Stages of the Research Process

1. Establish a general field of interest; discuss with supervisor/professor.
2. Undertake preliminary and background reading on the subject to be researched with what is known already and to suggest the choice of an appropriate research methodology. 
3. Narrow your ideas to a workable topic or research proposal and give it a title. Decide on the most appropriate methods of gathering data. 
4. Preparation of information gathering tools.
5. Collation, analysis, and interpretation of research data. 
6. Write first draft of research project report. 
7. Revision and re-write dissertation; submit dissertation. 

Neville, Collin. Introduction to Research and Research Methods. Effective Learning Advisor, University of Bradford School of Management, 2007. PDF file.