Introduction The objective of this assessment is to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate capability in reviewing the literature and developing a research proposal Part A: Developing the research topic 1: Identify an aspect of applied management or information technology suitable for research. The identified research topic is: “Effective supply chain network designs for demand fulfilment and timely delivery in New Zealand food (bulk foods – dry goods) industry” Identify a topic or issue you would like to research. a. Develop a concept map of the chosen topic area. This may be presented in a visual tool or in a bullet point structure and included in your submission for this assessment. Include a brief introduction. Example concept mapping of the topic about, you may revise or add something to it. b. Identify topic areas from the concept map and briefly describe areas you think would be suitable for research (approx. 1 page/300 words). 2: Initial investigation For the topic areas identified source four (4) quality peer reviewed research papers. Papers on the course site can be used – but must be augmented by your own reading. The papers will be full Conference or Journal papers (not proposals or short papers) and are to have been published within the last ten years with at least two less than three years old (latest within 2-3 years) . Two of the papers must involve 2 qualitative research methods and 2 quantitative methods. (Note some papers may include both). List the four papers using correct APA referencing, and for each paper: • Write a two paragraph summary for each article (so if 4 articles there are 8 paragraph in all). This is not a copy of the abstract, introduction or conclusion, and will not include any quoted text, but what you think the paper is about. • Identify which research method(s) (quantitative and/or qualitative) and methodology has been used. 3: Research questions Develop at least three possible research questions in your chosen topic area, and for each describe the purpose of the research and identify the significance of the research. The research question should be who, what, when, where or why, and not structured so that there is a simple yes or no answer. The purpose of the research is stated after the problem. It supports the problem and clarifies the knowledge that will be generated. It needs to be stated clearly and objectively. The significance of the research makes a statement about why the research is important and is outlined according to: • Who has interest in this issue? • What is already known? • What has not been answered? • How your study will contribute to practice?