What Constitutes a Quality Research Proposal - Essay Example

A Constitution of a Quality Research Proposal I. Introduction There are several ways to mask an excellent idea. Research proposals quite frequently do just that; that is, they skilfully disguise, although not deliberately, a new idea that commentators decisively reject. A proposal writer is required to write a high-quality research proposal, one that is written in an appropriate style, free of terminology, and credible. More accurately, a quality research proposal should study an important problem, recommend a workable solution, and convey the author’s trustworthiness. A high-quality research proposal will consistently have a competitive leverage. Proficiency in research proposal writing cannot counteract an unsound project, yet it can offer the supplementary gauge of quality that discerns a premium research proposal with its competition (Levinson 2000). Basically a research proposal is the demonstration of a plan that an individual aims to pursue. A quality research proposal supposes that the researcher have already deliberated about his/her project and have allocated substantial time and effort in collecting relevant information, analysing and then structuring his/her ideas. A good research proposal is not a hastened task (Saunders 2006). Therefore, one could think that the research proposal is a subsequent step, after the topic selection. The actual research proposal will specify the analytical question a researcher aims to investigate. The groundwork of a quality research proposal is a viable research problem. Moreover, a quality research proposal has nine components, and each part is essential in a successful presentation. The particular outline and content of the components could differ (Marcoulides 1998). In order to demonstrate what constitutes a quality research proposal it is important to discuss the research components. II. Components of a Quality Research Proposal Above all, the statement of the problem should incorporate a definite and short statement of the objective or purpose of the plan. In a business research proposal, this section is made up of the particular question/s to be studied, a succinct description of the significance of the study, and an account of how the findings will contribute to the present literature (Marcoulides 1998). Second, a good research proposal should indicate the researcher’s analyses of relevant literatures and where particularly his/her investigation stands in that framework. This section has not to be long, though it should be wide-ranging. It should outline the fundamental issues in the literature, emphasise key areas of conflict, and demonstrate a critical perspective toward the relevant literature reviewed (Sant 2004). Mentioning or including poorly researched or unreliable theory makes the research proposal weak. Third, in the conceptual framework section the researcher presents his/her own point of view. This section should include the concepts or theories that will guide the investigation. Also, a quality research proposal should indicate why and how these concepts or theories relate to the research questions or hypotheses. The strengths and weaknesses of the intended paradigm should also be explained. There are certain conditions wherein a particular conceptual framework is specified. In this case, the proposal should signify unambiguous evidence that the researcher understands the conceptual framework and can effectively cope with it. Business research proposals generally do not identify a conceptual paradigm (Sant 2004). Fourth, subsequent to the explanation of the theoretical perspective, there should be an understandable, brief statement of the hypotheses of the study, or, in several qualitative researches, a brief description of the trend to be investigated. Relying on the prerequisites of the solicitation, the research hypotheses could be written formally or informally. Ultimately, a description of why verifying the research hypotheses or seeking answers to the research questions is necessary for explaining the research problems and is pertinent to the conceptual framework should be integrated (Smith 1990). Fifth, the methodology section should consist of a presentation of preparations for gathering and analysing data. The instruments to be used, the appropriateness of the instruments to the study, and the availability of evidence on the reliability and validity of the instruments to be used should be taken into account. In addition to that, the way the instruments will be used and to whom they will be administered should be included. Also, the procedures that will be used in the section of data analysis and interpretation should be explained clearly. In the case of qualitative researches, there should be a description of the objective of interviews and observations, and, preferably, several suggestions of their format and content (Smith 1990). The explanation of the indicated methodology should hold sufficient information to show that the researcher is well aware of what s/he is about to embark on. Research proposals that incorporate the statistical test formula as the single detail about schemes for data analysis do not provide reliability that the investigation will produce forceful results or vigorous insights. Likewise, proposals that plainly recommend making use of the most updated research procedures could indicate that the researcher is considerate or fascinated of trends, yet may not be knowledgeable with that specific research paradigm (Levinson 2000). Sixth, the