DEFINITION OF PROPOSAL:

“A proposal is an individual's or company's offer to

produce a product or render a service to a potential buyer or sponsor.”

A proposal is also known as a workplan, prospectus, and outline, statement of

intent or draft plan.

WHAT IS RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

BY 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.”

BY 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.”

EXPLANATION OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

The research proposal drawn up by

the investigator is the result of a planned, organized and careful effort and basically
contains the following:

1) Broad goals of the study

2) The specific problem to be investigated

3) Details of the procedures to be followed

4) The research design offering details on:

i) The sampling Design
ii) Data collection methods
iii) Data analysis

5) Time frame of the study

6) The budget, detailing the costs with reference to specific items of expenditure.
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

1) To present the management question to be researched and relate its importance.

2) To discuss the research efforts of others who have worked on related management
questions.

3) To suggest the data necessary for solving the management question and how the data
will be gathered, treated and interpreted.

4) To present the researcher's plan, services and credentials in the best possible way to
encourage the proposal's selection over competitors.

5) To help the researcher to define the contents and to plan and execute his/her research
project.

6) To inform potential collaborators and supporters about the topic and the expected
quality of the research.

TYPES OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

There are two types of research proposal

a) Internal Proposal
b) External Proposal

INTERNAL PROPOSAL:

“A proposal done by staff specialists or by the research

department within the organization is called internal proposal.”

EXTERNAL PROPOSAL:

“A proposal sponsored by university grant committees,

Government agencies, Government contractors, non-profit organizations, or corporation
is called External proposal.

External proposal can be divided into two parts.

Two Types of External Proposal:

a) Solicited Proposal
b) Unsolicited Proposal

SOLICITED PROPOSAL:

“A proposal which is made in response to a request for proposal

is called solicited proposal.”

UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL:

“A proposal which represents a suggestion by a contract

researcher for research that might be done is called unsolicited proposal.”

ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

• Title

• Abstract

• Problem Statement

• Literature Review

• Methodology and research methods

• Field work

• Duration

• Final Product

• Budget

• Appendices
EXPLANATION OF ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL

1) Title

A good title should be short, accurate and concise. It should make the central
objectives and variables of the study clear to the reader. The title provides the “key
words” for the classification and indexing of the project. If it is possible without undue
length, the title can give a preview of the protocol. It is important to specify what
universe will be investigated.

2) Abstract

The abstract must be typed within the IRB application and should not exceed
one page in length. The abstract may also included as part of the protocol but does not
have to be included. The abstract should give a clear idea to the reader of the central
question that the research is intended to answer and its justification. It should specify the
hypothesis and the research objectives. In addition, the abstract should briefly describe
the methods laid out in the chapter on methodology.

3) Statement of the problem

The statement must be written in a way that gives empirical

references to describe the situation and also clearly specifies the gaps in existing
knowledge of the problem and the existing controversary and no conclusive evidence. A
logical sequence for presenting the statement would be

o Magnitude, frequency, and distribution. Affected geographical groups affected by

the problem.

o Probable cause of the problem: What is the current knowledge of the problem and
its cause? Is there controversary? Is there conclusive evidence?

o Possible solutions: In what ways have solutions to the problem been attempted?
What has been proposed? What are the results?

o Unanswered questions: what remains to be answered? What areas have not been
possible to understand, determine, verify or test?
4) Literature review

The literature review section examines recent research studies,

company data, or industry reports that acts as a basis for the proposed study.

5) Methodology and research methods

The methodology explains the procedures that will

be used to achieve the objectives. In this section the operational definition for the variable
used should be specified in detail, along with the type of variables and the ways to
measure them.

6) Field Work

Identify the relevant courses, workshops, pre-dissertation research or any

other activity. Laid the basis of foundation of research.

7) Duration

A clear indication of time frame of the project and specific time when each
aspects or stage of the project will be implemented.

8) Final Product

It includes the following:

Thesis
Articles
Books

9) Budget

The budget should be presented in the form the sponsor requests. In addition,
limitations on travel, per diem rates, and capital equipment purchases can change the way
in which you prepare a budget.

