REVISED TRADE-RESEARCH PROJECT FORMAT 2023

RESEARC/TRADE PROJECT FORMAT

This is a guide to a standard Trade Project proposal/ for Diploma, and Craft Certificate
Students. There will be variations depending on the field of study however, the KNEC
general guidelines for conducting Business and Technical examinations 2019&
2021,part III subsections 3&4,shall apply and as guided by the Supervisor.

The proposal format has some preliminary pages which are included in the following
order and numbered using roman numbers.

Title page

Declaration

Dedication

Acknowledgement

List of Tables

List of Figures

Table of Contents

Abstract

List of Acronyms

Definitions of operational terms

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION :< TITLE AS IT IS>

1.1 Introduction

This section captures the background Information to the study, based on the Title,
which should be clearly outlined.

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The Title should indicate both “Independent” and “Dependent” variables. More
importantly it should be researchable.

The background should capture the information about the independent variables as
well as the dependent variable.

It entails the essential-(general) information regarding the variables, by providing a

brief narrative of the Topic, on a global, continental, and regional and as it narrows to
the local scenario or chosen case study. This narrative is important as it lays the
foundation of the Study.

1.2 Statement of The Problem

This is the statement of the problem as it is necessitating the study. It provides the gist
(theme or backbone) of the study. It should be brief and to the point providing the
exact “problem (dilemma”) that has motivated the study.

The problem should conform to the a certain criteria;

 Not double barreled;

 Not ambiguous;
 Should be within the candidate‟s filed of specialization.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

1.3.1 General objective

This is essentially similar to the Title of the proposal. It should indicate what it is the
general objective the study seeks to achieve. It should be appropriately framed.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

These are the specific objectives which will enable the researcher limit the scope of
the literature review. The objectives serve to clarify the variables of the study and
breaks down the dilemma into achievable and measurable components. It influences

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all components of the research design including, literature review, data analysis and
report writing.

Variables: Variables refers to differences or attributes/qualities of the cases that we

can measure and record e.g. for people we can measure age and gender.

Independent variable: Also known as predictor or explanatory variables-refers to

factors that the researcher thinks can explain the variations in the dependent variable,
i.e. the causes.
Dependent Variable: It is an outcome variable that the researcher is attempting to
measure or predict. Variation in the dependent variable is what the researcher is
attempting to measure. The dependent variable “depends” on the independent
variable.
The objectives should be numbered as shown below;
1. <Specific objective 1 Vs Dependent variable>.
2. <Specific Objective 2Vs Dependent Variable>.
3.<Specific Objective 3Vs dependent variable>.
The candidate at this level will be required to provide at least three specific objectives.

1.4 Research Questions

The purpose of management research at Diploma and Craft Certificate levels, the
research questions are used instead of the hypotheses. The questions are achieved
through the transformation of the research objectives into questions and will among
others things help in guiding the study because the researcher will be seeking to
answer the questions as the study progresses.

The questions should be numbered as shown below;

1. <How does< Specific objective 1 Vs Dependent variable?>

2. < Does<Specific Objective 2Vs Dependent Variable?>

3. <How does< Specific Objective 3Vs dependent variable?>.

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1.5 Significance/Justification/Importance of the Study

The researcher will endeavor to identify, as a means of justifying the study, the people,
organizations and institutions that will eventually benefit from the findings obtained
from the study.

It is a narrative of all the beneficiaries and in what way they will benefit.

1.6 Scope of The Study

This is a one sentence section indicating (pin-pointing) the scope (area of coverage)
that the stud) will cover.

It should be linked to the title, as it is, and should indicate the specific geographical
area where the study will be undertaken.

Candidates should be encouraged to pick a narrow geographical area as possible in

order to make their study realistic and manageable.

1.7 Limitations and Delimitations of the Study

1.7.1 Limitations of the Study

These are the anticipated factors that will hinder the success of the study. They are
mentioned but the ways in which the researcher will seek to limit (minimize) the
effects of these limitations are also outlined as their absence will deem the study
unsuccessful before it is conducted. The limitations should be intellectual in nature.

(Time and in availability of funds should not be part of the limitations).

1.7.2Delimitations of the Study

Hence for each limitation perceived, the researcher must indicate how the limitations
were mitigated.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1Introduction

This is like the chapter summitry

2.2 Review of Past Studies

This is the literature review of all the variables intended to form a strong case for your
study. It should mainly comprise empirical (latest) research.

The candidates should provide “theoretical” and “empirical” literature which should
be based on at least three „theories‟. The literature should be obtained from texts not
more than five years old.

It should include sufficient in text citations based on the American Psychological

Association (APA) style.

2.2.1 <Dependent Variable>

A detailed elaboration of the Dependent Variable, including how it can be measured

should be provided in this section.

Three theories on which the study in founded.

