Category: Research Proposal

ACTION LEARNING PLAN
You are required to complete the design of Research Proposal or Action Plan for an Action Learning Project that explores the focus area you have selected and explored in your literature review. This plan must include the following:

Fully completed Cover Page (title, author’s name, student number).
Introduction: what is it all about? i.e. the nature of the focus area – from material in Assessment 1A.
Significance: why is it important for ECE/primary education and for a teacher’s professional practice.
Background: This is not new work – it is essentially an elaboration of the Conclusion statement from Assessment 1 – Literature Review.
Research question: the specific question to be examined (a clear and concise statement of the aspect of the focus area you will be exploring, stated as a question that you will be exploring, along with all appropriate definitions/explanations).
Methodology and methods: a detailed description of the research approach and data collection method/s you would use to answer your research question (the type of research you are undertaking; how you will undertake the research, including descriptions of data collection and analysis techniques).
Research ethics: a comprehensive outline about the ethical issues for your proposed investigation and how these will be attended to by yourself in your plan. Material from Assignment 1 and in particular from your work on those Tasks in the Ethics modules can form the basis for a summary here.
Action: outline how you might implement any potential changes to practice as a result of some likely outcomes to your research.
Timeline: an outline of the proposed timing for the implementation of your plan (including the work already completed in identifying your area of focus and completing the literature review). Each phase of the project needs some dates and a suggested timeline.
List of References.
Your submission is expected to be approximately 3000 words (+ or – 5%) not including the List of References. As noted in the details above you may include some material that you have prepared for the earlier assignments. How this will be achieved without plagiarizing yourself will be clarified in class discussions.

Soft system Methodology
The portfolio should include one example of each of the following:
1. SSM – A Rich Picture. (Case and diagram) (Use rich picture symbols to show the relationship)
2. SSM – Analyses 1 (Client. The practitioner.Issue owner), List and diagrams for each one in analysis 1.
SSMAnalysis 2(Social) Role. Norms. Value. (List all stakeholders & diagram.
SSM ANALYSIS 3 ( Political) Positional power, referent power, expert power, reward power and coercive power. ( Table and diagram for all political and the relationship).
3. SSM – A Purposeful Activity Model including text (the form) and diagram. (Root definition, PQR formula, CATWOE and EEE) DIAGRAME.( select two stakeholders).
4. A simple model of the positive and negative feedback loops in a system following System Dynamics notation (hand drawn is fine!).
5. A worked example of “Reframing by Word Play” from Phase 1 of Thinking Differently/NHS Institute book.
6. One worked example of a tool from either Phase 2 or Phase 3 of Thinking Differently/NHS Institute book.

Each example in your portfolio should be accompanied by a short narrative description, an explanation of the potential use of the technique and its role within a soft systems or action research project. You can select your examples from a variety of health related areas.( select any problematic situation in health)

You are required to complete the design of Research Proposal or Action Plan for an Action Learning Project that explores the focus area you have selected and explored in your literature review. This plan must include the following:
• Fully completed Cover Page (title, author’s name, student number).
• Introduction: what is it all about? i.e. the nature of the focus area – from material in Assessment 1A.
• Significance: why is it important for ECE/primary education and for a teacher’s professional practice.
• Background: This is not new work – it is essentially an elaboration of the Conclusion statement from Assessment 1 – Literature Review.
• Research question: the specific question to be examined (a clear and concise statement of the aspect of the focus area you will be exploring, stated as a question that you will be exploring, along with all appropriate definitions/explanations).
• Methodology and methods: a detailed description of the research approach and data collection method/s you would use to answer your research question (the type of research you are undertaking; how you will undertake the research, including descriptions of data collection and analysis techniques).
• Research ethics: a comprehensive outline about the ethical issues for your proposed investigation and how these will be attended to by yourself in your plan. Material from Assignment 1 and in particular from your work on those Tasks in the Ethics modules can form the basis for a summary here.
• Action: outline how you might implement any potential changes to practice as a result of some likely outcomes to your research.
• Timeline: an outline of the proposed timing for the implementation of your plan (including the work already completed in identifying your area of focus and completing the literature review). Each phase of the project needs some dates and a suggested timeline.
• List of References.
Your submission is expected to be approximately 3000 words (+ or – 5%) not including the List of References. As noted in the details above you may include some material that you have prepared for the earlier assignments. How this will be achieved without plagiarizing yourself will be clarified in class discussions. Format and referencing as discussed earlier.The
Assessment rubric is attached and we reinforce the advice that you plan carefully how much material you write in the different sections of your plan, based on the rubric weightings.

