A GUIDE TO PREPARING AN IMPACTFUL RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The research proposal must clearly articulate the research idea, as well as the anticipated outcomes.
The proposal should highlight the importance of your research and the potential contribution it may offer
to your field of study. It is recommended that the proposal is within a word count of 2000 words. Articulate
your idea clearly and concisely.

A sample template for the research proposal

Section What will this section contain?

Title A concise title that conveys the subject matter of your study.
Keywords Include the key 4-5 terms that are relevant to your proposal.
Motivation of the The motivation can vary based on the research’s context and objectives.
research Typically, a research proposal is driven by the aspiration to investigate a
research problem, fill a gap in the existing literature, or delve into an
entirely new stream of research.
Research problem A brief paragraph describing the topic and explaining its significance and
and questions relevance to the field of study. State one or two research questions you
seek to address through your proposal. Elaborate on how your study will
contribute to practice or policy by addressing these research question(s).
A preliminary review A preliminary summary of the existing literature on the topic. Explain how
of the literature your proposed study will contribute to this literature. Use Google Scholar
to search for relevant literature.
Possible research An outline of techniques (e.g., interviews, focus group discussions,
approaches surveys) that will be employed to conduct the research.
References Furnish a list of references you consulted while developing your research
proposal. List those references in an academic format (e.g., APA style).

Notes:
1. Please refer to pages 2 to 7 of this document for sample research proposals.
2. In the process of formulating a research proposal, it is important to include references or citations
to duly acknowledge all sources of information, ideas, or any other form of material that has been
utilized. Using someone else’s work without appropriately acknowledging the original author is
considered plagiarism, a practice not encouraged in academia.

1 Copyright © 2023 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

 SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL #1

Sustaining innovation in the gig economy: An organizational study

Keywords: Innovation; gig economy; organizations; employment

Motivation of the research

The gig economy has garnered increasing attention from practitioners and academic researchers in
recent years. The term “gig work” relates to a form of employment that entails contractual or short-term
engagements (Schmidt et al., 2022). It can transform organizational work dynamics, resulting in strategic
benefits for workers, job providers, and intermediary platform owners (Hamann & Güldenberg, 2021).
Given the increasing emphasis placed by organizations on innovation, the advent of the gig economy
serves as motivation to investigate its effects on innovation within organizations.

Research problem and questions

Even though the literature acknowledges the expanding significance of gig work, there is a dearth of
research on the gig economy’s impact on organizations’ capacity for sustained innovation. Considering
this gap, we intend to investigate the future of sustained innovation in a gig economy. Towards this
purpose, we seek an answer to the following research question: What effect does the gig economy have
on sustained innovation in organizations?
The outcomes of this research have crucial implications for research and policymaking. First, from a
research standpoint, the study seeks to extend the literature on gig work by setting a future research
agenda at the intersection of the gig economy and innovation in organizations. Second, the study aims
to provide organizations with rich insights into obstacles presented by gig workers in the quest for
sustained innovation. Lastly, the research will also aid policymakers in formulating the optimal policy mix
that helps support a culture of innovation within organizations that utilize gig workers.

A preliminary review of the Literature

The existing body of literature on the gig economy is characterized by diverse and extensive coverage
of various topics, indicating this phenomenon’s complex and nascent nature. A few examples are
discussed here. For instance, Ashford et al. (2018) underscore individuals’ need to adapt to the gig
economy to remain relevant. They discuss behaviors and competencies that individuals must possess to
remain pertinent in the ever-changing work landscape. In this context, Gleim et al. (2019), from the
perspective of a gig worker, offer insights into the factors that influence their perceptions regarding
organizational trust, job outcomes, and satisfaction. In contrast, Kuhn et al. (2021) examine distinct
characteristics of human resource management practices within the framework of digital labor platforms
and the associated obstacles that organizations must address.
Despite the growing significance of innovation as a means for organizations to maintain an edge within
a highly competitive environment, research has yet to investigate the influence of the gig economy on the
innovation agenda of organizations that must navigate the dual challenge of managing an evolving
workforce while simultaneously sustaining innovation. In light of this gap, we seek answers through our
research study.

Possible research approach

The study will utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Quantitative data
will be gathered through a survey administered to organizations operating within the gig economy. The
survey aims to collect information regarding the influence of the gig economy on the ability of
organizations to sustain long-term innovation. The survey will additionally gather data on organizations’
strategies to sustain innovation in the gig sector. Subsequently, interviews will be conducted with key
stakeholders in the gig economy for qualitative insights. The professional network will be leveraged

2 Copyright © 2023 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

towards this, and the discussions in these interviews will be central to comprehending the future of
sustained innovation in the gig sector.