2.2.2 <Specific Objective 1 and Dependent Variable>

2.2.3 <Specific Objective 2 and Dependent Variable>

2.2.4 <Specific Objective 3 and Dependent Variable>

2.3Summary and Gaps to be Filled by the Study

This is a summary of the entire literature review which should be able to also identify
the gap that the literature used has not captured (which provides a gap that the current
study will seek to study).

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2.4 Conceptual Framework

This is a schematic/diagrammatic representation of variables used and how they relate.

It is indeed the cheapest area as it involves the use of the specific variables and the
main depended variable

Independent Variables Dependent Variable

Specific Objective 1

Dependent Variable
Specific Objective 2

Specific Objective 3

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CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Again, this is the chapter summary.

3.2 Research Design

This can be Descriptive, Exploratory, Qualitative, Correlation, Case Study etc.

Ensure that the design chosen conforms to the Title as some management dilemmas
used demand a particular designs be used. Some studies cannot be done by using some
designs.

3.3 Target population

This is the entire population of the group that is being targeted for the purpose of the
study, from which a sample is drawn. The target population is usually greater than the
sample. For example If you are studying an organization, stratify the departments, then
include a table showing the frequency in each stratum and the percentage that the
frequency represents against the entire population.

3.4 Sampling and sampling procedure

A sample is a representative group that is to be studied on behalf of the entire target

population. Sampling is the process of selecting the units/items to be studied form a
population. This is done when a census is not possible.

The sampling method used should be relevant, and indicate the criteria used in
determining sample size. The sample should be representative enough in terms of size
and composition. It should be at least 10% of the target population.

The Sampling procedure must also be clear in that it should show how the respondents
will be identified. The procedure can either be based on probability (simple in random,

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systematic, stratified, cluster or multi-stage); or non-probability (judgment,

.convenience, quota or snowballing).

3.5 Data Sources and Instruments

This section indicates from where data will be collected and the instruments that will
be used. For example; Focus Group Discussions (POD), or observation. Secondary
data is collected from libraries, internet, magazines, newspapers, company reports etc.

The data collection instruments used should be described in this section. The
instruments used to collect primary data may include questionnaires, cameras, and
structured interviews. The questionnaire should be well designed in such a way as to
contain closed ended questions.

3.6 Data Collection Procedures

This section outlines clearly how the data will be collected from the stage of pre-
testing the questionnaire to the point of receiving the filled up questionnaires from the
respondents.

The data collection instruments and procedures should conform to the research design.

3.7 Data Analysis and Presentation

The data once received requires to be analyzed so as to have a meaning. This includes
checking for completeness, coding, summarizing and conducting the analysis using
the chosen packages e.g. Microsoft excel, Statistical Package for Social Scientists
(SPSS) or any other software.

The method of analysis used must conform to the research design (i.e. descriptive,
correlation analysis, qualitative, inferential etc.).

The methods of data presentation used should be stated clearly, where the analyzed
data may be presented using pie charts, bar/column charts, frequency tables as -well as
percentages.

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The candidate should note very clearly that the outputs of data analysis will appear
under the relevant Subheadings in chapter Four.

3.8 Expected Output: This is a statement indicating what the researcher expects to
achieve at the end of the research.

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CHAPTER FOUR

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

This is simply a chapter summary (paragraph)

4.2 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

The methods of data presentation mentioned in (3.7) above, i.e. tables, pie charts and graphs should
be put to use. The statistics should be discussed under each heading and summarized using tables,
and pie charts which should indicate percentage profiles.

This section should discuss the age, gender, academic level and occupation of the
respondents interviewed. [See introductory part of the questionnaire]

4.3 Background of Organization

This shall cover the details of the organization under study, or area/field being studied.

4.4 Discussion of Findings

This should be done by synthesizing them against the respective specific objectives as
follows.

4.4.1. Heading>Specific Objective 1Vs Dependent Variable

(Discussed in relation to relevant literature under (2.2.2 in Chapter Two)

4.4.2. Heading>Specific Objective 2 Vs Dependent Variable

(Discussed in relation to relevant literature under (2.2.3 in Chapter Two)

4.4.3 Heading>Specific Objective 3 Vs Dependent Variable

(Discussed in relation to relevant literature under (2.2.4 in Chapter Two)

4.4 Summary

This should provide a synthesized summary of the findings

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CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

<The candidate should show whether the study objectives were met in terms of the
relationship between the independent and dependent variables>.

5.2 Recommendations

<The candidate should provide relevant and intellectually valid recommendations>.

REFERENCES

Should follow the APA (American Psychological Association) format.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Letter to Respondents (Introduction Letter)

Appendix 2: Questionnaire<Candidate to attach a blank Questionnaire used>.

Appendix 3:- Interview Schedule (if to be used)

Appendix 4: Propos-al Budget

Appendix 5: Time Plan

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