Development And Management Of A Research Proposal

Running head: RESEARCH PROPOSALS

DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

NAME:

INSTRUCTORS NAME:

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Introduction

Development and Management of a Research Proposal

A research proposal is a brief introduction and explanation of the research process. It shows an overview of the research paper, giving sufficient information about the research paper, the topic, the problem statement and the research methods that will be used in the research paper. A research proposal should contain simple language avoiding unusual jargon, and should address the research question.

Researchers Perspective on Proposal development

Content of a research Proposal

The following is the content of a research proposal;

Letter of Transmittal – this is a letter written by the manager or any one intending to do the research inviting any inquires and additional information. It contains the reason for the research.

Title – the title is a brief catchy phrase that shows the problem to be studied. It should be precise and should give the reader an idea of what the research will be about. The title shows the problem that should be addressed; problem identification and problem formulation and problem selection should be prior to this.

Abstract – this is a summary of the overall research. Should show the background and reason for choosing the specific topic; shedding some light on the objectives and the purposes of the research. (Lester, 1999).

Development and Management of a Research Proposal

Historical Background – in this section of the research information of prior researchers work that almost relates to your topic showing the gaps that they left out in their research. This information should be referenced. The background of the problem should be fully developed, and the conditions leading to the problem specified.

Objectives – objectives show the overall value of the research. What are you intending to find out? At the end of the research what will you have discovered? The objectives of the research should be SMART, that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound. (Marvasti, 2008).

Research Strategy and Methodology – presents the research methods that will be used to accomplish the objectives. This methods and strategies should be presented in a concise manner and a rationalization for the strategy selected. The research and sampling design should be appropriate and data analysis and collection techniques also appropriate.

Nature of the final report – indicates the anticipated results by analysis of the hypothesis, and also indicates the means that the results will be communicated. The proposed result should satisfy the research objectives.

Budget and Schedule – shows in monetary terms the amount that will be spent to make effective the research. The budget should be realistic, and appropriate given the objectives of the research. (Spirduso, 2007)

Development and Management of the Research Proposal

Development and Management of a Research Proposal

(Management Perspective)

Most organizations think that after compiling a suitable research proposal the job is done. This is not the case. For a research proposal to yield the required results, the managers ought to continually exercise their control function. Those conducting the research should also be continually briefed on the importance of the research and the desired results. (Lester, 1999).

This can only be possible if the managers and top leaders communicate and keep in touch with the research team. For control to be effective there are important tools that the management should employ this are; research proposal evaluation techniques which include the Gantt charts, PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Techniques).

Managers exercise the control function in the regulation and the coordination of the research process. They ensure that the research is regulated and that the information obtained is the required. They also come up with a means of communication that will be used throughout the process. (Marvasti, 2008).

Proposal Evaluation Techniques

Research proposals are subjected to evaluative processes and procedures in the course of their development. Proposals are first submitted to the top management for review before the investigations are started. The kind of evaluation techniques applied on a research proposal depends on the structure requested during proposal development. Informal evaluations entail a simple reading and comparing between different proposals to establish by ranking the best.

Development and Management of a Research Proposal

More formal evaluations involve the identification and selection of an evaluative process and using mathematical statistics to determine the criteria of a proposal in comparison with others. In formal evaluation the use of Gantt Charts and the PERT is usually essential. (Silverman, 2007)

In determining the feasibility of different sets of proposals, a manager may do the following: First the manager should develop a list of criteria for evaluating the proposals. This criterion should relate to factors considered for decision making. This may include; that the problem statement is fully developed and is specific; that there is a justification of the research methods and design; that the information received on the expected results is outlined and satisfies objectives; that the budget is realistic and appropriate and the expenses compared to the results of the research are justifiable.

These evaluations set the standards of control that will be used in proposal development and management. The management should also evaluate the budgets to determine the allocation of resources to the research project and tasks. (Spirduso, 2007)

References

David Silverman and Amir Marvasti (2008). Doing Qualitative Research. A comprehensive Guide. 2nd Ed. Sage Publishers.

Lawrence F. Locke, Waneen Wyrick Spirduso and Stephen J. Silverman. (2007) Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals. Sage Publishers.

James D. Lester (1999). Writing Research papers: A Complete Guide. University of California.