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Management Research Proposals Samples For Students

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Do you feel the need to examine some previously written Research Proposals on Management before you begin writing an own piece? In this free collection of Management Research Proposal examples, you are provided with an exciting opportunity to examine meaningful topics, content structuring techniques, text flow, formatting styles, and other academically acclaimed writing practices. Applying them while composing your own Management Research Proposal will definitely allow you to finish the piece faster.

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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11.2 Steps in Developing a Research Proposal

Learning objectives.

• Identify the steps in developing a research proposal.
• Choose a topic and formulate a research question and working thesis.
• Develop a research proposal.

Writing a good research paper takes time, thought, and effort. Although this assignment is challenging, it is manageable. Focusing on one step at a time will help you develop a thoughtful, informative, well-supported research paper.

Your first step is to choose a topic and then to develop research questions, a working thesis, and a written research proposal. Set aside adequate time for this part of the process. Fully exploring ideas will help you build a solid foundation for your paper.

Choosing a Topic

When you choose a topic for a research paper, you are making a major commitment. Your choice will help determine whether you enjoy the lengthy process of research and writing—and whether your final paper fulfills the assignment requirements. If you choose your topic hastily, you may later find it difficult to work with your topic. By taking your time and choosing carefully, you can ensure that this assignment is not only challenging but also rewarding.

Writers understand the importance of choosing a topic that fulfills the assignment requirements and fits the assignment’s purpose and audience. (For more information about purpose and audience, see Chapter 6 “Writing Paragraphs: Separating Ideas and Shaping Content” .) Choosing a topic that interests you is also crucial. You instructor may provide a list of suggested topics or ask that you develop a topic on your own. In either case, try to identify topics that genuinely interest you.

After identifying potential topic ideas, you will need to evaluate your ideas and choose one topic to pursue. Will you be able to find enough information about the topic? Can you develop a paper about this topic that presents and supports your original ideas? Is the topic too broad or too narrow for the scope of the assignment? If so, can you modify it so it is more manageable? You will ask these questions during this preliminary phase of the research process.

Identifying Potential Topics

Sometimes, your instructor may provide a list of suggested topics. If so, you may benefit from identifying several possibilities before committing to one idea. It is important to know how to narrow down your ideas into a concise, manageable thesis. You may also use the list as a starting point to help you identify additional, related topics. Discussing your ideas with your instructor will help ensure that you choose a manageable topic that fits the requirements of the assignment.

In this chapter, you will follow a writer named Jorge, who is studying health care administration, as he prepares a research paper. You will also plan, research, and draft your own research paper.

Jorge was assigned to write a research paper on health and the media for an introductory course in health care. Although a general topic was selected for the students, Jorge had to decide which specific issues interested him. He brainstormed a list of possibilities.

If you are writing a research paper for a specialized course, look back through your notes and course activities. Identify reading assignments and class discussions that especially engaged you. Doing so can help you identify topics to pursue.

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in the news
• Sexual education programs
• Hollywood and eating disorders
• Americans’ access to public health information
• Media portrayal of health care reform bill
• Depictions of drugs on television
• The effect of the Internet on mental health
• Popularized diets (such as low-carbohydrate diets)
• Fear of pandemics (bird flu, HINI, SARS)
• Electronic entertainment and obesity
• Advertisements for prescription drugs
• Public education and disease prevention

Set a timer for five minutes. Use brainstorming or idea mapping to create a list of topics you would be interested in researching for a paper about the influence of the Internet on social networking. Do you closely follow the media coverage of a particular website, such as Twitter? Would you like to learn more about a certain industry, such as online dating? Which social networking sites do you and your friends use? List as many ideas related to this topic as you can.

Narrowing Your Topic

Once you have a list of potential topics, you will need to choose one as the focus of your essay. You will also need to narrow your topic. Most writers find that the topics they listed during brainstorming or idea mapping are broad—too broad for the scope of the assignment. Working with an overly broad topic, such as sexual education programs or popularized diets, can be frustrating and overwhelming. Each topic has so many facets that it would be impossible to cover them all in a college research paper. However, more specific choices, such as the pros and cons of sexual education in kids’ television programs or the physical effects of the South Beach diet, are specific enough to write about without being too narrow to sustain an entire research paper.

A good research paper provides focused, in-depth information and analysis. If your topic is too broad, you will find it difficult to do more than skim the surface when you research it and write about it. Narrowing your focus is essential to making your topic manageable. To narrow your focus, explore your topic in writing, conduct preliminary research, and discuss both the topic and the research with others.

Exploring Your Topic in Writing

“How am I supposed to narrow my topic when I haven’t even begun researching yet?” In fact, you may already know more than you realize. Review your list and identify your top two or three topics. Set aside some time to explore each one through freewriting. (For more information about freewriting, see Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” .) Simply taking the time to focus on your topic may yield fresh angles.

Jorge knew that he was especially interested in the topic of diet fads, but he also knew that it was much too broad for his assignment. He used freewriting to explore his thoughts so he could narrow his topic. Read Jorge’s ideas.

Conducting Preliminary Research

Another way writers may focus a topic is to conduct preliminary research . Like freewriting, exploratory reading can help you identify interesting angles. Surfing the web and browsing through newspaper and magazine articles are good ways to start. Find out what people are saying about your topic on blogs and online discussion groups. Discussing your topic with others can also inspire you. Talk about your ideas with your classmates, your friends, or your instructor.

Jorge’s freewriting exercise helped him realize that the assigned topic of health and the media intersected with a few of his interests—diet, nutrition, and obesity. Preliminary online research and discussions with his classmates strengthened his impression that many people are confused or misled by media coverage of these subjects.

Jorge decided to focus his paper on a topic that had garnered a great deal of media attention—low-carbohydrate diets. He wanted to find out whether low-carbohydrate diets were as effective as their proponents claimed.

Writing at Work

At work, you may need to research a topic quickly to find general information. This information can be useful in understanding trends in a given industry or generating competition. For example, a company may research a competitor’s prices and use the information when pricing their own product. You may find it useful to skim a variety of reliable sources and take notes on your findings.

The reliability of online sources varies greatly. In this exploratory phase of your research, you do not need to evaluate sources as closely as you will later. However, use common sense as you refine your paper topic. If you read a fascinating blog comment that gives you a new idea for your paper, be sure to check out other, more reliable sources as well to make sure the idea is worth pursuing.

Review the list of topics you created in Note 11.18 “Exercise 1” and identify two or three topics you would like to explore further. For each of these topics, spend five to ten minutes writing about the topic without stopping. Then review your writing to identify possible areas of focus.

Set aside time to conduct preliminary research about your potential topics. Then choose a topic to pursue for your research paper.

Collaboration

Please share your topic list with a classmate. Select one or two topics on his or her list that you would like to learn more about and return it to him or her. Discuss why you found the topics interesting, and learn which of your topics your classmate selected and why.

A Plan for Research

Your freewriting and preliminary research have helped you choose a focused, manageable topic for your research paper. To work with your topic successfully, you will need to determine what exactly you want to learn about it—and later, what you want to say about it. Before you begin conducting in-depth research, you will further define your focus by developing a research question , a working thesis, and a research proposal.