References
Ashford, S. J., Caza, B. B., & Reid, E. M. (2018). From surviving to thriving in the gig economy: A research
agenda for individuals in the new world of work. Research in Organizational Behavior, 38, 23–41.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riob.2018.11.001
Gleim, M. R., Johnson, C. M., & Lawson, S. J. (2019). Sharers and sellers: A multi-group examination of
gig economy workers’ perceptions. Journal of Business Research, 98, 142–152.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.01.041
Hamann, T. K., & Güldenberg, S. (2021). New Forms of Creating Value: Platform-Enabled Gig Economy
Today and in 2030. In S. Güldenberg, E. Ernst, & K. North (Eds.), Managing Work in the Digital
Economy: Challenges, Strategies and Practices for the Next Decade (pp. 81–98). Springer
International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65173-2_6
Kuhn, K. M., Meijerink, J., & Keegan, A. (2021). Human Resource Management and the Gig Economy:
Challenges and Opportunities at the Intersection between Organizational HR Decision-Makers and
Digital Labor Platforms. In M. Ronald Buckley, A. R. Wheeler, J. E. Baur, & J. R. B. Halbesleben
(Eds.), Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management (Vol. 39, pp. 1–46). Emerald
Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0742-730120210000039001
Schmidt, G. B., Philip, J., Van Dellen, S. A., & Islam, S. (2022). Gig worker organizing: Toward an adapted
Attraction-Selection-Attrition framework. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 38(1), 47–59.
https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-09-2021-0531

3 Copyright © 2023 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

 SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL #2

Tracing the evolution of social media marketing – An exploration of shifting patterns

Keywords: advertising; digital platforms; marketing; social media

Motivation of the research

Social media marketing has surfaced as a topic of extensive research in recent times, with many
studies delving into its impact on businesses and consumers alike. Recent statistics suggest that social
media constituted 33 percent of the total digital advertising expenditure in 2022 (McLachlan, 2023).
Nevertheless, in parallel, there has been a decline in user trust across social media platforms, with a
decrease observed across most social media platforms (Williamson, 2022). Given the dynamic nature of
social media marketing, a thorough inquiry is necessary to trace its development and pinpoint the key
trends that have shaped its advancement.

Research problem and questions

The current research initiative is positioned to offer noteworthy contributions to the field of social media
marketing and its history, thereby facilitating businesses in acquiring a holistic awareness of the evolution
that has transpired throughout the years. In pursuit of this objective, we endeavor to obtain answers to
the following research questions (RQs).
RQ1: What are the shifts that have occurred in the evolution of social media marketing?
RQ2: What are the underlying factors that have facilitated the development and progression of social
media marketing?
The study’s findings aim to enhance awareness regarding the progression of social media marketing
and its changing trends. The results will shed light on the most recent developments in social media
marketing and how companies may adjust to the evolving trends. The study will additionally offer
suggestions for formulating effective product promotion strategies for social media. The study is expected
to attract the attention of marketing practitioners, social media specialists, and enterprises seeking to
enhance their digital marketing tactics.

A preliminary review of the literature

The advent of social media has altered the power dynamics within the marketplace (Constantinides,
2014). The conventional ways of communication have undergone a transformation from a mass-oriented
model, where the consumer is a passive recipient of information, to a personalized model that places the
consumer at the center of the communication process (Sharma & Verma, 2018). Several consumers are
utilizing social and digital media platforms for diverse activities, from information retrieval to final purchase
decisions related to goods and services. In response to this trend, marketers are allocating a considerable
portion of their advertising budget toward marketing on digital channels (Faruk et al., 2021). Despite a
great deal of academic work, the current literature on the evolving nature of consumer engagement on
social media remains fragmented and incomplete, leaving crucial questions unanswered. In this context,
the rapid evolution of social media marketing necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the
changing trends to formulate successful strategies for marketing.

4 Copyright © 2023 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

Possible research approach
The study will employ a qualitative approach to investigate the research questions. The data collection
involves semi-structured interviews with marketing and social media professionals. An online system will
be utilized to conduct the interviews, and the gathered data will be subjected to thematic analysis. The
study’s sample will comprise individuals from the professional network, and the selection of participants
will be based on their proficiency in social media marketing.

