INTRODUCTION A research proposal is a detailed plan that outlines what you intend to study, why the study is important, and how you plan to carry it out. It serves as a roadmap for your research journey. In academic and professional contexts, it is also a persuasive document that convinces others—professors, funding bodies, or institutions—that your research idea is valid, feasible, and worth supporting. At its core, a research proposal is not just a formality; it is the first real test of your thinking ability. It demonstrates your understanding of a problem, your awareness of existing knowledge, and your capacity to contribute something new. It is a promise—one that must be realistic, relevant, and researchable.

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HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
UNDERSTANDING WHAT A RESEARCH PROPOSAL IS
By Prof. Paul Allieu Kamara
Principal
COMPREHENSIVE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE, FREETOWN
INTRODUCTION
A research proposal is a detailed plan that outlines what you intend to study, why the study is
important, and how you plan to carry it out. It serves as a roadmap for your research journey. In
academic and professional contexts, it is also a persuasive document that convinces others—
professors, funding bodies, or institutions—that your research idea is valid, feasible, and worth
supporting.
At its core, a research proposal is not just a formality; it is the first real test of your thinking ability.
It demonstrates your understanding of a problem, your awareness of existing knowledge, and your
capacity to contribute something new. It is a promise—one that must be realistic, relevant, and
researchable.
THE PURPOSE OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The main purpose of a research proposal is to present and justify your research idea. It tells readers
what problem you aim to solve, why it matters, and how you intend to go about it. It also proves
that you have the skills, knowledge, and methodology needed to complete the study successfully.
In universities, a proposal helps supervisors assess whether your topic is suitable for a thesis or
dissertation. In organizations or research institutes, it can determine whether you receive funding
or approval to carry out your study. In every case, your proposal is a blend of persuasion and
planning.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

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A well-written research proposal communicates clarity of thought. It shows that you can transform
curiosity into structure. It helps you clarify your research objectives before you even begin data
collection. Many students underestimate this stage, but the proposal actually shapes the entire
research process.
A strong proposal also saves time later. When you articulate your goals, questions, and methods
clearly, you minimize confusion during execution. In a sense, a proposal is both a plan and a
contract between you and your academic or funding authority.
THE STRUCTURE OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Although formats vary slightly across institutions, most research proposals include these key
components:
Title
Abstract or Summary
Introduction and Background
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions or Hypotheses
Objectives of the Study
Significance of the Study
Literature Review
Research Methodology
Scope and Limitations
Ethical Considerations
Timeline
References
Each section serves a specific purpose, and together they form a coherent argument about the value
and feasibility of your research.
THE TITLE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Your title is the first impression your proposal makes. It should be concise, clear, and informative.
A good title communicates your research topic and focus in one glance. It should capture the
essence of your study without being too broad or too technical.
For instance, instead of saying “Education in Africa,” a better title would be “Exploring the Impact
of Digital Learning Platforms on Secondary School Performance in Nigeria.” The second title
communicates scope, context, and focus.

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THE ABSTRACT OR SUMMARY
The abstract provides a short overview of your entire proposal. In about 150–250 words, it
summarizes what you plan to study, your main objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. Even
though it appears first, it is usually written last because it reflects the entire proposal in condensed
form.
Think of the abstract as your elevator pitch. It is where the reader decides whether your proposal
is worth reading in full. Make it engaging, clear, and specific.
THE INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The introduction introduces your topic and situates it within a broader context. It should briefly
explain what is already known about your subject area and identify what remains to be explored.
This section builds the case for your study and sets the tone for everything that follows.
For example, if you are studying climate change and agriculture, you might introduce the global
concern about food insecurity and then narrow it down to how changing rainfall patterns affect
small-scale farmers in a particular region.
THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This is one of the most critical sections. The problem statement defines the gap or issue your
research intends to address. It should describe what is wrong, why it is important, and what the
consequences are if it is not addressed.
An effective problem statement is specific and evidence-based. For example: “Despite government
efforts to promote renewable energy in rural communities, over 60% of households still rely on
kerosene lamps, leading to health hazards and environmental degradation.” This tells the reader
exactly what problem exists and why it matters.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS OR HYPOTHESES
Research questions are the specific questions you want your study to answer. They guide your
investigation and give direction to your data collection. A good research question is clear, focused,
and researchable.
In quantitative research, you may also have hypotheses—testable statements predicting
relationships between variables. For instance: “There is a positive relationship between teachers’
digital literacy and students’ academic performance.”
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Objectives break your general aim into smaller, measurable goals. They can be divided into general
and specific objectives. The general objective represents the broad goal of the study, while specific
objectives represent the steps you will take to achieve that goal.

