Research Project on Sustainable Palm Oil: An Environmental Study

This research project investigates the environmental impact of palm oil production and explores methods for achieving sustainability within the industry. The project begins with an introduction defining sustainable palm oil and its importance, followed by a discussion on factors influencing research project selection. The report then critically reviews key references, formulates a research specification, and outlines the methodology, including primary and secondary data collection methods. It examines the environmental and social issues associated with palm oil cultivation, such as deforestation and community conflicts. The project's aim is to study sustainable palm oil and its impact on human lifestyles, including its effects on cholesterol levels and cancer prevention. The research incorporates both qualitative and quantitative aspects, financial and non-financial factors. The project concludes with recommendations for further research and improvements to current practices, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of sustainable palm oil.

[Research Project.]
The aim of this research project is to explore the issues surrounding palm oil and its impact on the
environment. I aim to look at ways in which palm plantations can be planted in a sustainable way to
ensure the environment and the communities benefit from it.
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2019
Research Project: Sustainable Palm Oil.
By: Joanna Finnis

Research Project.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
1.2 The potential factors that contribute to the process of research project
selection
1.3 A critical review of key references
1.4 A research project specification
1.5 An appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research
specification
2.1 Match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis
2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation following the agreed
specification and procedures.
2.3 Record and collate relevant data where appropriate
3.1 Use of appropriate research evaluation technique for the study
3.2 Analysis and interpret results for determining original specifications
3.3 Make recommendation and a further area for consideration
4.1 Covered in Poster
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
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TITLE: Sustainable Palm Oil
INTRODUCTION
Green Palm is explained as certified sustainable palm oil as well
as palm kernel oil as manufactured through palm oil plantations
which have independently certified as well as audited against
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil standard. Green Palm is
certificate trading program for producing sustainable palm oil.
Palm oil is a necessary vegetable oil which found in an
enormous range of non- food and food items that people use
regularly. This present research project is based on sustainable
palm oil. There will be a discussion about the factors which
contribute towards the selection of the research project
process. Information about sustainable palm oil will be
gathered from the two sources; primary and secondary source.
1.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline
specifications.
Research is done to investigate on particular problems that are
required to address through researching on a mentioned topic.
Research activity is based on predetermined aims and
objectives which are designed at the starting of the project. It
will help the researcher conducting all research activities steer
in the right direction. The purpose of a research is to do the
investigation on the particular topic and do the findings on the
topic and it helps in providing the recommendations for the
future. It is necessary to clear the outcomes of research which
must be provided at the end of the research. Research is
conducted to know about the sustainable palm oil and its
related issues. Research analysis helps in enhancing the
knowledge and helps in providing the outcome of research. The
criteria for selecting this investigation are to determine the
ethical issues related to sustainable palm oil.
In this research, sustainable palm oil will be discussed and how
it impacts on the life of human being. Sustainable palm oil is
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cheap, useful and versatile; palm oil is mostly used in the
vegetable oil. It has caused community conflict and
deforestation in tropical countries where it is civilized. Palm oil
is an edible vegetable oil that is derived from monocarp of the
fruit of oil palm. In food products, the use of palm oil has
attracted the concern of environmental activist groups.
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was developed in
the year 2004 to promote growth and also use of the
sustainable palm goods by global standards along with
engaging the stakeholders.
It has been stated that palm oil is a versatile and necessary
vegetable oil that is mainly used as raw material for food as
well as non- food industries. Green Palm is certified palm oil
that is produced through a plantation of palm oil. The Palm oil
is used widely because it can be blended and processes to
develop a vast range of good with the various characteristics. It
is one of the most productive crops that producing more oil and
also needs fewer inputs in comparison to any other equivalent
vegetable oil crop. Under this, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm
Oil (RSPO) was established in the year 2004 to promote
products and also use sustainable oil for the planet, prosperity,
and people. The RSPO has become the recognized standard for
sustainable palm oil at the global level. In addition to this, one
of the potential economic growth areas in the manufacturing of
palm oil for development for local employment as well as
financial benefits.
Based on the opinion it has been stated that oil palm is 3rd
largest cultivated oil crop behind rapeseed and soy. Under this,
a rise in the demand and production for palm oil is correlated
with enhancing the living people in cities. Production related to
palm oil is a more profitable industry. It helps in creating many
job opportunities so that a large number of people can be
contributed towards economic development.
