GUIDELINES AND FORMAT
FOR A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
RECTOR’s OFFICE,
RESEARCH DIVISION
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU,
NEPAL
Format for
Research Proposal
The Research
Division, T.U., considers it essential that research proposals submitted for
acceptance and financial grant confirm to a prescribed format.
Tha main aim in
requiring an acceptable format for writing a research proposal is to have all
the important features to appear in appropriately acceptable details. When a
proposal falls short of presenting the significant aspects, it tends to hinder
factual understanding and the real worth and relevance of the proposed work.
Clear statements of the intended objectives of the study, the procedural
approaches to be adopted, time schedules for the work and the estimate of
espanses would greatly help in the preparation, proper evaluation, and the
final approval of the proposal. During process of evaluation it is also
possible that some meaningful changes can be brought about to the proposal so
as to render it more effectively.
Furthermore,
processing of the proposal and the eventual conduct of the study would also
gain convenience if the submitted proposal is comprehensive and self contained.
It may often be difficult to write down all kinds of research proposals
strictly within the descriptions and categories fixed b a prescribed format.
To an extent the
format as developed below indicates the significant aspects which may not be
missed out in any proposal. We hope that it will provide broad guidelines for
drawing up a research proposal. It does not, however, limit the size and
content of any proposal if the researcher feels that other relevant details
also need to be added on.
The project
proposal in its final form is expected to contain all pertinent details concerning
the study, right from the initial stages to the stage of completion. It should,
therefore, aim to be what may be described as the complete plan of action. The
ensure a smooth course of development of the work it becomes necessary to
project oneself into various phases of its growth and be able to possibly
locate and take care of the constrains and other difficulties which may creep
in the process of study. The idea of having to put in all details, before one
knows whether the proposal may be at all accepted, may not be that relishing.
For that matter, a proposal in a preliminary form may be submitted and may
later on be developed into its full form.
Even in a preliminary form it
is always advisable to put in essential
details just to eliminate the possibility
of a gap in understanding which otherwise keep on
workable idea away from fruition.
Apart from the above stated factors, it is also desired that an
objective basis should be available for the evaluation of the research
work. The Research Division has been entrusted
with this job. Successful execution
of a research project gives certain
benefits and credits to the researcher. It is important that the researcher gets a fair evaluation
on the basis of the work and receives the credit s/he rightly deserves.
To this end, it is essential that the proposal should contain a full
description of all the facets of the work.
Here are the items that need
to be essentially included in the
writing of a research proposal.
Title of the Study:
A brief but clearly stated title of the proposed study is
intended . The title should appropriately reflect the nature and scope of
the proposed study.
Introduction of the Study:
The study problem should be
identified by clearly stating its background,
setting or environment, and the need for the study. Then, its
importance should be clarified with
reference to its practical
application to policy decisions or to the illumination of
concepts and theories of development.
Statement of the Problem:
"A question well stated is a question half answered".
The problem of the research question is, therefore, an interrogative
statement in terms of the relation that exits
between a set of variables. It
should be stated clearly and unambiguously
so as to permit empirical testing. Above
all the problem should not be stated
too generally or too narrowly. Most important,
where the problem lies ( the problem that guides the study )
should be clearly stipulated in
terms
of the background and development
within the scope of the proposed question
(historical perspective is necessary).
Review of Literature:
One undertakes this in order to find out what works have already
been done in the areas of the research
problem under study. It also helps minimize
the risk of dead ends, choice of
rejected methods etc, promotes greater understanding of the
problem under study, provides comparative data to evaluate and interpret the
significance of findings, and to enforce fruitful sources of hypothesis.
This section is vitally necessary. All references consulted must
be cited.
Objectives of the Study:
Within the felt needs of the
study, the specific objectives for
undertaking the project should be spelled -out clearly. They should be
identified in terms of the variables
and parameters under study precisely and be
formulated in the manner of
questions. Where general objectives are
felt desirable, specific sub-objectives must
be framed within each general objective in a logical sequence.
Location of the Study:
(Optional)
The place or places in which the study will be conducted need to
be indicated.
Hypotheses:
A hypotheses is a conjectural
statement of relations (based on the
statement of the problem and the objective of the study) between two or
more variables in either negative or
positive terms. It should be neither too general
nor too specific. However, it should specify how the variables are
related. The hypotheses, thus could be formulated as null hypothesis,
against alternatives.
Methodology:
It should correspond to the order in which each of the
objectives listed are to be attacked in terms of essential hypothesis to be
used: how and what data are to be generated and processed from
? What methods of analysis should be used ? what assumptions are
being put to effect of the inquiry ?
(a) Methods of Data
Collection:
Basic design of the experimental
study should be explained. It has to
stated whether the data is to be
collected from other sources or the primary
collection. The use of secondary sources,
mail questionnaires, personal interview or field works which
are relevant to the nature of the study are to be made where possible.
(b)Sampling Techniques:
Mention should be made of the estimated total size of population in the study and the method of sampling should be used in the proposal. It is necessary that an adequately reliable sampling frames and the basic criteria of selecting them be adopted. The main thrust of the study often centers around the nature of the questionnaire, selection of respondents as well as the modalities of operation of the study.
