Development of a

Research Proposal

Mmbaga, E.J (MD, PhD)

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics,
MUHAS
What is medical research?
The process of scientific investigation or
enquiry into a health or medical problem
The main purpose of research is to find
the truth and suggest solutions to the
problem
Aim at giving accurate estimates of
health events
What is a research proposal?
A document describing in detail the
proposed research project.
Concise and to the point

The length depends on the project type,

methodology and donor demands
Sections of a research proposal
Below is the most frequently encountered sections/subheadings:
[TAIPRoRaGoMeIMoBuRePA]
Title
Summary/Abstract
Introduction/background/review of literature
Problem statement
Rationale/justification
Goals and objectives
Methodology
Implementation plan
Monitoring and evaluation
Budget and justification
References
Profile of the applicant(s)
Appendices
Format of research proposals
Great variation
Each funding agent (donor) has own
guidelines on format
Must be typed in double spacing on A4
paper
Pay attention to language (what you
write is what you are!)
A. Preliminaries usually numbered
in Roman numerals
Title
A research proposal should have a title
A title is the research topic (so should be
relevant)
Title must be clear and should refer to
key variables
Title Page
This page should bear the following:
Name(s) and address of proposer(s)

Institutional attachment(s)

To whom correspondence(s) should be

addressed
Table of Contents
This must be included

B. Body of the proposal usually

numbered in Arabic numerals
Summary/Abstract
Length not more than one page
Should state why the research must be
done (rationale)
Should state the problem, objectives,
methods and budget
Should be written last and very carefully
Statement of the Problem
Should cover the general background
Analysis of the present situation (what is
known)
Identify the gap (What is not known)

Literature search is therefore essential

Importance of the problem (magnitude,

relevance)
Statement of the problem

State the research problem (i.e. statement

of the problem)
Three (3) cardinal questions of problem
statement:
What is the problem

What is the magnitude of the problem

What are the issues or areas of concern

that this study sets out to address (gaps)

Rationale/ justification
Three cardinal questions of study rationale are:
Why is it important to conduct the study
Why now
What gaps in existing body of knowledge
would this study address
How will information obtained from this
study be utilized (programmatic implications)
Why that area and that population
State the hypothesis of your study
Objectives (Broad & Specific)
Attributes of Specific objectives:
Should be Specific

Stated clearly in Measurable terms

Should be Achievable/attainable

Should be Realistic

Should be Time bound

Should be SMART
Methodology
Study area
Study design
Study population
Sample size
Sampling technique
Research instruments
Definition of terms
Data collection and management
Ethical issues
Perceived constraints, biases and limitations
Implementation Plan
Should specify the required inputs such as
the following:
Manpower

Facilities

Equipment

Supplies and operating costs

Implementation Plan

Should also specify the Work plans Time schedule for

project activities (Gantt chart) e.g.
Pre-testing of questionnaire
Staff recruitment
Staff training
Acquisition of supplies/equipment
Pilot study
Data collection
Data coding, entry, cleaning and analysis
 GANTT CHART
YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Ethical clearance A1

Villages enumeration and meetings A2

Survey centres establishment A3

Recruitment/training of R.Assistants A4

Cohort selection A5

Baseline survey A6

PhD/Masters student starts A7

Follow-up surveys A8 A8 A8

Dissemination and write up seminars A9 A9 A9 A9 A9

Describe Project Organisation
Project organisation chart
CVs of project PIs and Co-PIs
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring includes
Proper documentation of resources

Follow up quality and quantity of

research activities
Identify problems and suggest remedial
measures
Monitoring and evaluation

Evaluations involves assessing whether

objectives are being met
Done at the middle and end of project

Involves donor agencies

Budget and Justification
Itemize anticipated costs of planned
activities
All items must be justified

Budgets should be realistic (do not

scare the donor)
Do not exceed the limit set by the donor
Common entries in the budget
include
Personnel (honoraria for researchers, secretaries, etc.)
Consultants (fees & honoraria)
Field allowances
Training for project personnel (masters, PhD)
Research facilities (office, laboratory, renovation costs etc.)
Transport
Supplies and equipment
Dissemination of research results
Institutional overheads (5-20%)
Contingency funds (5-10%)

NB: You will not be given funds not included in the budget
References
These must be written in the acceptable
format
Profile of Applicants
These include
Bio-data or CVs of investigators

Institutional profiles to describe its

capability
Attachments/Appendices
Sample data sheets (questionnaires,
checklists etc.)
Informed consent form

Institutional/National Ethical Clearance

Certificates