1. research proposal writing by md. abdul momin sheikh, fet, hstu

WELCOME
Presented By
Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh
Assistant Professor
Department of Food Engineering and Technology, HSTU, Dinajpur
Email: msheikh14@hstu.ac.bd Date: March 14, 2020
Project
Proposal
Writing
Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant
Professor, Dept. of FET, HSTU, Dinajpur

We can split the writing process into stages
Writing the First DraftGetting in the Mood
Revising, Revising, Revising Finishing

The systematic investigation into and
study of materials and sources in order to
establish facts and reach new conclusions.
What is research?

A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or
written statement, put forward for consideration
by others. A research proposal “is a document
that outlines how you propose to undertake your
research studies” (Mouton, 2001).
What is proposal ?
A research proposal is a document written by a
researcher that provides a detailed description of the
proposed program, it is like an outline of the entire
research process.

Research proposal is a plan ,and research is action.
Research proposal is compulsory for approving proposed
research.
Research proposal is a schedule and research is activity.
Research proposal is a mirror of research
Research proposal is a blue print of research.
Research proposal can serve as a document of contract for
the project.
Relationship of research proposal with research

A good preparation for a research proposal is necessary
as:
this is vital for grant application in a competitive
environment. Funding is very competitive.
it assists the researcher in project formulation,
planning, performance and monitoring of the research.
the quality of the proposal contributes to the
evaluation outcome
a poorly prepared proposal may not be considered at
all.
Why a good preparation is needed?

Internal
Academic
Non-academic
External
Solicited
Un-solicited
Types of Research Proposal
There are two major types of research proposal:

Academic: It is the first step in producing a
thesis or major project. Its intent is to convince a
supervisor or academic committee that your
topic and approach are sound.
Internal research proposal
Non-academic: This one is not for degree
requirement that is submitted by a university or a
college teacher to some research organization.

Solicited: Solicited proposals are those that are
written and submitted in response to the
issuance of a "Request for Proposals" (RFP), a
document that identifies a specific research
problem of interest to the funding agency for
which they are specifically seeking a solution.
External research proposal
Interested investigator then submits a “concept
note” or "white paper" briefly outlining their
proposed solution to the problem. If the funding
agency or company is interested, they may then
request that the investigator submit a full
proposal for consideration of funding.Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant

Unsolicited : Unsolicited proposals are those
proposals that are submitted by an investigator
in response to a "general call" for proposals that
is issued by a funding authority or agency or
company or organization in any field or area of
research.

Title
Executive Summary of Research Proposal/ Abstract
Introduction (Background, problem statement, Hypothesis/
Research question, Rationale/ justification/ significance, objectives)
Review of Literature
Benchmark information
Methodology /Approaches
Expected outputs/results and outcomes
Time frame and schedule of activities (Gantt chart)
Budget and
Details of research team (signed CV)
Step /Components of Research Proposal

Reminder:
Before writing up a research proposal,
It is essential to:
 identify the sponsors for the research
 read and understand application guidelines from
sponsors / clients, e.g., University (ies), Ministry of
Science and Technology/BARC/Others

Where Do We Begin?

The Writing Process

Paraphrase!!!

TITLE
The title of a research proposal should be:
Succinct and concise.
Precise and accurate
Unambiguous
Avoid extremely long titles
No more than 15 or so words
Try to think of an informative but catchy title.

No, no’s
– On the…
– A study of…
– Research on…
– Regarding…..
– Use of…..
– Rapid…
– New…..
– Investigations on…
– Observations on…
– Studies on…..

No “the” or “a, an” for a headline or title
Also, a complete sentence not
recommended for a Title
Exploration and evaluation of rice PAL gene family in
response to environmental stress
Example:

Fig.1. The phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway: PAL : phenylalanine
ammonia-lyase; C4H : cinnamic acid 4 – hydroxylase; 4CL : 4 - coumaric acid CoA
ligase, CHS : chalcone synthase; CHI : Chalconeisomerase CCR : 4 - coumaroyl CoA
reductase; CAD : coumaroyl alcohol dehydrogenase (Sriprasertsak et al., 2002)Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant

ABSTRACT
• An abstract is a shortened version of the paper/report
and should contain all information necessary for the
reader to determine:
• (1) what the objectives of the study were;
• (2) how the study was done;
• (3) what results were obtained;
• (4) and the significance of the results.
Although it appears as the first section in a paper, most
scientists write the abstract section last.