Formulating a Research Question

In forming a research question, you are setting a goal for your research. Your main research question should be substantial enough to form the guiding principle of your paper—but focused enough to guide your research. A strong research question requires you not only to find information but also to put together different pieces of information, interpret and analyze them, and figure out what you think. As you consider potential research questions, ask yourself whether they would be too hard or too easy to answer.

To determine your research question, review the freewriting you completed earlier. Skim through books, articles, and websites and list the questions you have. (You may wish to use the 5WH strategy to help you formulate questions. See Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” for more information about 5WH questions.) Include simple, factual questions and more complex questions that would require analysis and interpretation. Determine your main question—the primary focus of your paper—and several subquestions that you will need to research to answer your main question.

Here are the research questions Jorge will use to focus his research. Notice that his main research question has no obvious, straightforward answer. Jorge will need to research his subquestions, which address narrower topics, to answer his main question.

Using the topic you selected in Note 11.24 “Exercise 2” , write your main research question and at least four to five subquestions. Check that your main research question is appropriately complex for your assignment.

Constructing a Working ThesIs

A working thesis concisely states a writer’s initial answer to the main research question. It does not merely state a fact or present a subjective opinion. Instead, it expresses a debatable idea or claim that you hope to prove through additional research. Your working thesis is called a working thesis for a reason—it is subject to change. As you learn more about your topic, you may change your thinking in light of your research findings. Let your working thesis serve as a guide to your research, but do not be afraid to modify it based on what you learn.

Jorge began his research with a strong point of view based on his preliminary writing and research. Read his working thesis statement, which presents the point he will argue. Notice how it states Jorge’s tentative answer to his research question.

One way to determine your working thesis is to consider how you would complete sentences such as I believe or My opinion is . However, keep in mind that academic writing generally does not use first-person pronouns. These statements are useful starting points, but formal research papers use an objective voice.

Write a working thesis statement that presents your preliminary answer to the research question you wrote in Note 11.27 “Exercise 3” . Check that your working thesis statement presents an idea or claim that could be supported or refuted by evidence from research.

Creating a Research Proposal

A research proposal is a brief document—no more than one typed page—that summarizes the preliminary work you have completed. Your purpose in writing it is to formalize your plan for research and present it to your instructor for feedback. In your research proposal, you will present your main research question, related subquestions, and working thesis. You will also briefly discuss the value of researching this topic and indicate how you plan to gather information.

When Jorge began drafting his research proposal, he realized that he had already created most of the pieces he needed. However, he knew he also had to explain how his research would be relevant to other future health care professionals. In addition, he wanted to form a general plan for doing the research and identifying potentially useful sources. Read Jorge’s research proposal.

Before you begin a new project at work, you may have to develop a project summary document that states the purpose of the project, explains why it would be a wise use of company resources, and briefly outlines the steps involved in completing the project. This type of document is similar to a research proposal. Both documents define and limit a project, explain its value, discuss how to proceed, and identify what resources you will use.

Writing Your Own Research Proposal

Now you may write your own research proposal, if you have not done so already. Follow the guidelines provided in this lesson.

Key Takeaways

• Developing a research proposal involves the following preliminary steps: identifying potential ideas, choosing ideas to explore further, choosing and narrowing a topic, formulating a research question, and developing a working thesis.
• A good topic for a research paper interests the writer and fulfills the requirements of the assignment.
• Defining and narrowing a topic helps writers conduct focused, in-depth research.
• Writers conduct preliminary research to identify possible topics and research questions and to develop a working thesis.
• A good research question interests readers, is neither too broad nor too narrow, and has no obvious answer.
• A good working thesis expresses a debatable idea or claim that can be supported with evidence from research.
• Writers create a research proposal to present their topic, main research question, subquestions, and working thesis to an instructor for approval or feedback.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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• School of business and management
• PhD and Research

Preparing a Research Proposal

Considering applying for a PhD? Explore our advice on everything you need to consider - from finding a supervisor to drafting a research proposal.

All applicants to our PhD programme should follow the simple steps below:

Identify a potential supervisor

Before making a formal application to our PhD programme you should discuss your ideas with a potential supervisor within the School. 

Develop your research proposal

Your research proposal (of no more than 2000 words) is an important element of the selection process. You should work closely with your potential supervisor to develop this.

Gather the necessary documents

Your application will need to be supported by a number of other documents. Before applying online, make sure you have prepared the following documents:

1. Completed application form (see step 4) 2. CV 3. Research proposal (2000 words excluding references) 4. Statement of purpose (one A4 side) 5. Full transcripts 6. Two academic references 7. Proof of English language ability (for applicants from non-English speaking countries)

Complete the online application form

All applications are to be  submitted online to the Admissions and Recruitment Office at Queen Mary, in the first instance. 

Identifying a Topic

Before applying for a PhD, there are a number of questions you need to consider. Most important amongst these are:

• Does your proposed PhD topic fit with the broader research interests of the School?
• Does the School include members of staff with specialist expertise in your chosen area of research?

If you think your proposed project fits within the broad interests of the School, the next step is to identify a member of academic staff who may be able to supervise you, and who can help you develop your research proposal. You can do this by viewing the individual research interests listed on our   staff pages ,  or through the   find an expert tool .  You can also find information by  viewing the   Research Centre   pages.

Finding a Supervisor

Finding the right supervisor.

If you think your proposed project fits within the broad interests of the School, the next step is to identify a member of academic staff who may be able to supervise you, and who can help you develop your research proposal. You can do this by viewing the individual research interests listed on our   staff pages ,  or through the   find an expert tool .  You can also find information by  viewing our  Research Centre   pages.

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It is one of the key criteria that the School (and funding bodies) uses to differentiate between different applicants. 

The research proposal should not exceed 2000 words. Bibliography, references and appendices are excluded from the wordcount. If your proposal goes over the word limit, you may be marked down.

Before making your final application, it is likely that you will need to revise your proposal several times. Whilst your potential supervisor may help you do this, it is important that you present them with as clear a proposal as you can, when you first make contact with them.

The keys to writing a strong research proposal are:

• To formulate a precise, interesting research question; this may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended enquiry.
• To establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking.
• To outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon.
• To suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up.
• To demonstrate that your research will not take longer than three years.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants must also submit a Statement of Purpose within their application.

Candidates should use the Statement of Purpose to set out information which is NOT set out in their Research Proposal. The Statement of Purpose should be a one side A4 document, containing the following information:

• Previous academic and other experience relevant to your proposed research.
• Why you wish to undertake this research at Queen Mary (thinking about where the project fits with the School and supervisors research interests).
• What research training and professional preparation you have already received.
• Any further training you think you may need to complete the PhD.
• Any ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking your research.

Entry Requirements

We are committed to appointing only the very best candidates to our PhD programme. Applications are accepted based on their previous academic performance, the quality of their research proposal and the availability of two suitable members of staff to supervise the chosen topic. Our current entry criteria are:

• Undergraduate degree with First Class Honours.
• Masters (MA, MSc or MRes, usually not an MBA) at Distinction level in Business, Management or discipline related to your research topic.
• Overall IELTS score of 7 with 6.5 in writing at the time of application, if English is not your first language.
• Applicants must be based in London for the duration of the programme.

