BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSALS
The following are suggested steps in the development of a research project proposal.
1.
2.
3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
Title of the project
Project summary
Project description
Introduction
Rationale and significance
Aims and objectives
Literature review
Methods/facilities and equipment
Plan of work
STEPS IN DETAIL
1.
Title
The issue/problem to be investigated or question to be answered.
2.
Project summary
Put a summary of the key aspects of your proposal up front
Include in your summary the objectives of your proposed work
Point out why the work is relevant to the subject matter area
Clearly and succinctly summarise the plan of work
Because you cannot write a good summary until you have completed the rest of the
proposal, the summary should be the last thing you write
3.
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
Project Description
Introduction
Background information
Statement of the problem
Definition of the problem
Immediate background of the problem
3.2
Rationale And Significance Of The Study
A proposal presents a plan to solve some problem or an answer to some questions.
Why the study is undertaken? /Importance of the study
Explain why there is need for solution to the problem
Spell out the consequences of ignoring the problem
Benefits that will come from the solution
3.3
Literature review
Review relevant work done by other researchers /available information
published and unpublished
Demonstrate the gaps to be filled by the proposed research
3.4
Aims and objectives
General objectives – aims or goals
Specific objectives (SMART) using action verbs
3.5
Methods/Facilities/Materials/Equipment and data analysis
-1-
Tell your readers how you are going to carry out the work. Give information on:
Delimitation of the scope of the study
Methods to be used/data collection techniques
Task breakdown
Work schedule
State laboratory space, computers, secretarial support and other instruments and
testing apparatus etc
Plan for data processing and analysis
Ethical considerations
Pre-tests or pilot study
3.5.1.
Methods to be used
When you propose a problem for solution, you must demonstrate that you have the
means required to solve it.
A plan of attack, a method of operation, a systematic analysis of intended procedures
will attest to your practical know-how.
You propose methods that have been created for earlier research similar to your own.
In such a case, you may save space and time by referring to such methods and
providing reference to sources, usually journals, where complete details can be found.
3.5.2. Facilities and Equipment
These may include laboratory space, computers, secretarial support, a
technical library, surveying instruments, testing apparatus, etc.
3.5.3.
Plan of Work and Work Schedule
All projects require a breakdown into tasks, e.g.
Initial exploration and planning
Search for literature
Gathering and checking information/data
Analysis of data
Reporting progress
a) Scope
The scope statement sets boundaries and states what is to be done within these
boundaries.
You may state that you will use only off-the-shelf equipment or that you will design,
develop, and test equipment that has not been designed to date.
You may sample public opinion
You may adopt existing techniques and modify them or create entirely new
techniques.
You may limit study to estimates of technical feasibility or you may agree to
demonstrate its practicability.
You may study all possible sites in the country, only one site, or a selected few.
Time schedule stipulates the order in which portions of work are to be done.
b) Expected Results
State what you are to produce throughout the project and at its
termination.
A clear and specific statement of products to be delivered also sets
bounds on what you are to deliver.
-2-
RESEARCH REPORTS
1.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Describe the background, purpose and scope of the research
Justification of the study
Define the problem that has been investigated, leading to the statement of purpose.
General objectives (aims)
Specific objectives
Research Questions/Hypotheses
Definition of Terms
Organization of study
2.
Chapter 2 - Literature Review
Review the scientific literature pertinent to the research
Literature review should be extensive, demonstrating the writer’s mastery of the
subject matter.
Literature should help to define the problem; define the choice of methodology and
materials used.
Clear exposure of gap in the literature which this study is filling
Accurate and consistent citing and referencing
Theoretical conceptualisation
4.
Chapter 3 – Methods, Materials and Data Analysis
Criteria to measure the success of a method and material section:
An independent researcher in the discipline should be able to duplicate the research.
He or she should also be able to evaluate the research using this section
i. Research Design
Give an overview of your research design
ii. Materials
What you used by way of subjects, materials, or equipment to do your research e.g. in
social sciences, instruments such as questionnaires.
Descriptions of materials have to be accurate enough that your readers could obtain
similar materials.
If you have a good deal of necessary information about your subjects or materials, use
a table to display some of it.
iii. Procedure
Tell your readers step by step how you did your experiment
The description should be as complete as necessary, but remember you are writing for
an expert audience.
However, if you anticipate that your readers might have some question about why
you conducted some step as you did, take time to explain.
