Proposal Writing

What is a research proposal?

• A research proposal is a document that provides a detailed description of the
intended program.
• It is like an outline of the entire research process that gives a reader a summary of
the information discussed in the project.
• A research proposal is a simply a structured, formal document that explains what
you plan to research (i.e. your research topic), why it’s worth researching (i.e. your
justification), and how you plan to investigate it (i.e. your practical approach).

• The purpose of the research proposal (it’s job, so to speak) is to convince your
research supervisor, committee or university that your research is suitable (for the
requirements of the degree program) and manageable (given the time and resource
constraints you will face).
• The most important word here is “convince” – in other words,
your research proposal needs to sell your research idea (to
whoever is going to approve it). If it doesn’t convince them (of
its suitability and manageability), you’ll need to
revise and resubmit. This will cost you valuable time, which will
either delay the start of your research or eat into its time
allowance (which is bad news).
• Any proposal offers a plan to fill a need, and your reader will evaluate
your plan according to how well your written presentation answer
questions about
• What you are proposing?
• How you plan to do it?
• When you plan to do it, and
• How Much is going to cost
How long is a research proposal?

• This varies tremendously, depending on the university, the field of

study, and the level of the degree (e.g. undergraduate, Masters or
PhD) – so it’s always best to check with your university what
their specific requirements are before you start planning your
proposal.
• As a rough guide, a formal research proposal at Masters-level often
ranges between 2000-3000 words, while a PhD-level proposal can
be far more detailed, ranging from 5000-8000 words. In some
cases, a rough outline of the topic is all that’s needed, while in other
cases, universities expect a very detailed proposal that essentially
forms the first three chapters of the dissertation or thesis.
How is a research proposal structured?

• While the exact structure and format required for a dissertation or

thesis research proposal differs from university to university,
there are five “essential ingredients” that typically make up
the structure of a research proposal:
1.A descriptive title or title page
2.A rich introduction and background to the proposed research
3.A discussion of the Scope of the research
4.An initial literature review covering the key research in the
area
5.A discussion of the proposed research design (methodology)
Relationship of Research Proposal and
Research
• Research proposal is a plan, and research is action
• Research proposal is compulsory for approving proposed research
• Research proposal is a schedule and research is activity
• Research proposal is a mirror of activity
• Research proposal is a blueprint of research
• Research proposal can be served as a document of contract for the
project
Types of research proposal
• Two types of Research Proposal
• Internal and external research proposal
• External research proposal
• A proposal written by a firm in order to win contract for work.
•Business Proposal
•A business proposal is also referred to as a sales proposal. Companies offer this type of
proposal to their potential clients when they want to win a project or contract. It outlines the
company’s capabilities, experience, and resources. It also includes information about the
proposed project, including the scope, timeline, and cost.
•Business proposals persuade the reader to invest in the company or buy its products or
services. The proposal must be convincing enough to make the reader want to take action.
Companies usually submit the following two types of proposals:
•Solicited Proposals
•Proposals submitted in response to a specific call issued by a sponsor. Such solicitations, typically
called Request for Proposals (RFP), or Request for Quotations (RFQ), are usually have specific
requirements for format and technical content, and may specify certain award terms and
conditions. Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) are not considered formal solicitations.
•These proposals are written in response to an RFP (request for proposal) or a verbal request. A
customer asks for proposals from various vendors with specific requirements. The vendor then
responds to the RFP with a proposal outlining how it will meet the organization’s needs.
•The customers create a detailed description of what they need and what they are looking for.
They also offer formatting instructions and selection criteria. Vendors who wish to do business
with the customer send their proposals in response to the RFP. The vendor’s proposal must meet
the customer’s requirements to be accepted.
•Unsolicited Proposals
•Proposals submitted to a sponsor that has not issued a specific solicitation but is
believed by the investigator to have an interest in the subject.
•An unsolicited proposal is a proposal that the customer does not request. It is a
marketing tool used to generate new business opportunities. The vendor
identifies a potential problem or need of the customer and writes a proposal
outlining how the vendor’s product or service can solve the problem.
•This type of proposal must be well-researched and carefully written to convince
the customer to consider the vendor’s solution. It brings the risk of being rejected
outright as the customer may not be interested in the solution you have offered.
•Internal Project Proposal
•Proposals are not only written by organizations to win business from external customers
but also internally within the organization. Internal project proposals are written within
businesses when one department wants to start a new project or initiative.
•The proposal includes information about the project’s objectives, expected outcomes,
and benefits. It should also include a detailed plan of how the organization will execute
the project. The management uses this information to decide whether or not to approve
the project.
•The management must approve the proposal to get funding and resources. It must
convince the decision-makers that the project is worth investing in and that it will be
successful.