Chapter Four

THE RESEARCH
PROPOSAL

4-1

Purpose of the Research Proposal

To present the question to be
researched and its importance
To discuss the research efforts of
others who have worked on related
questions
To suggest the data necessary for
solving the question

4-2

The Research Sponsor

All research has a sponsor in one
form or another:
In a corporate setting, management
sponsors research
In an academic environment, the
student is responsible to the class
instructor

4-3

What are the Benefits of the

Proposal
to a
Researcher?
Allows the researcher to plan and
review the projects steps
Serves as a guide throughout the
investigation
Forces time and budget estimates

4-4

Types of Research Proposals

Internal
External

4-5

Proposal Complexity
3 levels of complexity:
The exploratory study is used for the
most simple proposals
The small-scale study is more
complex and common in business
The large-scale professional study is
the most complex, costing millions of
dollars
4-6

How to Structure the

Research Proposal?
Create proposal modules

Put together various modules to

tailor your proposal to the intended
audience

4-7

Modules in a Research
Proposal
Executive Summary
Qualifications of

4-8

Problem Statement
Research Objectives
Literature Review
Importance of the
Study
Research Design
Data Analysis
Nature and Form of Results

Researcher
Budget
Schedule
Facilities and Special
Resources
Project Management
Bibliography
Appendices

What to include in the

Appendices?

A glossary of concepts, constructs,

and definitions
Samples of the measurement
instrument
Other materials that reinforce the
body of the proposal
4-9

Evaluating the Research Proposal

Proposal must be neatly written in
appropriate writing style
Major topics should be easily found
and logically organized
Proposal must meet specific
guidelines set by the sponsor
Technical writing style must be
clearly understood and explained
4-10