Mention should be made of the estimated total size of population in the study and the method of sampling should be used in the proposal. It is necessary that an adequately reliable sampling frames and the basic criteria of selecting them be adopted. The main thrust of the study often centers around the nature of the questionnaire, selection of respondents as well as the modalities of operation of the study.
(c) Analysis of data:
Statistical procedures and tests are adopted to ensure relevance of the conclusions of the proposed study. As such, the methods to be adopted indicating the level of analysis, and testing need should be clearly indicated.
Statistical procedures and tests are adopted to ensure relevance of the conclusions of the proposed study. As such, the methods to be adopted indicating the level of analysis, and testing need should be clearly indicated.
Limitation of the Study: Clearly specify the
limits and constraints prevailing within
each methods. In the event where two or
more methods are used an explanation as to which
method it to be preferred should be stated in terms of the assumptions and
biases involved in each of the methods indicated.
Manpower Planning: (Optional)
A detailed workout of manpower need should be stated
in terms of the job description, desired
qualification of the personnel and their
experience. Indication of the
statement of functions, duties and responsibilities
should be clearly indicated. Time for which manpower is need should be
worked-out in man days for different phases of the project. If it is a team
project, the project leader should be mentioned.
Scheduling of Time:
Different phases of the research
project should be clearly stated in working
weeks or months, preferably in a diagrammatic presentation (CPM, PERT
or BARGRAM). Thus, it should be able to provide monitoring authorities with close estimates
of the entire project time. It should mention the probable time schedule
between inception and conclusion of the project in
accordance with the T.U. Evaluation Format.
Chapter Plan : (indicative)
Chapter Plan should indicate the
total number of chapters and pages,
individual chapter titles, including sub heading
and pages for each chapter. This helps both
project planning and logistical support activities of the Research Division.
Budgeting/Estimate of Expenses:
A detailed and itemized budget showing how the funds are to be
spent is essential. Presentation of budget for
the proposed work may be made under
the following main categories. Other headings of the category may, however be added if considered
necessary for the sake of clarity. If any budgetary support
is expected from other supplementary
agencies, the amounts and conditions should be explicitly indicated.
It may be noted that all expenses met, out of the funds made
available by Tribhuvan University, have to be budgeted strictly according to
existing T.U. financial rules and regulations. These include payments as
salaries and allowances according to levels of
expertise, travel allowances and purchase of equipment.
It is important to mention that
the Research Division or any other
authority which funds the research project reserves the right to increase,
deduct or reject the amount of the budget as shown on the proposal given the
quality and relevance of the
research proposal as well as the
availability of research funds with it.
Fund grants, if available,
are made through the concerned Campus
Office from which the researcher draws
the required amounts and submits the details
of expenses. Fund grants are made
available in phases, which presently stand at 60 percent, 20
percent and 20 percent.
The initial 60 percent is made
available at the start of the project
and subsequent 20 percent each is released
on completion of two different stages of the
work.
It is, therefore, important to
coordinate budgetary items according to
definitive stages of proposed work. If the
researcher strongly feels that budgetary requirements
have to be particularly different, it
would be helpful to present the case and give reasons for it.
(a)Stationery and Office
Supplies:
Items such as paper, postage, typing charges and other sundry
supplies are to be met under this budget heading.
(b) Travelling
Expenses :
Transportation costs and daily allowances
while travelling are to be included under
this budget heading. The number and
mode of travel and places to be
visited should be shown. Ordinarily, only
travel costs for places within the country can be mentioned.
If travel outside the country
needs to be included full justification for these has to be
given.
Bibliography and Annex :
The list of the literature reviewed and the sources from which
items are quoted should be serially organized at
the end of the proposal. All the data
charts etc. that are being use for the presentation of the proposal will have
to be included systematically with due emphasis un source citation.
Other Information :
Any other information which would help gaining realistic
understanding of the proposal and facilitating
the actual conduct of the work may
be included if it is so desired. The researcher may also like to
indicate the limitations of the proposed study and prospective approaches for
further extension of its scope.
Reporting:
In course of the work the researcher is required to submit
progress reports to the Research Division and to the Dean of the concerned
Institute. The Research Division also holds
exclusive rights to the publication of
the results of the research report regularly.
Resume:
A recent and brief resume in
English is required from each and
every researcher. It should not be more than two double spaced pages.
If there are more than one researchers for
a research project, separate resume from each of
them is required to be submitted together with the research proposal.
Research Tools
APA 6TH EDITION
APA style is a format for academic documents such as journal articles and books. It is codified in the style guide of the American Psychological Association(APA), titled the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
MENDELEY
Mendeley is a reference manager and academic social network. Make your own fully-searchable library in seconds, cite as you write, and read and annotate your PDFs on any device.
SPSS
SPSS Statistics is a software package used for statistical analysis
It really looks so amazing and show your efforts that you spend to make this article but I truly excited to read out this instruction. I appreciate you for post this amazing artwork with us but I enjoyed much to get some best tips. Research Proposal Writing Services
ReplyDeleteGive your research an edge with our comprehensive research paper writing services. Our experienced writers meticulously research and analyze data, crafting reports with precision and accuracy that stand out from the crowd. If you want to get more interesting details about research proposal writing services, visit this site.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete