2. A research proposal
• A research proposal is a written specification
of an intended research, which clearly outlines
the context of the study as well as why and
how it will be conducted.
• However, these should only be seen as
guidelines, meaning that deviations are
possible, if necessary/appropriate and
according to the supervisor(s) advice and
regulation rules.
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3. Your proposal must contain
• Specific and achievable aims and/or objectives
(PURPOSE)
• A plan of action for the research project itself,
including appropriate secondary and primary
research (RESEARCH PLAN)
• A statement of deliverables on completion of
the project (TASK BREAKDOWN)
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4. Title
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Research Significancy
4. Related Studies and Research Gap
5. Problem Statement
6. Research Hypothesis
7. Research Objectives
8. Scope of Research
9. Research Methodology and Performance Analysis
10. Research Schedule
References
Appendices
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A research proposal Contents
5. The proposed research title
• The title (topic) of the proposal should
‘accurately’ reflect the scope and content of
the study in not more than 20 words.
• It should be concise yet precise and able to
outline the core issue of the study.
• There are cases where a subtitle is added to
define the scope.
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6. The proposed research title
(Master proposal)
Student Name
Student ID
Supervisory Committee:
Chairman: Dr………………….
Member: Dr. …………………
Field of research: ……………………………………
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7. Abstract
• This part is the most critical section in the
proposal/article/thesis.
• It consists of a summary of research report; "is
this article worth reading?"; 120 words or less;
includes hypotheses, procedure, pattern of
results; saves time in literature search
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8. 1. Introduction
• Write an introduction.
• This should include an overview of the concepts,
terms and issues involved with your project.
• Place your research in the greater context of
computer science or mathematics by starting
with a more general scope, then zeroing in on
more specific concerns related to your topic.
• For a research involving a more efficient database
algorithm, for example, start off with an overview
of how such algorithms work in general.
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9. 2. Background
• Build up the case.
• Describes the context from which the research
idea has emerged, provide evidence and facts
to support the problem(s) or concerns put
forward, explain the need for
solutions/answers for the(se) problem(s) or
the need for a similar/alternative method.
• This info should be about 1.5 pages.
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10. 3. Research Significancy
• This refers to the relevance of the study in terms of
academic contributions, practical use that might be
made of the findings and any potential to take this
research outcome to the next level for implementation
or commercialization.
• The information provided in this section should clearly
make a reader understand the need for this research,
its significance and the degree any problem put
forward.
• Information from other researchers has to be included
as evidence and they have to be properly and carefully
cited with the avoidance of miss-referencing.
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11. 4. Related Studies and Research Gap
• Demonstrate modern (recent is better) studies
that related to the same problems.
• Analyze those studies to detect a research gap
that help to define a specific problem.
• Benchmark study is very important.
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12. 5. Problem Statement
• Identify the problem(s) that the researcher
wants to address: magnitude, relationship and
question(s) the researcher wants to answer or
solve.
• The research questions should arise directly
from the research objectives and state the
investigative curiosity underlying the intended
study.
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13. 6. Research Hypothesis
• Identify the research hypothesis .
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14. 7. Research Objectives
• The research objectives are statement(s) of
the specific aims arising directly from the
purpose of the study (problem(s) that the
researcher wants to address).
• It should spell out what the research is
supposed to accomplish at the end of the
work.
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15. 8. Scope of the Research and the limitations
• Must provide scope of research, which
includes depth of investigation, content,
sample size, geographical and theoretical
coverage as well as the time scope
(longitudinal vs. cross-sectional) and limits.
• Do state the limitations or delimitations, if
any.
• The limitations might be due to method,
location and or other contextual factors.
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16. 9. Methodology and Performance Analysis
• This section explains about the data needed to be
collected – primary or secondary; quantitative/
qualitative or a mix; descriptive, explanatory or
experimental; case based or representative.
• Research tools is identified and explained.
• The methods used to collect/generate these data
and justifications applied, research instruments
and methods (sampling methods and analysis
tool, e.g. Analytical model or simulation).
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17. • Briefly, record your research methods.
• Provide details of the algorithms and program
logic you plan on using.
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18. 10. Research Schedule
• Provide a stage by stage plan of the work for
the project showing the activities to be
undertaken, the milestones and the
deliverables.
• Include a timeline and budget, if necessary, for
your research project.
• Gantt chart is suitable.
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19. References
• This is a list of all works cited in the proposal
and should be written according to the
recognized format and must be consistent
throughout the chapter.
• The referencing must follow the Harvard
system of referencing. You may visit
http://www.education.ex.ac.uk/dll/studyskills
/harvard_referencing website for details.
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20. Appendices
• This section consists of any materials such as
design or time-line and etc., that you would
like to summit to support the proposal.
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21. General requirement on Proposals
• The proposal should be minimum 4 and
maximum 10 pages of main text body (excluding
title page, table of contents, list of tables and
figures, list of abbreviations, list of references and
appendices if any).
• The proposal must be formatted with a font size
of 12 if Times New Roman or a font size of 11 if
Arial and 1.5 line spacing. Please ensure the
paragraphs are properly aligned/ justified.
• The title page should be as the example shown
above.
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22. • A proposal should not be in chapters and the structure
should not go beyond the second level. Instead of
adding subsections at the third level you may use
bullets if required.
• All information provided must be straight to the point,
precise and all information must be accordingly cited
and well presented. You should avoid plagiarism.
• All figures and tables must have a title and referenced
i.e. indicate the source.
• There might be slight variations in the order and
content required, please do approach your relevant
lecturer for future assistance.
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