1. It should give the proper context to frame the research question.
2. It should delimit the boundary conditions for your research.
3. It should cite landmark studies.
4. It should accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by other researchers.
5. It should stay focused on the research question.
6. It should develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research.
7. It shouldn’t be too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues.

INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH BACKGROUND (approximately 600 words)

Purpose of proposal

Outline of proposal structure

Research background:

Introduction to the topic to be explored: developing rationale for topic

Aim and objectives:

Overall aim clearly stated

§   Related objectives identified and importance to achievement of aim justified

In this opening section you should detail the underlying rationale for the project.   Think about this as the reasons that explain your choice of topic and its importance.    This should be an introductory discussion that provides a background to the subject area and the main focus of the project.  This discussion must lead to the development of one clear aim for the project.

This section should also include a list of objectives which you are proposing to achieve with the research   There should be between 3 and 6 objectives, although more or less is acceptable depending on the nature of the project.   Remember this is the plan for the rest of the work you will do towards producing your Project.   The objectives should relate to what you are going to do.

The reader of the plan should have no doubt or uncertainty about the boundaries of the final project. If the scope is restricted to a particular country, region, industry, time period then this should be made explicit.   If you need to carry out further analysis to establish the scope of the research then this should be highlighted here.

LITERATURE REVIEW (Approximately 1000 words)

The Literature Review

The literature review is very important because it demonstrates the main theories which are relevant to the topic of research.  This is done by identifying the main texts and authors in the area (in books or journals) and discussing the key issues. The review of the existing literature should compare and contrast the relevant writers in the field of interest and link these to your proposed area of research.   You should be able to show that you have undertaken sufficient reading on the respective topic to be able to justify the choice of project topic and to demonstrate where the contribution is located within the main body of theory and current knowledge, incorporating relevant core concepts, frameworks and theory.  This section should reflect:

§  Expertise of the body of theory including the implications of recent developments

§  Engagement with and critical exploration of core concepts

§  Progressive argument/idea development

§  Citation of sources

Although textbooks are a valuable resource when doing research, contemporary issues are more likely to be discussed in the journals relating to the field.  It is expected that recent developments, theories, or studies will be contained in journal articles and evidence that you have accessed these is required.

This section presents, discusses and justifies the proposed methodological framework and the design choices made (Research Philosophy; Approach; Strategy; Time Horizon; Data Collection Tools, Sampling and Data Analysis).  Robust theoretical underpinning is essential.

Planning and Critical Analysis (approximately 400 words)

This section focuses on multiple issues pertinent for the research.

Firstly, based on a Gant Chart there should be a detailed timetable scheduling all aspects of the research.  This should include time anticipated to conduct background research, data gathering tool design, data collection, data analysis and Project writing.  This is best achieved by working backwards from the final submission of the Project.  Remember the proposal provides the plan for the research you will conduct so the Gantt chart should provide detail of the activities you will conduct during the course of the research.  (You can download a model for the Gantt chart from BB).

Ethical considerations relating to the study must be discussed.  Research involving human participants in particular requires consideration of research ethics.  A brief discussion of such consideration is required.

Finally, a discussion of any anticipated challenges in the conduct of the study and potential limitations of the study is required to show that the researcher is aware and informed and thus better able to manage the research process.  A good proposal will not only show awareness but also highlight potential options to overcome challenges and minimise limitations.    

1. It should give the proper context to frame the research question.
2. It should delimit the boundary conditions for your research.
3. It should cite landmark studies.
4. It should accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by other researchers.
5. It should stay focused on the research question.
6. It should develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research.
7. It shouldn’t be too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues.