The research proposal is usually the first step before embarking on a major project work. The purpose of the research proposal is to convince your professor that the topic chosen is appropriate and the approach suggested is sound. Once the proposal is approved, the student can begin on the actual research work.
Read more on Academic proposals here.
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How is a Research Proposal Assessed
A research proposal is usually assed based on the following criteria.
- It must use multiple range of sources of data
- It must demonstrate a critical understanding of the use of general data collection methods in a chosen business context
- It must identify and critically evaluate all the key elements of a research proposal in relation to a business and or management issue
- It must critically evaluate the research approaches which are appropriate to your chosen area of research (to the field of general business)
Your research proposal should include:
- Introduction – the nature of the research, why you wish to research your chosen area, your aims and objectives for the research, research questions
- Literature review – synthesis and evaluation of the literature on your chosen topic
- Methodology (research design) – how this will be carried out
- Resources – what you need to carryout your research
- Ethical considerations – any ethical issues and concerns that you need to be aware of
- Time frame for your research
- Reference list
A dissertation on the other hand includes?
- Executive summary/abstract – self-contained summary of the whole of the dissertation
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Methodology
- Data analysis
- Conclusions/reflections/recommendations
- Bibliography and appendices
An effective research proposal and following this through to a full dissertation will save you a lot of time and hopefully secure a good overall grade on your dissertation.
Also Read: Here’s how to choose an effective research topic
Typical Research Proposal Format
Title of your research proposal
An introduction to your research explaining, in a compact and precise fashion, the nature of your research (scope), the aims and objectives of your research, what interests you about this particular research area, the general background to your research idea, the research question(s) that your research intends to answer, why your research is needed in the context of your chosen business environment/area?
A brief synthesis of the literature (literature review) on your chosen topic using wide range of sources.
Research methodology and research methods – How your research will be done, ensuring that you discuss both methodologies and methods for your research.
Ethical considerations – possible issues or concerns or dilemmas that may arise before, during and post research phase.
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Resources that you may need to carry out your research.
The time frame and likely outcomes.
Reference list.
Preparing a Detailed Research Proposal
Here are the various steps in preparing a detailed research proposal.
Identification and Formulation of a Research Problem
Firstly, a researcher has to decide the broad area of study and then evaluate the proposed area in the light of his/ her competence, possible difficulties, the financial constraints, time limitations, etc. Let a specific subject of study is chosen as within the broad area of study there is a range of issues that can be studied. In order to undertake a research study, a researcher have to think of a specific subject.
Review of Literature
The social research topics consist of many literatures which should be carefully selected by the researcher. A researcher should also examine different types of literature where relevant inferences are drawn from the scientific data. The research findings should be determined critically.
The major objects of review of literature are: Find gaps in research, Identify the areas of overlap, and Identify contractions.
Identification of Objectives of the Study
A researcher should raise the questions that need to be answered and to which he/she is looking for a solution. The questions should be put down on paper which can be converted into objectives and form the foundations of the research project. These objectives will help in guiding the whole project.
Formulation of Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a potential answer to your research question; the research process helps you determine if your hypothesis is true.
Operationalization of Concepts
Develop the measuring instruments such as questionnaire. It is important to attach the precise meaning to the concepts and then find out an appropriate way to measure them.
Research Design
The research design refers to the overall strategy that you choose to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, thereby, ensuring you will effectively address the research problem; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data.
Choice of Variables
There can be three sets of variables namely, independent, dependent and intervening variables. These classifications directly linked to research data, but with regard to basic content of research, the classification can be socio-economic, demographics, psychological, organizational, etc.
Selection of Sample
The sample size is dependent on the nature of the objectives of a research project and the research design. The size of the sample should be optimum or else it is a waste of research resources.
Selection of Method and Tools of Data Collection
Primary methods of data collection are observation, interview and questionnaire under which several research instruments are included like psychological test, achievement tests, interview schedules, etc.
Collection of Data
If the data is secondary in nature, then it is important to describe how to collect the data. The quality of data decides the quality of the outcome of the research and is dependent upon the information collected from the sample.
Analysis and Interpretation of Data
An important aspect to be considered is which statistical tests are planned to apply to evaluate the associations/differences between the variables.
Presentation of the Report
The result is reported in the form of a report and in that case it follows certain conventions and formats for maintaining parity in reporting and from easy grasps by readers.
Time & Budget Estimate
A researcher should make a proper estimate of the time for each activity to be carried out during the process. The time estimate is dependent upon the size of the sample for the study and the method and tools of data collection to be used.
For certain colleges and study programs, while preparing a grant to cover the expenses of the research project, a budget estimate need to be prepared along with the research proposal.
Writing Your Research Proposal
Purpose of the research proposal:
- To organise your ideas
- To convince your audience
- To establish a link with your tutor
- To meet ethical requirements
Research proposal – the content
- Title – likely to change during the process
- Introduction and background to your research idea/topic
- Research questions/objectives – what you seek to achieve
- Literature – context of the research idea
- Method – can be in two parts: research design and data collection
- Timescale and Resources – (finance, data access, equipment)
- References – include some key literature sources
Research proposal will:
- Formulate and clarify the topic
- Use a variety of techniques when generating research ideas
- Are focused on clear questions based on relevant literature
Ideal research proposals are:
- Theory dependent
- Have a proposal containing organised ideas
- What will be done and why
- How it will be achieved
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