Level 5 Preparing Proposals

There is no single format for research proposals. Why? Every research project is different within different research disciplines and funded through different organisations that have different formats and requirements. But, there are several key components which must be included in every research proposal. The specific research problem you are responding to will dictate if there is any other information needed.Research proposals

Research proposals key components

Start with clearly defining the research problem it provides a succinct introduction to the research proposal.Example:This research project seeks to evaluate the ABC Learning project . The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the extent to which the project has delivered its original objectives and value for money. ABC Learning is a project designed to provide support for young people who find it difficult to access and stay in education. ABC seeks to the levels of educational take up and rates of completion amongst young people. Describing the research problem

This section shows that you understand the context of the research problem. Spend some time doing a brief literature review of related policy and research in the area. Do not just reproduce information that is already given to you in the brief. You need to show that you understand the issues.Background and rationaleWatch video: Literature Reviews

This section will cover a number of stages: design/approach sampling method of collecting data data management and analysis outputs & reporting ethical issuesResearch methodology

Research methodology: resourcesDesign/approach watch video research designs Sampling watch videos: Sampling census and samples; Sampling probability non probabilityMethod of collecting data watch video Primary research; and see Numeracy and Quantitative Methods module resourcesData management and analysis watch videos: Data Management; and Qualitative Thematic Coding ; and see Numeracy for Professional purposes module resourcesOutputs & reporting watch video ReportingEthical issues watch videos: Ethics 1; and Ethics 2

Include a proposed timetable or work schedule showing a break down of the tasks and when they will be completed. Formats can use tables (columns with tasks, dates and outputs), Gantt charts and so on.TimetablingWatch video: Resources and time managementAlso see Project Management module resources

Include a detailed breakdown of the costs of conducting the research as is proposed. How you present this depends on your own style and any expectations set out in the research brief.CostsWatch video: Resources and time management

Outline why you should be doing the research. What related experience on other projects and skills do you have. You may be required to include a CV of the members of the research team check the research brief for requirements.Previous experience

Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods. 3rd Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

David, M. and Sutton, C. (2011) Social Research : An Introduction. 2nd ed. London: Sage.

McGivern, Y. (2009) The Practice of Market Research. 3rd ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd. References

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Author Laura LakeInstituteUniversity of PlymouthTitlePreparing ProposalsDescriptionPreparing research proposalsDate CreatedJuly 2011Educational Level Undergraduate (Level 5)Keywords UKOER, LFWOER, UOPCPDRM, Research proposals, research brief, commissioners, suppliers

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