You can save many words by referring to procedures described elsewhere rather than
repeating the information found in the original source.
However, do not refer your readers to journals unobtainable either by reason of their
geographical location or by their obscurity.
iv. Methods of Observation and Interpretation
Tell the readers how you observed your materials during the experiment and how you
interpreted your results. Include any statistical techniques used.
Use the passive, not the active tense sentences also known as the reported speech.
v. Data Processing and Analysis
Identify important issues related to sorting, quality control and
processing of data,
Describe how data can be analysed and interpreted
Prepare a plan for the processing and analysis of data
i sorting the data,
-3-
ii performing quality control checks on data
iii processing data – categorizing, coding, data master
iv data analysis – frequency counts, comparisons of variables
5. Chapter 4 - Results/Research Findings
Results section should answer the questions asked – it is the most
important section of the report.
Begin your results section with an overview of what has been
achieved. The first sentence or two should summarize the main points,
to be followed later paragraphs by the details.
The details are presented in tables, diagrams and graphs.
Use appropriate subtitles related to your research questions and
objectives.
6. Chapter 5 - Discussion/Conclusion/Recommendations
The discussion interprets the results. It answers questions such as these:
Do the results really answer the questions raised?
Are there any doubts about the results? Why?
Was the methodology flawed? How could it be improved?
Were the research objectives met?
How do the results compare with results from previous research?
Are there areas of disagreement? Can disagreements be explained?
What are the implications for future work?
Recommendations – (practical and for further research)
Keep the discussion section tightly organised around the answers to the
questions that need to be asked.
7.References
List in alphabetical order all the references cited in the research report. Use the
appropriate citation notation recommended by the department for single/multiple author
book, research journals etc.
8.Appendix
Include here any original data that you deem is relevant t clarifying the results
presented but was not necessary to include in the report e.g. original raw data tables,
maps.
Also the samples of any research instruments, e.g. questionnaires,
interview guides, etc
9.Appendix I- Design of Cover Page
10.Appendix II - Layout of a Finished Report
APPENDIX I – DESIGN OF COVER PAGE
BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
TITLE OF PROJECT
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEM OF HOUSING:
A CASE of BINDURA, ZIMBABWE
BY
AUTHOR
SPIWE MUDOTI
-4-
DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO BINDURA UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
EDUCATION HONOURS DEGREE IN GEOGRAPHY
DATE
2004
APPENDIX II – LAYOUT OF THE FINISHED PROJECT
Approval form
i
Declaration
ii
Dedication
iii
Acknowledgements
iv
Abstract
v
list of tables
vi
List of figures
vii
List of appendices
viii
Table of contents
ix
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
Introduction
1
Background of the Study
2
Statement of the Problem
3
Rationale/Justification of the Study
4
Research Questions/Hypotheses
5
Aims/General Objectives
6
Specific Objectives
7
Definition of Terms
8
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
subheadings relevant to the study
2.2
11
2.3
12
2.4
23
2.5
32
2.6
34
CHAPTER 3: METHODS and MATERIALS
Introduction
34
Research Design
38
Materials
40
Data Collection Methods and Procedures
42
Data Analysis Procedures
45
The Study Area
48
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS/RESEARCH FINDINGS
4.1
Introduction
52
Section should relate to the data that has been generated using the
methods in chapter 3
60
4.2
62
4.3
63
4.4
64
4.5
68
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Present the interpretation and discussion of your results
Conclusions – as they relate to the aim, objectives and hypothesis
-5-
Recommendations
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
95
98
APPENDIX III - PROJECT PRESENTATION STYLE
1.MARGINS
The following margin specifications shall apply:
Left margin Leave space of 1.5 inches or 3,8 cm
Right margin Leave space of 1 inch or 2.5 cm
Top margin Leave space of 1 inch or 2,5 cm (including paging space)
Bottom margin Leave space of 1 inch or 2,5 cm
2.0.CHARACTERS
2.1.Spacing and Font Size
All pages must be typed double-spaced on one side only, on paper approximately 8.5 in. x 11
in. (28 cm x 22 cm), with wide margins [about 1 in. (2.5 cm) on all sides]. Other regulations on
spacing shall normally apply in respect of other specific parts of the text such as the appendices,
long quotations, etc. Other regulations on spacing shall normally apply in respect of other
specific parts of the text such as the appendices, long quotations, etc.