10) Appendices

It should be devoted to those aspects of the proposal that are of

secondary interest to the review.
ADVANTAGES OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS:

ADVANTAGES TO RESEARCHER`S

The researcher has many advantages by preparing research proposal. Some of the
advantages are described below:

1) Planning and Review of steps

The process of writing a proposal encourages the

Researcher to plan and review the projects logical steps. These steps encourage the
researcher to perform his research thoroughly.

2) Guideline of the Investigation

The in-house or contract researcher uses the approved

research proposal as a guide throughout the investigation. Process can be monitored and
milestone noted. At completion, the proposal provides an outline for the final research
project.

3) A Review of Previous Plans

Related management and research literature is examined in

developing the research proposal. This review promotes the researcher to access previous
approaches to the similar management question and revise the research plan accordingly.

4)Controlling of Errors

By developing research proposal there is an opportunity of spotting

flaws in the logic, errors in assumptions, or even management question that are not
adequately addressed by the objectives and design.

5) Acertation of Profit

Like any other business, the researcher makes his/her profit from
correctly estimation of cost and pricing the research project appropriately.

6) Estimation of Cost

A thorough proposal process is likely to reveal all possible cost-

related activities, thus making the cost estimation more accurately.
7) Estimation of Time

The researcher can estimate the time function with the help of
research proposal. These time estimates encourages the researcher to plan the project so
work progresses steadily towards the deadline.

ADVANTAGES TO THE SPONSOR

1) Selection of the researcher

The research proposal helps the sponsor to select the

appropriate researcher for the overall research plan.

2) Checking the sincerity of the researcher

The research proposal allows the sponsor to

access the sincerity of the researcher's purpose.

3) Knowledge of the Researcher

The research proposal allows the sponsor of the research

to have a glance at the background of the researcher's knowledge.

4) Display of Researcher's Discipline

The proposal displays the researcher's discipline,

organization and logic. It thus allows the research sponsor to assess both the researcher
and the proposed design, to compare them against competing proposal on current
organizational, scholastic, or scientific needs, and to make the best selection of the
project.

5) Comparison of Research Proposal with Project

Comparison of research projects results

with the proposal is also the first step in the process of evaluating the overall research. By
comparison the final product with the stated objectives, it is easy for the sponsor to
decide if the research goal a better decision on the management question has been
achieved.
6) Catalyst for Discussion

The research proposal acts as a catalyst for discussion between

the manager conducting the research and the manager. The researcher translates the
management question, as described by the manager, into research question and outline of
the objectives of the study.

STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

• Executive Summary

• Problem Statement

• Research Objectives

• Literature Review

• Importance of the Study

• Research Design

• Data Analysis

• Nature and Forms of results

• Qualifications of Researcher

• Budget

• Schedule

• Facilities and special Resources

• Project Management

• Bibliography

• Appendices
Explanation of the Structure of Research Proposal

 Executive Summary

Executive Summary which is for the sponsor to understand

quickly the thrust of the proposal.

 Research Objective

Purpose of the investigation and specific, concrete and achievable

goals.

 Problem Statement

This section convinces the sponsor to continue reading the

proposal. We should capture the reader's attention by stating the problem, its background,
and consequences. The importance of the problem should be emphasized here if a
separate module on the benefits of study is not included later in the proposal. The
problem statement will include any restrictions or areas of the problem that will not be
addressed.

 Literature review

The literature review section examines recent (or historically

significant) research studies, company data, or industry reports that act as a basis for the
proposed study. Begin our discussion of the related literature and relevant secondary data
from a comprehensive perspective, moving to more specific studies that are associated
with our problem. If the problem has a historical background, begin with the earliest
references.

