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Writing Academic Proposals

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Introduction

Academic proposals set out your plans to do academic research. They stress your theoretical approach and record the academic reading you have done.

A well-researched proposal is the essential basis for a successful research program. It also helps your department to decide whether your project is worth accepting.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Necessary steps to write an academic proposal

1. Identifying the research problem.2. Three key questions to ask when you start your

research.3. The main elements of a proposal.4. A suggested layout for your proposal

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Identifying the problem and research methodology

Identifying a particular problem or topic before you start investigation.

Identifying a research methodology so that others can judge whether your project is worth supporting.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Three key questions

1. What is the problem I have to investigate?2. What procedures will I use to investigate the problem.3. How should I use the data?

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Main elements of a proposal (1-2)Include some, or all, of the following:1.A provisional title for your research project.2.General background and why it is worth undertaking.3.Main problem or topic to be covered.4.Some possible sub problems to be investigated.5.Hypothesis (major, minor).6.Preliminary literature review.7.Significance in relation to business or academic discipline.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Main elements of a proposal (2-2)8. Limits to your study.9. Assumptions.10.A definition of the technical terms.11.Method of data gathering.12.Tentative conclusions and recommendations.13.Preliminary bibliography.14.A sample layout of your thesis.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Suggested layout for your proposal (1-2)

Research proposals differ in format according to the purpose and type of research.

1.Title page (title, prepared for which school, date,…)2.Introduction (background, problem statement, hypothesis, assumptions,…)3.Technical terms, acronyms, and symbols.4.Proposed methodology or procedure (exact research procedure, limits,…)5.Preliminary literature review.

Research Methods – Bazara Barry

Suggested layout for your proposal (2-2)

6.Contribution of the research.7.Tentative outline of your thesis.8.Resources requirements.9.Evaluation.10.Preliminary bibliography.