The document provides guidelines for writing a research proposal, emphasizing its role in defining research plans and addressing key questions about the study. It outlines the structure of a proposal, which includes sections like cover page, background, rationale, objectives, literature review, research design, timeline, and budget. The document also specifies the importance of following formatting conventions and ethical considerations in the proposal process.

1. Welcome
to the Workshop Presentation on
How to Write a Research Proposal?
BAYES AHMED
PhD Researcher,
University College London, UK
Date: 30 August 2014

2. WWhhaatt iiss aa RReesseeaarrcchh PPrrooppoossaall??
A research proposal is a document of usually three to
seven pages that informs others of a proposed piece
of research.
The purpose of the proposal is to help you to focus
and define your research plans.

3. CClliieenntt’’ss SSaattiissffaaccttiioonn!!
Client = Supervisor or Funding Agency
Every proposal scans for clear answers to three questions:
a)What are we going to learn that we do not know now?
b)Why it is worth knowing?
c)How will we know that the conclusions are valid?
** Follow the Research Interests or Instructions (ToR)!

4. SSttrruuccttuurree ooff aa PPrrooppoossaall
1. Cover page
2. Table of contents
3. Background/ Problem Identification
4. Need for the study/ Rationale
5. Aim and objectives of the study
6. Review of the literature
7. Research design (methodology)
8. Forming a team
9. Timetable and Budget
10.Significance/ Expected outcomes of the study
11. Appendices
12. References

5. CCoovveerr PPaaggee
1. Proposed title (should be descriptive of focus,
concise, and eye-catching)
2. Your name and qualifications
3. Department, university or institution the proposal is for

6. TTaabbllee ooff CCoonntteennttss
1. Use a hierarchy for titles and subtitles
2. Use the numbering system as follows: 1; 1.1, 1.2...;
1.1.1, 1.1.2...; 1.1.1.1, 1.1.1.2...etc. (don't use more
than four digits)

7. BBaacckkggrroouunndd// PPrroobblleemm IIddeennttiiffiiccaattiioonn
1. Answers the WHAT question
2. May include historical, cultural, political, social or
organizational information about the context
3. May include personal motivation

8. NNeeeedd ffoorr tthhee SSttuuddyy// RRaattiioonnaallee
1. Answers the WHY question
2. May include reference to a ‘gap’ in the existing
research literature
3. The need to apply certain ideas in a new context
4. The ways in which the study may be significant

9. AAiimm aanndd OObbjjeeccttiivveess ooff tthhee SSttuuddyy
1. The aim will represent the overall theme of the
research
2. The objective is expressed in terms of the broader
context of the study
3. The research questions (usually What, How, Why) – for
each objective should be few, so that the focus is
manageable

10. RReevviieeww ooff tthhee LLiitteerraattuurree
1. This is not expected to be extensive for the proposal
2. You should conduct an initial survey of the past/recent
major theories to establish your directions
3. Your review should be shaped by your argument
based on your objectives

11. RReesseeaarrcchh DDeessiiggnn ((MMeetthhooddoollooggyy))
1. Answers the HOW question
1. Includes rationale for selection of study area, methods
of data collection and analysis, procedures you will use
to ensure ethical practice, validity and reliability

12. TTiimmeettaabbllee aanndd BBuuddggeett
1. This may take the form of a chart, timeline or flowchart
2. Strictly follow the timeframe and total cost of the project
3. At first; you have to form a project team (or
independent researcher) and responsibilities
4. Now break-down each activity and estimate the
relevant costs (if applicable)
5. Be realistic and don’t be over-ambitious!

13. NNeeww KKnnoowwlleeddggee// EExxppeecctteedd OOuuttccoommeess
** May be excluded if the rationale for the study has
been well developed earlier in the proposal

14. AAppppeennddiicceess
May include documents, pilot study material, maps,
questions for interviews, survey instruments, explanatory
statement to participants etc.

15. RReeffeerreenncceess
Use the American Psychological Association (APA) Style
Guide or conventions recommended by your supervisor/
funding agency or use ENDNOTE as appropriate

16. CChheecckklliisstt
The proposal is expected to:
1.Show that you are engaging in genuine enquiry
2.Link your proposed work with the work of others
3.Establish your methodological approach, and
4.Show you have thought about the ethical issues

17. QUESTIONS?
Thank You All

18. RReesseeaarrcchh TThheemmee--II
Theme: Social Vulnerability to Landslides, Landslide
Susceptibility Modelling; Early Warning System for
Landslide Hazards
Obligations: Incorporate both the Social and
Technological issues! Form a team of max. 10 members!
Timeframe: 18 Months
Budget: 50 Lakh Taka