Proposal writing sample

1. This is a proposal sample for reference only
1. Project title
Case Study of Conflict Resolution Initiatives in Jangalmahal (West Bengal)
– A Success Story
2. Statement of the problem
Maoists are known to have their presence in 21 States, which are collectively called the
red corridor. Maoist cadre strength is estimated to be as much as 25000 and Maoist
violence is reported to be seen in over 90 districts out of the 627 districts in the country.
Jangalmahal, part of the red corridor, in West Bengal was one of the worst affected by
anti-state violence by Maoist groups. However, in recent times, the authorities and the
CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) have been successful in bringing the situation under
control.
The red corridor regions are dangerous and sometimes out of bound but the situation
are similar in each region. The Police forces deployed in these regions have to learn from
their mistakes, due to lack of experience of working in such sensitive areas. Such
mistakes can be detrimental sometimes. The authorities and Police forces deployed in
these regions can learn from each other’s experiences.
A specific case study, to investigate and evaluate the situation and the reasons for
success in Jangalmahal, will provide invaluable lessons, which can be incorporated and
adopted as a new approach to conflict resolution, future planning, operational
practices,and as an illustrative case study during Police training.
3. Overview of literature
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) had conducted a study on
Maoist violence throughout India in 2011. The study attempted at identifying the factors
that led to development and growth of Maoist violence; to evaluate successful measure
of various government in handling Maoist violence; and to understand the factors
influencing public perception of Maoist violence. However, due to obvious challenges
faced in carrying out such research, the scope of the study was large but the depth was
limited. Further, not many specific case studies have been conducted in this area till
date.
Conducting detailed case studies to record the experiences of the local police forces,
authorities, etc in these regions is an empirical step towards training the police forces in
handling similar situations around the country.
4. The conceptual framework
Qualitative research method, Case study, will be used to conduct an in-depth study of
the success story in Jangalmahal. Case study is an excellent method to understand a
complex issue as it highlights detailed contextual analysis of events and their mutual
association. In absence of existing data, we can gather primary data. Table below lists

2. This is a proposal sample for reference only
the steps to be used in our case study. These steps will allow us to carry out an empirical
inquiry and investigation, which will then generate the required information, for us to be
able to achieve our main objective of preparing a list of lessons learnt from the success
in Jangalmahal.
Steps Activity
a. Defining research question(s) Establishing the main focus of the study and
determining the purpose of the study.
b. Data gathering Gathering the required data through primary
and secondary research.
c. Evaluate and analyse Collating all raw data and analysing them.
d. Write a case study (including lessons
learnt and inferences)
Preparing a detailed case study to record the
findings and providing inferences and
conclusions.
Table 1: Steps in a case study
To be able to attain our main objective of exploring the reasons for the success of police
in bringing order in Jangalmahal, the research must be in depth, for which the first hand
information must be gathered. Keeping this in mind, we have to interview as many
relevant source of information provider, irrespective of their origin – Police HQ, local
people, Maoists in captivity or Maoist representatives(if feasible), NGOs in the area, etc.
Please note that the responsibility to provide access to these sources of information will
be of the Police HQ or other local authorities.
5. Research questions
a. What are the specific factors (actions, initiatives and programmes) that have
contributed to the success in Jangalmahal?
b. What were the issues that remained unresolved or actions that did not yield
expected results in Jangalmahal?
c. What are the systemic features of the actions in Jangalmahal that can be
replicated in other areas, where similar situations of conflict exist
6. Coverage
Data will be gathered from primary and secondary sources. Primary data will be our
main source of information due to unavailability of existing data on the topic.
a. Primary data source Data collected through field research (e.g. the
local police forces, authorities, NGOs, focus
groups, people, Maoists, etc).
b. Secondary data source Published accessible data from a variety of
sources (e.g. internet, books, etc).

3. This is a proposal sample for reference only
7. Method of data collection
A qualitative approach to data collection, through in-depth unstructured/semi-
structured interview technique, will be used to collect primary (narrative) data. The
benefits of this approach are that, it will provide us with rich information and a deeper
insight.
a. Individual interviews, where we ask open-ended questions
b. Collecting testimonials
c. Observations
8. Data Processing and analyses
Data-processing and analysis in qualitative research is an ongoing process when a
certain set of data are summarized, new questions may arise.
Data processing
Manual Using any of the available software
a. Taking notes during interviews
(audio/videorecordings
/transcripts/verbatim recorded/summaries)
b. Transcription and translation of tapes, etc
will be done soon after data collection
a. Atlas
b. Ethnograph
c. Kwalitan
Table 2: Methods of data processing
Data analyses
Manual Using any of the available software
a. Coding/indexing
b. Categorisation
c. Abstraction
d. Comparison
e. Dimensionalisation
f. Integration
g. Iteration
h. Refutation
i. Interpretation
a. Atlas
b. Ethnograph
Table 3: Methods of data analyses
Ideally, manual method is less time consuming and more effective in shorter research
studies. The need for specialised software will be evaluated at the time of actual data
processing and analyses, depending on the quantity of collected data.
9. Stage wise detailed time frame
Work No. of days
Preparatory work 1 Week
Data collection 2 Weeks*
Data processing 1 Week

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Data analysis andReport writing 1 Week
Total Time required 5 Weeks
* Actual data collection time may vary according to the ground realities and facilitation provided by the
stakeholders in the field (ie, local Police authorities, NGOs etc.)
10. Organization infrastructure available to be utilised for the head wise study
Position Nos Qualifications Tasks
1. Chief Investigator 1 PhD, Education in
Law / SW / Conflict
Resolution / Public
Admin
Coordinating the project, analysing and
reporting on data, accounts monitoring
and final drafting of report. Contact
point for the sponsors of the study.
Research Assistant 2 Masters, Preferably
experience in
computation
Field work, Data collection and feeding
data for computation and preliminary
drafting of report.
11. Cost estimation
I. Personnel
Position No. of
pers.
Salary (incl) per
week (in Rs)
Duration Amount (in Rs)
Chief Investigator 01 20,000.00 5 Weeks 1,00,000.00
Research Assistant 02 7,000.00 5 Weeks 70,000.00
Sub Total (I) 1,70,000.00
II. Other
Activity Amount (in Rs)
Travel 75,000.00
Data processing 25,000.00
Stationary and printing (incl. final report) 50,000.00
Equipment 50,000.00
Books, journals, etc 75,000.00
Contingency expenses (including postage) 30,000.00
Any other (please specify)
Overhead 25,000.00
Sub Total (II) 3,30,000.00
Grand total 5,00,000.00