2. Research proposals have many different
functions. Some of these are:
(1) To convince other people, like other researchers, research
funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors, that
your research is worth spending scarce resources on. You
convince people of the value of your work by showing them how
your research will make a difference to the world, or by
identifying a dilemma in existing theory which your research will
help resolve.
(2) To demonstrate expertise in a particular area of study. You
want to convince people that you have enough understanding of
the research topic and to be able to do the research properly. You
do this by intelligently summarizing, comparing and integrating all
the relevant theory and existing research pertaining to your topic.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 2
3. (3) To demonstrate competency in a particular area of study.
It is also vital that your proposal convinces the reader that you
have all the necessary skills to carry out the proposed study.
You do this by describing an appropriate and feasible research
method.
(4) To serve as a contract. Research often involves contracts
often involves contracts
between different individuals or groups or people. The proposal
states clearly what each party is expected to bring to the
research, how resources will be used, and when the
research should be completed.
(5) To serve as a planning tool. Many research projects fail
because they are not properly planned. Even when badly
planned research does eventually reach its conclusion, it is
typically very stressful to the researcher. When a clear plan
of action is in place from the beginning the research is much
more likely to proceed smoothly and to be successful.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 3
6. First you need a clear research question.
Researchers get their research questions from many
different places.
(1) Observation of the World
Often a researcher will notice a peculiarity in their world and start
to wonder about it. Sometimes this produces a research question.
(2) Theory
In many areas of the social sciences and humanities there exist
competing theories. That is, different theories that explain the
same phenomenon in different ways. By examining the different
theories carefully it is possible to design research questions which
carefully it is possible
will help us to understand which theory is more accurate. Thus,
conflicting theoretical positions are an important source of
research questions.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 6
7. (3) Previous Research
No study ever answers all the questions that we want to ask
about a particular subject. New research findings nearly
always inspire new research questions. Sometimes, it is
because these findings are surprising, or because they conflict
because they conflict
with existing theory, or other research findings.
(4) Practical Concerns
Very often researchers will be confronted by a problem in their
own lives or become aware of the problems facing other people
in their community. Much research is aimed at solving
immediate problems in the world.
(5) Personal Interest
Finally, it is often the case that researchers have their own
special areas of interest, and that their interest inspires their
research topics.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 7
8. There is no single format for research proposals. This is
because every research project is different. Different
disciplines, donor organisations and academic institutions all
have different formats and requirements. There are,
however, several key components which must be included in
every research
The key components are:
(1) A description of the research problem.
(2) An argument as to why that problem is important.
(3) A review of literature relevant to the research problem.
(4) A description of the proposed research methodology.
(5) A description of how the research findings will be used
and/or disseminated.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 8
9. The Title
The perfect title tells the reader what the proposal is about.
It should be concise, accurate and informative. Remember,
the title is what the reader will first see in a contents list,
and it will have to compete with all the other for attention
with titles around.
Concise, accurate, informative
No waste words
Most important phrase first
Description or statement
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 9
10. Title:
It should be concise and descriptive. For example, the phrase,
"An investigation of . . ." could be omitted.
Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship,
because such titles clearly indicate the independent and
dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative
but catchy title.
An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also
predisposes him/her favourably towards the proposal.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 10
11. Abstract:
It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words.
It should include the research question, the rationale for the
study, the hypothesis (if any), the method and the main findings.
Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures,
the sample and any instruments that will be used.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 11
12. Describing a Research Problem
Before your proposal can make sense to a reader,
he or she must understand clearly what the
proposed research will be about.
Therefore, you would do well to being this section
with a clear and simple formulation of your
research question.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 12
13. Why the Research is Important
This section, often referred to as the "rationale" is crucial because it is
the is crucial because it is
one place in which the researcher tries to convince other people that the
place in which
project is worth supporting.
In order to get support, you must be able to show that you plan to make
some useful contribution to your discipline or to some aspect of society,
either directly or indirectly.
You can do this by describing how the results will be used.
Think about how your research …
… may resolve theoretical questions in your area,
… may develop better theoretical models in your area,
… may influence public policy,
… may change the way people do their jobs in a particular field,
or … may change the way people live.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 13
14. Introduction:
The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessary
background or context for your research problem. How to frame
the research problem is perhaps the biggest problem in proposal
writing.
Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules on how to frame
your research question just as there is no prescription on how to
write an interesting and informative opening paragraph. A lot
depends on your creativity, your ability to think clearly and the
depth of your understanding of problem areas.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 14
15. The introduction generally covers the following elements:
1. State the research problem, which is often referred to as the purpose
of the study.
2. Provide the context and set the stage for your research question in
such a way as to show its necessity and importance.
3. Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why
it is worth doing.
4. Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be addressed by
your research.
5. Identify the key independent and dependent variables of your
experiment. Alternatively, specify the phenomenon you want to study.
6. State your hypothesis or theory, if any. For exploratory or
phenomenological research, you may not have any hypotheses.
7. Set the delimitation or boundaries of your proposed research in order
to provide a clear focus.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 15
16. Literature Review
The literature review presents one of the greatest challenges of
the research proposal to experienced and inexperienced researchers alike.
The literature review:
(1) Provides a conceptual framework for the reader so that the research
framework for the reader so that the research
question and methodology can be better understood.
(2) Demonstrates to the expert reader that the researcher is aware of the
breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research
question.
