GUIDELINES
AND FORMAT FOR A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
RECTOR'S
OFFICE, RESEARCH DIVISION
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
KIRTIPUR,
KATHMANDU. NEPAL.
Format for Research
Proposal:
The Research
Division, T.U., considers
it essential that
research proposals submitted for
acceptance and financial grants confirm to a prescribed format. The main
aim in requiring
an acceptable format
for writing a
research proposal is to
have all the
important features to
appear in appropriately acceptable details. When a proposal falls short of presenting the
significant aspects, it tends
to hinder factual
understanding and the
real worth and relevance of the proposed work. Clear statements of the intended objectives
of the study, the procedural approaches to be adopted, time schedules for the
work and
the estimate of
expanses would greatly help
in the preparation, proper evaluation, and the final
approval of the proposal. During the
process of evaluation it
is also possible
that some meaningful
changes can be brought
about to the
proposal so as
to render it
more effectively.
Furthermore, processing
of the proposal
and the eventual
conduct of the study
would also gain
convenience if the
submitted proposal is comprehensive and self contained.
It may often be difficult
to write down all kinds of research proposals strictly within the descriptions
and categories fixed by a prescribed format.
To an extent the format
as developed below
indicates the significant
aspects which may not be missed
out in any proposal. We hope that it
will provide broad guidelines for drawing up a research proposal.
It does not, however, limit the size and content of any proposal if the
researcher feels that other relevant details also need to be added on.
The project
proposal in its
final form is
expected to contain
all pertinent details concerning
the study, right
from the initial
stages to the
stage of completion. It
should, therefore, aim
to be what
may be described
as the complete plan
of action. To ensure a smooth
course of development of the work
it becomes necessary
to project oneself
into various phases
of its growth and be able to
possibly locate and take care of the constrains and other difficulties
which may creep
in the process
of study. The
idea of having to put in all
details, before one knows whether the proposal may be at
all accepted,
may not be
that relishing. For
that matter, a
proposal in a preliminary form may be submitted and may later on be developed
into its full form.
Even in
a preliminary form
it is always
advisable to put in
essential details just
to eliminate the
possibility of a
gap in understanding which otherwise keep on
workable idea away from fruition.
Apart from the above stated
factors, it is also desired that an objective basis should be available for
the evaluation of the research
work. The Research Division has
been entrusted with
this job. Successful
execution of a research
project gives certain
benefits and credits
to the researcher.
It is important that the
researcher gets a fair evaluation on the
basis of the work and receives the credit s/he rightly deserves. To this end,
it is essential that the proposal should contain a full description of all
the facets of the work.
Here are
the items that
need to be
essentially included in
the writing of a
research proposal.
1)
Title of the Study:
A brief but clearly stated
title of the proposed study is intended .
The title should appropriately reflect the nature and scope of the
proposed study.
2) Introduction of
the Study:
The study
problem should be
identified by clearly
stating its background, setting
or environment, and the need for the study.
Then, its importance should
be clarified with
reference to its
practical
application to policy
decisions or to the illumination of concepts and theories of development.
3) Statement of the Problem:
"A question well
stated is a question half answered".
The problem of the research question is, therefore, an interrogative
statement in terms of the relation
that exits between
a set of
variables. It should
be stated clearly and
unambiguously so as
to permit empirical
testing. Above all the
problem should not
be stated too
generally or too narrowly. Most important, where the problem lies ( the
problem that guides the study
) should be
clearly stipulated in
terms of the background and development within
the scope of the proposed question (historical perspective is
necessary).
4) Review of Literature:
One undertakes this in
order to find out what works have already been done in
the areas of
the research problem under
study. It also
helps minimize the risk
of dead ends,
choice of rejected
methods etc, promotes greater
understanding of the problem under study, provides comparative data to evaluate
and interpret the significance of findings, and to enforce fruitful sources of hypothesis. This section is vitally necessary. All references consulted must be cited.
5) Objectives of the Study:
Within the
felt needs of
the study, the
specific objectives for undertaking the project should be
spelled -out clearly. They should be
identified in terms
of the variables
and parameters under
study precisely and be
formulated in the
manner of questions.
Where general objectives are
felt desirable, specific
sub-objectives must be framed within each general objective in a
logical sequence.
6) Location of the Study: (Optional)
The place or places in
which the study will be conducted need to be indicated.
7) Hypotheses:
A hypotheses
is a conjectural
statement of relations
(based on the statement of the problem and the
objective of the study) between two or
more variables in
either negative or
positive terms. It
should be neither too general nor
too specific. However, it should
specify how the variables are related.
The hypotheses, thus could be formulated as null hypothesis, against
alternatives.
8) Methodology:
It should correspond to the
order in which each of the objectives listed are to be attacked in terms of
essential hypothesis to be used: how and what data are to be generated and processed
from ? What methods of analysis should be used ?
what assumptions are being put to effect of the inquiry ?
