Business Research Project Proposal Template LSBM300 2021-22

This document presents a business research project proposal template, designed for the LSBM300 module. It encompasses key sections such as the proposal template, ethical review forms (Parts A, B, and C), and a company consent form, ensuring comprehensive coverage for students undertaking research projects. The proposal template guides students through essential components, including defining the research title, terms of reference (rationale, research questions, and scope), and a detailed literature review that examines themes such as the dominance of big four retail firms, ways Barclays facilitates account switching, and the challenges associated with implementing account switching procedures. The methodology section outlines the research approach, emphasizing the use of qualitative research, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. The document highlights the importance of ethical approval for projects involving human participants and provides appendices containing participant information and consent forms.

BRP Proposal Template
Business Research Project
LSBM300
2021-22

Index
Instructions 2
1. The Proposal Template 3
2. Ethical Review Form 4
2.1 Ethical Review Form: Part 1 5
2.2 Ethical Review Form: Part 2 6
2.3 Ethical Review Form: Part 3 7
3. Company consent 8
Appendix 1: Participant information sheet 9
Appendix 2: Participant consent form 10
Appendix 3: Company consent form 11
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 1

Instructions
This document has three sections:
 Section 1: The Proposal Template
 Section 2: The Ethical Review Form (Parts A, B and C)
 Section 3: Company Consent Form
All students are required to complete Sections 1 and 2, and together these form the Business
Research Project Proposal.
Only students who are conducting research directly with a company need to complete Section 3.
Important: If your research involves the use of human participants, you will need to complete the
Ethics Approval Form. Failure to complete the Ethics Approval Form, when required to do so, will
result in your work being returned unmarked. No research with human participants can be undertaken
without receiving Ethics Approval and achieving a pass grade on the proposal.
Before you submit this Proposal form, please make sure that you have:
 Read the Business Research Project Handbook and follow all instructions.
 Read the lecture and seminar materials in the Business Research Project module area
in Canvas.
 Discussed your ideas with a Business Research Project seminar tutor. You can do this
face to face in the seminars or learning sets, or you can do this by email or through MS
Teams.
 Discussed with a Business Research Project seminar tutor any questions you have
about Part 3 of the Ethics Approval Form (if required).
 (If you are completing research directly with a company) Gained consent from the
company if you are conducting research on a company.
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 2

1. The Proposal Template
Use the following sections in your proposal. Once completed, delete the text with instructions, update
your headings (see the ‘Styles’ in the tab ‘Home’) and update your table of contents.
Student number [do NOT write your name]
Please state which tutor(s) you discussed your proposal with, and the forum you used
(e.g. face to face, email, MS Teams)
Title (maximum 20 words)
A title should summarise simply the main idea of the proposal. You may want to use a colon to separate the main idea and a
further explanation/elaboration of the main idea (e.g. ‘CSR: Does it influence consumers in the banking sector?)
The financial sector i.e. discuss the dominance of the ‘Big Four’ retail banks in the UK and efforts to make account-switching
easier: A study on Barclays
Terms of Reference (approx. 400 words)
Provide a rationale that explains your reason for selecting this area of study and why it is interesting and relevant.
State your research question and associated aim(s) and objectives i.e. what you want to achieve and how.
State the scope of your study: what will you include and what will you not include?
Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the dominance of big four retail banks in UK and Barclays efforts in order to make
account switching user.
Objectives:
 To understand the concept of dominance of big four retail banks
 To critically evaluate the ways used by Barclays in order to make the account switching procedure easier.
 To identify the challenges faced by the company while implementing account switching procedure.
 To recommend the ways through which company can minimize the challenges and improve the performance.
Research questions:
Q1: What is the dominance of big four retail firms?
Q2: What are the ways through which Barclays make the account switching procedure easier?
Q3: What are the challenges faced by the company while implementing account switching procedure easier?
Scope: The current study will be beneficial to the banks operated in UK retail sector such that they can understand the account
switching easier and this in turn help to meet the demand of customers. Along with this, other scholars may also use the
research in order to understand about the term and they can use the same as a secondary research in order to understand the
concept of account switching. Moreover, another scope of study on this topic is such that it will be beneficial for all the four retail
banks in order to determine the ways through which it can make the account switch user.
Rationale: The reason for conducting the research on this topic is to evaluate the dominance of big four retail banks in the UK
and efforts to make account switching easier. Most of the customer faces issue with regard to difficulties faced by them to
maintain account and this in turn causes negative impact over their satisfaction. That is why, it is considered as a current issue
because it affect the sales of a business. On the other side, anther rationale for conducting research on this specific topic is
related to personal issue. Such that with the help of present study, scholar is able to understand the term and determine the
dominance of big four retail banks in order to apply the knowledge in near future. That is why, study on this topic will be
beneficial in both personal as well as professional aspects.
Relation to previous research (approx. 1000 words)
Presents your preliminary review of existing literature from secondary sources. You should identify credible
texts/sources such as books, journal articles, business/industry reports, credible websites and any other online based
sources etc that are relevant to the topic and research area chosen. Identify and critically review some key themes and
theories relevant to your selected research area (topic). Use Harvard style for citations
Theme 1: Dominance of big four retail firms
According to the Stiglitz (2019) there may be many concern related to cost of office rents and skilled
workers but financial technology i.e. fintech sector is settled all the same in a best manner. In order to maintain the
dominance within a world, bank keep complying with new technologies that helps to keep attract the new customers
towards it. Whereas, according to the Financial Conduct Authority, it has been analysed that the dominance of four big
retail banks in Britain is beginning to weaken as digital challengers in order to secure more market share. It can be
stated that from the update of 2018, strategic review into a retail banking, there are traditional scale advantage of big
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 3

