Guidelines for writing your dissertation Proposal

This document outlines the items that could be included in your Project proposal.

The format should be used as a guide to ensure that you have provided all the necessary
information.

It is important that your proposal is clearly and concisely written, it should attract the
attention and interest of its intended readers and should demonstrate your understanding
of the proposed project.

As a starting point, you should begin to formulate

a hypothesis, a research question, or describe a problem domain.
Bear in mind, that a good Project has a clearly defined proposal that will help to focus the
attention of readers towards the key points for solving some “interesting” problem.

Make sure you have, specifically, answered the following questions:

 What is the research question or the problem or hypothesis that is being

addressed?
 Why is the problem significant? [describe the background]
 What methodology is being proposed for solving the problem, why is it the most
suitable?
 What is the outcome, [what will be developed- a software, design of a suitable
system, or any other]?
 How do you intend to implement it?
 How do you intend to evaluate the outcome?
Dissertation Tile
Name:
Pathway: ID:

1. Introduction
What is the research question or the problem domain or hypothesis that is being addressed?

2. Background / Literature Review

Why is the problem significant? [describe the background]

3. Aim and objectives

Aim: What is the main intended outcome, [what will be developed- a software, design of a suitable system, or
any other]?
Objectives: What are the steps/tasks that you are going to take to answer your research question, or a
specific list of tasks needed to accomplish the aim of the project.
[objectives identify specific, measurable, often precise achievements that build towards the ultimate aim of
your project aim.]

4. Methodology
What methodology is being proposed for solving the problem, what methods you intend to use in researching
and developing your report, why is it the most suitable?

5. Implementation
How do you intend to implement it?

6. Testing/ Evaluation
How do you intend to evaluate the outcome?

7. Professional, social, economic and legal issues

What are the social, legal or economic implications of your work?
What are the professional guidelines you intend to follow?

8. Resource Requirements
Do you need any specific resources?

9. References, Information Sources that Provide a Context for the Project

The reference list at the end of your work demonstrates the depth of your research. It also acknowledges
your sources of information, protecting you against the serious charge of plagiarism. Therefore, list as many
relevant, quality references- [not web sites]

Appendix 1 – Project Gantt Chart, (project activities plan)

Additional Appendices (Where appropriate)

Note: Most of the above items may be re-used in your Dissertation.