1. How to Write a Research Proposal?
Welcome
to the Workshop Presentation on
How to Write a Research Proposal?
BAYES AHMED
PhD Researcher,
University College London, UK
Date: 30 August 2014

2. What is a Research Proposal?
A research proposal is a document of usually three to seven pages that informs others of a proposed piece of research.
The purpose of the proposal is to help you to focus and define your research plans.

3. Client’s Satisfaction! Client = Supervisor or Funding Agency
Every proposal scans for clear answers to three questions:
What are we going to learn that we do not know now?
Why it is worth knowing?
How will we know that the conclusions are valid?
** Follow the Research Interests or Instructions (ToR)!

4. Structure of a Proposal
Cover page
Table of contents
Background/ Problem Identification
Need for the study/ Rationale
Aim and objectives of the study
Review of the literature
Research design (methodology)
Forming a team
Timetable and Budget
Significance/ Expected outcomes of the study
Appendices
References

5. Cover Page
Proposed title (should be descriptive of focus, concise, and eye-catching)
Your name and qualifications
Department, university or institution the proposal is for

6. Table of Contents
Use a hierarchy for titles and subtitles
Use the numbering system as follows: 1; 1.1, ; 1.1.1, ; , etc. (don't use more than four digits)

7. Background/ Problem Identification
Answers the WHAT question
May include historical, cultural, political, social or organizational information about the context
May include personal motivation

8. Need for the Study/ Rationale
Answers the WHY question
May include reference to a ‘gap’ in the existing research literature
The need to apply certain ideas in a new context
The ways in which the study may be significant

9. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim will represent the overall theme of the research
The objective is expressed in terms of the broader context of the study
The research questions (usually What, How, Why) – for each objective should be few, so that the focus is manageable

10. Review of the Literature
This is not expected to be extensive for the proposal
You should conduct an initial survey of the past/recent major theories to establish your directions
Your review should be shaped by your argument based on your objectives

11. Research Design (Methodology)
Answers the HOW question
Includes rationale for selection of study area, methods of data collection and analysis, procedures you will use to ensure ethical practice, validity and reliability

12. Timetable and Budget
This may take the form of a chart, timeline or flowchart
Strictly follow the timeframe and total cost of the project
At first; you have to form a project team (or independent researcher) and responsibilities
Now break-down each activity and estimate the relevant costs (if applicable)
Be realistic and don’t be over-ambitious!

13. New Knowledge/ Expected Outcomes
** May be excluded if the rationale for the study has been well developed earlier in the proposal

14. Appendices
May include documents, pilot study material, maps, questions for interviews, survey instruments, explanatory statement to participants etc.

15. References
Use the American Psychological Association (APA) Style Guide or conventions recommended by your supervisor/ funding agency or use ENDNOTE as appropriate

16. Checklist
The proposal is expected to:
Show that you are engaging in genuine enquiry
Link your proposed work with the work of others
Establish your methodological approach, and
Show you have thought about the ethical issues

17. QUESTIONS?
Thank You All

18. Research Theme-I
Theme: Social Vulnerability to Landslides, Landslide Susceptibility Modelling; Early Warning System for Landslide Hazards
Obligations: Incorporate both the Social and Technological issues! Form a team of max. 10 members!
Timeframe: 18 Months
Budget: 50 Lakh Taka