References
Constantinides, E. (2014). Foundations of Social Media Marketing. Procedia - Social and Behavioral
Sciences, 148, 40–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.016
Faruk, M., Rahman, M., & Hasan, S. (2021). How digital marketing evolved over time: A bibliometric
analysis on scopus database. Heliyon, 7(12), e08603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08603
McLachlan, S. (2023, April 6). 85+ Important Social Media Advertising Stats to Know. Social Media
Marketing & Management Dashboard. https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-advertising-stats/
Sharma, S., & Verma, H. V. (2018). Social Media Marketing: Evolution and Change. In G. Heggde & G.
Shainesh (Eds.), Social Media Marketing: Emerging Concepts and Applications (pp. 19–36). Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5323-8_2
Williamson, D. A. (2022, September 16). Digital Trust Benchmark 2022. Insider Intelligence.
https://www.insiderintelligence.com/content/digital-trust-benchmark-2022

5 Copyright © 2023 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

 SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL #3

The impact of artificial intelligence on the job market: An empirical investigation

Keywords: artificial intelligence; jobs; machine learning; robotics

Motivation of the research

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a subject of controversy regarding its effects on the employment
market for many years. The advent of the fourth industrial revolution has resulted in the swift
advancement of AI-based technologies, which are anticipated to significantly impact various aspects of
our lives and societies (Peña-Cabrera et al., 2019). Although AI technologies may work with other
technologies, such as the Internet of Things, quantum computing, and blockchain, they are anticipated
to eliminate millions of jobs. Nonetheless, a promising prospect exists for the emergence of novel job
opportunities triggered by AI. Motivated by this paradigm shift brought about by the emergence of AI, this
research proposal aims to investigate the impact of AI on the job market empirically.

Research problem and questions

The growing adoption of AI within the labor market has elicited apprehension regarding its effects on
employment (Lane & Saint-Martin, 2021). There are divergent views regarding the impact of AI on the
job market. While some contend that AI will generate novel employment prospects, others express
apprehension that it may result in job displacement and unemployment. Consequently, there exists a
necessity for empirical research to comprehend the effects of AI on the labor market. In line with this
objective, our research question is as follows: How can organizations and policymakers prepare for the
impact of AI on the job market?
The study’s findings will yield valuable perspectives on AI’s prospective advantages and obstacles
within the labor market. The outcomes of this investigation hold significance for policymakers, employers,
and employees with a stake in comprehending the effects of AI on the labor market. The study will
additionally establish a foundation for forthcoming inquiries concerning the influence of AI on the labor
market.

A preliminary review of the literature

The existing body of literature on AI’s influence on the labor market indicates a growing apprehension
regarding the potential displacement of employees due to technological advancement. Nevertheless,
recent research has indicated that the likelihood of job creation is similar to that of job destruction (Hunt
et al., 2022). Greater exposure to AI is associated with higher employment growth in occupations where
computer use is prominent. According to existing literature, the proliferation of automation technologies
such as robotics and AI is being implemented in a non-uniform manner across the workforce,
disproportionately impacting occupations that require intermediate-level skills and do not necessitate a
post-secondary education to a greater extent than those that need advanced-level skills. Robotics and
AI experts contend that many job roles will be susceptible to automation within the next two decades.
However, their predictions regarding the occupations that are at risk are more measured compared to
those of individuals who lack expertise in this field. The literature also suggests that it is imperative for
employees to maintain a harmonious coexistence with AI (Tsai et al., 2014), and the influence of AI on
the job market should be evaluated in conjunction with other labor market factors, including outsourcing.

Possible research approach

The research will employ a mixed-methods design, encompassing qualitative and quantitative
methodologies. The study will be carried out in two distinct stages. During the initial stage, a survey will
be administered to gather information regarding the effects of AI on the labor market. The survey will be
circulated to diverse employees and employers across various industries. The questionnaire will

6 Copyright © 2023 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

encompass inquiries about the categories of employment that are susceptible to being substituted by AI,
the proficiencies necessary for AI-associated occupations, and the ramifications of AI on the labor market.
During the second phase, a series of interviews will be carried out with a representative selection of
employees and employers from various industries. The research methodology will involve semi-
structured interviews that primarily investigate AI’s effects on the labor market. The interviews will either
be conducted in person or through video conferences depending on the location of the participants. The
interviews will be recorded or transcribed and subject to further analysis to gather insights.

References
Hunt, W., Sarkar, S., & Warhurst, C. (2022). Measuring the impact of AI on jobs at the organization level:
Lessons from a survey of UK business leaders. Research Policy, 51(2), 104425.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2021.104425
Lane, M., & Saint-Martin, A. (2021). The impact of Artificial Intelligence on the labour market: What do
we know so far? OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/7c895724-en
Peña-Cabrera, M., Lomas, V., & Lefranc, G. (2019). Fourth industrial revolution and its impact on society.
2019 IEEE CHILEAN Conference on Electrical, Electronics Engineering, Information and
Communication Technologies (CHILECON), 1–6.
https://doi.org/10.1109/CHILECON47746.2019.8988083
Tsai, C.-S., Hu, J.-S., & Tomizuka, M. (2014). Ensuring safety in human-robot coexistence environment.
2014 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, 4191–4196.
https://doi.org/10.1109/IROS.2014.6943153

7 Copyright © 2023 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode