Coursework 1:
Write a 1,500 words concept paper for a research project that applies IPE theory to a
real – world case study.
You may choose your own topic (please discuss with the tutor first), or you can
base your concept paper on any on any ONE of the following topics:
1. The EU’s use of economic power in its relations with one or more third
countries (this could be changed to China or the USA instead of the EU)
2. The effectiveness of the WTO Aid for Trade strategy in terms of achieving
development with regard to one or more specific African countries.
3. The prospects for UK manufacturing industry outside of the EU single market
and customs union.
4. (Perceived) tax avoidance by multinational corporations and its implications
for sovereign state authority.
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Sensitivity: Internal
5. A review of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the American sub-prime crisis
using IPE concepts & theory.
This assignment will be assessed against learning outcome 1.
Maximum of 1,500 words.
Coursework 1 – Concept Paper: Specific instructions to students
In this assignment, you will develop an idea for a research project based on some
facet of global political economy. The topic will depend on your interests and should
reflect something that would be interesting or useful to find out.
If you were putting together a proposal for a research project, you might use a concept
paper in several ways. First, it would help you get your ideas organised, set the scope
of your proposed project, identify weaknesses in logic, and plan your research
methodology (at least in outline form). Second, you could show it to colleagues and
get their feedback. Third, you might use it as a ‘preproposal’ and send it to a funding
agency from whom you hope to obtain money. This would establish communication
and give you a chance to convey your ideas. After reviewing your concept paper, the
funding agency would be able to give you further advice about developing the project
(or let you know if that agency would not be interested in funding that type of project).
This assignment will give you the opportunity to practice writing a concept paper.
Your paper will be 1500 words long. In a clear and concise fashion it should cover the
following:
PROJECT TITLE: This should be short and descriptive.
JUSTIFICATION (REASON FOR THE PROJECT): This section covers the importance
of the problem and the timeliness and innovativeness of the project. Why is there a
need to research this topic? Supporting data (with references) should be included in
this section.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: What does the project aim to find out? The overall goal
should be stated succinctly and the objectives should be enumerated briefly, clearly
and precisely.
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Sensitivity: Internal
METHODS OR PROCEDURES: How will you go about achieving your goals and
objectives? Give indications of having thought through the scope of your study and
having anticipated most reasonable questions or objections.
EXPECTED RESULTS: What kind of data will you collect? How will you interpret it?
What theories will you draw upon? What do you expect to find?
RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL: This section lists significant facilities and
equipment needed for your project, plus information on key personnel.
For the purposes of this assignment, you can put yourself in any position: yourself,
who will be doing the work; a faculty member, with research assistants or graduate
students working for them; the head of a small company, who will hire people to work
on the project; etc.
BUDGET: Should list major category totals. For the purposes of this assignment, you
can leave out this section if you want.
REFERENCES: The assignment must be properly referenced.
Remember that your concept paper must draw upon IPE theory, but must also indicate
what case study data will be used to support the theoretical discussion. This could be
primary or secondary data.