We normally expect to see examples of First Class academic work (marks of 70 or above).

Borderline cases are considered when applicants have relevant work experience.

Funding your PhD

Fees and funding.

Undertaking a PhD is a serious financial commitment, and involves careful financial planning at the time of application and for the duration of the programme. Prices will almost inevitably rise and you must allow for this when planning your finances. Your costs will comprise both tuition fees and living costs.

Tuition fees

Full tuition fee information is available on Queen Mary's tuition fee pages .

A number of University and external funding opportunities are available to PhD research students. Find out more on the University's  scholarships web page .

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

PhD Assistance

Writing a research proposal for business management.

A research design is a thorough plan that helps a research project achieves its goals. Business research is a scientific examination that entails a series of highly interconnected operations, each of which might have negative consequences for subsequent activities if completed incorrectly (Greener, 2021). The steps of the business research proposal process are explained in this blog.

Fig1. Writing a Research Proposal

• Identifying the Problem

The determination of the topics that need to be explored is the first step in the research process. In the case of fundamental research undertaken by academics, a topic of interest or a new field of inquiry is found.

2. Collection of basic literatures

Following the identification of the problem , the following stage is to gather preliminary data/literature that can aid in developing a basic grasp of the problem; in the case of business difficulties consulting, this can aid in understanding the scenario (Saeed et al., 2021).

3. Problem Statement

Although other writers may not have included this step as an explicit step, I believe it is critical to explicitly express the problem. Clearly defining the problem with a statement can give significant benefits. It can assist in generating a clear knowledge of the issue that needs to be handled, as well as clearly spelling out the objectives that must be met in order to solve the problem.

4. Detailed Literature Review

Literature review is an important aspect of academic research since it acts as the heart of the study. It expands research horizons, aids in the development of focus, gives direction, and minimises ambiguity. A literature review entails searching the body of knowledge for relevant literature that will aid in not only identifying but also determining the direction of relationships between variables, as well as in the formulation of hypotheses. It will also be useful in discussions later on in the research (Pereira et al., 2021).

5. Research Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a well-informed estimate; it’s called such since it’s founded on the conceptual framework established in the literature study and theoretical framework . Predictable and testable hypotheses are essential.

6. Methodology

The researcher decides how the research will be carried out at this stage. It is critical that this part provide adequate information to the reader so that he or she may easily reproduce the research in their own situations (Wickert et al., 2021).

Step 7: Collecting data

After deciding on a study approach, the following step is to gather data . Telephonic interviews, individually delivered surveys, postal questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and observation are all examples of data collection methods.

Step 8: Data Entry and Screening & Cleansing of Data

The first step is to enter the information into any statistical programme that can aid in rapid data analysis . It is critical to review and cleaning of data for any irregularities once it has been submitted; failing to do so will result in inaccurate results.

Step 9: Data Analysis with statistical techniques

The next stage is to conduct proper statistical study based on the study hypothesis after the data has been input and cleaned. To examine the data, a variety of procedures are employed.

Step 10: Interpretation/Presentation of Results

After the data has been processed and the findings have been displayed on the screen, the following step is to analyse the data before presenting it. Contact PhD Assistance  for any of your PhD requirements as we offer PhD Dissertation Writing UK, Content Quality of Dissertation Proposal UK. The interpretation of the results is one of the most important challenges that most studies encounter. The researcher must assess whether the findings are important, whether the hypothesis is correct, and then report the findings in a clear and understandable manner (Johnson et al., 2021).

Step 11: Discussion

The Discussion chapter is the most significant portion of the article and the culmination of the study, but it is often overlooked. The majority of newcomers to research just interpret the findings without discussing them. Reviewing the research findings in light of previous research is part of the discussion. This part entails comparing and contrasting the study findings with those of earlier studies to evaluate if the findings are comparable or conflicting. If they are in conflict, the researcher must determine what is causing the change.

Step 12: Conclusion

A conclusion is the last phase of a research project. It gives a high-level summary of the thesis while highlighting the key areas of debate. This section presents the study findings in a logical order (Nair et al., 2021). When the conclusions agree with the findings of other studies, they might cite references.

Bell, Bryman,  and H. (2018). Formulating a research proposal . https://learninglink.oup.com/static/5bf28a25d910f40011b79ade/page_12.htm

Greener, S. L. (2021). Non-supervisory support for doctoral students in business and management: A critical friend. The International Journal of Management Education , 19 (2), 100463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2021.100463

Hejase, H. J. (2022). Faculty of Business Administration Guidelines on Writing the MBA Research Project / Thesis Faculty of Business Administration Guidelines on Writing the MBA Research Project / Thesis Applicable to most business emphases Accounting Economics Finance Hospita . February . file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/MBAResearchProject-ThesisManuscriptFebruary2022.pdf

Johnson, C. D., Bauer, B. C., & Niederman, F. (2021). The Automation of Management and Business Science. Academy of Management Perspectives , 35 (2), 292–309. https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2017.0159

Nair, R., Arshad, R., Abd Aziz, A. Z., & Muda, R. (2021). A critical reading of impression management in times of financial crisis and implications for business writing. Journal of Education for Business , 96 (4), 230–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/08832323.2020.1806017

Pereira, L., Santos, R., Sempiterno, M., Costa, R. L. da, Dias, Á., & António, N. (2021). Pereira Problem Solving: Business Research Methodology to Explore Open Innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity , 7 (1), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010084

Peterson, M. (2021). Teaching the Online Marketing Research Course for MBA Students. Journal of Marketing Education , 43 (3), 371–385. https://doi.org/10.1177/02734753211001422

Saeed, M. A., Mohammed H. Al-Ahdal, A. A., & Al Qunayeer, H. S. (2021). Integrating research proposal writing into a postgraduate research method course: what does it tell us? International Journal of Research & Method in Education , 44 (3), 303–318. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2020.1777963

Shao, H., Zhang, Z., & Wang, B. (2021). Research on accounting information security management based on blockchain. Mobile Information Systems , 2021 . https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9926106

Wickert, C., Post, C., Doh, J. P., Prescott, J. E., & Prencipe, A. (2021). Management Research that Makes a Difference: Broadening the Meaning of Impact. Journal of Management Studies , 58 (2), 297–320. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12666

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
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• About Informed Consent
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• Writing a Reflective Paper
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

The goal of a research proposal is twofold: to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The design elements and procedures for conducting research are governed by standards of the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, therefore, the guidelines for research proposals are more exacting and less formal than a general project proposal. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and benefits derived from the study's completion.

Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

How to Approach Writing a Research Proposal

Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons:

• Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study;
• Learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to determine that the research problem has not been adequately addressed or has been answered ineffectively and, in so doing, become better at locating pertinent scholarship related to your topic;
• Improve your general research and writing skills;
• Practice identifying the logical steps that must be taken to accomplish one's research goals;
• Critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem; and,
• Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of conducting scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a completed research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the findings of the study and your analysis of those findings. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing and, therefore, it is important that your proposal is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to investigate.
• Why do you want to do the research? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of in-depth study. A successful research proposal must answer the "So What?" question.
• How are you going to conduct the research? Be sure that what you propose is doable. If you're having difficulty formulating a research problem to propose investigating, go here for strategies in developing a problem to study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failure to be concise . A research proposal must be focused and not be "all over the map" or diverge into unrelated tangents without a clear sense of purpose.
• Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review . Proposals should be grounded in foundational research that lays a foundation for understanding the development and scope of the the topic and its relevance.
• Failure to delimit the contextual scope of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.]. As with any research paper, your proposed study must inform the reader how and in what ways the study will frame the problem.
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research . This is critical. In many workplace settings, the research proposal is a formal document intended to argue for why a study should be funded.
• Sloppy or imprecise writing, or poor grammar . Although a research proposal does not represent a completed research study, there is still an expectation that it is well-written and follows the style and rules of good academic writing.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues . Your proposal should focus on only a few key research questions in order to support the argument that the research needs to be conducted. Minor issues, even if valid, can be mentioned but they should not dominate the overall narrative.

Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal.  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith. Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal. Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Structure and Writing Style

Beginning the Proposal Process

As with writing most college-level academic papers, research proposals are generally organized the same way throughout most social science disciplines. The text of proposals generally vary in length between ten and thirty-five pages, followed by the list of references. However, before you begin, read the assignment carefully and, if anything seems unclear, ask your professor whether there are any specific requirements for organizing and writing the proposal.

A good place to begin is to ask yourself a series of questions:

• What do I want to study?
• Why is the topic important?
• How is it significant within the subject areas covered in my class?
• What problems will it help solve?
• How does it build upon [and hopefully go beyond] research already conducted on the topic?
• What exactly should I plan to do, and can I get it done in the time available?

In general, a compelling research proposal should document your knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your enthusiasm for conducting the study. Approach it with the intention of leaving your readers feeling like, "Wow, that's an exciting idea and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!"

Most proposals should include the following sections:

I.  Introduction

In the real world of higher education, a research proposal is most often written by scholars seeking grant funding for a research project or it's the first step in getting approval to write a doctoral dissertation. Even if this is just a course assignment, treat your introduction as the initial pitch of an idea based on a thorough examination of the significance of a research problem. After reading the introduction, your readers should not only have an understanding of what you want to do, but they should also be able to gain a sense of your passion for the topic and to be excited about the study's possible outcomes. Note that most proposals do not include an abstract [summary] before the introduction.

Think about your introduction as a narrative written in two to four paragraphs that succinctly answers the following four questions :

• What is the central research problem?
• What is the topic of study related to that research problem?
• What methods should be used to analyze the research problem?
• Answer the "So What?" question by explaining why this is important research, what is its significance, and why should someone reading the proposal care about the outcomes of the proposed study?

II.  Background and Significance

This is where you explain the scope and context of your proposal and describe in detail why it's important. It can be melded into your introduction or you can create a separate section to help with the organization and narrative flow of your proposal. Approach writing this section with the thought that you can’t assume your readers will know as much about the research problem as you do. Note that this section is not an essay going over everything you have learned about the topic; instead, you must choose what is most relevant in explaining the aims of your research.

To that end, while there are no prescribed rules for establishing the significance of your proposed study, you should attempt to address some or all of the following:

• State the research problem and give a more detailed explanation about the purpose of the study than what you stated in the introduction. This is particularly important if the problem is complex or multifaceted .
• Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing; be sure to answer the "So What? question [i.e., why should anyone care?].
• Describe the major issues or problems examined by your research. This can be in the form of questions to be addressed. Be sure to note how your proposed study builds on previous assumptions about the research problem.
• Explain the methods you plan to use for conducting your research. Clearly identify the key sources you intend to use and explain how they will contribute to your analysis of the topic.
• Describe the boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Where appropriate, state not only what you plan to study, but what aspects of the research problem will be excluded from the study.
• If necessary, provide definitions of key concepts, theories, or terms.

III.  Literature Review

Connected to the background and significance of your study is a section of your proposal devoted to a more deliberate review and synthesis of prior studies related to the research problem under investigation . The purpose here is to place your project within the larger whole of what is currently being explored, while at the same time, demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. Think about what questions other researchers have asked, what methodological approaches they have used, and what is your understanding of their findings and, when stated, their recommendations. Also pay attention to any suggestions for further research.

Since a literature review is information dense, it is crucial that this section is intelligently structured to enable a reader to grasp the key arguments underpinning your proposed study in relation to the arguments put forth by other researchers. A good strategy is to break the literature into "conceptual categories" [themes] rather than systematically or chronologically describing groups of materials one at a time. Note that conceptual categories generally reveal themselves after you have read most of the pertinent literature on your topic so adding new categories is an on-going process of discovery as you review more studies. How do you know you've covered the key conceptual categories underlying the research literature? Generally, you can have confidence that all of the significant conceptual categories have been identified if you start to see repetition in the conclusions or recommendations that are being made.

NOTE: Do not shy away from challenging the conclusions made in prior research as a basis for supporting the need for your proposal. Assess what you believe is missing and state how previous research has failed to adequately examine the issue that your study addresses. Highlighting the problematic conclusions strengthens your proposal. For more information on writing literature reviews, GO HERE .

To help frame your proposal's review of prior research, consider the "five C’s" of writing a literature review:

• Cite , so as to keep the primary focus on the literature pertinent to your research problem.
• Compare the various arguments, theories, methodologies, and findings expressed in the literature: what do the authors agree on? Who applies similar approaches to analyzing the research problem?
• Contrast the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and controversies expressed in the literature: describe what are the major areas of disagreement, controversy, or debate among scholars?
• Critique the literature: Which arguments are more persuasive, and why? Which approaches, findings, and methodologies seem most reliable, valid, or appropriate, and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe what an author says/does [e.g., asserts, demonstrates, argues, etc.].
• Connect the literature to your own area of research and investigation: how does your own work draw upon, depart from, synthesize, or add a new perspective to what has been said in the literature?

IV.  Research Design and Methods

This section must be well-written and logically organized because you are not actually doing the research, yet, your reader must have confidence that you have a plan worth pursuing . The reader will never have a study outcome from which to evaluate whether your methodological choices were the correct ones. Thus, the objective here is to convince the reader that your overall research design and proposed methods of analysis will correctly address the problem and that the methods will provide the means to effectively interpret the potential results. Your design and methods should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

Describe the overall research design by building upon and drawing examples from your review of the literature. Consider not only methods that other researchers have used, but methods of data gathering that have not been used but perhaps could be. Be specific about the methodological approaches you plan to undertake to obtain information, the techniques you would use to analyze the data, and the tests of external validity to which you commit yourself [i.e., the trustworthiness by which you can generalize from your study to other people, places, events, and/or periods of time].

