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Capstone Project Proposal Guidelines

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7 views8 pages

Capstone Project Proposal Guidelines

Uploaded by

halewe
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Master of Business Administration

(MBA19PB)
2025

Capstone Project

Full Proposal Guide

Page 1 of 7
ASSIGNMENT/ASSESSMENT ANTI-PLAGIARISM DECLARATION

University of Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG BUSINESS SCHOOL (JBS)
MODULE MBA19PB Capstone project proposal
ASSESSMENT Capstone project proposal
SUPERVISOR
DUE DATE 12 October 2025
DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL
INITIALS AND SURNAME STUDENT NUMBER SIGNATURE

1. I understand that plagiarism is to present someone else’s ideas as my own.


2. Where material written by other people has been used (either from a printed source or from
the Internet), this has been carefully acknowledged and referenced. I have used the
Geneva Convention for citation and referencing. Every contribution to and quotation from
the work of other people in this essay has been acknowledged through citation and
reference.
3. I know that plagiarism is wrong.
4. I understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the Faculty’s and University’s policy in
this regard and I have fully familiarized myself with the contents of these Policies.
5. I know that I will be guilty of plagiarism if I do not properly credit my sources, or if I copy
any data, results, graphs, phrases, sentences or paragraphs from a book, article,
presentation or Internet source without providing the proper citations.
6. I declare that I have written my submission in my own words, sentences, and paragraphs
throughout and have properly credited all ideas / words / thoughts / graphical and pictorial
presentations obtained from other people’s work.
7. I declare that this submission is my own original work.
8. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing
it off as his or her own work.
9. I understand that if someone else submits work that is copied from my own, I may be held
equally liable.

Page 2 of 7
Table of Contents
1. Title.......................................................................................................................................4
2. Introduction.........................................................................................................................4
3. Company profile..................................................................................................................4
4. Dilemma statement (Problem statement).........................................................................4
5. Dilemma questions and objectives...................................................................................4
6. Scope...................................................................................................................................4
7. Literature identified relating to the dilemma....................................................................5
7.1. Literature identified relating to dilemma question 1.......................................................5
7.2. Literature identified relating to dilemma question 2, 3, etc............................................5
8. Core concepts/themes.......................................................................................................5
9. Benchmark studies.............................................................................................................5
10. Metrics & technology.........................................................................................................6
11. Proposed approach............................................................................................................6
12. Implementation guidelines................................................................................................7
13. Road map with milestones................................................................................................7
14. References...........................................................................................................................7

Page 3 of 7
1. Title
Provide the title for your capstone project – no more than 12 words. This might have
been adjusted from the previous module.

2. Introduction
The opening paragraphs of your full capstone project proposal’s introduction need to
provide your readers with their initial impressions about the logic of your argument, your
writing style, the overall quality of your evidence-based project, and, ultimately, the
validity of your findings and conclusions. A vague, disorganized, or error-filled
introduction will create a negative impression, whereas a concise, engaging, and well-
written introduction will lead your readers to think highly of your analytical skills, your
writing style, and your evidence-based project as a whole.

All introductions should conclude with a brief paragraph that describes the organisation
of the rest of the proposal.

3. Company profile

Based on your concept proposal and Not more than 12 lines

4. Dilemma statement (Problem statement)


Refined dilemma/problem statement, based on feedback received for Concept Proposal
and supervisor input.
5. Dilemma questions and objectives

6. Scope
Clearly and succinctly articulates the scope of the project.
 What is in scope and what is out of scope
 Be cautious of scope creep

Page 4 of 7
7. Literature identified relating to the dilemma
Describe or elaborate on the dilemma based on literature i.e., what does the
literature tell us about the issue(s) and solutions to these issues.

7.1. Literature identified relating to dilemma question 1


 Link specific literature identified to a specific distinct question e.g., taking
your business online.
 Literature that deals with industry-wide or country-wide issues should only be
included to provide broader context, not as a substitute for literature that is
specific to the question.

7.2. Literature identified relating to dilemma question 2, 3, etc.


As above

8. Core concepts/themes
Describe the core concepts or themes identified in the literature relating to the dilemma:
 Are there specific themes that emerge when you review the literature relating to
the dilemma/dilemma questions?
 Are there core concepts that you have identified in the literature that are at the
heart of dealing with such a dilemma, whether relating to diagnosing/identifying,
or solving the problem/dilemma?

9. Benchmark studies
Are there benchmarks relating to tackling this type of dilemma, whether in relation to
evaluating/diagnosing, or solving the dilemma?
 Summarise and evaluate benchmark studies identified as part of your
literature review, that provide benchmarks for approaching, evaluating,
and/or solving the dilemma or dilemmas with similar characteristics
 These benchmark studies may originate internally from within the
organisation, externally, or stem from industry best-practice (i.e., industry
benchmarks identified)
Page 5 of 7
10. Metrics & technology
Provide the following:
 Metrics identified in the literature relevant to monitoring the success of
recommended interventions/solutions (e.g., marketing metrics identified
might include Lifetime value of a customer (LTV), Sales Qualified Leads etc).
 Technology that could solve/assist with solving the problem or measuring
metrics identified (e.g., software dashboarding tool); and
 This may also link to benchmarks identified e.g., industry best-practice
metrics and tools

11. Proposed approach


Based on the results of your literature review, detail:
 The proposed approach to tackling the dilemma/problem
 The methodology specific to the company that you plan to use to solve the
problem i.e., now that you have reviewed the literature, this is how you intend
to approach evaluating and solving the dilemma
 For example, if the business is looking for growth and scale, the proposed
approach might include:
o Describe, visualise and assess the business’ current business model
using the business model canvas.
o Quantitative analysis of historical financial information to identify
financial management issues and trends.
o Interviews with current management to understand current strategic plans
for growth.
o Gap analysis to understand the current and planned future states, split
across areas of the business (e.g., operations, marketing, strategy).
o Conduct market research relating to company products using market
research tools (e.g., interviews, surveys, focus groups).
o Use of an Ansoff Matrix to analyse and plan business strategies for growth.