The font size used should be no smaller than 12 point. All pages must be numbered
consecutively, starting with the title page. Tables and figures should be broken out and
included at the end of the text in separate sections, as explained in section 3a; tables should
have captions above them and for peer review figures should have single-spaced captions
below them. A sans serif font (such as Helvetica or Arial) should be avoided as there can be
confusion interpreting some characters (e.g., lowercase "ell" versus the number "one") and the
AMS reserves boldface sans serif for matrix symbols. A common source of delay in
processing a manuscript at Headquarters is that components of it are received with the text
single-spaced.
3.0. FIGURES And TABLES
3.1.Figures
Figures include graphs, illustrations, photographs, computer plots, and line drawings.
Each figure should be provided with a legend or caption that makes the figure understandable
without reference to the text. Each figure must be mentioned explicitly in the text and must be
numbered in the order of first mention in the text.
All figure captions should be typed in single-spaced format below the figure in a font that
matches that of the text; therefore, captions should not be incorporated into the drawings,
graphs, or other original artwork of the figures. Note that single-spaced captions MUST be
included below the versions of the figures.
3.2. Tables
Each table must have a title, must be numbered, must be provided with a legend, and must be
mentioned specifically in the text. An explanatory caption MUST be single-spaced typed
above the table.
4 HEADINGS AND SUBHEADINGS
The use of headings and capital subheadings tends to give a clearer structure and the following
should be observed when one uses headings and subheadings. Headings and subheadings are
bold and are numbered and placed flush left.
4.1.CENTRED, UPPER CASE (CAPITAL LETTERS)
Centred headings, which are in upper case, should be used for title and chief headings only.
Centred headings should not be underlined and two double spaces should be left between the
headings and the text that follows it.The basic idea is that the content and theme treated under
such headings or subheadings are related.
The use of computer enables the use of variety of text-enhancing techniques such as
italicisation, bolding, etc. The use of computer facilities helps one to pass one’s documents
through a spell check.
-6-
5.0.CITATION
All works cited in the text must be acknowledged. If an author’s work is quoted word for word,
one is required to acknowledge the source otherwise one commits a criminal offence known as
plagiarism. It has been observed that some students frequently use some author’s words without
acknowledging this, often. Watch out for the various words of introducing other authors’ ideas
as one reads books, journals and articles. The following serves as a guide on different types of
citations and how they are presented.
5.2. Direct quotation or near direct reference
For direct quotations and direct reference to an idea borrowed from an author, the author’s name
must be followed by the year of publication and the page number. The author’s initials should
not be written. Only surname is adequate for such purposes. A direct quotation must be totally
accurate, and if it is three lines or less, it must be in quotation marks within the continuous text.
An example of a direct quotation is:
As pointed out by Owens (1981:220), “conflict is regarded as a negative phenomenon within
organisations”.
A near direct reference, which might be a simple paraphrase of the same idea quoted above,
could be presented as follows:
Owens (1981:220) views conflict as a negative phenomenon in any organisation.
Direct quotation, which exceeds three lines, must be indented, single spacing must be used, and
no quotation marks are used. The source of the quotation may be placed either at the beginning
or at the end of the quotation.
5.3. For general reference to an author’s work
It is possible that one may want to refer to an author’s works or ideas in general, in which case
no direct quotation is made and so no page number need be given e.g.
Tyler (1949) was the first to propound a comprehensive objective
model of evaluation
However, the idea implicit in this is that one has consulted Tyler’s 1949 piece of written work.
5.4.For author’s work cited by another authority
One should never directly quote works, which are brought to one’s attention by another author.
This would give the reader the false impression that one has consulted them when, in fact,
someone else did. One is required, rather to acknowledge this fact e.g.
Mintberg, as quoted by Burlingame et al (1987) is of the opinion that the information
brought to the administrator falls into five categories.
5.5.For work or works by the three authors or less
The names of all three authors should be mentioned in the text e.g.
Golby, Michael and West (1980) argue that essentialism has its origin in
Ancient Greek philosophy.
5.6.For works by more than three authors
Only the first author need be mentioned, followed by “et al;” (which actually means “and
others” e.g. Campbell et al (1971) argue that…..etc
Here are further examples of how you may cite works.
Hanson (1799:33) defines decentralisation as “the delegation of authority over specific
decisions to submission”
Scheereens (1991:374) suggests that indicators are those characteristics of educational systems,
which are manipulable.