When describing the methods you will use, be sure to cover the following:

• Specify the research process you will undertake and the way you will interpret the results obtained in relation to the research problem. Don't just describe what you intend to achieve from applying the methods you choose, but state how you will spend your time while applying these methods [e.g., coding text from interviews to find statements about the need to change school curriculum; running a regression to determine if there is a relationship between campaign advertising on social media sites and election outcomes in Europe ].
• Keep in mind that the methodology is not just a list of tasks; it is a deliberate argument as to why techniques for gathering information add up to the best way to investigate the research problem. This is an important point because the mere listing of tasks to be performed does not demonstrate that, collectively, they effectively address the research problem. Be sure you clearly explain this.
• Anticipate and acknowledge any potential barriers and pitfalls in carrying out your research design and explain how you plan to address them. No method applied to research in the social and behavioral sciences is perfect, so you need to describe where you believe challenges may exist in obtaining data or accessing information. It's always better to acknowledge this than to have it brought up by your professor!

V.  Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

Just because you don't have to actually conduct the study and analyze the results, doesn't mean you can skip talking about the analytical process and potential implications . The purpose of this section is to argue how and in what ways you believe your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the subject area under investigation. Depending on the aims and objectives of your study, describe how the anticipated results will impact future scholarly research, theory, practice, forms of interventions, or policy making. Note that such discussions may have either substantive [a potential new policy], theoretical [a potential new understanding], or methodological [a potential new way of analyzing] significance.   When thinking about the potential implications of your study, ask the following questions:

• What might the results mean in regards to challenging the theoretical framework and underlying assumptions that support the study?
• What suggestions for subsequent research could arise from the potential outcomes of the study?
• What will the results mean to practitioners in the natural settings of their workplace, organization, or community?
• Will the results influence programs, methods, and/or forms of intervention?
• How might the results contribute to the solution of social, economic, or other types of problems?
• Will the results influence policy decisions?
• In what way do individuals or groups benefit should your study be pursued?
• What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed research?
• How will the results of the study be implemented and what innovations or transformative insights could emerge from the process of implementation?

NOTE:   This section should not delve into idle speculation, opinion, or be formulated on the basis of unclear evidence . The purpose is to reflect upon gaps or understudied areas of the current literature and describe how your proposed research contributes to a new understanding of the research problem should the study be implemented as designed.

ANOTHER NOTE : This section is also where you describe any potential limitations to your proposed study. While it is impossible to highlight all potential limitations because the study has yet to be conducted, you still must tell the reader where and in what form impediments may arise and how you plan to address them.

VI.  Conclusion

The conclusion reiterates the importance or significance of your proposal and provides a brief summary of the entire study . This section should be only one or two paragraphs long, emphasizing why the research problem is worth investigating, why your research study is unique, and how it should advance existing knowledge.

Someone reading this section should come away with an understanding of:

• Why the study should be done;
• The specific purpose of the study and the research questions it attempts to answer;
• The decision for why the research design and methods used where chosen over other options;
• The potential implications emerging from your proposed study of the research problem; and
• A sense of how your study fits within the broader scholarship about the research problem.

VII.  Citations

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used . In a standard research proposal, this section can take two forms, so consult with your professor about which one is preferred.

• References -- a list of only the sources you actually used in creating your proposal.
• Bibliography -- a list of everything you used in creating your proposal, along with additional citations to any key sources relevant to understanding the research problem.

In either case, this section should testify to the fact that you did enough preparatory work to ensure the project will complement and not just duplicate the efforts of other researchers. It demonstrates to the reader that you have a thorough understanding of prior research on the topic.

Most proposal formats have you start a new page and use the heading "References" or "Bibliography" centered at the top of the page. Cited works should always use a standard format that follows the writing style advised by the discipline of your course [e.g., education=APA; history=Chicago] or that is preferred by your professor. This section normally does not count towards the total page length of your research proposal.

Develop a Research Proposal: Writing the Proposal. Office of Library Information Services. Baltimore County Public Schools; Heath, M. Teresa Pereira and Caroline Tynan. “Crafting a Research Proposal.” The Marketing Review 10 (Summer 2010): 147-168; Jones, Mark. “Writing a Research Proposal.” In MasterClass in Geography Education: Transforming Teaching and Learning . Graham Butt, editor. (New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015), pp. 113-127; Juni, Muhamad Hanafiah. “Writing a Research Proposal.” International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences 1 (September/October 2014): 229-240; Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005; Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Punch, Keith and Wayne McGowan. "Developing and Writing a Research Proposal." In From Postgraduate to Social Scientist: A Guide to Key Skills . Nigel Gilbert, ed. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006), 59-81; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences , Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on 13 June 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organised and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: ‘A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management’
• Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesise prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

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Management Research Paper Topics

The field of management is an extremely broad discipline that draws upon concepts and ideas from the physical and social sciences, particularly mathematics, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Within business, the field of management includes research paper topics and ideas also common to marketing, economics, finance, insurance, transportation, accounting, computer technologies, information systems, engineering, and business law.

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Aggregate Planning B2B B2E Management Barriers to Entry Best Practices Brainstorming Business Plan Capacity Planning Content Management System Decision Rules and Decision Analysis Decision Support Systems Diversification Strategy Divestment Downsizing and Rightsizing Economies of Scale and Economies of Scope Environmentalism and Sustainability Exit Strategy Exporting and Importing Franchising Free Trade Agreements and Trading Blocs Futuring Gap Analysis Generic Competitive Strategies Globalization Goals and Goal Setting Group Decision Making Knowledge-Based View of the Firm Location Strategy Long Tail Macroenvironmental Forces Make-or-Buy Decisions Manufacturing Resources Planning Market Share Mergers and Acquisitions Miles and Snow Typology Multiple-Criteria Decision Making New Product Development Open and Closed Systems Operations Strategy Opportunity Cost Order-Winning and Order-Qualifying Criteria Porter’s Five Forces Model Product Life Cycle and Industry Life Cycle Production Planning and Scheduling Results-Only Work Environment Strategic Integration Strategic Planning Failure Strategic Planning Tools Strategy Formulation Strategy Implementation Strategy in the Global Environment Strategy Levels SWOT Analysis Synergy Upselling Zero-Based Budgeting

EMERGING TOPICS IN MANAGEMENT

Activity-Based Costing Affirmative Action Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists Artificial Intelligence Assessment Centers B2B B2E Management Balanced Scorecard Bar Coding and Radio Frequency Identification Business Process Reengineering Cafeteria Plan—Flexible Benefits Cellular Manufacturing Chaos Theory Coalition Building Communities of Interest/Communities of Practice Complexity Theory Concurrent Engineering and Design Consulting Contingency Approach to Management Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Trends Corporate Governance Corporate Social Responsibility Customer Relationship Management Decision Support Systems Diversity Electronic Commerce Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfer Empowerment Enterprise Resource Planning Entrepreneurship Environmentalism and Sustainability Ethics Expatriates Expert Systems Five S Framework Flexible Spending Accounts Futuring Handheld Computers Health Savings Accounts Human Resource Information Systems Innovation Instant Messaging Intellectual Property Rights Intrapreneurship Knowledge-Based View of the Firm Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Metadata or Meta-Analysis Mobile Commerce Multiple-Criteria Decision Making Non-Compete Agreements Outsourcing and Offshoring Paradigm Shift Popular Press Management Books Quality of Work Life Results-Only Work Environment Robotics Social Networking Spirituality in Leadership Succession Planning Telecommunications Vendor Rating Virtual Corporations Women and Minorities in Management