Issues that are caused due to palm oil
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In the palm oil industry, the organization cleared freely rain
forests in Malaysia and Indonesia for expanding plantations. It
has been stated by the World Wide Fund that almost 300
football forest fields are cleared each hour to make way for any
pending palm oil plantations and in more than 2 hectares per
year. Under this, there are some issues related to the palm oil
mention below:
Environmental issues- Under this, potential
environmental impact related to the production of palm oil
is extensive especially when the palm oil is developed
across the tropical belt. The cultivation of palm oil has
been criticized for the emission of greenhouse gas,
reducing biodiversity and also cultivation of crops on the
land of indigenous people at many places. The production
of palm oil produces the water pollution and government
has implemented the tax enforcement for an environment.
Social issues- Manufacturing of the palm oil can result in
grab the land, arise social conflict, less of the livelihoods
and the rights of humanity are violated on the plantations.
From this, conflict can occur within the communities
because the income group developed when the
experience of some villagers enhanced their income from
the plantation of palm oil. It is also observed that the
cultivation of palm oil has replaced the traditional
practices and which is often due to the higher income
potential of palm oil.
Purpose of Research
The main reason for conducting this investigation is to know
about sustainable palm oil and related issues. This research will
help enhance the knowledge as well as the skills of a learner
and provide better outcomes. The criteria for selecting this
investigation are to determine issues related to sustainable
palm oil. The outcomes of the research will be delivered at the
end of the research.
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Research Methodology
To collect the information and data, secondary and primary
both methods are used in this investigation by doing the
questionnaire for getting the information and the customer's
review about the Sustainable Palm oil.
Aim:
The aim of this research is “To investigate the study of
Sustainable Palm Oil and its impact on the human lifestyle.”
1.2 The potential factors that contribute to the process of
research project selection
In research project selection, it is necessary to select the
criteria for the purpose of analyzing the repost and comparing
the project for identifying the results and providing the
recommendation including the quantitative and qualitative
aspects, financial and non-financial aspects. Some factors
contribute to the research project selection for achieving
organizational strategies and objectives. For the research of
project, it is necessary to consider the factors which may affect
the production of sustainable palm oil. Factors which need to be
considered are production, marketing, financial, personnel and
administrative factor. The production factor includes the
requirements of energy, the safety of the process, availability
of raw material and the changes in quality of output. Marketing
factors include the acceptance of consumers, estimated life of
output, impact on consumer safety, size of the potential market
for output. Financial factors contribute to profitability and help
in identifying the net present value of the investment. It helps
in analyzing the requirement of investment in the project.
Personal factors include the requirements of training, labor
skills, impact on working conditions is necessary to be
maintained. Administrative factors like safety standards.
There are necessary principles in order to consider the
roundtable of sustainable palm oil as it commits to
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transparency and necessary to compliance the laws and
regulations for the long term economic and financial viability.
1.3 A critical review of key references
Investigation in research will helps in exploitation
systematically and analyzing the various sources and to
conclude the report various factors will help in analyzing the
situation and understand the research. Research on sustainable
pal oil is based on some of the particular components that lead'
the work in the right direction with the help of managing
research activities. In addition to this, a research project has
some of the specified areas in which outcomes are based on
work. It is one of the most necessary research parts that give
theoretical evaluation by using secondary sources. In order to
collect the theoretical information, the secondary sources
information will be collected from books, articles, journals, etc.
For the systematic execution of the investigation area
explained below:
Introduction: It is a primary part of the research and develops
fundamental motivation behind exploration work. Under this
area, aims and objectives related to a specific area are
developed to complete the research work. In addition to this, it
is an underlying advance by which an investigator can identify
the issue.
Literature review: It is the second part of the research and in
this data and information is collected through secondary
sources for instance books, journals, questionnaire, and many
others. It provides the opinions and viewpoints of different
authors and writers.
Research methodology: This research part is mainly
incorporated in the different process that helps in collecting as
well as analyzing information in the right manner to get better
outcomes.
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Data analysis: Under this part of the research, collected
information is analyzed by using the systematic analysis. The
information is assessed in light of research objectives and
questions. It gives information concerned with finding in a
detailed manner. This research chapter enables the
investigator to present an outcome effectively to gain a better
understanding.
Conclusion and Recommendations: This is the last chapter
in the research project where the conclusion is drawn based on
objectives and aims. Recommendations are related to bringing
some improvement in the present work.
