Structure for writing the best research proposal

The following table provides the structure for the research proposal. It is important that you relate each section back to the logical flow of the dissertation process/structure and that each component is connected. It is important to remember that the quality of the proposal rests to a very considerable extent on the intrinsic logic of the proposed research. Proposal Section Researchable topic Aims and objectives of the research ·       Background and issues underlying the research ·       Justification for the research Literature Review ·       Critical literature review of academic literature underpinning for topic ·       Identification of debates within the literature ·       Gaps in the literature, in practice and policy, etc. ·       Nature of the literature; theory, research, policy, prescriptive ·       Linking the gap or debates to your research objective Research Influences and Design Research paradigm ▶ Research philosophy and approach with justification for choice

Research Design ·       Overall research strategy / methodology ·       Nature and type of data you intend to collect ·       Methods for collecting data covering: ·       Sources of data you intend to use ·       The kind of questions you are going to ask ·       The kind of observations you are going to make ·       The kind of documentary sources you intend to use ·       Possible techniques for analysing/interpreting data ·     Statistics, coding, quasi-judicial, etc. ·       Access and research ethics issues o    Criteria for selection of respondents, sector, companies, people, etc. Make sure you justify for choices at every stage Potential Outcome of your research Timetable for research covering the following with a detailed breakdown and justification of the timetable: ▶ Refining research objectives ▶ Literature ▶ Paradigm / Research design ▶ Collecting primary data ▶ Data analysis / interpretation ▶ Discussion ▶ Final write up Gantt chart