The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the
necessary background or context for the research problem.
How to frame the research problem is perhaps the biggest
problem in proposal writing.
The introduction typically begins with a general statement
of the problem area, with a focus on a specific research
problem, to be followed by the rational or justification for
the proposed study.
Introduction

The introduction generally covers the following elements:
State the research problem, which is often referred to as
the purpose of the study.
Provide the objectives of the study. The objectives
identified should be general as well as specific.
Identify the rationale of the proposed study and clearly
indicate why it is worth doing.
Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be
addressed by the research.
Identify the key independent and dependent variables of
the study. Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant

The problem statement describes the context for the
study and it also identifies the general analysis
approach”(Wiersma, 1995, p.404).
It should indicate why the researcher needs to be done
and what will be its relevance.
Conveys information about a research problem.
Problem statement:

Questions are posed when researchers do not have
enough evidence, on the basis of the literature reviewed.
When researchers feel confident enough to make a
prediction, they advance a hypothesis (a tentative statement
about the relationship between the independent and
dependent variables).
Research Questions

Research question: This project aims to unravel the
mechanisms of saline and blast disease tolerance of rice. The
followings are the key questions of the study:
Are there any specific PAL genes involved in salinity and blast
disease tolerance in rice?
How does the PAL gene family respond to salt stress and blast
disease?
Are the rice cultivar display specific phenotypic characteristics
upon exposure to salinity and blast disease?
Is there a correlation between phenotypic characteristics [such
as PAL activity, Lignin content, length and girth of root, SA
content and biotic (saline) and abiotic (blast disease) stress
tolerance] and the rice cultivar?
Example:

Review of the Literature
The literature review serves several important
functions:
Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for the
proposed research.
Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem.
Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and
research issues related to your research question.
“The review of the literature provides the background and
context for the research problem. It should establish the
need for the research and indicate that the writer is
knowledgeable about the area” (Wiersma, 1995, p. 406).

Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature
information.
Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the
existing literature.
Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model
as the conceptual framework for your research.
It prevents the duplication of work that has been done
before.

The justification should answer the following:
How does the research relate to the national or regional
priorities?
What knowledge and information will be obtained?
Will this study generate new knowledge?
What is the ultimate purpose that the knowledge
obtained from the study will serve?
How will the results be disseminated?
How will the results be used and who will be the
beneficiaries?
Justification: WHY SHOULD THIS RESEARCH BE DONE?

The research objectives can be subdivided :
1-General objective: describe in general terms what will be
achieve y research and why.
2-Specific objectives: break down the general objective into
smaller, logically connected parts that systematically address
the various aspects of the problem.
Research Objectives

Objectives should be:
Specific – states exactly what you need to achieve.
Logical and coherent.
Feasible, Realistic, considering local conditions.
Defined in operational terms that can be measured.
THE CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

Objectives should be stated using action verbs that are
specific enough to be measured,
for example: to compare, to calculate, to identify, to
determine, to calculate, to describe, to measure, etc.
Avoid the use of vague non-active verbs such as:
for example to appreciate, to understand, to believe, to
notice, etc.,
Contd.

Objectives
To identify and validate the potential PAL genes involved in
saline and blast disease tolerance in rice plants.
To functionally characterize the specific saline and blast
disease inducible PAL gene by using over expression and
RNAi-gene silencing technology.
To examine the performance of stress-induced PAL gene in
rice plants under saline and blast conditions.
Example:

THE METHODOLOGY
The methodology section describes the procedures that will
be used to achieve the objectives, and includes the following:
1.The study design.
2.The study area.
3.The study population.
3.The sample size & the sampling technique.
4.The data collection procedures
5.The data analysis plan.
6. Ethical considerations

Important reminders:
Make sure the research design or approach is appropriate for
the stated objectives.
Do not assume the reviewers are familiar with techniques to
be used in your study
Provide a brief description of the study location, study design
and flow of activities

Expected results / impacts
1. New findings:
2. Research publications:
3. Impact on the scientific community:

Example
Expected results / impacts
New findings:
The proposed study would identify the specific PAL
genes associated with biotic and abiotic stresses in rice
plants.
Modifying the expression levels of the PAL genes would
increase the adaptability of rice plants to stress
conditions; thus, reduces losses from the anticipated
increase in abiotic stresses due to climate change.
Research publications: At least one peer viewed journal (Q1).