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists Balance Sheets Brainstorming Break-Even Point Budgeting Business Plan Business Structure Cafeteria Plan—Flexible Benefits Case Method of Analysis Cash Flow Analysis and Statements Competitive Advantage Consumer Behavior Cost Accounting Customer Relationship Management Diversification Strategy Domestic Management Societies and Associations Due Diligence Economics Economies of Scale and Economies of Scope Effectiveness and Efficiency Financial Issues for Managers Financial Ratios First-Mover Advantage Futuring Gap Analysis Generic Competitive Strategies Income Statements Initial Public Offering Innovation Intellectual Property Rights International Business International Management Societies and Associations Intrapreneurship Inventory Management Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances Knowledge Management Knowledge Workers Leveraged Buyouts Licensing and Licensing Agreements Location Strategy Macroenvironmental Forces Make-or-Buy Decisions Market Share Marketing Concept and Philosophy Marketing Research Miles and Snow Typology Mission and Vision Statements New Product Development Non-Compete Agreements Organizational Development Outsourcing and Offshoring Patents and Trademarks Planning Poison Pill Strategies Popular Press Management Books Porter’s Five Forces Model Pricing Policy and Strategy Problem Solving Process Management Product Design Product Life Cycle and Industry Life Cycle Profit Sharing Research Methods and Processes Scenario Planning Securities and Exchange Commission Shareholders Stakeholders Strategic Planning Tools Strategy Levels Succession Planning SWOT Analysis Synergy Technology Transfer Value Creation Venture Capital Virtual Organizations

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING

Activity-Based Costing Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists Balance Sheets Balanced Scorecard Break-Even Point Budgeting Capacity Planning Cash Flow Analysis and Statements Corporate Social Responsibility Cost Accounting Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis Debt vs. Equity Financing Domestic Management Societies and Associations Due Diligence Economics Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfer Employee Benefits Employee Compensation Executive Compensation Exit Strategy Financial Issues for Managers Financial Ratios Flexible Spending Accounts Health Savings Accounts Income Statements Initial Public Offering Insider Trading Internal Auditing International Management Societies and Associations International Monetary Fund Inventory Types Leveraged Buyouts Licensing and Licensing Agreements Long Tail Make-or-Buy Decisions Management Control Nonprofit Organizations Opportunity Cost Patents and Trademarks Profit Sharing Purchasing and Procurement Risk Management Securities and Exchange Commission Stakeholders Succession Planning Venture Capital Zero-Based Budgeting

GENERAL MANAGEMENT TOPICS

Aggregate Planning The Art and Science of Management Autonomy B2B B2E Management Balanced Scorecard Barriers to Entry Best Practices Black Friday Brainstorming Budgeting Business Plan Business Structure Communication Competitive Advantage Competitive Intelligence Contingency Approach to Management Continuous Improvement Corporate Governance Corporate Social Responsibility Delegation Disaster Recovery Diversity Divestment Downsizing and Rightsizing Economics Effectiveness and Efficiency Electronic Commerce Empowerment Financial Issues for Managers Financial Ratios Forecasting Generic Competitive Strategies Globalization Goals and Goal Setting Human Resource Management Innovation International Management Knowledge-Based View of the Firm Knowledge Management Leadership Styles and Bases of Power Leadership Theories and Studies Line-and-Staff Organizations Logistics and Transportation Management Control Management Functions Management Information Systems Management Science Management Styles Management Thought Managing Change Mission and Vision Statements Motivation and Motivation Theory Operations Management Organization Theory Organizational Analysis and Planning Organizational Behavior Organizational Chart Organizational Culture Organizational Learning Organizational Structure Organizational Development Organizing Paradigm Shift Participative Management Patents and Trademarks Paternalism Pioneers of Management Planning Process Management Quality and Total Quality Management Request for Proposal/Quotation Social Networking Strategic Integration Strategy Formulation Strategy Implementation Strategy in the Global Environment Strategy Levels Subject Matter Expert Succession Planning Training Delivery Methods Trends in Organizational Change

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Affirmative Action Artificial Intelligence Assessment Centers Autonomy Nonverbal Communication Brainstorming Cafeteria Plan—Flexible Benefits Coalition Building Communication Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Trends Discrimination Diversity Downsizing and Rightsizing Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfer Employee Assistance Programs Employee Benefits Employee Compensation Employee Evaluation and Performance Appraisals Employee Handbook and Orientation Employee Recruitment Employee Screening and Selection Employment Law and Compliance Empowerment Executive Compensation Flexible Spending Accounts Group Dynamics Health Savings Accounts Human Resource Information Systems Human Resource Management Japanese Management Job Analysis Knowledge-Based View of the Firm Knowledge Workers Mentoring Morale Motivation and Motivation Theory Nepotism Non-Compete Agreements Organizational Behavior Organizational Chart Organizational Culture Performance Measurement Personality and Personality Tests Privacy, Privacy Laws, and Workplace Privacy Quality of Work Life Reinforcement Theory Results-Only Work Environment Safety in the Workplace Scalable or JIT Workforce Sensitivity Training Social Networking Stress Succession Planning Sweatshops Task Analysis Teams and Teamwork Theory X and Theory Y Theory Z Time Management Training Delivery Methods Virtual Organizations Women and Minorities in Management

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Artificial Intelligence Bandwidth Bar Coding and Radio Frequency Identification Communication Competitive Intelligence Complexity Theory Computer Networks Computer Security Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Computer-Integrated Manufacturing Content Management System Data Processing and Data Management Decision Rules and Decision Analysis Decision Support Systems Delegation Electronic Commerce Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfer Environmentalism and Sustainability Experience and Learning Curves Expert Systems Forecasting Fuzzy Logic Handheld Computers Information Assurance Innovation The Internet Knowledge Centers Knowledge Management Knowledge Workers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Management Information Systems Manufacturing Control via the Internet Metadata or Meta-Analysis Mobile Commerce Nanotechnology Product Design Project Management Robotics Service-Oriented Architecture Technology Management Technology Transfer Telecommunications Virtual Corporations Virtual Organizations Web 2.0 WiMax

INTERNATIONAL AND GLOBAL MANAGEMENT

B2B Competitive Advantage Diversity European Union Expatriates Exporting and Importing First-Mover Advantage Franchising Free TradeAgreements and Trading Blocs Futuring Globalization International Business International Management International Management Societies and Associations International Monetary Fund International Organization for Standards Japanese Management Licensing and Licensing Agreements Location Strategy Macroenvironmental Forces Outsourcing and Offshoring Patents and Trademarks Popular Press Management Books Profit Sharing Strategy in the Global Environment Sweatshops Transnational Organization Value-Added Tax Vendor Rating Virtual Organizations World-Class Manufacturer