 
APTARGROUP INC. RESEARCH SUMMATION
APTAR GOAL : 1. AptarGroup will like to capture more market in North America {Canada, USA, Mexico} in terms of new technology trends or market platforms to grow {help understand what are the dispensing innovations at disposal}
2. AptarGroup would like to know more about these 3 North American markets in order to help understand where the wipe market is going, to make strategic decisions as to whether to invest or not invest in development of wipes dispensing technology.
3. To attain a wipes and wipe dispenser sale market growth of atleast 3% annually {help see if there is enough opportunity for growth}.
4. To know what are the consumer needs and consumer behaviors based on competitive landscape.
The Aptar 6 sigma based Research Write-up:
1) a. Hypothesize 2-3 impacts of technology and trends on how consumer will use wipes in future {2016 to 2020}
b. Determine what innovation might be required to support changing usage patterns {support with survey data}.
c. Identify technology and market trends{changes} anticipated in Canada, USA, Mexico {especially in current packaging deficiency and areas of innovation evident in last 18 months}
2) Identify wipe usage patterns and application fields. i.e. Home care wipes, Personal wipes & Baby wipes {backed up with data’s provided}
a. Prioritize 2 to 4 applications fields for investment decision in wipes dispensing innovation.
b. Develop “go-to-market” strategies including targeted innovation partners and lead customers in; 1. Mexico,
2. USA and
3. Canada {backed with quantitative datas}
NOTE: If applicable create a segmentation, targeting, competitive positioning & product pricing graphic analysis framework for existing markets platforms to make max profits for Aptar {support findings with tabulated data i.e. pie charts, bar charts and graphs}
3) 5 Porter forces for Aptar inc. {make detailed and specific data’s}
SWOT analysis {make detailed & specific data’s}

a) Develop Recommendations for Aptar’s Home care wipes, Personal wipes & Baby {in bullet points} backed by the data provided
in reference to Aptar partners i.e. Proctor & Gamble, Berlin Packaging, Private label
Recommendation strategies in 1. Mexico
2. USA
3. Canada

Hint: Can use 6 Sigma to find Aftermarket evaluation/ usage pattern, advice the firm on a go/no-go decision on pursuing wipes dispensing technology investment. Provide specific investment recommendations based on the wipes usage application
4) a} Develop risk and rewards for Aptar {from 6 sigma}
b} Develop implementation strategies based on data’s & graphs for 1) Mexico
2) USA
3) Canada

5) 5. Create on a Powerpoint slide from these above findings i.e. data and graphs
a) Recommendation strategies in bullet points for 1) Mexico, 2) USA, 3) Canada
b) Implementation strategies in bullet points for 1) Mexico, 2) USA, 3) Canada

DEADLINE  Sunday October 18th
HELPFUL HINTS AND SIDE NOTES FOR THIS RESEARCH WRITE UP

1) Does Aptar want to tap into existing market segments for wipes? Or would they want to create a new segment?

Since they don’t participate in larger markets, they would think that penetrating existing markets and gaining market share would be successful. Aptar aims NOT to compete with major product companies BUT to penetrate current market through already partners who already owne the market.
Example: They focus on baby care across all dispensing solutions as well as homecare wipes, so any way to get market share in those categories would be attractive. However, they also think that new markets/applications are a possibility. Bottom line: Ok to participate in flat growth markets if large enough.

