is to
determine whether this guess is right or wrong. When conducting an
experiment, researchers might explore a number of factors to determine
which ones might contribute to the ultimate outcome.
What is a Research Hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a statement that introduces a research question and
proposes an expected result. It is an integral part of the scientific
method that forms the basis of scientific experiments. Therefore, you need
to be careful and thorough when building your hypothesis. A minor flaw in
the construction of your hypothesis could have an adverse effect on your
experiment.
More importantly, you need to build a robust testable research
hypothesis for your scientific experiments. A testable hypothesis is a
hypothesis that can be proved or disproved as a result of experimentation.
Importance of a Testable Hypothesis
To devise and perform an experiment using the scientific method, you need
to make sure that your hypothesis is testable. To be considered testable,
some essential criteria must be met:
1. There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is true.
2. There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is false.
3. The results of the hypothesis must be reproducible.
Without these criteria, the hypothesis and the results will be vague. As a
result, the study will not prove or disprove anything significant.
How to Formulate an Effective Research Hypothesis
A testable hypothesis is not a simple statement. It is an intricate statement
that needs to offer a clear introduction to a scientific experiment, its
intentions, and the possible outcomes. However, there are some important
things to consider when building a compelling hypothesis.
1. State the problem that you are trying to solve.
o
Make sure that the hypothesis clearly defines the topic and the
focus of the experiment.
2. Try to write the hypothesis as an if-then statement.
o
Follow this template: If a specific action is taken, then a certain
outcome is expected.
3. Define the variables
o
In scientific experiments, a hypothesis proposes and examines
the relationship between an independent variable and
a dependent variable. The effect on the dependent variable
(the idea being tested) depends on or is determined by what
happens when you change the independent variable (the
factor being changed). Let us take a look at this hypothesis
example below:
The greater number of coal plants in a region (independent variable)
increases water pollution (dependent variable). If you change the
independent variable (building more coal factories), it will change the
dependent variable (amount of water pollution).
You should not ignore the importance of the above steps. The validity of
your experiment and its results rely on a robust testable hypothesis.
Developing a strong testable hypothesis has few advantages, it compels us
to think intensely and specifically about the outcomes of a study. It enables
us to understand the implication of the question and the different variables
involved in the study. It helps us to make precise predictions based on prior
research. Hence, forming a hypothesis would be of great value to the
research. Here are some good examples of testable hypotheses.
Use a Checklist
As we have stated, a hypothesis is the foundation of your scientific study.
Before you begin to take the first steps in your study, you should make sure
that you have a clear testable hypothesis. Using a checklist can help you
make sure your study is on solid footing.
Here are some important questions to ask:
1. Is the language clear and focused?
2. Does the hypothesis introduce the research topic?
3. Does the hypothesis include both an independent and dependent
variable? Are they easy to identify?
4. Can the hypothesis be tested through experimentation?
5. Does the hypothesis explain what you expect to happen during your
experiment?
This is an excellent list to refer to before you begin an experiment. It can
help you identify weaknesses in your hypothesis and revise it if necessary.
Whenever a hypothesis is formulated, the most important thing is to be
precise about what one’s variables are, what the nature of the relationship
between them might be, and how one can go about conducting a study of
them.
Examples of a Testable Hypothesis
All the following hypotheses are testable. It’s important, however, to note
that while it’s possible to say that the hypothesis is correct, much more
research would be required to answer the question “why is this hypothesis
correct?”
•
•
•
Students who attend class have higher grades than students who skip
class. This is testable because it is possible to compare the grades of
students who do and do not skip class and then analyze the resulting
data. Another person could conduct the same research and come up
with the same results.
People exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light have a higher incidence
of cancer than the norm. This is testable because it is possible to find a
group of people who have been exposed to high levels of ultraviolet
light and compare their cancer rates to the average.
If you put people in a dark room, then they will be unable to tell when an
infrared light turns on. This hypothesis is testable because it is
possible to put a group of people into a dark room, turn on an
infrared light, and ask the people in the room whether or not an
infrared light has been turned on.
Examples of a Hypothesis Not Written in a Testable Form
•
•
•
It doesn’t matter whether or not you skip class. This hypothesis can’t be
tested because it doesn’t make any actual claim regarding the
outcome of skipping class. “It doesn’t matter” doesn’t have any
specific meaning, so it can’t be tested.
Ultraviolet light could cause cancer. The word “could” makes a
hypothesis extremely difficult to test because it is very vague. There
“could,” for example, be UFOs watching us at every moment, even
though it’s impossible to prove that they are there!
Goldfish make better pets than guinea pigs. This is not a hypothesis; it’s
a matter of opinion. There is no agreed-upon definition of what a
“better” pet is, so while it is possible to argue the point, there is no
way to prove it.
•
How the Mobile World Congress has influenced the tech start-up ecosystem of Barcelona. This could be an study on the positive or negative
effects of the MWC, but no relationship between the variables is
Research Methods
Methods for collecting data
Data is the information that you collect for the purposes of answering
your research question. The data collection methods you use depend on
the type of data you need.
Qualitative vs. quantitative data
Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the
type of knowledge you want to develop.
For questions about ideas, experiences and meanings, or to study
something that can’t be described numerically, collect qualitative data.
If you want to develop a more mechanistic understanding of a topic, or your
research involves hypothesis testing, collect quantitative data.
Pros
Qualitative
•
•
Quantitative
•
•
Cons
Flexible – you can often
adjust your methods as
you go to develop new
knowledge.
Can be conducted with
small samples.
•
Can be used to
systematically describe
large collections of
things.
Generates
reproducible
knowledge.
•
•
•
Can’t be analyzed
statistically or
generalized to broader
populations.
Difficult to standardize
research.