 Importance of the study

This section allows us to describe explicit benefits that will

accrue from our study. The importance of “doing the study now” should be emphasized.
Usually, this section is not more than a few paragraphs. If we find it difficult to write,
then we have probably not understood the problem adequately. Return to the analysis of
the problem and ensure, through additional discussions with our sponsor, our research
team, or by a re-examination of the literature, that we have captured the essence of the
problem.
  Research Design

Research design includes sample size, data collection, methods,

instrument, procedure and ethical requirement.

 Data Analysis

Data analysis contains purposed handling of the data and theoretical basis
for using selected techniques.

 Nature and form of research

This section contains the contractual statement telling

the sponsor exactly what types of information will be received. Statistical conclusions,
applied findings, recommendations, action plans, models, strategic plans, and so forth are
examples of the forms of results.

 Qualification of researcher

This section should begin with the principal investigator.

It is also customary to begin qualifications with the highest academic degree held.
Experience is carrying out previous research is important, especially in the corporate
market place, so a concise description of similar projects should be included.

 Budget

The budget should be presented in the form the sponsor requests. For
Example, some organizations require secretarial assistance to be individually budgeted,
whereas others insist it to be included in the research director's fees or the overhead of the
operations. In addition, limitations on travel, per diem rates, and capital equipment
purchases can change the way in which we prepare a budget.

Typically, the budget should be no more than one to two pages. It is extremely
important that we retain all information we use to generate our budget. Some costs are
more elusive than others. Don’t forget to build the cost of proposal writing into our fees.
Publication and delivery of final reports can be a last-minute expense that can easily be
overlooked in preliminary budgets.
  Schedule
Our schedule should include the major phases of the project, their timetables,
and the milestone that signify completion of a phase. For Example may be:

1) Exploratory interviews
2) Final research proposal
3) Questionnaire revision
4) Field interviews
5) Editing and coding
6) Data Analysis
7) Report generation

Each of these phases should have an estimated time schedule and people assigned to
the work.

 Facilities and special resources

Often, projects will require special facilities or

resources that should be described in detail. For Example, a contract exploratory study
may need specialized facilities for focus group sessions. Computer-assisted telephone or
other interviewing facilities may be required. Alternatively, our proposed data analysis
may require sophisticated computer algorithms, and therefore, we need access to an
adequate system. This requirement varies from study to study.

 Project Management

Project management is a master plan how a research team is

organized to complete the project efficiently.

 Bibliography

From which material is taken.

 Appendices

Glossary, measurement and other factors.

 EVALUATING THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

1) Proposal must be neatly written in appropriate writing style.

2) Major topics should be easily found and logically organized.

3) Proposal must meet specific guidelines set by the sponsor.

4) Technical writing style must be clearly understood and explained.

5) Justly the chosen research project.

6) Describe the current state of knowledge on the research topic, considering important
relevant literature.

7) Formulate the hypothesis or research questions.

8) Define the research strategy and methodology to be used to test the hypothesis.

9) Discuss ethical considerations about the research methodology.

10) Serve as an important tool for monitoring the research.

Why proposals fail

There are three major reasons why research proposals fail.

1) Ethics clearance

Some studies will require ethics clearance through the Research

Integrity and Animal Care unit before the research proposal is submitted. Consult your
supervisor to verify whether you need this clearance.

If you do not need it for your research proposal, then list this as a designated task in your
formal confirmation of candidature schedule.
2) Failure to follow guidelines

You need to follow the guidelines for preparing research

proposals. Carefully read the guidelines address all the relevant sections and obtain the
relevant signatures before submitting your research proposal.

3) Reviewer concern
The reviewer may take issue with certain aspects of the
research proposal which relate specifically to content. The review process highlights
some of the more prevalent areas of concern.

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

Precautions that a researcher take to preempt rejection of his proposal

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

1. How Good And Appropriate Is The Idea?

o Have you stated it clearly and concisely, in writing?

o Does it fit your organization's mission and goals?
o Do colleagues and administrators support it?
o Is it significant? Timely? Innovative? Unique?
o Have you fully reviewed the literature?
o Have you determined who will benefit from the idea, and the extent of
their need and/or interest?
o Have you considered alternative approaches and justified why yours is
best?
o Have you projected the outcomes and determined how to evaluate them?