(a) Methods of Data
Collection:
Basic design
of the experimental
study should be
explained. It has to
stated whether the
data is to
be collected from
other sources or the
primary collection. The
use of secondary
sources, mail questionnaires, personal interview or field works which are relevant
to the nature of the study are to be made where possible.
(b)Sampling Techniques:
Mention should be made of
the estimated total size of population
in the study and the method of sampling should be used in the proposal. It is necessary that
an adequately reliable
sampling frames and
the basic criteria of selecting
them be adopted. The main thrust of the
study often centers around the nature of the questionnaire, selection of
respondents as well as the modalities of operation of the study.
(c) Analysis of data:
Statistical procedures
and tests are
adopted to ensure
relevance of the conclusions of the proposed study. As such, the methods to be adopted
indicating the level
of analysis, and
testing need should
be clearly indicated.
Limitation of the Study:
Clearly specify the
limits and constraints
prevailing within each methods. In the event
where two or
more methods are
used an explanation as to which
method it to be preferred should be stated in terms of the assumptions and
biases involved in each of the methods indicated.
9) Manpower Planning: (Optional)
A detailed workout of
manpower need should be stated in terms
of the job description, desired
qualification of the
personnel and their experience. Indication
of the statement
of functions, duties
and responsibilities should be clearly indicated. Time for which manpower is need should be
worked-out in man days for different phases of the project. If it is a team
project, the project leader should be mentioned.
10) Scheduling of Time:
Different phases
of the research
project should be
clearly stated in working weeks or months, preferably in a
diagrammatic presentation (CPM,
PERT or BARGRAM).
Thus, it should
be able to
provide monitoring authorities with close estimates of the entire
project time. It should mention the probable time schedule between inception
and conclusion of the
project in accordance
with the T.U.
Evaluation Format.
11) Chapter Plan : (indicative)
Chapter Plan
should indicate the
total number of
chapters and pages, individual chapter
titles, including sub
heading and pages
for each chapter. This helps both project planning and
logistical support activities of the Research Division.
12) Budgeting/Estimate of Expenses:
A detailed and itemized
budget showing how the funds are to be spent is essential. Presentation
of budget for
the proposed work
may be made under
the following main
categories. Other headings
of the category may, however be added if considered
necessary for the sake of clarity. If any budgetary
support is expected
from other supplementary
agencies, the amounts and conditions should be explicitly indicated.
It may be noted that all
expenses met, out of the funds made available by Tribhuvan University, have to
be budgeted strictly according to existing T.U. financial rules and
regulations. These include payments as
salaries and allowances according
to levels of
expertise, travel allowances
and purchase of equipment.
It is
important to mention
that the Research
Division or any
other authority which funds the research project reserves the right to
increase, deduct or reject the amount of the budget as shown on the proposal
given the quality and
relevance of the
research proposal as
well as the availability of research funds with it.
Fund grants,
if available, are
made through the
concerned Campus Office from
which the researcher
draws the required
amounts and submits the
details of expenses.
Fund grants are
made available in phases, which presently stand at 60
percent, 20 percent and 20 percent.
The initial
60 percent is
made available at the
start
of the project
and subsequent 20 percent
each is released
on completion of
two different stages of the work.
It is,
therefore, important to
coordinate budgetary items
according to definitive stages
of proposed work.
If the researcher
strongly feels that budgetary requirements
have to be
particularly different, it
would be helpful to present the
case and give reasons for it.
(a)Stationery
and Office Supplies:
Items such as paper,
postage, typing charges and other sundry supplies are to be met under this
budget heading.
(b)
Travelling Expenses :
Transportation costs
and daily allowances while
travelling are to be
included under this
budget heading. The
number and mode of
travel and places
to be visited
should be shown. Ordinarily, only travel costs for places within the country can be mentioned. If
travel outside the
country needs to
be included full justification for these has to be given.
13)
Bibliography and Annex :
The list of the literature
reviewed and the sources from which items are quoted should
be serially organized
at the end
of the proposal.
All the data charts etc. that are
being use for the presentation of the proposal will have to be included
systematically with due emphasis un source citation.
14) Other Information :
Any other information which
would help gaining realistic understanding of
the proposal and
facilitating the actual
conduct of the
work may be included if it is so desired. The researcher may also like to indicate the
limitations of the proposed study and prospective approaches for further
extension of its scope.
15) Reporting:
In course of the work the
researcher is required to submit progress reports to the Research Division and
to the Dean of the concerned Institute.
The Research Division also
holds exclusive rights
to the publication
of the results of the research
report regularly.
16) Resume:
A recent
and brief resume
in English is
required from each
and every researcher. It should not be more than two double spaced
pages. If there are more
than one researchers
for a research
project, separate resume from each of them is required to be
submitted together with the research proposal