Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00

Lesson Plan 1
Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00

Writing a Research Proposal

Introduction
This lecture is designed for those who are required to submit a research proposal as a condition
of their candidature or who wish to write one for their own purposes. The purpose of this lecture
is to help you develop an approach for writing a clear and focused research proposal. We will
begin by looking at the broad purpose and requirements of proposals. We will then break down
the research proposal into its core components and examine them individually.

1. What is the purpose of a research proposal?

The purpose of a research proposal can be summarized as follows:
 To propose a research project that will result in a significant contribution to knowledge.
 To formulate a detailed plan of the project including methodological approach and
theoretical framework.
 To ensure that the proposed research is achievable within the required time and with the
available resources.
 To demonstrate that you have adequate expertise and experience to undertake the project.
Even if the completion of a research proposal is not a requirement of your candidature, it is a
good idea to write one. Writing a research proposal will encourage you to clarify your objectives
and key ideas. It will enable you to think about each stage of the research process so that you can
develop a clear and detailed plan. It will also help you to foresee problems that you may
encounter during your candidature and prompt you to think about how you will manage them
when they arise.

2. Which skills are required for a research proposal?

Writing a research proposal engages a number of skills. These skills can be grouped into three
clusters:
i. Subject knowledge and research skills

Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00
 Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00

The proposal gives you an opportunity to exhibit your mastery of subject knowledge and
familiarity with current research trends.
ii. Critical thinking skills
A good research proposal displays evidence of advanced analysis, evaluation and synthesis
skills, as well as creativity and the ability to combine vertical and lateral thinking.
iii. Communication skills
The proposal displays your ability to express yourself in precise and concise language.
It is necessary to keep these skills in mind as you work on your proposal as your readers will be
looking for evidence of them in your writing.

3. Activity
Content and structure
The required content and structure of a research proposal varies from one field of study to
another. You should therefore consult closely with your supervisor so that you are made aware of
any particular requirements in your field of study. In general, however, a research proposal
consists of the following elements:
 Background to the topic, significance and research problem
 Research aims and questions
 Review of literature
 Study/project design
 Timeline
 Expected outcomes/impact
In this lecture you will find suggested approaches for successfully completing each component.

4. Zeroing in on the target

It is useful to think of a research proposal as an exercise in zeroing in from the big picture (the
broad academic field) to a specific target (your project).
First, the proposal needs to identify a specific research area in the broader landscape of the
discipline, and establish why it is significant and worth exploring.
Second, the proposal needs to identify an existing or newly identified gap in knowledge that can
be developed into a significant research problem.

Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00
 Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00

Third, the proposal needs to build a convincing case for your project as a viable way of
approaching the research problem. This aspect is often the most exciting and creative part of the
proposal. It allows you to showcase how your project design brings a new approach to an
existing or newly identified problem.
Finally, the proposal needs to demonstrate that your approach to the problem is achievable
within the period of your candidature.

We will now individually examine the core components of a research proposal.

Writing the introductory section

Research aims and questions
Review of literature

Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00
 Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00

Study / project design

Timeline

Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00
 Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00

Expected outcomes/impact

Reference
Miner, J.T., & Miner, L.E. (2005). Models of Proposal Planning and Writing. Praegar.

Lecture 1 on Research Proposal Development / Professor Ni Ni Hlaing / Day I / 14th January 2021 / 13:00 – 14:00