2. Can You Carry It Out?

o Do you have the necessary skills, or can you identify and get cooperation
from specialists you will need?
o Can it be done in/by your organization? If not, what do you need?
o
3. Who Will Fund It?

o Who has funded similar work?

o Who has a special interest in your subject, location, methodology, target
group, etc.?
o Who do you contact at potential sponsors, and how?
o Have you made a preliminary contact, with an abstract? How much
encouragement did you get?
o What quid pro quo might a potential sponsor want? Can you give it?
 o Who else might be interested?
o What data on sponsors can you get?

4. Plan The Proposal Process!

o Do you have the sponsor's proposal guidelines, formats, forms, deadlines,

etc?
o Have you identified the components your sponsor wants in a proposal?
o Have you re-read, carefully, the sponsor's statement of need or interest?
o Have you scheduled enough time to write and process the proposal?
o Have you collected all the data, references and other information you will
need?
o Have you arranged for typing, graphics, and other mechanical support?

5. Consider The Overall Proposal!

o Is it in the format and editorial style required or expected by the sponsor?

o Is it easy to read rapidly? Does it flow logically?
o Is the language intelligible to the non-specialist?
o Do the major points stand out? Have you made appropriate use of titles,
spacing, indexing, graphics, and other mechanics?
o Does it meet the sponsor's limits on length? Typefaces? Type size?

6. What's Up Front? And At the Back?

o Is the title descriptive, imaginative and suitable for indexing?

o Is the title/cover page on the sponsor's forms, or in the sponsor's format? If
none is specified, did you use your organization's format?
o Is the abstract complete but concise? Will it entice the reviewer to read the
whole proposal? Is it comprehensible to the lay reader?
o Are all of the forms, assurances, and other required items included?
7. What Are Your Objectives?

o Have you clearly and concisely stated the objectives or hypotheses?

o Do the objectives or hypotheses flow from the problem statement?
o Do the objectives or hypotheses describe the intended project outcomes,
and exclude unwanted outcomes?
o Are the outcomes measurable? How, and with what precision? How can
someone else evaluate them?

8. Will The Project Be Evaluated?

o Is evaluation of the process or outcome a component of the project itself?

If so, do the budget and methodology cover it?
o Who will evaluate, how and why?
o Does the methodology produce an output which can be evaluated against
the stated problem?
o Will external data be needed for the evaluation? Who will gather or
provide it?
o Who will report the evaluation? To whom? How?

9. What Facilities Do You Have Or Need?

o Where will the project be conducted?

o Are there unique features of the site or environment which facilitate the
project?
o Are special facilities or equipment required? Is the sponsor expected to
provide or fund them?
10. Make The Budget Right!

o Does your project budget anticipate every cost and its source of funding?
o Does the budget submitted to the sponsor show all costs to be charged to
the sponsor? Does it show the source and value of other costs?
o Does the budget meet sponsor requirements for detail, format, and
description of non- sponsor costs (cost-sharing or matching)?
o Does the budget demonstrate adequate attention to financial efficiency?
Are lease-buy and other tradeoffs considered from a cost-benefit
standpoint?
o Does the budget reflect an awareness of sponsor and institutional
regulations, limitations, and special circumstances?
o Are direct and indirect (overhead) costs clearly separated, and have you
adequately described what indirect covers?
o Are enough funds requested to cover contingencies? But is all the fat
squeezed out?
o Is there adequate justification of unusual costs?

11. Now Get The Proposal Submitted!

o Do you know the submission deadline? Will you meet it?

o Are all of its parts ready, proofread, and assembled in the required order
with all the requisite forms, assurances, and other bureaucratic addenda?
o Do you know your organization's internal routing and checkoffs?
o Are there enough copies for the sponsor and your organization? For
various other reviewers or approvers?
o How will you get it to the sponsor?
o Is it personally signed by the Project Director and all necessary
organizational officials? Are more than one original signature pages
required?