Influence of sustainable palm oil on human lifestyle
According to a viewpoint of BRANDI MARCENE ( 2019), it has
been stated that Palm oil is packed with the amazing health-
related benefits that consist of boosting energy, prevents from
cancer, balancing the cholesterol level, etc. Mainly the palm oil
is used for frying. Palm oil develops a positive influence on
human lifestyles by providing many benefits. Influence of
sustainable palm oil on the lifestyle of the human mention
below:
Minimize cholesterol level- For heart disease, high
cholesterol is one of the main risk factors. The more fat
substance can develop in arteries that can cause to
narrow and harden. In context to Palm oil, it is helpful to
minimize the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood to
keep the heart strong and healthy.
Prevent from cancer- Under this, an antioxidant-rich
diet is a necessary factor to keep the cancerous cells. It
provides the shield to the body from several diseases and
cancer is a chronic disease. In context to palm oil, it
contains the tocopherols that are powerful antioxidants
and they target the cancer cells and eliminate them
properly.
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1.4 A research project specification.
In the research project, Exploitation work is done which is
based on the analysis of sustainable palm oil. It is mainly
produced through plantations of palm oil that have been
audited interdependently. In addition to this, the research
project plays a necessary role in managing all the activities
related to research systematically so that the researcher can
get beneficial outcomes. Better outline specification helps give
the proper direction to an investigator to execute all the
activities related to research properly for reaching potential
outcomes.
On the other hand, this present report is based on qualitative
methods because it helps in providing information about the
research topic in a detailed manner. In this, a descriptive
research design will be applicable because it gives detailed
research on a qualitative basis. The data is collected with the
help of using primary and secondary methods of data
collection. In the secondary method, data is collected through
books, articles, journals, etc. On the other hand, primary data is
collected by using questioners, surveys, interviews, etc. In
addition to this, the collection of applicable data and
information by fitting the facts, interpretive philosophies is
better. With the help of this, the opinions of authors can be
analyzed easily and the researcher can get better outcomes.
1.5 An appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research
specification.
Gantt chart refers to the graphical depiction of the schedule of
the project. It is a kind of bar chart that shows begin and also
finish dates of the many components of a project that consists’
of milestones, dependencies, tasks, and resources. The Gantt
chart is useful in planning project and also explaining task
sequence that needs proper completion.
This present report is based on qualitative methods because it
helps in providing information about the research topic in a
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detailed manner. Qualitative research makes the sense in
recognizing the picture without compromising the richness and
dimensionality in research. It aims to seek the answers to the
questions and gives efficient answers to the questions. It
provides logical answers to the questions.
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2.1 Match resources efficiently to the research question or
hypothesis
Research needs the designing of the procedure in advance to
implement in the process. Research design refers to
arrangements of collections or conditions. It is a set of process
and methods which are mainly used in gathering as well as
analyzing the measures related to variables which are specified
in the research problem. Mainly the research design is
considered as an arrangement of conditions for gathering as
well as analyzing data in a manner that objectives can be
attained. Under this, there are different kinds of research
designs like descriptive, exploratory and experimental.
A descriptive research design helps explain the condition of the
specific research area. It is mainly used in collecting and
analyzing to present data and information. Experimental
research design is used to develop a relationship among effect
and cause relationship of situation. In exploratory research
design, thoughts and ideas of an investigator are depend on
personal inclination regarding a specific topic. Among all the
research methods, the investigator uses the descriptive
research design because it provides information and data about
specific research areas in a detailed manner. The scope of the
research is to analyze the sustainability of palm oil at various
places and to know about the people preferences about the
palm oil.
2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation following
the agreed specification and procedures.
It is a systematic process of gathering information and data
measuring based on set variables. Under this research, the
investigator has a different kind of data collection methods for
assembling accurate information and data for appropriately
performing research activities. The research is of two different
types qualitative and quantitative. This research is based on
qualitative aspects because it provides information on a
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theoretical basis. On the other hand, primary and secondary
are two different data collection methods.
The primary method is used in collecting the information and
data with the help of using questionnaires, surveys, interviews,
observation, etc. This method of data collection provides fresh
information about the specific research area. Under this
method, the questionnaire will be used and 40 respondents are
selected to determine different opinions and viewpoints of
respondents. Data collected in the secondary methods through
using books, journals, articles, and many other sources. Mainly,
a secondary method is used in conducting the literature review
part. To select the respondents, the researcher uses random
data sampling methods because it is unbiased. This sampling
method helps to provide an equal chance to all the selected
respondents.
