RSM5224 Assessment 3 Research Design and Methodology Proposal 2026 | Sunway University

RSM5224 Assessment 3 Brief: Chapter 3 Research Methodology Proposal, Sunway University

After the topic proposal in Assessment 1 and Chapters 1 and 2 in Assessment 2, this final RSM5224 task asks Masters students to write the methodology chapter of their proposal. Five sections of around 400 words each cover the paradigm, design, research context, respondents and instrument, and each choice must be justified from the literature and linked to the research questions.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• SLO1: Propose a business research study (C5, PLO1)
• SLO2: Organise scholarly literature into research frameworks aligned with effective academic writing (A4, PLO5)
• SLO3: Adhere to ethical conduct in undertaking research (A4, PLO11)

Instructions

Continuing from Chapters 1 and 2, prepare Chapter 3 of your research proposal according to the structure and suggested word count below.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

• 3.1 Research paradigm (400 words)
• 3.2 Research design (400 words)
• 3.3 Research context (400 words)
• 3.4 Choice of respondents (400 words)
• 3.5 Research instrument (400 words)

Refer to the addendum for more details.

What the Research Proposal Should Show

1. Research-informed literature

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the literature related to the research topic and methodology. Cover a wide range of sources, including academic journals, books, conference proceedings and reputable online sources, and address the key theories, concepts and empirical studies relevant to the research methodology.

2. Knowledge and understanding of subject

Integrate this knowledge into the methodology section, showing a clear connection between the research objectives, questions and the chosen methodology. Show how the reviewed knowledge influenced the selection and design of the methodology, and explain how it builds upon and extends existing knowledge in the field.

3. Analysis

• Select and justify a methodology and methods appropriate to the research question(s).
• Maintain logical and coherent connections between the research paradigm and the research methodology, in line with the concepts, theories and approaches in the reviewed literature.
• Clearly articulate how the methodology is informed by the literature, avoiding any inconsistencies or contradictions.

4. Practical application and deployment

Produce a research design appropriate to the topic, question(s) and context of the proposed research. An analysis of the data collection and data analysis methods is paramount, and ethics, validity and reliability, and resource issues must also be considered.

5. Skills for professional practice

• Accurately cite and reference all sources used to justify the research paradigm, design, sampling, instruments and analysis approach, using APA 7th consistently throughout Chapter 3 and the reference list.
• Provide in-text citations for all direct quotations, paraphrases and references to specific ideas or findings.