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For example:
General Objective: To assess the impact of microfinance on women’s entrepreneurship in Kenya.
Specific Objectives: To evaluate access to microfinance among rural women; to analyze the
relationship between microfinance and business growth; to identify barriers to loan repayment.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This section explains why your research matters. Who benefits from your findings? How does it
contribute to theory, policy, or practice? A strong significance statement connects your study to
real-world impact.
For instance, if your study examines youth unemployment, your findings might help policymakers
design more effective employment programs. Make it clear that your research is not just
academic—it is meaningful.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature review shows that you have explored what other scholars have said about your topic.
It identifies gaps, debates, and trends in the field. A good literature review is not a list of
summaries—it is a critical analysis that positions your research within existing knowledge.
For example, if you are studying e-learning adoption, you might discuss how previous studies
focused on university-level students but ignored rural schools. That identified gap becomes your
justification.
THEORETICAL OR CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Every study rests on a theoretical foundation. A theoretical framework provides the lens through
which you view your research problem. It links your study to existing theories and helps explain
why things happen the way they do.
For instance, a study on motivation in workplaces might rely on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs or
Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Your framework shows that your study is not happening in
isolation—it is grounded in intellectual tradition.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The methodology is the heart of your proposal. It explains how you will conduct your research—
what methods you will use, how you will collect data, and how you will analyze it. It is where your
planning meets practicality.
Methodology includes several key parts: research design, population and sample, data collection
methods, instruments, and analysis techniques. Whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or
mixed-method, your choices must align with your research questions.
RESEARCH DESIGN

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Your design determines the overall structure of your study. It could be experimental, descriptive,
exploratory, or correlational, depending on your objective. For instance, if you are testing a cause-
and-effect relationship, an experimental design is best. If you are exploring perceptions or
experiences, a qualitative design might be ideal.
The design ensures your research is systematic and logical, not random or improvised.
POPULATION AND SAMPLE
Your population refers to the group of people or items your study focuses on. Your sample is the
subset of that population from which you will collect data. Sampling saves time and resources
while ensuring representativeness.
For example, if your study examines the impact of online learning on secondary students in Lagos,
your population could be all secondary school students in the city, while your sample might include
200 students selected across ten schools.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS
This section describes how you will gather information. Common methods include surveys,
interviews, focus groups, experiments, and document analysis. The key is to select methods that
match your objectives.
For instance, a study on customer satisfaction might use questionnaires, while one exploring
cultural attitudes might rely on interviews for deeper insights.
DATA ANALYSIS
Once you collect your data, you must explain how you will analyze it. Quantitative studies may
use statistical tools such as SPSS or Excel, while qualitative studies may rely on thematic or
content analysis. Clarity here shows you understand how to convert raw data into meaningful
conclusions.
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY
Investors or supervisors need confidence that your research findings will be credible. Validity
ensures your instruments measure what they are supposed to measure, while reliability ensures
consistency over time. Mention how you will test both—for example, through pilot studies or
expert validation.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

