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Research proposal writing 1

A proposal is a document that outlines a research problem, intentions for addressing it, and serves as a plan for gaining approval and funding for a research project. It includes various components such as a title, background, problem statement, objectives, methodology, budget, and references. The proposal is written in future tense and aims to convince stakeholders of the project's significance and the researcher's capability to execute it.

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1 views

Research proposal writing 1

A proposal is a document that outlines a research problem, intentions for addressing it, and serves as a plan for gaining approval and funding for a research project. It includes various components such as a title, background, problem statement, objectives, methodology, budget, and references. The proposal is written in future tense and aims to convince stakeholders of the project's significance and the researcher's capability to execute it.

Uploaded by

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

WHAT IS A PROPOSAL?

• To propose is to state what you intend to do


• A clear statement of your intentions
• What is the problem and what I am going to do about the
identified problem?
• A proposal introduces the reader to the research problem and
indicates what is going to be done to solve that problem
• A proposal is written in future tense
• Can be used to source funding for the main research project
• It includes a budget and timelines expected to complete the
research project
Purpose of a proposal
• A plan of action and justification for research that
you plan to do
• A step towards gaining approval for research
project and/or dissertation
• A way to receive funding for research
• Convince others the project you have designed is
important, worth the effort.
• Convince others that you have the ability to carry
out the research design and report the findings.
Parts of a proposal
• Proposed title of the dissertation
• Background to the study/ Background to the research problem
• Statement of the problem/ Problem statement/ Research problem
• Research objectives
• Research questions
• Research hypotheses
• Justification/ Significance of the study
• Scope of the study/ Delimitations of the study
• Literature review and conceptual framework
• Research methodology
• Overview of the dissertation report
• Research schedule
• Budget
• References
Proposed title of the dissertation

• Length - Around 13 words


• Variables - Independent and dependent
variables
• Precise and concise
• Avoid overused words e.g.
– An investigation into…
– An analysis of…
Background of the study
• Indicates what is going on with respect to the problem you have
identified
From global village, continental, regional, local trends of the identified
problem (That which raised your eyebrows/ startled you). Also indicate
factors affecting the problem from global to local.
Describe the nature and situation
• Start globally and end locally on the company level when writing
the background
• Hence the need to cite authorities/sources to justify global and
local trends of the existing situation
• This should provide the context in which the study is being
conducted outlining the background of the problem moving from
general to particular problem. Do not give the history of the
organization or industry unless it is the core of the research
problem. Avoid mere literature review.
Statement of the problem
• The problem to be investigated must be clear.
• It should show in what way it is a problem.
• The research problem should be in two parts; the first part
addresses the practical/real problem on the ground, Thus,
explain the problem on the ground in your own words.
• Also explain what is expected under normal circumstances. This
shows that there is a gap to be covered by your study/research
• Go on to explain anything done to address the problem by
relevant authorities like management of the company. The effort
must have resulted in a failure for you to proceed solving the
problem so that your study is considered viable or worth carrying
out.
….. Cont

• You also need to state any previous studies that were carried
out to solve similar problems, but did not address your
problem.
• Explain how your research study intends to solve this problem
by repeating your topic.
• Weiler (2000) says a problem is stated by answering; What is
the problem? Why is it a problem- Who is affected by the
problem? How does your research intend to solve the
problem? Answer these questins as you write the statement of
the problem. It is not merely a statement/sentence but a
discussion of the problem.
Research objectives
• Show your intention
• Aim/Purpose/Main objective
• Objectives/Objectives/Specific objectives
• Action words:
– To determine…………
– To measure……….
– To establish…….
– To ascertain whether ……
• Avoid non-specific broad words:
– To evaluate
– To analyse
– To investigate
Research questions
• Should correspond to objectives
• Vary the style
Research hypotheses

• Should be based on literature


• Should bear a relationship with the objectives,
questions and conceptual framework
• H1: There is a positive relationship between
customer satisfaction and loyalty (Current
trends in stating hypotheses)
Justification/ Significance of the study/
Justification/ Rationale
• Discuss the significance of your study.
– Why is this study important?
• Include a discussion on the benefits of your study
to the research community and to the world i.e.
the key stakeholders and how they may benefit
from the study.
– It is hoped that the study may benefit so and so…
– The study findings may be useful in that…
– So and so may benefit from the findings of this
research
Scope of the study/ Delimitations of
the study
• Geography limitation – where the study is
carried out
• Time – when?
• Population and sample
• Field/area of study e.g. accounting, marketing,
supply chain, entrepreneurship, etc
Literature review and conceptual
framework
• Literature review highlights the following:
– To explain the historical background of a
topic/problem
– To highlight gaps in the existing research
– To describe and compare the schools of thought
on an issue
– To synthesize the available research
– To note areas of disagreement
– To justify the topic you plan to investigate
• The conceptual framework
– Acts as a mind map
– Shows the relationship between the study
variables/concepts/constructs
– Is derived from objectives, literature and
experience of the researcher
– Is related to research hypotheses/ should show
the research hypotheses
Research methodology
• Methods should be detailed and well thought through. Explain why
you have chosen a particular method. Base your explanation on
literature references. If your own experience of a methodology is
limited, consider working with collaborators.
– Research philosophy – may ignore this at this level
– Research design
– Population
– Sample
– Sampling procedures/techniques/methods
– Research instruments
– Data collection procedures
– Data analysis procedures
– Reliability and validity
– Ethical considerations
Research schedule/ Work Plan

• Table
• Gant chart
• PERT diagram
• Etc.
Budget

• How much does it cost to conduct the study.


• Be realistic
• Funding
References

• Use scholarly references


• Use the Harvard system or the APA system
THE END

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