LEADERSHIP RESEARCH TOPICS

The Art and Science of Management Assessment Centers Best Practices Communication Contingency Approach to Management Corporate Governance Corporate Social Responsibility Delegation Domestic Management Societies and Associations Entrepreneurship Executive Compensation Expert Systems Goals and Goal Setting Human Resource Management International Management Societies and Associations Japanese Management Job Analysis Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances Knowledge Management Knowledge Workers Leadership Styles and Bases of Power Leadership Theories and Studies Line-and-Staff Organizations Management and Executive Development Management Functions Management Levels Management Styles Management Thought Managing Change Mechanistic Organizations Mentoring Mission and Vision Statements Morale Motivation and Motivation Theory Open and Closed Systems Operant Conditioning Organizational Culture Paradigm Shift Participative Management Personality and Personality Tests Pioneers of Management Problem Solving Reinforcement Theory Sensitivity Training Span of Control Spirituality in Leadership Strategy Formulation Succession Planning Teams and Teamwork Theory X and Theory Y Theory Z Women and Minorities in Management

LEGAL ISSUES

Affirmative Action Cafeteria Plan—Flexible Benefits Computer Networks Computer Security Corporate Governance Corporate Social Responsibility Discrimination Diversity Downsizing and Rightsizing Due Diligence Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfer Employee Assistance Programs Employee Benefits Employee Compensation Employee Evaluation and Performance Appraisals Employee Recruitment Employee Screening and Selection Employment Law and Compliance Ethics Executive Compensation Human Resource Management Insider Trading Intellectual Property Rights Job Analysis Leveraged Buyouts Management Audit Management Control Mergers and Acquisitions Nepotism Non-Compete Agreements Patents and Trademarks Personality and Personality Tests Privacy, Privacy Laws, and Workplace Privacy Quality of Work Life Risk Management Safety in the Workplace Stress Succession Planning Sunshine Laws Sweatshops Technology Transfer Whistle Blower Women and Minorities in Management

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Balanced Scorecard Bandwidth Bar Coding and Radio Frequency Identification Barriers to Entry Complexity Theory Computer Networks Computer Security Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Computer-Integrated Manufacturing Content Management System Data Processing and Data Management Decision Rules and Decision Analysis Decision Support Systems Distribution and Distribution Requirements Planning Electronic Commerce Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfer Service-Oriented Architecture Statistical Process Control and Six Sigma Systems Design, Development, and Implementation Technology Management Technology Transfer

MANAGEMENT SCIENCE AND OPERATIONS RESEARCH

Bar Coding and Radio Frequency Identification Business Process Reengineering Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Concurrent Engineering and Design Decision Rules and Decision Analysis Decision Support Systems Distribution and Distribution Requirements Planning Expert Systems Location Strategy Logistics and Transportation Maintenance Make-or-Buy Decisions Manufacturing Resources Planning Models and Modeling Multiple-Criteria Decision Making New Product Development Operating System Operations Management Operations Scheduling Operations Strategy Product Design Production Planning and Scheduling Productivity Concepts and Measures Product-Process Matrix Project Management Purchasing and Procurement Quality and Total Quality Management Research Methods and Processes Reverse Supply Chain Logistics Scenario Planning Service Operations Service Process Matrix Simulation Statistical Process Control and Six Sigma Statistics Subject Matter Expert Systems Analysis Systems Design, Development, and Implementation Technology Transfer Warehousing and Warehouse Management World-Class Manufacturer

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND ASSESSMENT

Activity-Based Costing Balance Sheets Balanced Scorecard Benchmarking Best Practices Break-Even Point Budgeting Cash Flow Analysis and Statements Continuous Improvement Cost Accounting Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis Cycle Time Debt vs. Equity Financing Due Diligence Effectiveness and Efficiency Executive Compensation Financial Issues for Managers Financial Ratios Forecasting Gap Analysis Goals and Goal Setting Management Audit Management Control Management Information Systems Market Share Multiple-Criteria Decision Making Nepotism Order-Winning and Order-Qualifying Criteria Performance Measurement Pricing Policy and Strategy Profit Sharing Simulation Stakeholders Value Analysis Value Chain Management Value Creation Vendor Rating Zero-Based Budgeting Zero Sum Game

PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MANAGERS

The Art and Science of Management Brainstorming Coalition Building Communication Consulting Contingency Approach to Management Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Trends Continuous Improvement Customer Relationship Management Delegation Diversity Employee Assistance Programs Empowerment Entrepreneurship Facilitator Feedback Goals and Goal Setting Group Dynamics Intrapreneurship Knowledge Workers Leadership Styles and Bases of Power Managing Change Mentoring Morale Motivation and Motivation Theory Multimedia Organizing Participative Management Personality and Personality Tests Planning Popular Press Management Books Problem Solving Profit Sharing Safety in the Workplace Sensitivity Training Spirituality in Leadership Strategic Planning Tools Stress Succession Planning SWOT Analysis Teams and Teamwork Time Management Trends in Organizational Change Value Creation

PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Activity-Based Costing Aggregate Planning Bar Coding and Radio Frequency Identification Benchmarking Break-Even Point Business Process Reengineering Cellular Manufacturing Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Computer-Integrated Manufacturing Concurrent Engineering and Design Continuous Improvement Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis Decision Rules and Decision Analysis Decision Support Systems Distribution and Distribution Requirements Planning Domestic Management Societies and Associations Five S Framework Flexible Manufacturing Forecasting Industrial Relations International Management Societies and Associations Inventory Management Inventory Types Japanese Management Layout Lean Manufacturing and Just-in-Time Production Location Strategy Logistics and Transportation Long Tail Maintenance Make-or-Buy Decisions Management Awards Manufacturing Control via the Internet Manufacturing Resources Planning Market Share New Product Development Operations Management Operations Scheduling Operations Strategy Order-Winning and Order-Qualifying Criteria Outsourcing and Offshoring Participative Management Poka-Yoke Popular Press Management Books Porter’s Five Forces Model Production Planning and Scheduling Productivity Concepts and Measures Product-Process Matrix Project Management Purchasing and Procurement Quality Gurus Quality and Total Quality Management Reverse Supply Chain Logistics Robotics Safety in the Workplace Scalable or JIT Workforce Service Factory Service Industry Service Operations Service Process Matrix Simulation Statistical Process Control and Six Sigma Statistics Strategic Integration Supply Chain Management Synergy Teams and Teamwork Technology Management Technology Transfer Theory of Constraints Time-Based Competition Upselling Warehousing and Warehouse Management World-Class Manufacturer

QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Communication Customer Relationship Management Domestic Management Societies and Associations Five S Framework Gap Analysis Goals and Goal Setting Innovation International Management Societies and Associations Japanese Management Management Awards Manufacturing Resources Planning Marketing Research Operations Strategy Opportunity Cost Order-Winning and Order-Qualifying Criteria Outsourcing and Offshoring Participative Management Popular Press Management Books Productivity Concepts and Measures Quality Gurus Quality and Total Quality Management Quality of Work Life Statistical Process Control and Six Sigma Strategic Planning Tools Teams and Teamwork Value Analysis Value Creation Vendor Rating World-Class Manufacturer