four firms who now understand the changing consumer behaviour by implementing digital innovation. Moore, 2018
explained that four banks such as HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest Group actually dominated the
entire banking industry and also it have a strongest power to switch the user accounts easily towards it. This in turn
create a direct impact over the business performance and raise the customer service as well.
All these banks have a high financial performance such that it create a billion of amount for the welfare of a
customers and increase the economy of a county towards a positive manner. That is why, it can be stated that such a
strong dominance within a market increase the market share and also improve the business performance.
Theme 2: ways through which Barclays make the account switching procedure easier
Banks offer different facilities to bank user in order to provide the banking facility more easy. Banaji (2020) also
reflected that due to having high dominance within a market, banks complying with digital technology in order to improve or
smoothen the account switching facility. This in turn create a better outcome and improve the satisfaction level of customers
towards it. Further, it has been identified that with the change. In addition to this, with the help of this method, banks keep
dominating users to change the users account because these big four firms provide much more effective facility as compared to
other. That is why, it can be stated that with the help of effective facilities, the banks are able to improve the performance and
keep the companies at high in performance.
On the other side, Banaji (2020) critically evaluated that the banks get a monopoly licence in order to create
money as a debt and further charge interest on the same. That is why, it can be stated that without tax, company is not able to
provide effective interest without charging tax and improve the business performance. In addition to this, the states always gets
to spend many without taking a public consent because government keep providing effective services to the customers in order
to improve the improve the business performance. In this, account switching user is also applicable in which effective outcome
can be provided because offering the account switching user will help to improve the services offered to the users and this in
turn improve the market brand image. Further, it has been evaluated that due to increasing competition, the chances of offering
new facilities like offering digital facilities to the customers and this keep attracting new users towards the banks. Therefore, it
can be stated that with the help of implementing different ways within a business, assist company to create a better outcome
and improve the business performance. That is why, at the time of pandemic as well. Banks keep offering the online service in
order to provide hassel free service to the customers so that they can generate a better outcome. Overall, it has been identified
that offering innovative services to the customer help to make the account switching procedure easier.
Theme 3: challenges faced by the company while implementing account switching procedure easier
According to Tambini (2018) it has been analysed that in order to implement the account switching procedure there are
different type of problem faced by the company because to maintain wealth generation is not easy because it can be change
according to the time and that is why if affected by low interest rate. The competitive advantages faced by company in order to
there are major competition faced in order to providing low rate of interest. It can be said that government ahs provided low
interest rate on tax that is why it has affected by not increment their services. Further, it has been analysed that there are
digital marketing services provided in order to improve their mannual work also it help to increases the customer satisfaction
which is necessary for banking services but in which there are challenges faced by organisation in order to
affected the privacy of customer which impacted on their profile. Due to this it impacted on the customer retention
and brand image of the company. Further, another challenge is related to not properly work on digital marketing
which impacted by hiring new team and it increases the expenses. Also, for any hiring it was necessary to
provide them training. On the other hand, it is necessary to introduced digital marketing services because it help
to providing easy work that is important to manage the large data in easy way. Then it also help to improving 24
hour customer service which is increases the customer satisfaction.
Methodology (approx. 600 words)
Provide an overview of the methodology you propose to use as the basis for the research project design and justify your
choices. The following areas are normally covered in the structure of the methodology chapter: research methodology (i.e.
qualitative or quantitative or mixed), sampling, data collection methods, data analysis methods you are planning to use, ethical
considerations, limitations. Do not describe everything you know about methodology – specify your choices and explain why
you made them.
Research Methodology: There are two main types of research used by the scholar i.e.
qualitative and quantitative. For the present study, only qualitative research methodology will
be opted. This is so because the current topic is also related to theoretical aspects and this
in turn assist to meet the defined aim (Pandey and Pandey, 2021). Further, with the help of
qualitative research method, scholar will determine the reason for dominance of big four
banks in retail. On the other side, quantitative study deal with the facts and figures and that
is why, it will not suitable for the current topic.
Sampling: It is a method through which sample will be selected in order to determine the
views of selected participants. It is also of two types which include probabilistic and non-
probabilistic method. In accordance with the set aim, scholar will select 30 employees of
Barclays by using the simple random sampling method in order to determine their views
regarding the dominance of retail banks. Further, the chosen method will be more beneficial
as compared to others because it will assist to improve the results and provide accurate
outcome.
Data Collection: Data can be collected in two different form which include primary and
secondary (Nayak and Singh, 2021). For the present study, scholar will opt both method in
order to generate a better outcome. Such that under primary data collection, scholar will use
survey method through the means of questionnaire in order to gain better views and collect
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 4