It is important that you are able to provide an integrated overview of your
is important that integrated overview of your
field of study. This means that you show awareness of the most important
field of study. This means that you important
and relevant theories, models, studies, and methodologies. You should
and studies, and methodologies.
indicate how these are relevant to your project, and how these works are
indicate your project, and how these works are
similar to and/or different from your own research.
similar to and/or different from your own research.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 16
17. The literature review is not simply a list or summary of
books and articles that the researcher has read. Instead, it
combines the most significant aspects of the works you have
consulted, combining and synthesizing them in an integrated
description of the field of study.
A good literature review shows how the texts you have
mentioned relate to the broad topic, as well as showing the
expert reader that you have surveyed much of the
appropriate literature. It also demonstrates that a number of
different approaches - or ways of understanding - the
material will be used, and, in combination, will help you to
produce an original study.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 17
18. Literature Review:
The literature review serves several important functions:
1. Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel".
2. Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your
research.
3. Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem.
4. Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research
issues related to your research question.
5. Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature
information.
6. Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing
literature.
7. Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the
conceptual framework for your research.
8. Convinces your reader that your proposed research will make a
significant and substantial contribution to the literature.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 18
19. Most literature reviews suffer from the following problems:
1. Lacking organization and structure
2. Lacking focus, unity and coherence
3. Being repetitive and verbose
4. Failing to cite influential papers
5. Failing to keep up with recent developments
6. Failing to critically evaluate cited papers
7. Citing irrelevant or trivial references
8. Depending too much on secondary sources
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 19
20. Methodology
The methodology section of the research proposal is the
second component which often causes great difficulty to
both experienced and inexperienced researchers.
So how do I know what to put into my methodology
section?
The methodology section is designed to explain to your
reader precisely how you intend to set about finding
answers to the research question. You need to put in enough
detail so that your reader (who has never met you) will
understand precisely what process has led to your results
and conclusions.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 20
21. Empirical Research Methodology
Hypotheses
Specific research hypotheses to be tested during data
analysis.
Research Design
Should the researcher plan to use several groups, or
repeated testing to test particular hypotheses this should
be explained in this section.
Sampling
Empirical research almost always depends upon a sample
which is assumed to accurately represent a population.
Therefore, the techniques by which the sample was chosen
are vital to a discussion of the validity of the research
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 21
findings.
22. Measurement Instruments
When particular measurement instruments are used
it is often important to explain how those instruments
were developed, where they have previously been
used (if at all), and to what effect.
Data Collection Procedures
Detailed data collection procedures should also be
included so that other researchers can replicate your
method exactly if required.
Data Analysis
Various techniques of quantitative and qualitative
data analysis exist and should be described in detail
in this section.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 22
23. Methods:
The Method section is very important because it tells the others how you
plan to tackle your research problem.
It will provide your work plan and describe the activities necessary for
the completion of your project.
It should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine
whether methodology is sound. Some even argue that a good proposal
should contain sufficient details for another qualified researcher to
implement the study.
You need to demonstrate your knowledge of alternative methods and
make the case that your approach is the most appropriate and most
valid way to address your research question.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 23
24. For quantitative studies, the method section typically consists of
the following sections:
1. Design -Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment?
What kind of design do you choose?
2. Subjects or participants - Who will take part in your study ?
What kind of sampling procedure do you use?
3. Instruments - What kind of measuring instruments or
questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they
valid and reliable?
4. Procedure - How do you plan to carry out your study? What
activities are involved? How long does it take?
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 24
25. Staffs / Administration
a. Use this section to describe the roles of the different people associated
with your project and the importance of each.
b. Make sure to clarify how each of the roles are essential to the success of
the project and each role clearly relates to use the methods you have
described.
c. So what do you say about your key people? To start, make sure you include
name, title, experience, and qualifications. Include other information if you
feel it's important to the success of your project.
d. The descriptions of your personnel should let the funding agency know that
you have excellent people who are committed to the project. You are not
asking the funding agency to "trust" you. The validity for what you are
proposing is directly related to the people that will work with the project.
e. Working together as a part of a team is something that funding agencies
often like to see. Try making your project a team effort.
f. If you will be using a Steering Committee (Advisory Committee, Governing
Board, etc.) to assist in your project, this is a good place to describe how it
will be organised and who will be included.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 25
26. Resources
a. Collaborative efforts (an important project
resource) are usually considered very favourably!
Many funding agencies like to see co-operative
ventures as the basis for local action..
b. It is very impressive to a prospective funding
agency if local resources have already been
contacted and plans to include them in the project
have already been made. Letters from local
resources supporting the project are an excellent
addition to the proposal.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 26
27. Apart from the sections outlined above, many
organisations demand other sections as well. These
sections could include:
(1) Budgets
Make sure that amounts budgeted for are realistic and up to
date. Check before submitting what kind of costs are
acceptable.
(2) Time Frames
Inexperienced researchers tend to underestimate the amount
of time that the various stages of research will take. Be
generous when working out time frames and check them
with a more experienced researcher.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 27
28. Budget
Typically three parts:
► personnel (salaries, fringe benefits, contracts)
► non-personnel (space, rent of equipment supplies)
► indirect costs (overhead)
► It should correlate to objectives and methods.
Timelines are often found here also.
► Justify requests for salary.
► If you plan to hire someone with the funding,
include a position description.
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 28
29. ► Resources
► Hasan, Singgih, Damona, Nastiti, Moeljadi, Wahyu
General Guidelines for Developing Funding
Proposal
► Group 5
► Muchtadi Deddy
► Dept of Food Science & Technology
► Bogor Agricultural University
UNISTAFF - INDONESIA 29
