The

Researc
h

Proposa
l
Title:
It should be concise and descriptive. For example, the
phrase, "An investigation of . . ." could be omitted. Often
titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship,
because such titles clearly indicate the independent and
dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an
informative but catchy title. An effective title not only

pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her

favorably towards the proposal.

Introduction:
The introduction provides the readers with the background
information. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the
research, so that readers can understand how it relates to
other research. It should answer the question of why the
research needs to be done and what will be its relevance. It
puts the proposal in context.
The introduction typically begins with a statement of the
research problem in precise and clear terms.
The statement of the problem is the essential basis for the
construction of a research proposal it is an integral part of
selecting a research topic. It will guide and put into sharper
focus the research design being considered for solving the
problem. It allows the investigator to describe the problem
systematically, to reflect on its importance, its priority in
the country and region and to point out why the proposed

research on the problem should be undertaken. It also

facilitates peer review of the research proposal by the
funding agencies.
Then it is necessary to provide the context and set the stage
for the research question in such a way as to show its
necessity and importance. This step is necessary for the
investigators to familiarize themselves with existing
knowledge about the research problem and to find out
whether or not others have investigated the same or similar
problems. This step is accomplished by a thorough and
critical review of the

literature and by

personal

communication with experts. It helps further understanding

of the problem proposed for research and may lead to
refining the statement of the problem, to identify the study
variables and conceptualize their relationships, and in
formulation and selection of a research hypothesis. It
ensures that you are not "re-inventing the wheel" and
demonstrates your understanding of the research problem.
It gives due credit to those who have laid the groundwork
for your proposed research. In a proposal, the literature

review is generally brief and to the point. The literature

selected should be pertinent and relevant.
Against this background, you then present the rationale of
the proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth
doing.

Objectives:
Research objectives are the goals to be achieved by
conducting the research. They may be stated as general
and specific.
The general objective of the research is what is to be
accomplished by the research project, for example, to
determine whether or not a new vaccine should be
incorporated in a public health program.
The specific objectives relate to the specific research
questions the investigator wants to answer through the
proposed study and may be presented as primary and
secondary objectives, for example, primary: To determine

the degree of protection that is attributable to the new

vaccine in a study population by comparing the vaccinated
and unvaccinated groups. Secondary: To study the costeffectiveness of this program.
Young investigators are advised to resist the temptation to
put too many objectives or over-ambitious objectives that
cannot be adequately achieved by the implementation of
the protocol.

Literature Review:
A thorough examination of recent key contributions in
research periodicals is relating to the area of research in
question. You should use the literature review to identify
gaps in, or problems with, existing research to justify why
further or new research is required.

The Literature

Review is

the core section of the business research proposal; it

provides justification for the future research as well as for
the effort that the writer has already contributed to studying
the subject area. The goal of the Literature review is to

demonstrate that the researcher has extensive knowledge of

the field and of the specific problem. And that He/she has
studied both the works of recognized authorities and the
new trends in the theory. Moreover, the writer should be an
experienced practicing capable of applying theory to reallife contexts. However, more importantly, the Literature
review has to prove that there is a gap in either theory or
business practice; the proposed research will eliminate this
gap.

Defining the problem:

Before your proposal can make sense to a reader, he or she
must understand clearly what the proposed research will be
about. Therefore, you would do well to begin this section
with a clear and simple formulation of your research
question.
Example: This research project explores the extent to
which vigilantism is growing within different sectors of the
South African population. In particular the research focuses

on the factors which promote and maintain vigilantism in

our society.

Significance:
Explain why this topic is worth considering, or this
question or series of
Question is worth answering. Answer the following
Questions: why should your instructor let you select this
topic? What do you hope to learn from it? What will this
new? Knowledge adds to the field of

knowledge that

already exists on this topic? What new perspective will you

bring to the topic?
What use might your final research paper have for others in
this field or in the general public? Who might you decide to
share?
Your findings with once the project are complete?

Research Questions
Here you need to formulate your research questions clearly. You

should have an answerable question that is clear and sufficiently

well defined/focused for you to do the research implied within
an appropriate time frame.

Hypotheses:
Hypotheses are more specific predictions about the nature
and direction of the relationship between two or more
variables.
A well-thought-out and focused research question leads
directly into hypotheses.
Ideally, hypotheses should: Give insight into a research
question.
Be testable and measurable by proposed research
methodology.
Make sure that you: Provide a rationale for your hypotheses
explaining how they were derived and why they are strong?

Provide alternative possibilities for the hypotheses that

could be tested and explain why you choose the ones you
did over others?

Model:
In general this section details the resources available to the
proposed project and, if possible For Example: why the
sponsor should select this University and this investigator
for this particular research?

Data collection:
Detailed data collection procedures should also be included
so that other researchers can replicate your method exactly
if required.

Data analysis

Various techniques of quantitative and qualitative data

analysis exist and should be described in detail in this
section.

Budget:
Sponsors customarily specify how budgets should be
presented and what costs are allowable. The budget
delineates the costs to be met by the funding source,
including personnel, non-personnel, administrative, and
overhead expenses. The budget also specifies items paid for
by other funding sources.

Time horizon:
Inexperienced researchers tend to underestimate the amount
of time that the various stages of research will take. Be
generous when working out time frames and check them
with a more experienced researcher.

It is important that you map out a reasonable schedule of

your work so that you can monitor your own progress and

manage your project effectively. Start with your intended

finishing date and do not underestimate the amount of time
that it takes to finalize your drafts into a finished product.

Bibliography:
Make a list of texts you plan to consult. For Example: If
you are writing a library-based research paper you should
aim to make a list of at least 30 potential sources (40 is
better), which you will then narrow down as you conduct
the research. Many sources initially seem relevant, but turn
out not to be, so it is always better to list all sources that
might be of interest. As you eliminate sources, cross them
off of this list. Mark sources that are particularly useful,
and add new sources as you come across them. This will
enable you to make a Works Cited list at the end of your
project (i.e.: a list of only the works you have summarized,
paraphrased, or quoted from in the paper.)