2) How important is market growth if the technology provided by Aptar would be unique and successful to gain significant market share, even in a mature (and stagnating) market? Or in other words, do they want to pursue a new dispenser technology solely in order to develop new markets?

Having a piece of the pie is great. Solutions that can grow the pie are even better. If solely development within a no-growth market, it could be of interest but would have to be a compelling case (focus on large segments). Example, laundry care is a flat but multi-billion dollar industry so even a nominal percentage would be an attractive option. If the pie in the category is large enough interest would be there.

3) How does Aptar’s technology currently add value to existing products in the market?

Although B2B, products are for consumers. Aptar looks to develop strategies to engage consumer product firms in a mutually beneficial way.
Convenience is the top priority (i.e. spray sunscreens – worked with Merck/Coppertone to develop a twist to open/lock to support convenience and avoid the need for a cap). Formulations are driving packaging decisions from brand managers. Lots of products require protection from air/light (air for wipes), so what technologies can we develop to ensure the wipes do not dry out. P&G wants product that goes in is the exact same
Optimization/Sustainability: Smart packaging, smaller, lighter, easier to ship, smaller environmental footprint to drive sustainability.

4) What role does IP play in this process for Aptar? How can Aptar make sure that their product is protected against their customer and its product?

Intellectual Property {IP} is absolutely a concern. Aptar applies for patents regularly. Functional patents for design that add value to commoditized products. Not usually focusing on design patents as they’re not as enforceable internationally. Usually apply for patents in the nation it was designed in addition to the United States. When developing products, it is on the list of requirements. Ability to patent is required. Also looking for existing patent technology to acquire and leverage. 90% of tech is from own internal development. They do compete with customers sometimes so if a customer comes up with a patent on a product they could be a partner, but mostly they develop OEM and bring it to market and ensure they don’t conflict with customers.

5) Picking a preferred partner / customer:
What are Aptar’s top 3 clients by sales and by ease to work with?

Biggest Customers Sales (North America):
1) Unilever (hair care, body spray, food items [Helmans Mayo],
2) Mast Global (Limited Brands – Bath & Body Works/Victoria’s Secret) highly decorative product set & #1 in hand sanitizer quantities
3) Johnson & Johnson (skin care, aveeno, Lubriderm)
4) P&G (Mr. Clean, Old Spice)
5) Private Label

Biggest Distributors
1) Berlin Packaging: distributor makes bottles and packaging for more downstream (strong partnership)
Easy to work with: Berlin Packaging

Would they want to work with a company that is already one of their customers? Depends. Can work with certain firms faster (i.e. Reckitt) than others (i.e. a P&G).
Could it be one of Aptar customers’ competitors? Not a concern.
Do they want to work with the market leader in a specific segment?

6) Other questions: Market data (Euromonitor vs. Freedonia research references), …

• Euromonitor is more historic as oppose to forecasting.
• From concept to production a fully new design it could be 2 years to bring the solution to market. 2020 is right on the money.

CAPABILITIES NEEDED FOR ABOVE WRITE UP

Market research – Analysis Consumer needs & B2B research {knowledge of consumer survey is desirable.
Strategic management – Analysis of key supply chain participants and their market positioning. Include Porter’s Five Forces, SWOT analysis and other appropriate analysis.
Technology – Ability to understand the basic wipes technology, dispensing technology & industrial design thinking.
Futurist – Ability to project future scenerios gathered data {2016 – 2020}.
Business planning – Experience with creation of business plan to drive growth in new and underdeveloped market spaces i.e. Canada and Mexico

1. This write-up has to be more qualitative than quantitative {backed with tabulated numerical data i.e. pie charts, bar charts and graphs. This article write up has to be more data driven data tabulations, graphs, pie charts and bar charts.