Dwyer, Barnet and Lee (1987:58) contend that “ [their] work…. has led [them] to believe that
principals can be agents in the creation of successful schools settings…”
Note: Words in brackets are the respective substitutes for “our” and “us” which were in the
original text. The mark “….” Indicates some words were omitted. One should however not
omit words with the deliberate intention of distorting the author’s meaning. By omitting the
word “not” from any original text (without expressing the same negative form elsewhere in the
statement), one is obviously conveying the opposite of what the author intended to convey.
As reported by the Herald (May 9 1992, p 1) Zimbabwe’s District and Rural Council schools
will be Ministry of Education and culture’s responsibility from May 1993 onwards.
-7-
5.6.For quotation of three lines or less
The quotation appears within the ordinary text as in the example above.
5.7.For quotations of four lines or more
After the introductory statement the quotation is indented and single-spaced, as is shown in the
example below:
ZOU Module GED 104 (2000:89) has the following to say about migration:
Migration begins in an area of origin and is completed in an area of destination and may
involve a stay of one year or more. Migration involves spatial mobility. There term ‘spatial
mobility’ includes all kinds of ‘territorial’ movements.
Alternatively, ‘ZOU Module GED 104 (2000:89) ‘ could be inserted at the end of the quotation
in brackets
6.0.LANGUAGE
Appropriate, formal report language, which is the third-person style or passive tense, should be
used for all scholarly works. The use of active tense should always be avoided. Short clear
sentences with a simple structure tend to contribute towards clarity. It is suggest that a sentence
should not be more than 20 words. The use of simple and precise language also helps to convey
ideas clearly. Padding, slang, verbosity should be avoided.
Make sure that you do not use sexist language. Some common forms of such sexist language
are “headmaster” use “head”, “head teacher” or “school head”, “he” use “he/she” or simply
“the author”, “chairman” use “chairperson” etc. Do not personalise your write up by words
like “I” “My” etc.
7.0.PAGING
Different paging formats are acceptable provided that once a format has been adopted, and then
it should be consistently maintained throughout the text. Please note that, ordinarily when the
top paging format is employed, the first page of the paper (or chapter) is not indicated (some
indicate it at the bottom, as an alternative). In other words, the first page make is suppressed,
to use computer language.
8.0.REFERENCE OR BIBLIOGRAPHY
The choice is the writer’s, provided one is aware of the following: references relate only to
those works, which have directly cited in the text. Bibliography refers to those which have
been referred to or cited as well as those which might have been consulted, but which might
not have referred to or cited in the text. As a matter of rule, if one can help it, try for literature
which is not older than ten years, unless they are original works, always bearing in mind that
the point is that, frequently, ideas expressed in old, outdated literature could have been
overtaken by events, and that a historical exploration of the developments of a topic, concepts
or issue might not need to adhere to this requirement
8.1.Presentation of reference or bibliography
References or bibliography is required to be listed at the end of your project. These should be
arranged in strict alphabetical order of surname but should not be numbered. For ordinary
textbooks the surname (s) of the author comes first, then his/here initial (s), year of
publication (in brackets), title of book (underlined) edition in brackets, where applicable,
town (not country or state) where the book was published (not printer). For an article
contributed by an author to an edited volume or book, the surname of the author (not editor)
comes first followed by initials, then the title of the contributed article (in quotation marks,
with only the first word beginning with capital letter), then the editor (s)’s surname and
initials followed by “Ed” (in brackets), then the title of the book (main words beginning with
capital letter, title underlined), then town and last publisher.
For an article contributed by an author to a journal or magazine, follow the same presentation,
as above but of course there is no place for an editor or editors. Proceed to write the title of
the journal (underlined) then the volume, number and the pages spanned by the article. Town
or publisher should not be indicated.
The few examples below attempt to clarify the above:
Todaro, M.P. (1977) Economics for Developing World Longman, London
(Note: All main words in the title begin with a capital letter).
-8-
Campbell, R.F., Bridges, E.M., Corbelly (Jr), J.E., Nystrand, R.O and Rameseyer, J.A. (1971).
Introduction to Educational Administration Boston: Allyn and Bacon, Inc
Miskel, C., McDonald, D. and Bloom, S. (1983), “Structural and expectancy linkages within
schools and organisational effectiveness”. Educational Administration Quarterly Vol. 19, No.