fresh information. On the other side, for secondary data collection method, only books,
scholarly article and journal article will be used in order to generate a better outcome. Both
these methods will assist to determine the dominance of big four banks and the ways to
manage the user accounts switch.
Data analysis: It is a method through which data can be analysed by using different
techniques. There are two ways through which data can be analysed i.e. Thematic and
SPSS. In the present study, only thematic data analysis will be opted which in turn assist to
develop themes so that effective outcome can be generated. Moreover, different charts and
graphs will be developed in order to present the findings in an accurate manner so that
results can be generated effectually.
Ethical considerations: In order to conduct the research in an accurate manner, there is a
need to comply with ethical principles. In this, scholar has to sign the consent form which in
turn reflected that all the respondents work as per their consent (Ullah and Rafiq, 2021). Also,
consent should be taken prior to the research and ensure that there should not be any
miscommunication between the respondents and scholar so that proper results can be
generated. The identity of the selected respondents should not be revealed because scholar
has to comply the Data protection act. Further, it can be stated that with the help of ethical
consideration, scholar is able to generate a better outcome and voluntarily participation of
the selected respondents also provide better outcome.
Research limitation: There are three limitations faced by the scholar which include time,
unavailability of resources and money. In order to overcome the limitation of time and
money, scholar opt qualitative study which help to conduct the study effective whereas
quantitative study took longer time to provide results. On the other side, in order to minimize
the limitation of sources, scholar uses keywords that help to conduct the study in an effective
manner and develop research in more authentic manner. This in turn help to create a better
outcome and improve the results in more authentic manner.
Timeline
Use a Gantt Chart (or similar) to show your research project activities and timescales.
Task
Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
1 selection of topic 2 days Mon 5/2/22 Tue 5/3/22
2 developing aim and
objective 1 day Wed 5/4/22 Wed 5/4/22 1
3 select sources for secondary
research 2 days Thu 5/5/22 Fri 5/6/22 1,2
4 conduct LR 2 days Mon 5/9/22 Tue 5/10/22 3
5 Conduct research
Methodology 3 days Wed 5/11/22 Fri 5/13/22 4,1
6 conclusion and formatting 1 day Mon 5/16/22 Mon 5/16/22 5
7 Submission 1 day Tue 5/17/22 Tue 5/17/22 6
8 Waiting for feedback 5 days Wed 5/18/22 Tue 5/24/22 7
9 Modification and
submission 1 day Wed 5/25/22 Wed 5/25/22 8
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 5

References
A full list of texts cited in this proposal, plus any additional ones you will be using Use Harvard style for both citations and
reference list.
Stiglitz, J., 2019. People, power, and profits: Progressive capitalism for an age of discontent. Penguin
UK.
Moore, M. and Tambini, D. eds., 2018. Digital dominance: the power of Google, Amazon, Facebook,
and Apple. Oxford University Press.
Banaji, J., 2020. A brief history of commercial capitalism. Haymarket books.
Blaylock, B.S., Doyle, E. and Elemes, A., 2022. Tax-Motivated Income Shifting in Audit Firm
Networks: Comparing Big 4 and non-Big 4 Firms. Available at SSRN 4009109.
Pandey, P. and Pandey, M.M., 2021. Research methodology tools and techniques. Bridge Center.
Nayak, J.K. and Singh, P., 2021. Fundamentals of research methodology problems and prospects.
SSDN Publishers & Distributors.
Ullah, A. and Rafiq, M., 2021. Education and learning about research methodology: Views of LIS
authors in Pakistan. Information Development, p.02666669211022022.
Appendices (optional)
You are not necessarily required to include any appendices. However, if necessary to include any, you may provide draft
questionnaires, large tables, long lists, diagrams/images, illustrations and/or graphs etc that cannot be included in the
main body of the proposal.
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 6