2. There has to be adequate collation of data from USA, Canada & Mexico

3. IMPORTANTLY, the Decision tree has to be specifically detailed to Aptar business venture into 1) Technology, 2) Geography {Canada, USA, Mexico) & 3) Partnerships/ Joint ventures {Proctor & Gamble, Private label, Berlin Packaging etc.
Decision tree should be diagrammatically exhibited at all, thus, for the final 6 sigma based recommendations to delve into the business. This provides sharp teeth for this research conclusions.

4. Finally, this research has to be more quantitatively data for a MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS —-> driven with tabulations, graph, pie charts and bar charts.

REFERENCES TO UTILIZE FOR THIS RESEARCH WRITE UP
2 of the best references to use for the write up should from:
1. References provided
2. Freedonia
3. Euromonitor
4. Any other resources that has solid data’s that are relevant

 
This assignment is related to the previous Management Project proposal that was written by you. This time the full project is required. Please check the uploaded files they are very important. There is no word limit but the professor is looking for something between 5000 – 7000 words. There is no specific structure for the essay but most students would do something like:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Background / research question if applicable
Methodology (if a research project)/ Literature / Approach (if not a research project)
Findings / Discussion
Implications from the discussion
Limitations
Recommendations (for researchers and/ or industry)
Reference list
However each project is very different – some students are doing business plans, for example, with an analysis, and obviously wouldn’t follow the list above.

 
The Take Action Project (TAP) is an opportunity to relate your project to your understanding of at least one (or more) of the course themes — spirituality/religion, social justice, sustainability/science, and women’s issues.

“What is Service-Learning?” This is Step 1 of the Take Action Project process.

Remember, as the TAP instructions indicate in Week 7, academic credit will be awarded for the learning (reflection and critical thinking about how the project relates to course concepts) that you gain from the experience, not for the service itself. Service learning, for purposes of this course, is a way to take action in the world — to serve and to learn through that service. However, identifying a plan for the service part of the project is important in this part of the process.

The National Center for Service-Learning defines service-learning through three key characteristics:

Service-learning constitutes activity that is focused on meeting a human need in the community where that need has to do with the well-being of individuals and/or of the environment in which they live.
Key academic and/or civic objectives to be achieved through combining service with learning have been identified prior to the activity.
Opportunities for students to reflect on their experience and its connection to specific academic/civic objectives are incorporated into the activity.

Please discuss your ideas about a proposal for one to three TAP project possibilities. Your mission is to propose a service-learning project that interests you and to reflect on the following questions in your post.

The Take-Action Project that I’m interested in exploring is …
How does this project relate to content in this course? What specific theme or themes are reflected in the project you propose? Which of the four general categories of service (direct service learning, indirect service learning, *research-based service learning, and *advocacy service learning) most interests you? Which of the categories applies to your preliminary project idea?
If appropriate to your project: What is the mission of your service site? What services are provided or what needs will be addressed through your project? Why do these needs exist in your community?
What do you hope to learn from your project?
What are you perhaps nervous or enthusiastic about?
• It is probable that your project will reflect at least one academic, professional, or personal goal that is important to you.

• Your project will be evidence of you contributing to a group or a community in a meaningful way.

• You will demonstrate understanding of how your service project connects to one or more of the course themes.

• You will gain experience in examining your assumptions at the beginning of your project and will reflect on whether or not your experience altered those assumptions.

• You will research the topic that is related to your project and service and you’ll use evidence from that research to support any conclusions or inferences that you make at the end of your service project.

• It is probable that you’ll employ creative thinking about many elements in connection with your project.
This is Step 2 of the TAP process. Now that you’ve narrowed your focus to one particular project that interests you, you’ll conduct some preliminary research on your topic and submit a proposal on that project. Upload your proposal to dropbox BX3 titled “TAP proposal.”

In this proposal, your goal is to move from a broad concept to a more specific focus. In doing that you’ll revisit some of the same questions you reflected on in Step 1, but you’ll be more focused in your responses. (If you accelerated and accomplished a specific focus in Step 1, then you’ll have done the majority of the preparation for this assignment.)