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Every responsible researcher must address ethics. Explain how you will protect participants’
rights, ensure confidentiality, and obtain informed consent. Ethical compliance builds trust in your
work and aligns it with institutional or international standards.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
Every study has boundaries. The scope defines what your study covers, while limitations
acknowledge factors beyond your control. For instance, your scope might be “secondary schools
in Enugu State,” and your limitation might be “limited access to rural data.”
Being honest about limitations shows maturity, not weakness.
TIMELINE OR WORK PLAN
Include a simple timeline showing when each stage of your research will occur. This could range
from proposal approval to data collection and report writing. It shows you can plan realistically
and manage time efficiently.
BUDGET (OPTIONAL SECTION)
In funded projects, you may need to include a budget. Outline expected costs for travel, materials,
data analysis, and personnel. Transparency builds credibility with sponsors or grant agencies.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CLARITY AND COHERENCE
A good research proposal flows naturally. Each section should connect logically to the next. The
reader should not feel lost or confused. Clear transitions and consistent tone show that you have
thought deeply about your topic.
WRITING STYLE AND PRESENTATION
Use clear, simple language. Avoid unnecessary jargon. Write in the present or future tense since
the research has not been conducted yet. Maintain academic tone but keep it human and readable.
Your goal is not to impress with big words but to communicate your vision effectively.
REVISING AND PROOFREADING
A well-written proposal is the result of multiple revisions. Proofread for grammar, structure, and
logic. Ask peers or mentors for feedback. Refining your proposal shows respect for your readers
and your own work.
EXAMPLES OF STRONG RESEARCH PROPOSALS
For example, a proposal titled “The Role of Social Media in Political Mobilization among Nigerian
Youths” could begin with data showing youth engagement online, review literature on digital

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democracy, use survey methods for data collection, and frame analysis using communication
theories. This structure demonstrates balance between context, theory, and method.
Another strong example might be “Evaluating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Recruitment
Processes in African Tech Companies.” Such a topic connects current technological trends to
practical human resource challenges, showing relevance and timeliness.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Avoid choosing topics that are too broad or vague. Do not copy text from other proposals. Never
ignore instructions from your supervisor or funding body. Do not overlook the significance
section—many proposals fail because they do not explain why the research matters.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROPOSAL STAND OUT
Originality and relevance make a proposal stand out. Choose a topic that excites you and addresses
a real problem. Support your ideas with credible sources. Demonstrate that your study adds
something new—whether a new method, dataset, or perspective.
CONNECTING PASSION WITH PROFESSIONALISM
A proposal should reflect not only your academic competence but also your passion. Passion gives
your writing energy; professionalism gives it credibility. Together, they persuade reviewers that
you are both capable and committed.
THE ROLE OF SUPERVISORS AND MENTORS
Seek guidance early. Supervisors help refine your topic, structure your proposal, and align it with
academic expectations. Mentorship is not a sign of weakness; it is a strategy for excellence.
FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMISSION
Before submitting, ensure your proposal meets institutional guidelines, includes all required
sections, and follows proper formatting. Check your references for accuracy and completeness.
CONCLUSION: A PROPOSAL IS A PROMISE
A research proposal is more than an academic requirement—it is your promise to pursue
knowledge with rigor and integrity. It shows your readiness to join the community of scholars who
question, explore, and innovate. When done well, a research proposal does not just seek
approval—it earns respect.
Writing one takes patience, clarity, and reflection. However, once you master it, you carry a skill
that applies far beyond academia: the ability to define problems, design solutions, and
communicate ideas persuasively.
REFERENCES (APA STYLE)

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Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches
(4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research (6th ed.). Sage.
Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (2nd ed.). New Age
International.
O’Leary, Z. (2017). The essential guide to doing your research project (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students (8th ed.).
Pearson Education.
Walliman, N. (2018). Your undergraduate dissertation: The essential guide for success (2nd ed.).
Sage Publications.
Prof. Paul Allieu Kamara (2023) Understand the Concepts of Research Methodology Embracing
the importance of Research education in Rudolph Kwanue University-Liberia

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RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE 1: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL MARKETING ON SMALL BUSINESS
GROWTH IN SIERRA LEONE
WRITTEN BY:
Prof. Paul Allieu Kamara, PhD (Principal), Department of Business Administration, Comprehensive
International College
INTRODUCTION
The growing influence of digital technologies has reshaped how small businesses operate in Sierra Leone.
This proposal seeks to examine how digital marketing affects the growth and competitiveness of small
businesses, particularly in Freetown.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
With the increasing penetration of the internet and social media platforms, small businesses now have
more tools to market their products efficiently. However, many Sierra Leone entrepreneurs still struggle
to optimize digital platforms for business growth.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Although digital marketing offers tremendous opportunities, many small businesses lack the knowledge
or resources to implement it effectively. The result is low online visibility and limited customer
engagement.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To evaluate how digital marketing strategies influence small business growth in Sierra Leone.
2. To identify challenges faced by small business owners in implementing digital marketing.
3. To recommend effective digital marketing practices for improved profitability.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How does digital marketing impact small business growth?

