How to Write Research Proposal? Easy Guide

 

Steps in Research proposal writing

Research Proposal Contents

Title

It should be attractive and precise. Ideally the keywords used in title should give idea about theory used, dependent variable of research, geography, industry and sample on which study is conducted. 

For-example: "Determinant of Pakistani young-users purchase intention towards green products: An application of Theory of Planned Behavior"

Abstract

It is usually written without citations. It contains: Background, Purpose, Design or methods which will be used to conduct the study. Keywords (3-5) are mentioned in the last.

1. Introduction

1.1. Research Objectives: Mention two to three clear and concise objectives

1.2. Research Questions: Provide two to three clear research question, this will decide what research Methodology will be used in your research

1.3. Problem Statement: Discuss whether problem is basic (i.e. existing literature is missing something which your trying to cover up) or problem is applied (i.e real life problems like decrease in sales, increasing smoking behavior, organizational turnover etc). Problem Statement should be supported with latest references (not older than 2-3 year)

1.5. Variable Adoption of study: Mention list of Independent variables (predictors), Dependent (predicted), mediation and moderation variables used. Also provide the source of adoption for those variables

1.6. Rational/Justification of Study: Theoretical justification, or limitations of exiting studies (lastest one i.e two-three year old)

1.7. Significance and Implications (managerial and academic) of study: How is your research is important and for whom?  

2. Literature Review 

2.1. Theoretical Grounds/Framework: Mention theory(ies) that cover your study, it's usually used to justify established relationship between variables. 

2.2. Literature Review of all variables (with lastest references): Review of existing work on chose variables (should not be obsolete references, however, pioneer work can be mentioned)

2.3. Hypothesis development: Provide hypotheses of studies based on existing literature. 

2.4. Conceptual framework or research model: Draw the pictorial model of the research showing relationship between variables through arrows directing from predictors to outcome variable(s)

3. Research Methodology

3.1. Research Design:  Carefully pick the right mix of elements of research design (Research Philosophy, Research Approach, Research Methods, Research Strategy, Time Horizon, and Techniques & Procedures) for your research proposal from Research Onion.

Research Onion (Saunder et al., 2006)

3.2. Operationalization of variables: Provide how variables will be measured? Provide their dimensions. 

3.3. Questionnaire development and adoption: Provide the process of developing or adopting data collection tool (interview, questionnaire, or experiment design). 

References

Full references of in-text citations used in the proposal is written in required format like APA 7th, Harvard, Chicago, MLA etc.