4-1 Chapter Four THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

4-2 Purpose of the Research Proposal To present the question to be researched and its importance To discuss the research efforts of others who have worked on related questions To suggest the data necessary for solving the question

4-3 The Research Sponsor All research has a sponsor in one form or another: In a corporate setting, management sponsors research In an academic environment, the student is responsible to the class instructor

4-4 What are the Benefits of the Proposal to a Researcher? Allows the researcher to plan and review the project’s steps Serves as a guide throughout the investigation Forces time and budget estimates

4-5 Types of Research Proposals Internal External –Solicited –Unsolicited

4-6 Proposal Complexity 3 levels of complexity: The exploratory study is used for the most simple proposals The small-scale study is more complex and common in business The large-scale professional study is the most complex, costing millions of dollars

4-7 How to Structure the Research Proposal? Create proposal modules Put together various modules to tailor your proposal to the intended audience

4-8 Modules in a Research Proposal Executive Summary Problem Statement Research Objectives Literature Review Importance of the Study Research Design Data Analysis Nature and Form of Results Qualifications of Researcher Budget Schedule Facilities and Special Resources Project Management Bibliography Appendices

4-9 What to include in the Appendices? A glossary of concepts, constructs, and definitions Samples of the measurement instrument Other materials that reinforce the body of the proposal

4-10 Evaluating the Research Proposal Proposal must be neatly written in appropriate writing style Major topics should be easily found and logically organized Proposal must meet specific guidelines set by the sponsor Technical writing style must be clearly understood and explained