Address the following in your proposal:

Identify your project and discuss how it specifically relates to content in this course.
Identify the problem that your project or service contribution seeks to impact. Revisit your responses to questions for the “First Impressions” discussion board topic. Include a summary paragraph of those responses and if your thinking on any of the questions has changed, then let your summary reflect your freshest thoughts and don’t feel limited to your earlier responses.
Conduct preliminary research on your specific project. Most social justice issues are complex. What does your research tell you about the complexity of the problem? In your proposal, discuss what you’ve learned from that research. Include at least two sources of information that are relevant to your project. [Note: In your final report, you’ll include a minimum of two references from course materials and a minimum of three additional resources that are from course materials or other sources related to your project.]
What coordination or specific practical steps do you need to take to complete your project? Discuss specific times and dates that you have outlined to move forward for successful completion of your project.
What, if any, concerns (or questions) do you have about your project? Discuss these concerns in your proposal. Be specific about the concern and then, if appropriate, be specific in brainstorming possible solutions for the concern. For example: If your concern is scheduling time for your project, then state that but also state possible ways that you might make it work. If your concern is not being confident in how to do research on your topic, then state that concern and discuss your specific understanding of how to do that research and any specific questions that you have.
The Take Action Project (TAP) provides an opportunity for you to combine theoretical studies in this course and community service.

Here’s a summary of those steps:

You’ll propose a possible idea or ideas for a project.

You’ll narrow your proposal to one idea and conduct preliminary research on it .

You’ll discuss either your expectations or experiences or both as you move toward completion of your project.
After completion of your project, you’ll write about your insights in connection with your project and how your project was connected to concepts studied in this course.

 
A)Introduction
B)Objectives
C)Strategies
D)Preparation
Please see attachment paper-related to the book; the Emotional Life of your Brain, Author is RJ DAVIDSON.

I need a Draft ASAP- just have Introduction and Objection and Final proposal by 10/29

 

Prepare a research proposal for a rant application. However, due to time constraints I am unable to structure the literature material in a coherent manner that sells my proposal. I have got feedback from reviewers and I need to incorporate them at the same time ensuring the following:

STYLISTIC FEEDBACK and EDITING
• Optimum organization: overall focus and attention to thesis, unity, coherence, logical conclusions, avoiding redundancies, etc.
• Paragraph structure: controlling ideas, transitions, appropriate support, etc.
• Sentence structure: varied structures, proper subordination and coordination, parallel presentation of ideas, etc.
• Appropriate tone and diction
• Content evaluation: thesis, argument evaluation, development, effective support, and logical conclusions.
FORMATTING FEEDBACK AND CORRECTION
• Documentation: incorporating quotations, parenthetical citations, and works cited pages, bibliographies, footnotes and endnotes
• Evaluation of sources for timeliness, authenticity, and credibility

Section III of paper. This is the Methodology section of the proposal. It includes the proposed research design: mixed methods, participants and sampling: counselors using these formats for clients and lookking at successful outcomes. Instrumentation and/or materials, Procedures, Data collection/Procedure, Processes to Ensure Dependable and Credible Results, Data Analysis and Interpretations and Expeccted Results, Limitations and Educational Implications/Inferences. These are all the sections that should be included albeit brief as it is just the proposal. Any questions, please contact me

Based on your project proposal: In your paper (not including the title page and reference page) develop an evaluation plan to be included in your final evidence-based practice project. Provide the following criteria in the evaluation, making sure it is comprehensive and concise:
Describe the rationale for the methods used in collecting the outcome data.
Describe the ways in which the outcome measures evaluate the extent to which the project objectives are achieved.
Describe how the outcomes will be measured and evaluated based on the evidence. Address validity, reliability, and applicability.
Describe strategies to take if outcomes do not provide positive results.
Describe implications for practice and future research.