Conducting Research Proposal PDF

Conducting Research Proposal Dr. Fathia A. Mersal Content What is a proposal? Preparation Structure of a proposal Why research proposal unsuccessful?  THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL A written statement of the research design (strategy, blueprint) that often also includes – a statem...

Conducting Research Proposal Dr. Fathia A. Mersal Content What is a proposal? Preparation Structure of a proposal Why research proposal unsuccessful?  THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL A written statement of the research design (strategy, blueprint) that often also includes – a statement explaining the purpose of the study (in the form of research objectives or deliverables) – a definition of the problem (often in the form of a decision statement) – the particular research methodology that will be employed – details of procedures that will be used during each stage of the research process, and – a schedule of costs and deadlines  Functions of a Research Proposal For Management (the client or decision maker): 1. Evaluation – It helps the client to evaluate the ability of the research to accomplish its objectives 2. Choosing research suppliers – Client judges quality of different research suppliers from their proposals 3. Judgment standard – It is a standard for determining if the research was conducted as planned  Functions of a Research Proposal For the Researcher: 1. Thinking ahead – It forces the researcher to think through the different stages of the research process 2. Bidding document – It serves as the researcher’s presentation to offer a specific service For Both Parties: 1. Communication – It serves as a means of communication between the researcher and the client (decision maker) 2. Written Contract - It serves as a written contract that can always be referred to  Preparation Think about it Generate ideas Background reading Ask yourself – Am I familiar with other research that has been conducted in areas related to my research project? – Do I have a clear understanding of the steps that I will use in conducting my research? – Do I have the ability to go through each step? Research proposals – key components Describing the Background & Research research rationale methodology problem Previous Timetable Costs experience  Contents of the Research Proposal 1. Purpose of the research – The general purpose (includes the marketing problem and the research problem) – Specific research objectives to be achieved with the study (including clear specification of variables involved) 2. Research Design – Specific research method (or methods) to be used – Justification for choice of methods 3. Measurement – How variables will be measured – Sample questions 4. Sample Design – What the target population will be – How the sample will be selected – What size of sample will be used  Contents of the Research Proposal - Continued 5. Data gathering – How the data will be collected and by who. 6. Data Processing/Analysis – How the data will be processed – What analysis techniques will be used for specific research objectives 7. Presentation of Results – How results will be presented – Written report – Oral presentation 8. Time Schedule – Time schedule for completion of the study (if possible in the form of a Gantt Chart) 9. Budget – Overall cost of the study (including breakdown of different cost components)