1
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Department Library and Information Science
Table of Contents
2







Introduction:
Definition of Research:
Definition of proposal:
What is Research Proposal?
Objective/Purpose of the research proposal:
Types of research proposal:
Elements of research proposal:
Cont…
3







Modules of a Research Proposal:
Advantages of research proposals:
Limitations and Delimitations
Evaluating the Research Proposal:
Why proposals fail?
Conclusion:
References:
Introduction
4



A document that is typically written by a Researcher
or scientist which describes the ideas for an
investigation on a certain topic.
A research proposal is a document written by a
researcher that provides a detailed description of
the proposed program.
The presentation of an idea that you wish to
pursue
Definition of Research
5
According to Oxford Dictionary:
“The systematic investigation into and study of materials
and sources in order to establish facts and reach new
conclusions.”
 Burns(1997:2) defines:
“A systematic investigation to find answers to a
problem”

Definition of proposal:
6


“the act of offering or suggesting something for
acceptance, adoption, or performance”
(dictionary.reference.com)
“an act of putting forward or stating something for
consideration” (merriam-webster.com)
What is Research Proposal?
7
According to Uma Sekaran:
“A document that sets out the purpose of the study and
the research design details of the investigation to be
carried out by the researcher.” (Sekaran, 2006)
 According to William G Zikmund:
“A written statement of the research design that includes
a statement explaining the purpose of a study and a
detailed systematic outline of a particular research
methodology” (Zikmund, 2000)

Objective/Purpose of the research proposal:
8








Objective is a way of detailing the purpose of a study.
Objectives are set by the researcher to explain in detail what the study is
expected to achieve
To present the research question to be researched and relate its
importance.
To discuss the research efforts of others who have worked on related
research questions.
To suggest the data necessary for solving the research question and how
the data will be gathered, treated and interpreted.
To present the researcher's plan, services and credentials in the best
possible way to encourage the proposal's selection over competitors.
To help the researcher to define the contents and to plan and execute
his/her research project.
To inform potential collaborators and supporters about the topic and the
expected quality of the research.
Types of research proposal:
9
There are two types of research proposal
 Internal Proposal
 External Proposal
 Solicited
Proposal
 Unsolicited Proposal
(Cooper, 1995)
Elements of research proposal:
10












Title
Abstract
Problem Statement
Research Question
Hypothesis
Literature Review
Methodology and research methods
Field work
Duration
Final Product
Budget
Appendices
Structure/ Modules of a Research Proposal:
11








Executive Summary
Research Objectives
Problem Statement
Literature Review
Importance of the Study
Research Design
Data Analysis
Nature and Forms of results
(Cooper, 2006)
Cont…
12







Qualifications of Researcher
Budget
Schedule
Facilities and special Resources
Project Management
Bibliography
Appendices
Advantages of research proposals:
13

Advantages to researchers
 Planning
and Review of steps
 Guideline of the Investigation
 A Review of Previous Plans
 Controlling Errors
 Estimation of Cost
 Estimation of Time
Advantages:
14

Advantages to the Sponsor/Supervisor
 Selection
of the researcher
 Checking the sincerity of the researcher
 Knowledge of the Researcher
 Display of Researcher's Discipline
 Comparison of Research Proposal with Project
Limitations and Delimitations
15

Limitations
Limitations are the shortcomings, conditions or influences that cannot
be controlled by the researcher that place restrictions on your
methodology and conclusions. Any limitations that might influence
the results should be mentioned.





Your analysis.
The nature of self-reporting.
The instruments you utilized.
The sample.
Time constraints.
Limitations and Delimitations
…Cont
16

Delimitations
Delimitations are choices made by the researcher which should be mentioned.
They describe the boundaries that you have set for the study. This is the
place to explain:

The things that you are not doing (and why you have chosen not to do them).

The literature you will not review (and why not).

The population you are not studying (and why not).

The methodological procedures you will not use (and why you will not use them).
Evaluating the Research Proposal:
17










Proposal must be neatly written in appropriate writing style
Major topics should be easily found and logically organized.
Proposal must meet specific guidelines set by the sponsor.
Technical writing style must be clearly understood and explained.
Justify the chosen research project.
Describe the current state of knowledge on the research topic,
considering important relevant literature.
Formulate the hypothesis or research questions.
Define the research strategy and methodology to be used to test the
hypothesis.
Discuss ethical considerations about the research methodology.
Serve as an important tool for monitoring the research.
Checklist Creteria for Approving authorities
18









1. Is the proposal problem solving?
2. Is the problem important?
3. Is this the appropriate foundation?
4. Is the proposal innovative?
5. Will the project become self-supporting?
6. Can the proposing group do the work?
7. Is the project demonstrative (i.e., can it be used as a model)?
8. How will the program be evaluated?
9. Is the amount of money requested sufficient?
Why proposals fail?
19
Basically, there are three major reasons why research
proposals fail.
 Ethics clearance
 Failure to follow guidelines
 Reviewer concern
Why proposals fail?
20
There are also some Problems which cause the Failure of Research
Proposal
 Improper presentation of proposal
 Unorganized proposal
 Not clear written
 Language problem
 Background problem statement
 Not according with client's thinking
 Extraneous detail of literature review
 Not understandable
 Schedule and budget not mentioned
 Time frame not mentioned
Reference
21
Books;




Cooper, Donald R., C. William Emory, (1995) Business Research Methods, 5th ed. Mc-Graw Hill
International Edition, , ch.4 & 18
Sekaran, Uma. (2006) “Research Methods for business” 5th ed. John Willey, New Delhi. Pp. 47-50
Zikmund, William G. (2000) “Business research method” 6th ed. Dryden, New York. Pp. 92
Cooper, Donal R., Pamela S. Schindler, Business Research Methods, 9th ed. Mc-Graw Hill
International Edition, 2006, ch. 4& 21
Other Sources;








http://www.scribd.com/doc/27892872/Research-Proposal
www.nrf.ac.za/yenza/research/proposal.htm
www.wikipedia.com
http://www.webguru.neu.edu/undergraduate-research/research-funding/research-proposals
http://user.spring8.or.jp/?p=672&lang=en#ch01
http://www.writeawriting.com/academic-writing/research-project-proposal/
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/proposal
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proposal