How to write a research proposal

There is no single format for research proposals. This is because every research project is different. Different disciplines, donor organisations and academic institutions all have different formats and requirements. There are, however, several key components which must be included in every research proposal.

Key components are:
• A description of the research problem.
• An argument as to why that problem is important.
• A review of literature relevant to the research problem.
• A description of the proposed research methodology.
• A description of how the research findings will be used and/or disseminated.

DESCRIBING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Before your proposal can make sense to a reader, he or she must understand clearly what the proposed research will be about. Therefore, you would do well to begin this section with a clear and simple formulation of your research question.

WHY THE RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT
This section, often referred to as the "rationale" is crucial, because it is one place in which the researcher tries to convince her/his supervisor/external examiner that the research is worth doing. You can do this by describing how the results may be used.Are there other contributions your research will make?

Literature review
The literature review presents one of the greatest challenges of the research proposal to experienced and inexperienced researchers alike.

The literature review:
* Provides a conceptual framework for the reader so that the research question and methodology can be better understood.
* Demonstrates to the expert reader that the researcher is aware of the breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research question.

It is important that you are able to provide an integrated overview of your field of study. This means that you show awareness of the most important and relevant theories, models, studies and methodologies.