Impact on the scientific community:
Knowing the roles of the PAL gene family and the phenyl
propanoid pathway in plant adaptations to abiotic and biotic
stresses in rice would explore more work on other aspects
of plant development.
The study will provide the molecular basis of PAL
variations in plant tolerance to saline and blast disease
which might potentially be manipulated for improving yield
under biotic and abiotic stress conditions.
Improved saline and blast disease tolerance in rice would
be a promising solution to sustainable agricultural
production and relief from threats to food security.Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant

Time
Planning for the research proposal should include the time
frame and activity schedule for the proposed research.
The time frame should include time for:
purchasing and obtaining relevant consumables
and facilities needed to conduct the study
 conduct of study
analysis of data
 writing up of project report
The activity schedule is essential for effective monitoring of
project. It should list the time frame for major activities, and
include milestones. A most effective way of plotting the
activity schedule is by using the Gantt Chart. (see example
below) Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant

•Flow chart of research activities

A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project
schedule, named after its inventor, Henry Gantt, who designed
such a chart around the years 1910–1915.
A chart in which a series of horizontal lines shows the amount of
work done or production completed in certain periods of time in
relation to the amount planned for those periods.
Gantt chart

Gantt chart of the research project

It is essential to request for an adequate budget for the
study you are planning to conduct:
Provide a total and yearly breakdown of the budget
needed
Give appropriate estimates of costs depending on the
different areas, eg: travel and transportation, consumables,
salaries, services, rentals, equipment, utilities, repairs, etc.
Provide adequate justification, especially for costly items
Budget

Finally, keep in mind the common errors in
proposal writing:
Objectives too broad or too ambitious
Objectives do not reflect title of the study or statement of
problem
No literature review or relevant references
 Inadequate information on methodology
Inappropriate time-frame and schedule of activities – too
ambitious
No justification for Budget – asking for too much or too little

References

Two main STYLES of referencing
1. IN-TEXT REFERENCING SYSTEMS
2. NUMBER-NOTE REFERENCING SYSTEMS
In text reference e.g. Davis and McKay (1996) note that “it is important to be
flexible about the system of referencing and adopt whichever style is
appropriate”.
Full reference e.g.
Davis, L.B. and McKay, S. (1996). Structures and Strategies: An introduction to
Academic Writing, Macmillan Education Australia, Melbourne.
Numbered reference Davis and McKay note that “it is important to be flexible
about the system of referencing and adopt whichever style is appropriate” [1].
Full reference:
Lloyd Davis and Susan McKay, Structures and Strategies: An introduction to
Academic Writing, Macmillan Education Australia, Melbourne, 1996, p.112.

1. IN-TEXT REFERENCING SYSTEMS
In text reference
Davis and McKay (1996, p.112) note
that it is important to be flexible about
the system of referencing and adopt
whichever style is appropriate.
Full reference Davis, L.B. and McKay, S.
1996, Structures and Strategies: An
introduction to Academic Writing,
Macmillan Education Australia,
Melbourne.
Harvard system
In text reference Davis and McKay (1996)
note that it is important to be flexible
about the system of referencing and
adopt whichever style is appropriate
(p.112).
Full reference Davis, L.B. & McKay, S.
1996, Structures and Strategies: An
introduction to Academic Writing,
Melbourne: Macmillan Education
Australia.
APA system
In text reference Davis and McKay note that it is important to be flexible about
the system of referencing and adopt whichever style is appropriate (112).
Full reference Davis, Lloyd and Susan McKay. Structures and Strategies: An
introduction to Academic Writing. Melbourne: Macmillan Education Australia,
1996.
MLA system

