1. THE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Graduate School of Business
Midlands State University
Presented by M Zenasi EMBA Intake 1

2. 1. Definition A document which outlines what one wants to research on.
It tells on why , how, where , and to whom the research will be done and shows what benefits are to be derived from it.
Is a work Plan (e.g. see doc)

3. 2. Format and Contents of the research proposal
Format not fixed- why? Depends on who?
May contain all or some of the following;
(a) Title Page-What do you think should be the contents of this page?

4. CONT.
(b) An executive summary- previews the main points of an in-depth report;
Other name?
it is written for non-technical people who don't have time to read the main report.

5. CONT.
The executive report contains enough information for a reader to get familiarized with what is discussed in the full report without having to read through.
Length?

6. CONT. C) Background of the Problem
Provides information building up to the research problem.
First globalize? the problem and then contextualize? it.
Aim is to make the readership understand the context in which the problem is occurring.

7. (d)Statement of the problem
This the statement describing the problem under study. See Example.
Should contain enough detail . Length?
Also captures sub-problems. should be in the region of three to five. Why?
The sub-problems should not bring new dimensions to the research.

8. Cont.
Keep sight of these when formulating your objectives, conclusions and recommendations.
Can be expressed as question. See example.

9. (e) Objectives of the research
Definition- These are statements of what you intend to achieve
They give direction to the research
They can also be used to assess outcomes
They are usually expressed in bullet form for clarity
All objectives must start off with ‘to’
These objectives should be in the region between three to five

10. (f) Research Questions/Hypothesis
These are obtained from the objectives.
Turn your objectives into questions.
It is possible to have more research questions than objectives.
Hypothesis
Is usually associated with quantitative research
It is an educated guess

11. Cont It is based on incomplete evidence It can be proved true or false
It is usually expressed in the form of a null? and an alternate? Hypothesis.

12. (g) Importance of the study
Also called the significance of the study
First express the significance of the study in terms of its academic contribution. What knowledge gap is your research trying to fill?
Thereafter bring out the importance of the research in terms professional practice
Ask your self who is going to benefit from the research and how?

13. (h) Assumptions
These are the things you take for granted in terms of the research
E.gs?

14. (I)Literature review
It is a critical analysis of the existing literature
Done to bring out knowledge gaps
2-3 pages long
Its purpose is also your study with respect to others
This section is usually concluded with a theoretical framework
This is usually a diagram which summarises the variables involved in the research and the relationship between them.

15. Cont. Who are the key authors? What did they say?
What do the other authors say?
What do you say?
Include a theoretical framework for the research

16. (J) Research Methodology Research techniques:
This is how the research is going to be conducted , where it is to be conducted and what the sample would comprise of, e.g.
These are the techniques to be used in the research for data gathering for example, Desk research, structured and semi structured interviews, Questionnaires and observations

17. The study population
This is the targeted respondents within the organization who will supply vital insights into the problem under study. eg operations director , general manager projects and power plant managers.
Information analysis
This is going to be through a data analysis plan comprising of narrative, qualitative and quantitative techniques inclusive of Gantt charts, pie charts and analysis tables.

18. The purpose of literature review is to fully acknowledge all sources of information referenced in the study.
It also provides the platform to criticize, make recommendations and analyze other experts’ opinions as well as to qualify the research and show that available information alone is not enough to solve stated problems.
This literature review is basically centered on Strategic management with particular emphasis on Strategic planning and Strategy implementation.

19. Data analysis Plan
This stage is when the collected data is analyzed using any of the following data techniques ,Constant comparison/grounded theory ,Recursive abstraction, Logical analysis and Narrative analysis

20. (k) The Budget
The budget is to ensure all expenses to be incurred are catered for and this portrays an estimate cost of the whole exercise. This would cater for expenses like accommodation, stationery, transport and other travel and subsistence allowances

21. (L) References Definition of terms
There might be technical terms used in the write up which may be misunderstood by readers hence there is need to explain in what context they are referred to in the text for ease of understanding . Usually these are defined before the main write up

22. (m) Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart is named after Henry Gantt (1861–1919), who designed his chart around the years 1910–1915 .
Is a type of a chart that illustrates a project schedule.
Illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary

23. Cont. elements of a project.
It shows the dependency relationships between activities.
Is a time and activity bar chart which displays the project schedule in task sequence and by the task starting and finishing dates.

24. Advantages of a research proposal to the researcher
Planning and Review of steps
Encourages the researcher to plan and review the projects in a logical manner.
Encourage the researcher to perform his research thoroughly.
There is no mistake by the researcher to omit some of the important elements of the research.
Will know the sequence of his/her research that is from plan A he/she will go straight to plan B.

25. Advantages of a research proposal to the researcher
Planning and Review of steps
Encourages the researcher to plan and review the projects in a logical manner.
Encourage the researcher to perform his research thoroughly.
There is no mistake by the researcher to omit some of the important elements of the research.
Will know the sequence of his/her research that is from plan A he/she will go straight to plan B.

26. Cont. Guideline of the Investigation
The researcher uses the approved research proposal as a guide throughout the investigation.
Process can be monitored and milestone noted.
At completion, the proposal provides an outline for the final research project.
The researcher needs to follow the procedures of the approved proposal.

27. Cont. A Review of Previous Plans.
Research literature is examined in developing the research proposal.
Allows the researcher to access previous approaches to the similar management question.
There is room for one to simply alter some of the previous solutions to certain problems.

28. Cont. Controlling of Errors.
There is an opportunity of spotting flaws in the logic.
Errors in assumptions are also detected
Even management questions that are not adequately addressed by the objectives and design.

29. Cont. Estimation of Cost.
Reveal all possible cost- related activities.
Cost estimation more accurate.
Room for budget is provided.

30. Cont. Estimation of Time.
Can estimate the time function with the help of a research proposal.
Time estimates encourages the researcher to plan the project.
Work progresses steadily towards the deadline.

31. Advantages of a research proposal to the organization.
Selection of the researcher.
Helps the organisation to select the appropriate researcher.
Considering his or her previous conduct with the organization.
capabilities that one possess before the actual activity takes place.

32. Cont. Checking the sincerity of the researcher.
Allows the organization to access the sincerity of the researcher's purpose.
Someone who can bring new ideas and innovations is chosen.

33. Cont. Knowledge of the Researcher.
Allows the sponsor of the research to have a glance at the background of the researcher's knowledge.
Assurance that a good outcome is expected.

34. Cont. Display of Researcher's Discipline.
Displays the researcher's discipline, organization and logic.
Allows the research organisation to assess both the researcher and the proposed design.
To make the best selection of the project.

35. Cont. Comparison of Research Proposal with Project.
Steps in the process of evaluating the overall research proposal are clear.
Makes it easy for the organisation to decide if the research goal makes better decisions on the management questions.

36. Cont. Catalyst for Discussion.
Acts as a catalyst for discussion between the researcher and the manager of a respective organisation.
Researcher translates the management question, into research question and outline of the objectives of the study.

37. Conclusion.
A research proposal is of benefit to both the parties who take part since it simplifies the programe and makes it more interesting.

38. THE END!!!
THE END