2. Ethical Review Form
This form is designed to ensure that the Bloomsbury Institute London operates an ethical review
process that falls within the University of Northampton Research Ethics Procedure and the Guidance
on Ethics for Researchers.
All students need to fill in this form; however, you may only need to complete Part 1 (see explanation
below).
The Ethical Review Form consists of 3 parts:
 Part 1 is an initial assessment of your project. The question is asking you whether you
will be conducting empirical research for your Business Research Project. Your
methodology may involve the collection of primary data through questionnaires,
interviews and observations etc. or you may be conducting ‘desk based research’ i.e.
only using secondary research data.
 If you are only using secondary research data, you will not need to complete Parts 2 or
3 of the form.
 If your research involves human participants, i.e. you are collecting primary data, you
have to complete Part 2 of the form.
 If your answer is no to all the questions in Part 2, ethics approval is automatic and
providing you receive a pass grade for your proposal you may continue with your
study.
 If your answer is yes to any of the questions in Part 2, you need to fill in Part 3 of this
form. You should discuss this with a tutor prior to submission of your proposal.
 Upon submission, your proposal will be graded and then reviewed by the Head of
Research/Ethics Committee. You will be informed of the decision, together with any
comments, as soon as possible. You may be asked to provide a fuller report and a
meet with the Ethics Committee.
 If the committee finds it difficult to make a decision, we may pass this on to the
University of Northampton Research Ethics Committee. However, in the vast majority
of cases, we hope to resolve any issues.
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 7

2.1 Ethical Review Form: Part 1
Part 1 needs to be completed by all Business Research Project students.
Please read the following two statements and place an X in the area indicated for the statement that
most accurately represents your research intentions.
Student Statement Insert X Student Action
Statement 1
I have read the above information. I
confirm that my research does not
include study on human participants.
X
You do not need to complete Part 2
of this form. Ethics approval is not
required.
Statement 2
I have read the above information. I
confirm that my research does
involve the study on human
participants.
X Please proceed to complete Part 2
of this form.
Proposals that are submitted without the completed Ethical Review Form will not be graded.
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 8

2.2 Ethical Review Form: Part 2
Part 2 only needs to be completed if you put a cross against Statement 2 in Part 1 above.
Yes No
I have prepared a participant information sheet (including information on secure data
storage), and submitted it in Appendix 1.  
I have prepared a participant consent form (including information on right to withdraw
from the study), and submitted it in Appendix 2.  
If you have put a cross No for either of the above, please note that your final Research Project will
have to include a participant information sheet and a participant consent form.
Please answer all of these questions by ticking yes or no in the box provided.
Yes No
1.
Does the study involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or unable to
give informed consent? (e.g. people under the age of 18, people with learning
disabilities, students you teach or assess)  
2.
Will it be necessary for participants to take part in the study without their
knowledge and consent at the time?  
3. Does the study involve audio or visual recording of people in public places?
 
4.
Will the study involve the discussion of sensitive topics? (e.g. sexual activity, drug
use, illegal activities, death, whistleblowing)  
5.
Are drugs, placebos or other substances to be given to the study participants or
will the study involve invasive, intrusive or potentially harmful procedures of any
kind?  
6.
Does your study involve a topic that would be considered ‘sensitive’ (age, culture,
race, gender, sexuality, socio-economic standing, or religion)?  
7.
Is physical pain or psychological stress from the proposed project likely to cause
harm or negative consequences beyond the risks in normal life?  
8.
Does the study involve groups or materials that may be construed as terrorist or
extremist?  
9. Will financial inducements (other than expenses) be offered to participants?
 
10.
Does the study involve the collection of data that is not anonymised (contains
identifying information such as name and address)?  
If your answer is yes to any of these questions, please fill in Part 3.
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 9

2.3 Ethical Review Form: Part 3
Part 3 only needs to be completed if you ticked Yes for any of the statements in Part 2 above.
2.3.1 Explanation of intent to address ethical issues
Please provide an explanation of how you intend to address the ethical issues raised in Part 2.
You will need to do this in consultation with a Business Research Project tutor. Please identify which
tutor you discussed these issues with, and how the discussion took place.
Tutor’s name:
How discussions took place: Face to face
Explanation of how you intend to address the ethical issues raised in Part 2:
By signing the consent form from the participants
Complying all the essential and relevant ethical consideration.
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 10

3. Company consent
Print off this form and gain the required signature. You then need to scan the page and insert it as an
image in Appendix 3.
Alternatively, the company may choose to give you a signed consent document of their own, which
you will need to scan and insert in Appendix 3.
Consent from the host Company
Student Name: _______________________________________
Student ID number: _______________________________________
I consent to the aforementioned named student carrying out research on company premises
or in relation to this Company.
Senior Manager Name: _______________________________________
Senior Manager Signature: _______________________________________
Host Company Name: _______________________________________
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 11

Appendix 1: Participant information sheet
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 12

Appendix 2: Participant consent form
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 13

Appendix 3: Company consent form
BRP Proposal Template 2021-22 Page 14