2. NUMBER-NOTE REFERENCING SYSTEMS
OXFORD SYSTEM Numbered reference Davis and McKay note that it is important to be
flexible about the system of referencing and adopt whichever style is appropriate [1].
Full reference Lloyd Davis and Susan McKay, Structures and Strategies: An introduction to
Academic Writing, Macmillan Education Australia, Melbourne, 1996, p.112.
VANCOUVER SYSTEM Numbered reference Davis and McKay note that it is important
to be flexible about the system of referencing and adopt whichever style is appropriate1.
Full reference Davis, L.B. & McKay, S. Structures and Strategies: An introduction to Academic
Writing, Melbourne: Macmillan Education Australia, 1996
CAMBRIDGE FOOTNOTING REFERENCE Numbered reference Davis and McKay note that it
is important to be flexible about the system of referencing and adopt whichever style is
appropriate1.
Full reference (appears at the bottom of the page) 1. Lloyd Davis and Susan McKay.
Structures and Strategies: An introduction to Academic Writing. Macmillan

Academic writing needs:
• References in the text
PLUS
• References in a list at the end of your work

How to Reference a…
Introduction to Harvard style
It is Known as the author-date system
Two main elements
i. citing within the text of an assignment /article
ii. listing references at the end of an assignment/article
HARVARD REFERENCING

There are a number of rules relating to citations depending on the
number of authors of a work, and if you are citing a quotation.
1. a. Citing one author
You need to include the author surname /last name, year of publication
Examples:
recent study investigated the effectiveness of using Google Scholar to find
medical research (Henderson, 2005).
or
Henderson (2005) has investigated the effectiveness of Google Scholar in
finding medical research.
1. How to refer to an author’s work within the text

1.b. Citing two authors
If the work has two authors, include two surname /last name by using “and”,
and year of publication in the text
Examples:
Recent research indicates that the number of duplicate papers being published
is increasing (Arrami and Garner, 2008).
1. c. Citing three and more authors
If the work has three or more authors/editors the abbreviation ‘et al’ should be used
after the first author’s surname and year of publication. ‘et al’ meaning is “and
others”.
Examples:
Social acceptance of carbon capture and storage is necessary for the introduction of
technologies (Alphen et al, 2007).

1.d. Citing works by the same author written in the same year
If you cite a new work which has the same author and was written in the same year
as an earlier citation, you must use a lower case letter after the date to differentiate
between the works.
Example:
Communication of science in the media has increasingly come under focus, particularly
where reporting of facts and research is inaccurate (Goldacre, 2008a; Goldacre, 2008b).
1.e. Secondary referencing
Secondary references are when an author refers to another author’s work and the
primary source is not available. When citing such work the author of the primary
source and the author of the work it was cited in should be used.
Example:
According to Colluzzi and Pappagallo (2005) as cited by Holding et al (2008)
most patients given opiates do not become addicted to such drugs.
You are advised that secondary referencing should be avoided
wherever possible and you should always try to find the original work.

1.f. Using quotations
Huynh et al. (2008, p. 195) are of the view that “the concept of emotional
labour should be introduced into pre-registration programmes”.
1.f.2 Block or large quotation
Example
Sandall et al. (2009) highlight issues related to midwife-led versus other models
of care for childbearing women as follows: Little is known about whether women
feel that they are part of the decision-making process; sense of control; maternal
self-confidence; post-traumatic stress disorder, coping after the birth. There is
wide variation in the instruments used to measure women's views of and
experiences of care. All trials should include economic analyses of the relative
costs and benefits (p. 12).
1.f.1 Short quotation as part of a sentence
If a direct quote from a book, article, etc., is used you must:
Use single quotation marks (double quotation marks are usually used for quoting
direct speech)
State the page number

1.g.. Using primary and secondary sources
A primary source is defined as the original piece of work by an
author. A secondary source would be defined as work cited within
the literature you are using. Secondary sources should only be used
when primary sources are not available.
Example of a secondary source in the text
Weber (1969), as cited by Papa et al. (2008, p. 83) provides what he refers to as
the ideal modern organization.

1.h. Citing an image/illustration/table/diagram/photograph/figure/picture
You should provide an in-text citation for any images, illustrations, photographs,
diagrams, tables or figures that you reproduce in your work, and provide a full
reference as with any other type of work.
They should be treated as direct quotes in that the author(s) should be
acknowledged and page numbers shown; both in your text where the diagram is
discussed or introduced, and in the caption you write for it.
In-text citation:
Table illustrating checklist of information for common sources (Pears and Shields,
2008:p.22).
or
‘Geological map of the easternmost region of São Nicolau’ (Ramalho et al,
2010:p.532).

