THE BMZ ACADEMY
THE BMZ ACADEMY
053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Reflection on the Value of Research .................................................................................................. 3
Reference List ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Part 3 – Qualitative Research Proposal ............................................................................................. 7
1. Introduction and Background .......................................................................................................... 7
2. Problem Statement .............................................................................................................................. 7
3. Research Purpose and Objectives.................................................................................................. 8
4. Research Questions ........................................................................................................................... 9
5. Literature Review ................................................................................................................................. 9
6. Conceptual and Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................... 11
7. Research Design and Methodology.............................................................................................. 15
8. Limitations and Delimitations ........................................................................................................ 17
9. Project Timeline and Required Resources ................................................................................. 18
10. References ........................................................................................................................................ 19
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Reflection on the Value of Research
Research is a systematic and reflective process of inquiry designed to produce reliable
and valid knowledge that contributes to theory, practice, and societal advancement. It
involves identifying problems, generating hypotheses, collecting and analysing data, and
deriving conclusions that can improve professional practice or enhance understanding
(Salkind, 2017). Fundamentally, research empowers individuals and institutions to make
evidence-based decisions and ensures that actions are guided by critical reasoning
rather than assumptions or intuition (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). Its value lies not merely
in knowledge creation but in promoting intellectual accountability, ethical awareness, and
innovation across academic, professional, and civic contexts.
As an Honours Student
For an honours student, particularly in the HMEMS80 research methodology module,
research knowledge forms the foundation of academic maturity and intellectual
independence. Through systematic inquiry, students learn to identify researchable
problems, review scholarly literature, and construct methodologically sound proposals
(Kivunja, 2023). This process develops critical literacy the ability to evaluate evidence,
distinguish between credible and biased sources, and apply theoretical frameworks
appropriately. According to Hall, Ward and Comer (1988), such training not only enhances
scholarly competence but also instils habits of analytical thinking, curiosity, and
disciplined reasoning.
Furthermore, engaging in research strengthens a student’s ethical and methodological
awareness. The process of conceptualising a study such as exploring perceptions of AI
and academic integrity in the HMEMS80 module demands adherence to ethical principles
like honesty, transparency, and respect for participants (Mtshweni, 2024). These values,
when internalised, prepare students for future postgraduate research and professional
practice. By mastering the art of inquiry, honours students move beyond being consumers
of knowledge to become contributors who can shape discourse within their disciplines.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 22
THE BMZ ACADEMY
053 8213
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 1 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Table of Contents
Reflection on the Value of Research .................................................................................................. 3
Reference List ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Part 3 – Qualitative Research Proposal ............................................................................................. 7
1. Introduction and Background .......................................................................................................... 7
2. Problem Statement .............................................................................................................................. 7
3. Research Purpose and Objectives.................................................................................................. 8
4. Research Questions ........................................................................................................................... 9
5. Literature Review ................................................................................................................................. 9
6. Conceptual and Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................... 11
7. Research Design and Methodology.............................................................................................. 15
8. Limitations and Delimitations ........................................................................................................ 17
9. Project Timeline and Required Resources ................................................................................. 18
10. References ........................................................................................................................................ 19
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 2 of 22
, THE BMZ ACADEMY
Reflection on the Value of Research
Research is a systematic and reflective process of inquiry designed to produce reliable
and valid knowledge that contributes to theory, practice, and societal advancement. It
involves identifying problems, generating hypotheses, collecting and analysing data, and
deriving conclusions that can improve professional practice or enhance understanding
(Salkind, 2017). Fundamentally, research empowers individuals and institutions to make
evidence-based decisions and ensures that actions are guided by critical reasoning
rather than assumptions or intuition (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). Its value lies not merely
in knowledge creation but in promoting intellectual accountability, ethical awareness, and
innovation across academic, professional, and civic contexts.
As an Honours Student
For an honours student, particularly in the HMEMS80 research methodology module,
research knowledge forms the foundation of academic maturity and intellectual
independence. Through systematic inquiry, students learn to identify researchable
problems, review scholarly literature, and construct methodologically sound proposals
(Kivunja, 2023). This process develops critical literacy the ability to evaluate evidence,
distinguish between credible and biased sources, and apply theoretical frameworks
appropriately. According to Hall, Ward and Comer (1988), such training not only enhances
scholarly competence but also instils habits of analytical thinking, curiosity, and
disciplined reasoning.
Furthermore, engaging in research strengthens a student’s ethical and methodological
awareness. The process of conceptualising a study such as exploring perceptions of AI
and academic integrity in the HMEMS80 module demands adherence to ethical principles
like honesty, transparency, and respect for participants (Mtshweni, 2024). These values,
when internalised, prepare students for future postgraduate research and professional
practice. By mastering the art of inquiry, honours students move beyond being consumers
of knowledge to become contributors who can shape discourse within their disciplines.
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213Page 3 of 22