Requires statistical
training to analyze
data.
Requires
larger samples.
You can also take a mixed methods approach, where you use both
qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Deductive and inductive approaches
There are two fundamental ways of approaching qualitative data analysis –
deductive and inductive approaches.
Deductive Research
Some researchers prefer to start with a prepared code set and work their
way through each document applying their existing codes. This deductive
process works from the more general to more specific observations and is
often referred to as a “top-down” approach. With this approach you begin
by specifying a theory about your research topic. The unique data you
identify provides support for your theory.
Inductive Research
Inductive approaches work the other way around, moving from specific
observations to broader, more general theories. They are also called
“bottom-up” approaches. Using this process, you start reviewing documents
and then generate codes and comments as you analyze your materials.
Here you begin with specific observations and detect patterns with the goal
of developing general conclusions or theories about your research topic.
Primary vs. secondary data
Primary data is any original information that you collect for the purposes of
answering your research question (e.g. through surveys, observations
and experiments). Secondary data is information that has already been
collected by other researchers (e.g. in a government census or previous
scientific studies).
If you are exploring a novel research question, you’ll probably need to
collect primary data. But if you want to synthesize existing knowledge,
analyze historical trends, or identify patterns on a large scale, secondary
data might be a better choice.
Pros
Primary
Secondary
Cons
•
Can be collected to answer
your specific research
question.
•
More expensive and
time-consuming to
collect.
•
You have control over the
sampling and
measurement methods.
•
Requires training in data
collection methods.
•
Easier and faster to access.
•
•
You can collect data that
spans longer timescales
and broader geographical
locations.
No control over how data
was generated.
•
Requires extra
processing to make sure
it works for your analysis.
Descriptive vs. experimental data
In descriptive research, you collect data about your study subject without
intervening. The validity of your research will depend on your sampling
method.
In experimental research, you systematically intervene in a process and
measure the outcome. The validity of your research will depend on
your experimental design.
To conduct an experiment, you need to be able to vary your independent
variable, precisely measure your dependent variable, and control
for confounding variables. If it’s practically and ethically possible, this
method is the best choice for answering questions about cause and effectt.
PROS
Descriptive
•
•
Experimental
•
•
CONS
Allows you to describe your
research subject without
influencing it.
Accessible – you can gather more
data on a larger scale.
•
More control over confounding
variables.
Can establish cause and effect
relationships.
•
•
No control over confounding
variables.
Can’t establish cause and effect
relationships.
You might influence your
research subject in unexpected
ways.
•
Examples of data collection methods
Usually requires more expertise
and resources to collect data.
Research methods for collecting data
Research method
Primary or
secondary?
Qualitative or
quantitative?
When to use
Experiment
Primary
Quantitative
To test cause-and-effect relationships.
Survey
Primary
Quantitative
To understand general characteristics of a
population.
Interview/focus
group
Primary
Qualitative
To gain more in-depth understanding of a
topic.
Observation
Primary
Either
To understand how something occurs in its
natural setting.
Literature review
Secondary
Either
To situate your research in an existing body
of work, or to evaluate trends within a
research topic.
Case study
Either
Either
To gain an in-depth understanding of a
specific group or context, or when you
don’t have the resources for a large study.
Dissertation Proposal Form
This form must be approved for a candidate to register for the dissertation. It is the student’s responsibility to find a
Faculty Promoter with whom to complete this form. It is also incumbent upon the student to make sure that all
academic and administrative criteria have been met. The form must be completed, signed by the respective parties,
and submitted to the Dissertation Coordinator for approval. Please type on this form. Handwritten forms will not be
accepted.
Section A: Student details
Name:
Email:
Program (DBA; MBA, BBA):
Specialization:
Section B: Proposal
Type below each topic
I. Proposed Dissertation Title: The title (tentative) should be precise to allow the reader to
comprehend the subject matter of the work.
II. Research Question or Hypothesis: State clearly what your research interest is. Define your research
question/hypothesis and the main objectives of your research (100 words).
III. Review of Literature/Background: Make a synthesis of the contributions made in your research field
by accredited scholars. Describe how your intended research will complement and expand on the
current literature, and what contributions you intend to make to the existing knowledge (500 words).
IV. Research Methodology: Clearly indicate the methods and techniques which you are planning to use
to gather information and investigate the identified problem.
V. Selected Bibliography: Please indicate a representative list of the main bibliographical sources you
intend to utilize for your dissertation (no more than 20). Please provide full citations.
VI. Research and Writing Timeline: Indicate your expected research timetable: starting date, research
time, data analysis time, writing time, editing time, date of first draft submission, expected defense time.
You may use a Gantt chart.
VII. Ethics: How does your research relate to the ethical aspects of your subject matter?
Section C: Submission Registration
Promoter:
Proposed Defense Cohort (Choose One)
☐ January 2024
☐ May 2024
☐ January 2025
☐ May 2025
☐ June 2024
☐ June 2025
☐September 2024
☐September 2025
Note: Dissertation Defense must be completed within the three main cohorts, following coursework completion, for which
registration is open. (May and June count as a single Cohort for this purpose). Example: students completing in June or July 2023
may register to defend in January 2024 and must defend by September 2024.
Student Signature
Date
Section D: Approval
Role
Name
Signature
Date
Promoter
Dissertation
Coordinator
Academic
Department
The grade for the entire dissertation project is a composite grade allocated by the defense panel and takes three
areas into consideration:
•
•
•
Form (20%): the structural organization of the Dissertation document (grammar and vocabulary; writing
and reporting; technology; style)
Content (60%): the academic accuracy and value of the project (executive summary; research question
& objectives; background; main body; conclusions)
Defense (20%): the manner and methods used (visuals; content; questions & answers)
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