research synopsis-proposal

1. The Research Proposal (for research funding) or Synopsis (for higher degree)
• Many academic institutes require students to write a research proposal before
they actually start their research.
• The following remarks provide a generic guide to structure the content of your
research proposal.
1.1. WorkingWorking titletitle
• Generally the (main) title is meant to attract attention while the subtitle provides• Generally the (main) title is meant to attract attention while the subtitle provides
an indication of the approach to the topic often making a reference to the
methodology being used
2.2. AbstractAbstract
• Summary of the research topic (maximum of 350 words), topic, stating the central
problem, issue or phenomenon and where the gap lays for the research you want
to undertake together with an indication of what and how you want to achieve.
Ref. Book: Chris Hart (1998) called “Doing a Literature Review”AKJan

2. 3.3. IntroductionIntroduction
• Provides a brief yet lively introduction to the subject/problem, its context,
important theoretical planning, major methodological approach, the
relevance and expected results.
• Someone who has read your introduction should know what this research is
all about and how you intend to approach it in terms of theory and
methodology.methodology.
4.4. ScopeScope
• A paragraph on the exact area of your research for example subject,
disciplines involved, sampling, unit of analysis (e.g., policy, programmes,
activities, actual behaviours etc.).
• Make clear in what way and to what extend claims for generalisability can be
made or what the limits are.
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3. 5.5. AimsAims
• General statements about the intent, direction or goals of the research – where
is it you want to go. Please try to specify in terms of theoretical, practical and
methodological aims. Are you going to achieve results in all three domains or one
or two?
6.6. ObjectivesObjectives SpecificSpecific
• Clear and to the point statements of intended outcomes from the research you
will undertake,
for example:
• search and review of literature regarding a specific topic (e.g., “The Godfathers
of Management at the turn of the last Century”) or a particular debate (e.g.,
“Who are the stakeholders and their stakes in the debate on Corporate Social
Responsibility in Europe”).
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4. 7.7. JustificationJustification
• Provide the rationale for doing the research on the specified topic, why research
needs to be done on this particular topic or problem, what the particular angle
and substance is you bring to either the field of the existing body of knowledge.
• Make clear references to existing literature, show gaps in knowledge, the
potential usefulness of a methodology you have in mind, possible benefits ofpotential usefulness of a methodology you have in mind, possible benefits of
outcomes (understanding, practice, policy, theory etc.) and for whom.
• Provide a limited number of key references to support your case and also in
order to demonstrate that you are aware of the existing body of knowledge
regarding the topic you want to research.
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5. 8.8. LiteratureLiterature
• Describe briefly the history of the topic identifying landmark studies and publications
indicating central arguments (pro and con) made.
• Demonstrate the major issues with respect to your subject or central practical
problems identifying the gap you intend to look at in your research.
• Then indicate what will be some likely research questions (for qualitative research) or• Then indicate what will be some likely research questions (for qualitative research) or
possible hypothesis (for a quantitative research).
• If necessary provide a limited number of key terms; why they are important, how
they are defined and will be used (sometimes this can also be done in a Glossary or
Thesaurus). Aim to identify what the contribution of your research will be to the
existing body of knowledge
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6. 9.9. MethodologyMethodology
• A concise justification for the methodological approach (methodology and
methods) you intend to employ and which data collection (one or more) and
analytical technique(s) you will use.
• There is no need to justify and describe the methodology in-depth but justify at
least the following: specify whether qualitative or quantitative and provide
arguments related to the nature of the question, use of an existing approacharguments related to the nature of the question, use of an existing approach
(methodological replication), explanation why alternative methods were rejected
or not, the use of specific techniques for data collection and analysis,
anticipation of possible issues and problems and how you intend to address
them.
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7. 10.10. Ethics IndicateEthics Indicate
• if you think you might encounter any ethical issues during the research project.
Think of: access to data, involvement of people in the organisation, use (of
publications), and confidentiality including agreements with corroborating
organisations. Who owns the results of your research? Is it necessary to protect
data and or people involved and what will you do to make sure this is covered?
11.11. ResourcesResources (Available(Available oror Required)Required)11.11. ResourcesResources (Available(Available oror Required)Required)
• Identify any (special) equipment you will need for example computers, software,
access to (special) libraries, the use of third-party databases, cost of field visits,
language editing, sample analysis by instruments, room rental etc.
• Honorarium/salary of researchers(PI, or CO-PI or field survey etc).
• Please put the calculations for your resource requirements in an appendix.
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8. 12.12. BibliographyBibliography
• This is the (brief) bibliography of all works cited in your proposal.
• Please note that there are different ways of citing references.
• The most commonly used presentation for social sciences is APA referencing.
• In chemistry, JACS is mostly used i.e.
Ref. Book: Jan Jonker l Bartjan Pennink, The Essence of Research Methodology, 2010, The Netherlands
janjonkermail@gmail.com, janjonker@wxs.nl
Video Research proposal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erA0DYb1fX8
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