1, 49-82 (or simply 19, 1, 19-82).
Note: Title of article is in quotation marks, and only the first word begins with capital letter.
All contributors are indicated. Note also the alternative modes of indicating the volume and
issue, and that the pages covered by the contribution are indicated.
What is underlined is title of the journal, not the title of the article. No publisher or town need
to be indicated.
Miles, B. (1969) “Factors affecting the satisfaction and dissatisfaction of teachers”. In Boles,
T. (ED) Organisations New York: Harper and Row, publishers
Zimbabwe Government (1980) Growth with Equity Harare: Government Printers.
(Note: There is no acknowledged individual author, because of the nature of the source. The
same word would apply to publications by UNESCO, UNICEF, Ministry of Education, sport
and Culture etc)
The Herald, 9 May 1992, Harare. (Note it’s so simple!)
Murimba, S. (1989) An analysis of work related stress among urban high school teachers: A
case Study of Kadoma District (An unpublished Med Thesis: University of Zimbabwe).
Note: That the work is unpublished and this is acknowledged).
Reference to two different books produced by the same author the same year should be
numbered with small letters immediately after the date e.g. 1993a, 1993b, 1993c etc. Ensure
that, in the text reference to such works is also specific e.g. Smith (1989b).Centre for Distance
Education (1993). Introduction to Policy Studies Harare: University of Zimbabwe.
APPENDIX 1V – PROJECT MARKING GUIDE
Bindura University of Science Education
Geography Department
Project Marking Guide
Student Name
1
2







Reg. No.
Remarks
Abstract
A synthesis of findings and methods used
in the investigation
Year
Mark
5
Introduction
Background well presented
Research problem clearly stated
Clear justification/Rationale
Aims and objectives clearly stated
Hypotheses clearly stated
Definition of terms given
Organisation of study
15
3





Literature Review
Thorough and penetrating review of past
work under appropriate subtopics
Use of relevant literature
Clear exposure of gap in the literature
which this study is filling
Accurate and consistent style of citation and
referencing
Theoretical conceptualisation
-9-
15
3










Methods and Data Analysis
Description of study area/maps
Clear indication of research methods used
to collect data i.e. qualitative or quantitative
or both
Data collection instruments appropriate
Target population, sample size(s) and
sampling techniques
Clear evidence of planned data collection
programme
Clear description of data processing
Data analysis methods and procedures
relevant,
Statistical tests used
Data reliability and study validity
Limitations of study
20
4







Results/Research Findings
Clear presentation of research findings
under appropriate subtopics
Logical reflection of the structure of data
collection methods and instruments
Logical reflection of the stated aims and
objectives of study
Results consistent with objectives
Are all the figures (diagrams and graphs)
and tables numbered and labelled
Are all the table and figures (diagrams and
graphs) explained within the context
Accurate application of statistical tests on
results
20
5

Discussions, Conclusions,
Recommendations
Summary of the findings/results
Thorough interpretation of the results
Matching the results with stated objectives
Comparing the results with those from
reviewed literature
Results/findings have proven or disproved
the hypotheses
Conclusions drawn and results based i.e.
accurate summation of the key results,
interpretations and implications
Recommendations academic, feasible and
study based
Study objectives fulfilled
6


Overall Impression
Study critically examines the problem
Work has academic value







20
- 10 -

Logical sequence of facts and options work
coherent, clarity and personal effort
5
Overall Mark %
100
Marker's Name ------------------------------------------------Signature----------------REFERENCES
1.Berry J L and Baker, A M (1968) “Geographic Sampling” in Marble F (Editor)
Spatial Analysis
2.Bless, C and Higson-Smith C (1995) “Fundamentals in Social Science
Research Methods- An African Perspective” Juta, Cape Town.
3.Flowerdew W R and Martin D (1997) “Methods in Human Geography”,
Longman London
4. Goode W J and Hatt P K (1986)“Methods In Social Research” McMillan,
London
5. Gregory S (1978) “Statistical Methods and The Geographer”
4. Kitchen R and Tate, N J (2000) “ Conducting Research Into Human Geography,
Theory, Methodology and Practice”
5. Robinson G M (1998) “Methods and Techniques In Human Geography” Wiley and
Son, London
- 11 -