2. How to write a reference list
A list containing the full details of all the references used in the text must be
included at the end of the assignment. This should appear on a separate page and
be entitled References.
The list must be arranged in alphabetical order using the
surname of the author(s). Numbering or bullet points are not
required.
2.1. Definitions of phrases used within this section
Title case (Title of Book/Journal):
Capitalize the first letter of each word with the exception of small words e.g. and,
an, in, of
Example 1
The Research Process in Nursing
Example 2
Journal of Agricultural science J. Agril. Sci.Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant

2.2. Referencing a book
Order
 Author(s) / Editor(s)
 Year of publication (in round brackets)
 Title (in italics or simple)
 Edition
 Place of publication: Publisher.
Gould D. & Brooker C. (2008). Infection Prevention and Control: Applied
Microbiology for Health Care, 2nd edn. Palgrave MacMillan, Houndsmill

2. 3. Referencing Chapter from book
Order
Author(s) of chapter
Year of publication (in round brackets)
Title of chapter (in single quotation marks)
in
Author(s) / editor(s) of book
Title of book (in italics simple)
Place of publication: Publisher
Page reference
Example: Bannister, P. and Ashworth, P. (1998) . Four good reasons for cheating and
plagiarism. in Rust, C. (ed.) Improving student learning: improving students as learners.
Oxford: Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development, pp. 233-240.

2.4. Referencing a Electronic book
Order
Author (s)
Title of book (in italics)
Name of e-book collection (in italics)
[Online]
Available at: URL( Uniform Resource Locator)
(Accessed: date)
Example:
Smith, M., Davidson, J., Cameron, L. and Bondi, L. (2009) Emotion, place and
culture. Ebrary [Online]. Available at:
http://site.ebrary.com/lib/queensbelfast/docDetail.action?docID=10276597
(Accessed: 30th August 2012).

2.2. Referencing a Journal
Order
Author(s) of journal article
Title of article
Title of journal (capitalise the first letter of each word)
Issue information (volume, issue number)
Page reference
Example:
Aldrich, F., Rogers, Y. and Scaife, M. (1998). Getting to grips with
“interactivity”: helping teachers assess the educational value of CD-ROMS,
British J. Educational Tech. 29(4): 321-332.

Order
Author(s) of e-journal article
Title of article
Title of journal (in italics, capitalise the first letter of each word)
Volume, issue, page numbers
[Online]
Available at: URL
Accessed: date
2.6. Electronic journal article
Example:
Hart, M. and Friesner, T. (2004). Plagiarism and Poor Academic Practice - A Threat
to the Extension of e-Learning in Higher Education?. J. eLearning, 2(1): 89-96
[Online]. Available at: http://www.ejel.org/volume-2/vol2-issue1/issue1-art25.html
(Accessed: 6 July 2012).

2.7. Website
Order
Author(s)
Year the webpage was last updated (in round brackets)
Title of webpage
Available at: URL
(Accessed: date)
Example:
Terry, J. (2007). Moving on - preparing for university & organising your studies.
Available at:
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/dcs/teaching/movingon/7.pdf
(Accessed: 5th July 2012).

2.8.Newspaper article
Order
Author
Title of article
Title of newspaper (in italics/ simple)
Day and month
Page number
Example:
Prince, R. (2010). Why food is costing us the earth. The Daily Star,
30th August, p.18.

2.9.Report
Order
Author or organization
Title of report (in italics)
Place of publication: Publisher
Accessed: date)
Example:
Mintel, A. (2008). Pizza and Pasta Restaurants - UK [Online].
Available at: http://www.mintel.com/pizzapastauk.html
(Accessed: 26th August 2012).

You can do it!!!
Finished!!!
If you want
Thank
s Md. Abdul Momin Sheikh, Assistant

1. research proposal writing by md. abdul momin sheikh, fet, hstu

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Tendances (20)

Similaire à 1. research proposal writing by md. abdul momin sheikh, fet, hstu

Similaire à 1. research proposal writing by md. abdul momin sheikh, fet, hstu (20)

Dernier

Dernier (20)

1. research proposal writing by md. abdul momin sheikh, fet, hstu

Notes de l'éditeur