School of Management California Lutheran University Master thesis proposal MSIT Program Sections required: 1. General introduction to the topic of study. The Introduction briefly explains the problem and creates interest for reading further. They generally describe the problem and justify why you selected the topic. 2. Identification of a problem and research question(s). • Specific research question(s) are posed. They will be answered via your research. 3. Background literature review of existing information about the problem. • A brief review of related literature. It describes that has already been done in the area and demonstrates your understanding of the problem and related issues. It should answer questions such as: Who is engaged in similar work? What has proven useless? What has been successful? 4. Proposed methods to be used in the research. What specific methods will you use to conduct your research? Examples: interviews, surveys, coding, data analysis from specific sources, etc. 5. Resulting new knowledge and potential contributions of the thesis to theory & practice. What new knowledge you expect your research to bring to both theory and practice. How do you plan to evaluate the resulting knowledge (criteria). 6. Reference list. At least 5 journal articles need to be listed. APA style is used. 7. Proposed timeline for conducting the research. Task breakdown and Gantt chart. • Note: typical time to complete a thesis is 2 terms. Note: Please submit a full draft of the proposal (3-5 pages) to the Program Director at least one week prior to the start of the term to enroll in IT599.