2.3 Record and collate relevant data where appropriate.
For monitoring the project, the resources must be used
efficiently to bring the outcomes of the research. The research
will help in analyzing the information which will be collected
through the survey.
It is considered as the most important research section that
gives proper direction to an investigator to collect the accurate
as well as reliable data for completing an investigation. Under
this, data and information will be collected through using the
primary method of data collection and the researcher will
prepare a questionnaire by covering the research related aims
and objectives effectively. It is necessary to consider the data
which is collected from the information through primary
sources and secondary source.
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QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Contact No.:
Address:
Q1) Do you have an idea about sustainable palm oil?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) In what manner palm oil develop impact on the human body?
a) Positive
b) Negative
Q3) What are the benefits of sustainable palm oil on the human
lifestyle?
a) Boost brain health
b) Reduce Cholesterol level
c) Minimize Oxidative stress
Q4) What are the main issues faced by the palm oil industry in the
production of palm oil?
a) Climate change
b) Pollution
c) Biodiversity
Q5) Does Palm oil develop a negative impact on environmental
factors?
a) Yes
b) No
Q6) What is the social impact of producing Palm oil on people?
a) Grab lands
b) Loss of livelihood
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c) Arise social conflict
Q7) According to your point of view, plantation of palm oil tree is a
major reason for endangering rain forest species, climate change,
and other environmental treats?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8) Is sustainable palm oil is a better solution to deforestation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q9) Recommend how palm oil can be sustained for a long time.
3.1 Use of appropriate research evaluation technique for the
study
In this research, there are two kinds of assessment tools which
are beneficial in evaluating outcomes related to the
investigation. These methods are given below:
Formative assessment- This can be evaluated as the most
necessary part and consists' determination of data, conduct a
range of formal and informal assessment procedures through a
researcher. It will be helpful to develop a better understanding
of research outcomes. It is occurred during the process of
research. Assessment is done to measure the performance of
research process and measuring all the steps of process.
Summative assessment- Under this, it helps in examine the
learning after the research by comparing against some of the
specified criteria. The assessment is done at the end of the
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research for evaluating the effectiveness of research and
makes the suggestions for improving the sustainability of palm
oil.
3.2 Analysis and interpret results for determining original
specifications
THEME 1: Idea about sustainable palm oil
Q1) Do you have an idea about sustainable
palm oil?
Frequency
Yes 30
No 10
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Interpretation: From the above mention graph, it has been
stated that sustainable palm oil is a better idea because it
provides health benefits to people. 30 respondents said that
they have an idea about sustainable palm oil. On the other
hand, 10 respondents do not have an idea about it.
THEME 2: Manner palm oil develop impact on the human
body
Q2) In what manner palm oil develop impact
on the human body?
Frequency
Positive 35
Negative 5
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Interpretation: It has been stated that 35 respondents said
that palm oil develops its positive impact on the human body.
There are other 5 respondents which said that palm oil develop
its negative impact on human.
THEME 3: Benefits of sustainable palm oil on human
lifestyle
Q3) What are the benefits of sustainable
palm oil on the human lifestyle?
Frequency
Boost brain health 10
Reduce Cholesterol level 12
Minimize Oxidative stress 28
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Interpretation: It has been stated from the above mention
statement that palm oil provides benefits on human life in a
positive manner. Based on the opinion of 10 respondents that
palm oil helps enhance the brain health of a person so that it
can work in a better manner. On the other hand, 12
respondents said that it helps in minimizing the cholesterol
level of an individual and free from any kind of disease. 28
respondents said that through using palm oil, Oxidative stress
will be minimized.
THEME 4: Issues faced by the palm oil industry in the
production of palm oil
Q4) What are the main issues faced by the
palm oil industry in the production of palm
oil?
Frequency
Climate change 14
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Pollution 10
Biodiversity 26
Interpretation: According to 14 respondents that climate
change is the main issue that the palm oil industry faces in its
production because when rain forest is cut down then carbon
will be released into the atmosphere with carbon dioxide. 10
respondents said that pollution is the main concern to the palm
oil industry. On the other hand, there are 26 respondents which
said that biodiversity is a major concern because the loss of
rain forests has the main impact on biodiversity and removed a
variety of the interlinked plant species.
