How to write a proposal?

Preparation method of writing a PhD Research Proposal:

For the first step of writing this proposal, you are required to identify the purpose of a research project and what you plan to accomplish. Before starting to write, you can create a plan of what needs to be mentioned or proposed in the paper. Do not hesitate to demonstrate your knowledge; however you are required to mention where the idea was derived from or how it occurred to you.  By a writing plan first, you can organise your thoughts and approach of presenting your thoughts.

 

The proposed technique must be the one practiced to collect the data and analysis. Hence, it is important to specify the appropriate method and apply it throughout your procedures. This is important since, the reader must be convinced that your proposed technique best way to of accomplishing the data and analysis for the project. The proposed project should have something new to offer; otherwise it would be the duplication of previous applicants.

 

Once you have been appointed a supervisor, do declare shortage of any material or equipment that needs to be provided for completion of your project.  If you require special elements or tools that have not been previously prepared, may be required to provide information as how it can be supplied.  You may have to report to have a particular book provided for the project.

Each stage of the project and the needed materials should be carefully explained. You may need to announce to undertake any special skills required for completion of the project. For instance: you may require assistance or learn more about Statistical Data Analysis.

Ultimately, you are required to state the total costs of completing the proposed project and any addition costs like traveling should also be noted and calculated.

Below is a list of tips and suggestions for writing a better proposal:

 

Select a title:

Title is the best phrase to represent the main subject of the research. The statement should not be more than 20 words.  You may edit the title after the proposal is written. As it is very important it should not be vague and ambiguous. The title of your research could be a question or an issue, which will be answered and evaluated in the paper.

For example a good title statement would be:

 

·         The importance of religion to psychiatric patients: do religious clients relapse more or less often than non-religious clients

·         The role of the bull in Mionoan-Mycenaean religion and its survival into Greek religion

 

And a poor title statement would be:

·         The impact of twelve hour shifts in the workplace

·         Factors in the successful performance of strategic alliances

 

Key words for the opening sentence

It is always recommended to use the below mentioned phrases, for the opening statement of a research paper

For the opening statement of the research papers, it is best to uses phrases such as:

·         “This study takes the next logical step in integrating……”

·         “This study will extend…”

·         “Until now it has not been possible to…., however ….”

·         “Until now ……has not been understood, however….”

·         “…..has been overlooked in previous studies of…”

·         “Previous work was limited by ……, I propose to…”

·         “it has been suggested by previous research that …..will be investigated further”

 

Body of the research proposal must:

·         Offer new solutions for an existing problem,

·         Provide new techniques to replace the previously used methods,

·         Intend to deliver an innovation for a region or nation,

·         Provide solid evidences and documents for the proposed idea,

·         Address facts that have not been previously considered, and

·         Continue the unfinished works of previous researches.

 

Some information about the supervisors:

Supervisors have the discretion of accepting or rejecting the proposed researches. You must be very selective in choosing the right supervisor. Usually, students refer to the University’s website to become familiar with their relevant PhD professors and supervisors.   They will then email one or more of the faculty members and present them with his/her research proposal. Generally, the supervisor should have previously worked in the field of proposed research. It is preferred to research and study the supervisor’s resume before collaboration. In the event that the proposed research is new and innovative, the supervisor may accept the proposal even if he/she has not previously worked in that field. Another reason that the supervisor may reject the proposal could be its complications. For instance: the idea is completely incorrect.  At some circumstances, the supervisor may ask to have the work amended or refer you to his colleagues. Supposing you are qualified for scholarship the supervisor will provide you assistance and advice on this matter. It is important to have close and healthy relationship with your supervisors throughout the duration of your work, as he/she may be transferred to a different college or university.

It should be noted, you may not have the opportunity of choosing your supervisor. Some universities only have one email address for students to have their proposal and researches submitted for evaluation. In this incident, you are not in a person in contact with the professors and will need to wait to have a supervisor appointed to your case.

 

There is no specific time to start the project as it all depends on terms of agreement between the student and the supervisor. Fortunately the visa application process is quick for Iranian research students. Therefore, should not be worried if the visa processing time takes longer, as you only need to inform your supervisor about your arrival time.

 

Below is a list of samples for research proposals: