Structuring Your Proposal

Structuring your proposal
Use the following sub-headings in the proposal (although these are not prescriptive): 1.Project title 2.Overview and significance of the proposed study 3. Aim and Objectives 4.Relevant literature 5.Research Design 6.Methodology 7.Ethical issues 8. Assumed Outcomes 9. implications 10.
Expected Timescale 

Contents in detail for each title of the proposal structure
1 A proposed title of your study;
This should provide the key words associated with the project. Avoid titles that are very broad (e.g. health care in the West Midlands) or very lengthy. Examples of project titles have included:

1. Sustainable management of tannery hair waste through composting
2. Viewpoints: The interpretation of anomalous experiences
3. Occupational identity changes in later life
4. Millennial and postmillennial London in British fiction

2 A brief description overview of the research area you are expecting your study to make contributions to;

It is sensible to have an opening paragraph that summarizes the proposed research. It will indicate the general area of study and may give a brief indication of why you think this research is timely. Part of this may briefly cover your own interest and experience in this area of study

3 Rationale for your proposed study, including

a. Why this area of research appeals to you;
b. Any previous experience/training that you believe will help facilitate your research;
c. Other considerations.

4 An aim of your study (there should be only one aim); Should be precise

5 Objectives of your study (there should normally be at least 3 or 4 objectives, and these should be Specific ,measurable, realistic and time bound ) Indicate what you think the key questions are that you will tackle. These may be expressed as aims and objectives Examples of overall research questions, which are often expressed as aims, have included are indicated below for reference only :

a. To explore how individuals in strategic leadership roles in the Muscat Municipality affect the delivery of large-scale projects

b. To examine the potential of landfill sites to support pollinating insect assemblages

c. Enable a deeper understanding of the processes of engaging in different occupations in later life. 

Subsidiary research questions, which are often expressed as objectives, have included:
a) Critically examine the strategic leadership literature in the delivery of large-scale projects

b) Determine how the plant assemblage is being affected by the landfill site in terms of plant growth, phenology and pollen production through field data

c) Use a survey questionnaire to determine whether changes to occupational identity occur in later life 

For any research degree it is important that you can make an original contribution.
The indicative content for systematic research specifications should be customized to match the proposed study and need not be a survey questionnaire always For thesis research the scope should be more limited, and the project proposed should be more tightly constrained, and to be do-able in the time allowed.

The important point is that the work that you are proposing is appropriate for the degree you intend to take and that the work can be completed in the time allowed by University regulations.

6 Review of relevant literature which substantiates the focus of your study;
At the stage of it is not expected to know all the literature in your chosen field. However, should discuss the important current debates and issues in selected proposed field. Refer to some of the key articles and texts and show their relevance to the proposed research.

One of the features of final thesis that examiners will look for is the ability to evaluate critically your own work and the work of others.

7 A brief overview of the Philosophy ,methodological approach, including initial thoughts on research design, research methods that includes tools , samples data collection methods and anticipated limitations or issues;

Give some indication of how you intend to go about the research you are proposing. Refer briefly to methodological debates in your area or discuss specific techniques you intend to use. Do not try to describe what you will do in minute detail. At this stage you are only expected to indicate the approach that you think will be most appropriate. 

8 Ethical considerations;
Specify any ethical issues are expected in the proposed study 

9 Risk considerations;
If any anticipated

10 Assumed outcomes and implication of the study
In this section the researcher should be able to give an indication of how you think your work will move your subject area forward. Will it provide new information about a neglected area, or a new insight into an existing debate, or a new technique or procedure, or a development from existing knowledge? Your outcomes will probably reflect closely the key questions and the aims you have set.