task structure section should suggest precisely the planned endeavour, the order of the different activities, and the findings that will be organised. In business research proposals the tasks are specified and the schedule is detailed, even though there is commonly some leeway for researchers. In organising business grant proposals, there is greater latitude to determine the tasks. Nevertheless, a good research proposal includes all of the necessary activities for the completion of the project (Sant 2004). Preparing a workable schedule for completing the tasks is generally as significant as formulating an inclusive list of tasks. Seventh, a quality research proposal should have a plan that has an innovative and efficient agenda towards project management. The agenda should suggest who will be accountable for each fragment of the project, and who will be accountable for the entire management. The management scheme should also be thoroughly adapted to the distinct character of the individual project (Smith 1990). Eight, the staff and institutional qualifications section should integrate a comprehensive description of the experience and qualifications of the recommended workforce. At times it is valuable to include concise digests of the experience of the staff in the management scheme and to affix resumes for each staff member as a proposal’s appendices. This data should be presented in a manner that confirms that the workforce has the required experience and qualifications to carry out the research. This section must as well include detailed information about pertinent attributes of the institution in which the project will be situated. Research ventures normally necessitate various software and hardware and there must be reliable proof that sufficient facilities are obtainable to facilitate the project (Sant 2004). And last but not the least, a quality research proposal should take account of definite and practical estimates of the expenditures of each component of the plan, and there should be adequate reinforcing data to show how the estimates were reached. In organising the budget, a quality research proposal makes sure that the budget is a manifestation of the researcher’s knowledge of the assignment and his/her capability to prepare and manage successfully (Barrass 2002). III. Conclusions Quality writing is imperative in producing good research proposals. It should be unambiguous, definite, succinct and free of terminologies. It should be free of spelling and grammatical mistakes, and it should be readable. Poor research proposals filled with terminologies do not present an affirmative image of the researcher, nor do they provide assurance that reliable research will be carried out. Research proposals that are well-thought out and well-written are easy to read, and they generate constructive thought with reviewers. A good research proposal should follow a definite format. It should have a cover page, a clear abstract, an interesting introduction that could draw the attention and preliminary endorsement of the reviewers. It should be skilfully written resulting in the formulation of a sound and feasible problem statement or hypothesis. The main body should hold all the important information associated to the topic and should basically have a research paradigm or methodology which would describe comprehensively as to how the researcher is planning to carry out the research. The body should as well describe in a persuasive manner as to the reason why additional research work has to be carried out and how much a particular research attempt would contribute to existing knowledge in the field. The problem statement or hypothesis indicated in the introductory section should convince the readers that the topic is original and first in that field. The research proposal would be finalised in the conclusion section which presents a concise summary of the key and significant information and arguments discussed in the main body. The conclusion part should be persuasive enough to encourage the reviewer to approve the proposal. Ultimately, quality research proposal should reveal extensive knowledge in the field of research. It should be concise, and still informative and comprehensive presentation of the research objective as well as the aims of potential research. A researcher should be persuasive enough to convince in the ability to deal with the responsibility and demands of conducting the research. Skilled researchers should show that their ideas are useful and that they are not adequately investigated in the past. They should also show the current research discrepancies which can be resolved by the proposed research task. Lastly, but most importantly, a researcher should justify that research findings have practical significance and that these findings could be exploited for resolving everyday problems. References Barrass, R. (2002), Writing at Work: A Guide to Better Writing in Administration, Business and Management, London: Routledge. Levinson, N. (2000), How to Sharpen your Business Writing Skills, Watertown, MA: American Management Association. Marcoulides, G. A. (1998), Modern Methods for Business Research, Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Sant, T. (2004), Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing to Win More Customers, Clients and Contracts, New York: AMACOM. Saunders, M. et al. (2006), Research Methods for Business Students, Prentice Hall. Smith, C. B. (1990), Guide to Business Research: Developing, Conducting and Writing Research Projects. Read More