RESEARCH PROPOSAL

ROAD MAP
Introduction Purpose of Research Proposal The Research Sponsor Benefits of the Proposal to a Researcher Types of Research Proposals Proposal Complexity Structuring the Research Proposal

INTRODUCTION

What is Research Proposal? A proposal is an individuals or companys offer to produce or render a service to a potential buyer or sponsor.

Work-plan. Prospectus. Outline. Statement of intent. Draft-plan.

Purpose of the Research Proposal

To present the question to be researched and its importance To discuss the research efforts of others who have worked on related questions (Literature Review) To suggest the data necessary for solving the question

The Research Sponsor

All research has a sponsor in one form or another: In a corporate setting, management sponsors research In an academic environment, the student is responsible to the class instructor

Benefits of the Proposal to a Researcher

Allows the researcher to plan and review the projects steps Serves as a guide throughout the investigation. A review of management and research literature in developing the proposal encourages the researcher to assess previous approaches to similar management questions and revise the research plan accordingly. Forces time and budget estimates

Types of Research Proposals

Internal Internal proposals are short and snappy; a one to three-page memo from the researcher to management outlining the problem statement, study objectives, research design, and schedule is enough to start an exploratory study. In the small scale proposal, the literature review is not stressed and can be stated briefly in the research design.

Types of Research Proposals contd.

External An external proposal is either solicited or unsolicited. A solicited proposal is developed in response to a request for proposals (RFP), and is likely to compete against several others for the contract or grant. An unsolicited proposal represents a suggestion by a contract researcher for a research that might be done. Such proposals do not compete against others.

Proposal Complexity

3 levels of complexity: The exploratory study is used for the most simple proposals The small-scale study is more complex and common in business The large-scale professional study is the most complex, costing millions of dollars

Structuring the Research Proposal

Create proposal modules Put together various modules to tailor your proposal to the intended audience

Modules in a Research Proposal

Introduction and Theoretical Framework Statement of the Problem Purpose of the Study Review of the Literature The Design- Methods and Procedures Data Analysis Interpretation Bibliography Appendices

Introduction and Theoretical Framework

The introduction is the part of the paper that provides readers with the background information for the research reported in the paper. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it is related to other research

Statement of the Problem

Identify a problem Read further on the problem Clearly define the problem Write out the problem statement

Purpose of the Study

The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall purpose of the study If the purpose is not clear to the writer, it cannot be clear to the reader Briefly define and delimit the specific area of the research

Review of the Literature

This section examines recent (or historically significant) research studies, company data, or industry reports that act as a basis for the proposed study Discuss how the literature applies to the study you are proposing; show the weaknesses or faults in the design, discussing how you would avoid similar problems

The Design- Methods and Procedures

The Design module describes what you are going to do in technical terms. The methods or procedures section is really the heart of the research proposal. The activities should be described with as much detail as possible, and the continuity between them should be apparent

Data Analysis
It is in this section that you describe your proposed handling of the data and the theoretical basis for using selected techniques You can make it easier to write, read, and understand your data analysis by using sample charts and tables

Interpretation

Indicate how the anticipated outcomes will be interpreted to answer the research question.

Writing a Bibliography

There are several well-established systems for writing a bibliography and your choice is dependent upon the preference of the discipline and university.

Appendices
A glossary of concepts, constructs, and definitions Samples of the measurement instrument Other materials that reinforce the body of the proposal

Bibliography

Business Research Methods, 9th Edition, Donald Cooper and Pamela Schindler

Sources of Information
http://des.emory.edu/mfp/proposal.html http://www.education.monash.edu.au/stud ents/current/studyresources/proposalwriting.html