Page 6 of 7
12. Implementation guidelines
Based on the results of your literature review, detail:
 Guidelines to the company for implementing the required changes/
interventions required to tackle the dilemma and solve it.
 Note – these are guidelines based on the analysis performed, prior to detailed
work being performed within the company, and so would be in broad strokes
rather than detailed implementation guidelines/plans.

13. Road map with milestones


This is the Road Map for completion of the Capstone Project, given the results of the
literature review and provides the following:
 Timeline with specific milestones for completion of the project
 Revision of literature review
 Outline of information gathering process (to be reviewed by supervisor)
 Completion of ethical clearance form, based on feedback received
 Draft submission creation based on information-gathering process
 Editing and proofreading

14. References
The sources that you cite, and references should have the following characteristics
 Credible – approximately 20 to 30 credible references
 Current – not older than 7 years

Please note the following grading system will be used for your proposals:

Grade Results
%
A 75+
B 70 - 74
C 60 - 69

Page 7 of 7
D 50 - 59
Fail <50

An individual mark percentage will be awarded to students who achieve a


failing grade.

Page 8 of 7

Common questions

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'Implementation Guidelines' are critical in a capstone project proposal as they provide strategic advice for executing the recommended interventions. These guidelines are framed based on the findings from the literature review and serve to bridge the gap between theoretical solutions and practical application . They should be structured to offer clear, broad-stroke advice that can guide future detailed planning. This includes overarching strategies, potential challenges, and key steps to transition from analysis to action, ensuring that the proposed solutions are viable and grounded in evidence .

The significance of acknowledging and correctly crediting sources in an academic capstone project is to uphold the integrity of academic work and ensure that original authors receive proper recognition for their contributions. It is essential for demonstrating the student's understanding and engagement with existing literature. Failing to credit sources appropriately constitutes plagiarism, which is strictly against the University of Johannesburg's policies. Consequences include potential academic penalties, such as expulsion, and reputational damage both to the student and the institution .

Defining the 'Scope' in a capstone project is crucial because it delineates the boundaries of the project, highlighting what is included and excluded. This clarity prevents scope creep, which can lead to project delays, increased costs, and diluted focus . If the scope is poorly defined, it may result in insufficient or irrelevant analysis, misallocation of resources, and ultimately, failure to address the original problem effectively. Precise scope helps maintain alignment with project objectives and ensures efficient management of time and resources .

The 'Dilemma Statement' is a refined articulation of the core problem that the capstone project aims to address, often shaped by feedback from supervisors and previous proposals. It provides a focused outline of the issue at hand . In contrast, 'Dilemma Questions and Objectives' derive from the dilemma statement and specify the specific questions the project seeks to answer and the goals it aims to achieve. These components guide the scope and direction of research, ensuring that the project remains aligned with its intended purpose .

To refine a 'Company Profile' in a capstone project proposal, strategies might include a concise summary that directly correlates aspects of the company's operations, market, and strategic goals with the project objectives. It is important to tailor the profile to align with the audience's interests and the problem being addressed . Highlighting unique competitive advantages, key challenges, and opportunities for growth can provide context and relevance, ensuring that the audience understands the project’s significance within the company's framework .

The critical elements of the 'Introduction' to a capstone project proposal include a clear presentation of the argument's logic, writing style, and the project's evidence base, as well as a brief outline of the proposal's organization . These elements are important because they set the tone for the entire proposal, influencing readers' impressions of the project's rigor and the student's analytical skills and writing ability . A well-constructed introduction can enhance credibility and ensure the reader remains engaged .

The 'Literature Review' plays a pivotal role in shaping the 'Road Map with Milestones' for a capstone project by providing the evidential basis for planned actions and timelines. It identifies key concepts and frameworks that should be considered, which informs the sequence and importance of project tasks. The review highlights gaps in current knowledge and potential pitfalls, aiding in the realistic scheduling of milestones and resource allocation . By grounding the roadmap in literature findings, the project maintains a strong alignment with academic rigor and practical applicability .

The 'Benchmark Studies' section provides a comparative framework that can be used to evaluate, diagnose, or solve the dilemma described in a capstone project. It summarizes and evaluates existing studies to offer standards or benchmarks that can guide the analysis and solution strategy of the dilemma . To utilize this section effectively, a student should compare internal, external, and industry best-practice benchmarks, selecting those most relevant to the project, and integrate these into the problem-solving methodology to draw informed conclusions and recommendations .

A 'Proposed Approach' in a capstone project can effectively integrate insights from literature by aligning the chosen methodology with the best practices and findings from reviewed studies. This involves selecting strategies that have demonstrated success in similar contexts and incorporating tools or frameworks recommended in the literature . The approach should also adapt these insights to the specific circumstances of the company or problem in question, ensuring bespoke, evidence-based solutions are applied, potentially including techniques like business model canvassing, financial analysis, and market research .

'Metrics & Technology' serve as key components in monitoring and evaluating the success of implemented solutions in a capstone project. Metrics provide quantifiable indicators of success, such as customer lifetime value or sales-qualified leads, which help determine whether the solutions meet the project objectives . Technology, such as dashboard tools, assists in tracking these metrics efficiently and in real-time, enabling data-driven decision-making. By leveraging these, a project can ensure continuous improvement, offer feedback on implementation processes, and validate the effectiveness of proposed interventions .

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