THEME 5: Palm oil develops a negative impact on
environmental factors
Q5) Does Palm oil develop a negative impact
on environmental factors?
Frequency
Yes 28
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No 12
Interpretation: Based on the opinion of 28 respondents that
palm oil develops a negative impact on environmental factors
such as climate, production level, etc. On the other hand, there
are 12 respondents and according to them, palm oil does not
negatively impact on the environmental factors.
THEME 6: Social impact of producing Palm oil on people.
Q6) What is the social impact of producing
Palm oil on people?
Frequency
Grab lands 15
Loss of livelihood 10
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Arise social conflict 15
Interpretation: From the above-mentioned graph, it has been
stated that the social impact on manufacturing palm oil is
more. Based on the opinion of 15 respondents that the main
social impact is the grabbing of the land from the communities
to produce the palm trees. On the other hand, 10 respondents
said that if the land of people will grab then they will lose their
livelihood. 15 respondents agree with the arising social conflict.
THEME 7: Plantation of palm oil tree is a major reason
for endangering rain forest species, climate change, and
other environmental threats
Q7) According to your point of view,
plantation of palm oil tree is a major reason
for endangering rain forest species, climate
change, and other environmental treats?
Frequency
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Yes 30
No 10
Interpretation: Under this, according to 30 respondents the
plantation of palm oil trees is the main reason for endangering
rain forest species, climate change, and other environmental
threats. 10 other respondents disagree with this given
statement.
THEME 8: Sustainable palm oil is a better solution to
deforestation
Q8) Is sustainable palm oil is a better
solution to deforestation?
Frequency
Yes 32
No 8
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Interpretation: Based on the viewpoint of 32 respondents
that sustainable palm oil is better for deforestation. On the
other hand, 8 respondents do not agree with this.
3.3 Make recommendation and a further area for consideration
Conclusion
It has been concluded from the above mention report that palm
oil is beneficial for the health of people in many different ways.
The palm oil forests are certified as the sustainable that being
deforested than the non certifies land. When foresting the palm
oil trees, it is necessary to reduce economic, social and
environmental impact. Palm oil is a more productive crop that
generating the yield of the palm oil that is beneficial as a
comparison to the other vegetable oils. Palm oil has helped to
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alleviate poverty and also increase the income level of the
family. The production of Palm oil causes deforestation and
greenhouse gas emissions and also the biodiversity loss but
there are many products in which it is found but not known to
the consumers as it is the common ingredients in many food
items, detergents. It is concluded that Palm oil is more efficient
to produce that the other vegetable oils and it also plays a vital
role in livelihoods of millions of people and the goal for future
can be to encourage the production of sustainable palm oil.
Recommendations
There are some recommendations related to Sustainable Palm
oil mentioned below:
 It is necessary to use some techniques through which
palm oil can be sustained for a long period.
 When producing the palm oil, Palm oil industry should
focus on reducing economic, social and environmental
impact.
 It is recommended that to make the sustainability of palm
oil for a long time the production of oil can be increased
and make the oil available for consumers.
 In future, research can be conducted in different area to
aware the customers about the palm oil and its benefits.
Limitations
● As the analysis is based on primary as well as secondary
data, possibility of unauthorized information cannot be
avoided.
● The information can be biased due to use of
questionnaire.
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● Research is conducted in small area through
questionnaire, it does not provide the diversified
information.
Findings
 The research study reveals that sustainable palm oil
impact on the health of humans.
 Palm oil gives a positive impact on humans Minimize
Oxidative stress.
 Out of 40 respondents, 10% of people are still not aware
of palm oil.
TASK 4
4.1 The media which can be used to present the outcomes of
research can be done by advertising. It attracts the target
audience when the relevant and beneficial information is
provided to them about the product. The best forms of
advertising social media, print media, television, etc.
Research can be presented in print media like in newspaper
as the target audience can read in the newspaper about
the research on sustainable palm oil and it benefits for their
health. It is a professional way to deliver the research
report to target audience.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above mention report that palm
oil is the most usable oil as a comparison to the other
vegetable oil. Different benefits of palm oil like reduce the
chances of cancer, minimize cholesterol, etc. have been
studied in the literature review part. The research methodology
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part helps collect information and data for analysis purposes.
The primary method has been used in developing a
questionnaire related to sustainable palm oil and on the other
hand, a literature review has been conducted by using
secondary sources.
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