Globalization's Influence on Romanian Food Habits: Research Proposal

This research proposal outlines a study to assess the impact of globalization on the food habits of citizens in Prahova, Romania. The study aims to examine the influence of globalization on the Romanian food industry, evaluate factors affecting food choices, and analyze the impact of globalization on these choices. The proposal includes a literature review, research questions, and a detailed methodology utilizing a mixed-methods approach. The research will collect primary data through surveys of 50 citizens using a systematic sampling method. Data analysis will be conducted using quantitative methods with SPSS. The proposal also includes a Gantt chart illustrating the timeline for the research project, and references relevant sources, including academic journals and books, that support the study's focus on globalization and its effects on food culture and tourism. A conceptual framework is also included.

Research Proposal

TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESEARCH TOPIC........................................................................................................................1
Research outline.....................................................................................................................1
Factors contributing in the process of project selection.........................................................2
Critical review of key references............................................................................................2
Research project specification................................................................................................3
Agreed plan and procedure for research specification...........................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

RESEARCH TOPIC
To assess the impact of globalization on food habits of citizen in Prahova, Romania
Research outline
Globalization can be explained as a phenomenon where small change in one country can
create significant consequences in other region, community or places, though they are
geographically distant (Mak, Lumbers and Eves, 2012). Globalization is a force which can
neither be halted nor ignored. The prospects of national economies express deepening integration
of globalization. Impact of the same is observed on economic, social and cultural platform. It has
a major impact on food systems around the world. The diversity of food and changing tastes of
people has effectively affected the concept in past. Acceptance of Chinese food globally is a well
defined example of the same (Cheung and Wu, 2012).
The demand for multi cuisine market is rising continuously which is creating a significant
impact on the food trends in economy. Integrated social and economic systems have created high
impact on people and on their integral choices as well (Pondichie, 2012). Powerful market
players such as multinational food chains have also played a crucial role in challenging the
traditional food values of country (Brunelle, Dumas and Souty, 2014). Tourism is another factor
which has integrated the food habits of people in the market. These changes affect the
availability and access to food by demanding changes in food production, procurement and
distribution system in the economy (Mak and et.al., 2012). It brings about a gradual shift in the
food culture while developing consumption patterns and demands of people.
Prahova is the third most populated country of Romania and has developed a reputation
through tourism in the nation. The natural, cultural and demographic heritage of nation is
moderate and thus development in culinary aspect has helped the country in creating a
competitive position in the economy. The present study will focus on understanding and
analysing the factors which affect the food culture in stated nation. Present study will analyse the
impact of global factors on food cultures and habits of citizens of country. Different theoretical
aspects will also be analysed to attain the stated theme of research.
Factors contributing in the process of project selection
Food industry is one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors of the world. The
impact of diversification and development has a significant impact on needs and demands of
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consumers (Mak and et.al., 2012). Pressure of global factors considerably affects the food and
culinary choices of people. The shift in food culture of every economy is a common attribute to
be observed. Romania is a nation which has adopted diverse cultures and strategies to enhance
the global position within economy (Pondichie, 2012). Tourism is one of the significant factors
which are affecting the economic and cultural development of nation. The impact of
globalization has a direct influence of food choices of citizens of country. Present study focuses
on evaluating the impact of globalization on food habits of citizens (Tomescu and Botezat,
2014). Less available facts and keen interest in the topic has influenced the researcher to carry
out the present study. Moreover, food culture in the significant part of social inheritance and
citizen need analysis aspect in the society. Analysis of impact of globalization on the same will
help in analysing the direct impact of it on social and cultural factors.
Critical review of key references
Globalization is a force which has a significant impact on national economies and market
places in the world. Food culture is the integral part of country however, a significant impact of
global factors is analysed on food choices of residents. Limited researches have been carried out
on the selected topic. The present study will analyse past researches related to the topic to attain
a clear and well defined idea about the way in which globalization affects the food culture in
country. Factors affecting choices of citizens will be evaluated for the topic. Also, changes in
food supply effect for the market will be analysed closely to gain a well defined picture of the
topic.
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Research project specification
Research aim plays a significant role in analysing and evaluating the research problem
for the study. It proves to be helpful in analysing the key issue for research. The aim of present
study is “to analyse the impact of globalization on food habits of citizen in Prahova, Romania”.
Objectives for the research will be:
 To examine the impact of globalization on food industry of country
 To evaluate the factors affecting food choices of citizens in Prahova, Romania To analyse the impact of globalization on food choice of citizens of Prahova, Romania
Research questions
The research questions for present study are:
 How does globalization affect the food industry of Prahova, Romania?
 What is the impact of global factors on food choices of citizens in Prahova, Romania?
Agreed plan and procedure for research specification
Present exploratory research will be carried out in an effective and structured
manner. Interpretivism philosophy will be carried for the study as it will be a social research.
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Illustration 1: Conceptual framework

Research questions will help in effectively analysing the research issue and structure of report.
The research will thus adopt inductive approach where data collection will be used to attain the
research aim. Data will be collected on the basis of primary and secondary method. For primary
data collection, a sample of 50 citizens of Prahova will be selected through systematic sampling
method. Survey will then be conducted through close ended questionnaire. This will help in
attaining reliable and specific results from the citizens. Data analysis will be done through
quantitative method where SPSS tool will be used to attain valid research results for the study.
Duration of all activities related with the research is presented with the help of following Gantt
chart.
Sr.
No.
ACTIVITIES LIST OF ACTIVITIES WEEKS PRECEDING
ACTIVITIES
1 A Meeting with supervisor 1
2 B Completion of proposal 1 A
3 C Submission of proposal 2 B
4 D Approval of supervisor 1 C
5 E Review of previous literature 5 D
6 F Collection of data 4 D
7 G Analysis of data 4 E,F
8 H Interpretation of data 3 G
9 I Drafting the complete project 4 E,G
10 J Reviewing the complete project 2 I
11 K Finalizing the project 1 J
12 L Submission of the project 1 K
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Figure 1: Gantt chart
Figure 2: Network Diagram
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REFERENCES
Brunelle, T., Dumas, P. and Souty, F., 2014. The impact of globalization on food and agriculture:
The case of the diet convergence. The Journal of Environment & Development. 23(1).
pp.41-65.
Cheung, S. and Wu, D.Y. eds., 2012. Globalization of Chinese Food. Routledge.
Mak, A. H. and et.al., 2012. Factors influencing tourist food consumption. International Journal
of Hospitality Management. 31(3). pp.928-936.
Mak, A. H., Lumbers, M. and Eves, A., 2012. Globalisation and food consumption in tourism.
Annals of tourism research. 39(1). pp.171-196.
Pondichie, F. A., 2012. Globalization elements in Romanian cities: searching for sustainable
solutions. Faculty of Tourism & Hospitality Management.
Tomescu, A. M. and Botezat, E. A., 2014. Culinary tourism in Romania-professional points of
view. In Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija. Biennial
International Congress. Tourism & Hospitality Industry.
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