BUS 450

FINAL YEAR PROJECT

Research Question
and Literature Review

Outline
1.
2.
3.
4.

How to derive a research question?

Project management
Literature review
Citation

1. How to derive a research question?

What is a research question/ research objective: to explore
a relationship between A and B
Example: How does the quantity of money affect inflation rate in
Vietnam?/ The objective of this research is to examine the
impact of money quantity on inflation.

Research motivation: why to conduct the research?

Example: It has been observed that the inflation rate in Vietnam
has been volatile over the past 5 years (nearly 20% in 2011,
down to around 7% in 2013), while the central bank has put
great effort to stabilize macroeconomic environment. This
motivates the research on the impact of monetary policy on
inflation rate in Vietnam.

Research scope: context of the research (i.e. Vietnam)

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1. How to derive a research question? (Cont)

Research importance: Why is the research
important?
Example: As inflation stability is crucial for economic
development, the research will provide the examination
on the impact of monetary policy on inflation stability and
hence economic growth.

Research contribution: What are the potential

contributions of the research? (Optional)
The research fills in the GAP: the originality/newness of
the research
Example: The research sheds lights on the impacts of
monetary policy on inflation in Vietnam.
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1. How to derive a research question? (Cont)

BUS450 Stage 1 Initial research question: Marking criteria
(10%)
The research question must demonstrate the potential to examine the
impacts of one or more factors on another factor. This is the key criterion.
Clear objective: Focus on one objective derived of the research question.
Research scope: context of the research
The importance of the research: why should the research be conducted?
Theories: students must be able to identify relevant theories
supporting/guiding the research question. Students are not expected to
describe or analyze the theories at this stage.
Methodology: students should propose either quantitative or qualitative
method, the combination of both would be challenging and time
consuming. Quantitative method is highly recommended.
Data: students need to ensure the data availability. Students can work on
either primary or secondary data. It is not required to employ both in the
project (except for macro variables/control variables).
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2. Research management
Propose a timeline:
Example: WeekA - WeekB: Literature review on
inflation rate in Vietnam

Data availability: Provide data source and data

access
Appropriate and feasible research methods
Ethical issue: a researcher needs to ensure the
privacy, voluntariness, consent, confidentiality,
anonymity, objectivism and legal interests of
all parties involved in the research.
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3. Literature review
What is literature review: it is like an hourglass
Reviews on what have been done regarding the research
question
Provides the feedback to adjust the research question
This is a circle process

Theoretical review:
Describe the theories that predict the relationship between A
and B. For example: The Quantity Theory states that the
increase in money supply leads to higher inflation rate.
Analyze and compare the theories assumptions, limitation
and prediction in the context of the relationship between A
and B.
Do not simply list out the theories but ANALYZE them.
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3. Literature review (Cont.)

Empirical review: Prior studies examining similar
questions / relevant problems (Optional)
Keep the record on: theories they used, their
arguments, their methodologies, variable
measurement, research context, their findings and
your own evaluation on the previous studies.
Synthesize the extant literature: write a coherent
story not a list (highlight the areas of disagreement)
The literature GAP: what previous studies has not
done your research question has not been answer
This provides practical guidance on your own
research.
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4. Citation
Citation style: American Psychological Association
Direct citation in the text: Statement (Surname, year)
Indirect citation in the text:
One author: Bernanke (1995) or (Bernanke, 1995).
Two authors: Bernanke and Blinder (1998) or (Bernanke and
Blinder, 1998)
More than two authors: Bernanke et al. (1995) or (Bernanke
et al., 1995)

References
Bernanke, B. S., and Blinder, A. S. (1988). Credit, money, and
aggregate demand. American Economic Review, 78(2), 435439.