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STRATHMORE INSTITUTE 

DIPLOMA IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATION 

DIR 1101:  BASICS OF PROJECT AND PROPOSAL WRITING 

 

 

DATE:  22nd April, 2020       Time: 2 Hours 

 

Instructions 

1. This examination consists of FIVE questions. 

2. Answer Question ONE (COMPULSORY) and any other TWO questions. 

3.         Do not write on the question paper. 

 

QUESTION ONE 
 

Below is an abstract from a research project, read and answer the questions that follow 

 

Studies show that sports is powerful for re-imaging and branding of states, particularly through hosting 

Sports Mega-Events. Sports Mega-Events (SMEs) include different types of events but the commonly 

used ones are the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. One such state is Qatar which uses hosting major 

sports as a tool in the conduct of its foreign policy and diplomacy. This follows the negative perceptions 

held about Qatar, such as poor record of respect for human rights, limited democratic space and 

curtailment of the freedom of the civil society. Part of recent human rights issues the state has been accused 

of include: unequal opportunities and treatment of women, racial discrimination and unfair treatment and 

poor working conditions immigrant workers (Amnesty International, 2019). Therefore, this study sought 

to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of SMEs in Qatar’s nation image branding. In order to meet the 

objective of this study, the researcher collected and analyzed data from the available secondary sources. 

The study is premised on two main theories: soft power and globalization theoretical frameworks. The 

findings of this study reveal that Qatar’s use of sports has been effective in nation image branding.  Hosting 

SMEs has enabled Qatar increase its recognition in the continent and the globe, counter some of the 

negative images and perceptions, attract more tourists, Foreign Direct Investment and increase its exports. 

  

1. Based on the abstract above, formulate the following: 

 

a) An appropriate research topic        (5 marks) 

b) Main objective of the research project      (3 marks) 

c) Two specific objectives        (6 marks) 

d) A problem statement        (10 marks) 

 

2. Explain the methodology used in this research project    (6 marks) 

 

QUESTION TWO  

a) Explain the difference between literature review and background to project writing.

          (6 marks) 

b) Discuss ways of structuring a literature review    (9 marks) 

 



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QUESTION THREE 

a) Examine the difference between primary data and secondary data  (5 marks) 

b) Explain any FOUR methods of data collection    (10 marks) 

 

QUESTION FOUR  

Explain the general format of a research proposal.     (15 marks) 

 

QUESTION FIVE  

Discuss the significance of FIVE aspects of ethical considerations in research proposal. 

           (15 marks)