This document outlines the key components that should be included in a research proposal. It discusses the structure and content, including: the research title, background information justifying the topic, research aim and objectives, proposed methodology and research design, ethical considerations, project management, and references. Specific guidance is provided for each section, such as how to write an effective title, what to include in the background and literature review, how to structure the objectives, and elements to address for the methodology, management, and ethics. Examples are also given. The presentation encourages attendees to use the information to draft elements of their own research proposal, including pausing to work on the title, background, objectives, methodology, and project planning.

1. The Research Proposal

2. Overview
This lecture aims to:
• Provide an insight into the structure and content of a
research proposal
• Brief students about their research proposal
2

3. 3
1. Research Title
2. Background
3. Research Aim and Objectives
4. Proposed Methodology / Research
Design
5. Ethical Considerations (if any)
6. Project Management
7. References
The Components in a Research Proposal

4. 4
1 The Research Project Title
‘Does what it does on the tin’
• Concise
• Specific
• Self-explanatory
• Try to catch attention

5. Research Project Title Examples
5
“Modelling and Measuring Dynamic Capabilities’
Household robotics: autonomous devices for
vacuuming and lawn mowing
Gardens and gardening in a fast-changing urban
environment: Manchester 1790-1850

6. Pause
Spend five minutes now to drafting a title to
your research topic.
Try to apply the advice you have just been
listening to.
Pause the recording while you do this.
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7. 7
Two major components:
1) Practical Problem / Opportunity / Issue
2) Academic Research / Theory
2 The Background…

8. The Background…
8
Practical Problem / Opportunity / Issue
• Describe and justify the problem / opportunity
• Justify why its so important to research
• Use more professional based references

9. Pause
Spend five to ten minutes now to brainstorming
a number of points which could help justify the
importance of your research topic.
Pause the recording while you do this.
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10. The Background…
10
Academic Research / Literature Review
• Critical review of the literature associated with outlined problem /
opportunity
• Needs to mainly be journal papers / books only ok
• Question if or how the research helps understand or solve the
problem/opportunity outlined

11. 11
Academic Research / Literature Review
• Question and justify why current theory/research
does NOT help solve your problem / opportunity
• Justify where and why current theory/research DOES
help solve your problem / opportunity
The Background…

12. Pause
Spend five to ten minutes now, brainstorming
keywords which you think could be used to
search for academic literature.
Pause the recording while you do this.
12

13. 13
Aim:
Simple sentence, or two, which outlines direction of
research
“An investigation into the way in which social media
is transforming how customers demand more from
businesses. Particular, focus will be placed upon
the changing expectations of customers and how
these may ‘push’ the business into new ways of
working.”
3 Research Aim and Objectives…

14. Pause
Spend five to ten minutes minutes drafting a
research aim for the topic you are intending to
pursue for your research project.
Pause the recording while you do this.
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15. 15
Research Aim and Objectives
(contd)
Research Objectives:
• Tends to be around 4 or 5 objectives (no fixed
number)
• 1st links to a review of the literature
• Last links to discussing implications and making
recommendations to various parties
• Middle objectives link to research activities

16. 16
Research Aim and Objectives…
Research Objectives Examples:
• To critically review the literature concerning dynamic
capabilities and business agility
• To identify how customer expectations are
influencing business practices
• To investigate the expectations of customers in this
dynamic environment
• To discuss the implications of customer expectations
and make recommendations to government,
business and academia

17. Pause
Spend five to ten minutes now putting together
a draft set of research objectives for your
research project.
Pause the recording while you do this.
Make sure you follow the advice you have just
heard
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18. 18
4 Proposed Method / Research Design
• Detail description and justification
• So detailed anyone could undertake your research
based on the proposal
• Justify why the activities you have selected are the
most appropriate
• Must link research activities directly to your
objectives

19. Proposed Method / Research Design
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Research Design should cover:
Research Method: e.g. interviews, survey
 Data Collection: e.g. recording, journal
entries
 Data Analysis: e.g. SPSS

20. Pause
Spend five minutes to ten minutes now planning
out the possible research methods you may
wish to use for for your research project.
Think of reasons why each research method
would be the most advantageous within the
context of your specific topic.
Pause the recording while you do this.
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21. 21
Project Management
Planning your research project:
• Timescales – Gantt chart
• Resources required
• Risks and how to overcome them (self critical here)

22. 22

23. Pause
Spend five minutes to ten minutes now planning
out your research project.
Think about:
• Timescales
• Resources
• Potential problems
Pause the recording while you do this.
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24. 24
5 Ethical Issues
• Outline any ethical issues
• Migrating strategies to overcome any issues
discussed

25. Pause
Spend five minutes to ten minutes now thinking
if there could be any ethical issues related to
your proposed research topic
Pause the recording while you do this.
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26. 6 References
• References – Harvard system
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27. Essential work for next week
• Please consult the OLE for details of:
– Essential readings*
– Seminar/workshop preparation work*
– Recommended further readings
– Any additional learning
* Essential readings and preparation work must always be completed in time
for the next session
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28. End of presentation
© Pearson College 2013