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2. What challenges do Sierra Leone entrepreneurs face in digital marketing adoption?
3. What strategies can enhance digital marketing efficiency for small businesses?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will provide useful insights to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business consultants on how
to integrate digital strategies effectively to enhance small business growth.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research will focus on small businesses operating in Sierra Leone across sectors such as fashion, food,
and professional services.
METHODOLOGY
A mixed-method approach will be used, combining surveys with interviews of 100 small business owners.
Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
The study is expected to reveal that digital marketing significantly enhances small business visibility and
profitability when used strategically.
REFERENCES
Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing management (15th ed.). Pearson.
Chaffey, D. (2020). Digital marketing: Strategy, implementation, and practice. Pearson Education.

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RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE 2: THE EFFECT OF WORKPLACE STRESS ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY
IN THE BANKING SECTOR
WRITTEN BY:
Prof. Paul Allieu Kamara, PhD (Principal), Department of Business Administration, Comprehensive
International College
INTRODUCTION
Workplace stress is a major challenge in modern organizations. This proposal explores how stress affects
employee productivity, focusing on selected Sierra Leone banks.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Bank employees often face long working hours, high targets, and tight deadlines. These conditions create
a stressful environment that may reduce productivity and job satisfaction.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Despite the growing awareness of mental health, many Sierra Leone banks still operate under intense
pressure with little support for employees’ well-being. This leads to burnout, absenteeism, and high
turnover rates.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the relationship between workplace stress and employee productivity.
2. To identify major sources of stress among bank employees.
3. To suggest strategies for reducing workplace stress in Sierra Leone banks.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the key causes of workplace stress among bank employees?
2. How does stress affect productivity levels?

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3. What coping mechanisms can enhance employee performance?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings will help banking institutions design effective employee wellness programs and improve
work-life balance policies.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research will focus on three major banks in Malama, Lumley and Goderich with a sample of 150
employees.
METHODOLOGY
Quantitative data will be collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis will include
regression and correlation tests to determine relationships.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
It is anticipated that workplace stress has a significant negative impact on employee productivity and
satisfaction in Nigerian banks.
REFERENCES
Leka, S., Griffiths, A., & Cox, T. (2003). Work organization and stress. World Health Organization.
Cooper, C. L., & Quick, J. C. (2017). The handbook of stress and health. Wiley-Blackwell.

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RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE 3: THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN NIGERIA
WRITTEN BY:
Prof. Paul Allieu Kamara, PhD (Principal), Department of Business Administration, Comprehensive
International College
INTRODUCTION
Sierra Leone faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Africa. This study seeks to explore
how entrepreneurship education can help bridge this employment gap.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Entrepreneurship education has been introduced in most tertiary institutions, but questions remain about
its practical impact. Many graduates remain unemployed despite exposure to entrepreneurship courses.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The persistent unemployment among graduates raises questions about the effectiveness of
entrepreneurship education in equipping students with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To examine the relationship between entrepreneurship education and youth employment generation.
2. To assess the quality and structure of entrepreneurship education in Sierra Leone universities.
3. To suggest ways to improve entrepreneurship education for better employment outcomes.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How effective is entrepreneurship education in creating employment opportunities?
2. What challenges limit the success of entrepreneurship education?
3. What improvements can be made to enhance its impact?

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study will help educational institutions and policymakers enhance entrepreneurship curricula and
promote job creation through innovative learning.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research will focus on five universities across southeastern Sierra Leone with active entrepreneurship
programs.
METHODOLOGY
A qualitative approach will be adopted using interviews and focus group discussions with students,
lecturers, and alumni. Thematic analysis will be used for data interpretation.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
The research is expected to show that well-structured entrepreneurship education programs significantly
contribute to youth employment and self-reliance.
REFERENCES
Hisrich, R. D., Peters, M. P., & Shepherd, D. A. (2017). Entrepreneurship (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Ogunyemi, K. (2021). The impact of entrepreneurship education on youth employment in Nigeria. Journal
of African Development Studies, 9(2), 34–49.
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