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Activity-Based Costing Business Process Reengineering Capacity Planning Cellular Manufacturing Coalition Building Communication Competitive Advantage Competitive Intelligence Computer Networks Computer-Integrated Manufacturing Conflict Management and Negotiation Customer Relationship Management Cycle Time Decision Support Systems Distribution and Distribution Requirements Planning Economies of Scale and Economies of Scope Effectiveness and Efficiency Electronic Commerce Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Funds Transfer Enterprise Resource Planning Expert Systems Fulfillment Group Dynamics Industrial Relations Inventory Management Inventory Types Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances Lean Manufacturing and Just-in-Time Production Location Strategy Logistics and Transportation Long Tail Make-or-Buy Decisions Manufacturing Resources Planning Market Share Multiple-Criteria Decision Making New Product Development Operations Management Operations Scheduling Operations Strategy Organic Organizations Organizing Poka-Yoke Problem Solving Process Management Product Design Product Life Cycle and Industry Life Cycle Production Planning and Scheduling Productivity Concepts and Measures Product-Process Matrix Purchasing and Procurement Quality and Total Quality Management Reverse Auction Reverse Supply Chain Logistics Risk Management Span of Control Stakeholders Teams and Teamwork Vendor Rating Warehousing and Warehouse Management

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Artificial Intelligence Assessment Centers Autonomy Concurrent Engineering and Design Conflict Management and Negotiation Consulting Contingency Approach to Management Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Trends Continuous Improvement Corporate Social Responsibility Delegation Domestic Management Societies and Associations Downsizing and Rightsizing Employee Evaluation and Performance Appraisals Employee Handbook and Orientation Goals and Goal Setting Group Decision Making Human Resource Management Innovation Instant Messaging International Management Societies and Associations Job Analysis Knowledge Management Knowledge Workers Management and Executive Development Management Audit Marketing Communication Mission and Vision Statements Morale Motivation and Motivation Theory Multimedia Multiple-Criteria Decision Making Organizational Culture Organizational Learning Organizing Participative Management Personality and Personality Tests Popular Press Management Books Problem Solving Project Management Safety in the Workplace Sensitivity Training Simulation Stress Succession Planning SWOT Analysis Teams and Teamwork Training Delivery Methods Virtual Organizations Women and Minorities in Management

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17 Research Proposal Examples

A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

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Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

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8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

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• Postgraduate

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

• Highlight how it is original or significant
• Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
• Identify the importance of your research
• Show why you are the right person to do this research
• Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
• Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
• Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

• Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
• Writing a Creative Writing PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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What’s Included: Research Proposal Template

Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources.

The research proposal template covers the following core elements:

• Introduction & background (including the research problem)
• Literature review
• Research design / methodology
• Project plan , resource requirements and risk management

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

PS – if you’d like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we’ve got that too .

Research Proposal Template FAQS

What types of research proposals can this template be used for.

The proposal template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of dissertations and theses (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the introduction chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level proposal?

This template can be used for a research project at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the research proposal to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.

How long should my research proposal be?

The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research propsal.

How detailed should the methodology of the proposal be?

You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.

Can I include preliminary data or pilot study results in my proposal?

Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services .

Further Resources: Proposal Writing

The template provides step-by-step guidance for each section of your research proposal, but if you’d like to learn more about how to write up a high-quality research proposal, check out the rest of our free proposal-related resources:

• Research Proposal 101
• Examples of research proposals
• How To Find A Research Topic
• How To Find A Research Gap
• Developing Your Golden Thread
• How To Write A Research Proposal
• 8 Common Proposal Writing Mistakes

You can also visit the Grad Coach blog for more proposal-related resources.

If you’d prefer 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, have a look at our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the research process, step by step.

• Academics & Research

eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM)

Also in proposal management.

• Proposal Management
• Getting Started
• Proposal Management Access
• System Workflow
• Research Unit Liaisons
• Reference Materials
• Release Notes

eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM) is used to electronically:

• Create, route, and approve Proposal Approval Forms (PAF) to submit funding proposals to external sponsors, including Grants.gov
• Route an unfunded agreement (UFA) for processing (e.g., Non-Disclosure Agreement, Material Transfer Agreement, etc.)
• Create and route Clinical Trial Routing Forms (CTRF)
• Create, route, and approve Awards (AWD)

Contact your Research Unit Liaison with questions about when to use eRPM or unit business policies/requirements .

Visit  Training  for courses you can attend.

Refer to  Reference Materials  for step-by-step instructions, job-aids, and support documentation on using eRPM.

See the Release Notes  to find out what's new in eRPM.

eRPM is developed under the leadership of the U-M Office of Research (UMOR), Office of Research and Sponsored Projects ( ORSP ), Research Administration Advisory Council ( RAAC ), and Information and Technology Services ( ITS ), with input from faculty and staff from all three U-M campuses.

Doctoral student awarded NASA Graduate Research Fellowship

Sponsored by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, the NSTGRO fellowship supports ideas that show significant potential to contribute to NASA’s goal of creating innovative new space technologies for our Nation’s science, exploration, and economic future. NASA Space Technology Graduate Researchers will perform innovative, space technology research at their respective campuses and a NASA center. The visiting technologist experience is an integral part of an NSTGRO award, during which the NASA Space Technology Graduate Researchers perform their research at a NASA center each summer. Awards are made in the form of grants to accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees, with the faculty advisor serving as the principal investigator.

Agata, Bigham, and their research group at the Energy-Exploration Laboratory ( Energy-X ) are currently working on the development of next-generation life support systems, to replace the current state-of-the-art technology with 3D-printed sorbent structures. They have developed a complex, multi-physics, computational fluid dynamic model that is capable of exploring the governing mechanisms of carbon dioxide adsorption and regeneration processes. Through this, optimization of topologies can be achieved, improving system performance and reliability while reducing system mass, volume, and power consumption. Under the proposed work, Agata will develop a holistic understanding of their printed structures, directly measuring material properties and constructing a benchtop breakthrough analyzer to further assist and improve the accuracy and capabilities of their modeling.

The goal is to optimize carbon dioxide adsorption and regeneration processes while simultaneously reducing pressure losses experienced by the air mixture. The team believes that an optimized sorption system can be realized by designing 3D sorbent structures with proper topology, material characteristics, and thermal conductivity. If successful, this project will advance the air revitalization system of NASA space vehicles for future Moon and Mars missions.

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The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) is the home of a diverse multidisciplinary team of investigators with complementary research interests. The Center supports investigators, research, and expertise in gerontology to accomplish the OAIC mission: To Improve Physical Function and Independence in Older Adults .

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Call for pilot project proposals - utmb dmac cercit.

Call for Pilot Projects - Data Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas

The UTMB DMAC, funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, encourages all investigators in Texas academic and research institutions to submit pilot grant proposals on comparative effectiveness research on cancer in Texas. Proposals from screening, diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment surveillance, or survivorship are all welcome.

James S. Goodwin, MD

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