Writing a research proposal is one of the most important tasks facing academics, researchers and postgraduate students. Yet there is a good deal of misinformation and a great lack of guidance about what constitutes a good research proposal and what can be done to maximise one's chances of writing a successful research proposal.
Denicolo and Becker recognise the importance of developing an effective research proposal for gaining either a place on a research degree programme or funding to support research projects and set out to explore the main factors that that proposal writers need to attend to in developing successful proposals of their own.
Developing Research Proposals will help readers to understand the context within which their proposal will be read, what the reviewers are looking for and will be influenced by, while also supporting the development of relevant skills through advice and practical activities.
This book:
Explores the nature and purpose of different kinds of proposals
Focuses on the actual research proposed
Discusses how best to carry out and structure the literature review
Examines the posing and phrasing of research questions and hypotheses
Looks at how methods and methodology should be handled in a proposal
Discusses the crucial issues of planning, strategy and timing in developing targeted proposals
Denicolo and Becker draw together the key elements in the process of preparing and submitting a proposal and concludes with advice on responding to the results, successful or not, and their relevance to future proposals.
The Success in Research series, from Cindy Becker and Pam Denicolo, provides short, authoritative and accessible guides on key areas of professional and research development.
Avoiding jargon and cutting to the chase of what you really need to know, these practical and supportive books cover a range of areas from presenting research to achieving impact, and from publishing journal articles to developing proposals. They are essential reading for any student or researcher interested in developing their skills and broadening their professional and methodological knowledge in an academic context.
Prologue
Serendipity
Intended Readers
Overview of the Rook
The Task Before You
What is a Research Proposal?
A Pervasive Task Defined
A Celebration of Difference
First Steps in Meeting the Needs of Your Readership
Finding out about Research Degree Opportunities
Finding out about Research Funding Opportunities
General Preliminary Explorations
Skills Inventory
When Is a Research Proposal Required and Why?
Motivation
Sources of Funding
Gaining a Richer View of Funders' Requirements
Gaining Financial Awards for Study
Identifying Potential Supervisors/Advisors
Securing a Place on a Higher Degree by Research Programme
Sections Within a Proposal - What Funders or Research Degree Reviewers Are Looking for
Main Features of Proposals
What Are the Key Aspects of Proposal Preparation?
Pre-Preparation
The Title, Abstract and Covering Letter
The Body of the Proposal - Audience and Style
Developing Your Proposal Draft
Language Register, Voice and Verb Tense
The Conceptual Framework
Stages in the Production of Proposal - Advance Planning
The Constraints of Time
What Should Be Included in the Introduction, Rationale and Literature Review?
Orientating Your Reader to Your Purpose
The Introduction
The Rationale
Preparing for the Literature Review
The Literature Review Itself
The Process of Searching the Literature
Constructing Your Argument
What Is the Significance of the Aims, Objectives, and Research Questions/Hypotheses?
Level of Specificity Required
Clarification of Terms - Aims and Objectives
Research Questions and Hypotheses
Paradigms
Why Paradigm Identification Is Important
The Link between Aims/Objectives and Research Questions/Hypotheses
What Should Be Included in the Methodology/Research Implementation Sections?
Consistency between Purpose and Procedures
Clarification of 'Shorthand' Terms
Methodology - Approach and Justification
Consistency and Justification
Research Using Positivist Approaches
Presenting and Analysing Quantitative Results
Research Using Interpretivist Approaches
Presenting and Analysing Qualitative Results
Using the Right Language
Ethical Considerations
Evaluation Plan
What Financial Considerations Are Required?
The Ground Rules of Budgeting
The Financial Demands of a Research Degree Project
Financial Considerations for All Researchers
Types and Styles of Budgets for Funding Applications
Key Elements of the Budget: Personnel
Key Elements of the Budget: Operating Costs
The Budget after Submission of the Proposal
What Planning and Organisation Details Are Required?
Establishing Goals and Deadlines
Project Planning and Time Management
Implementation Plans
Research Governance
People Management
Schedules and Timelines
Who Are the other Potential Contributors to and Referees for Your Project?
Building Professional Relationships
Building on Overviews of Requirements
Making Contacts and Seeking Help
Developing Collaborations and Partnerships
The Review Process
What Reviewers Are Seeking from Proposals
Reality Check - Grit Your Teeth!
Where Does It End? Reactions, Reflections and Anticipations
After Submission
Receiving Feedback from Reviewers
Reasons for Rejection
Responding to Feedback
Back to the Beginning
The Continuous Cycle of Proposal Writing
Appendix 1 Funding Sources
Appendix 2 Resources
Glossary
Index
