This slideshow explains the complete process of writing research proposal for funding agencies. It is useful for the PhD students, researchers, R& D department of company personnel.

1. How to write a good research
proposal for funding agencies
Dr. A.V. Dusane
anildusane@gmail.com
www.careerguru.co.com
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2. Research
The word research is derived from "recherche", which means "to go about seeking“.
"recerchier" a compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or "sercher", meaning 'search’.
The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.
It is “creative” and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge (humans,
culture and society).
It is the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.“
Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our
understanding of a topic or issue".
It consists of three steps: pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an
answer to the question.
It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of information to increase our
understanding of a topic or issue. 2

3. Process of Research
Pose a question: You engage in solving problems every
day and you start with a question, collect some
information, and then form an answer
Collect data to answer the question
Analyse and interpret the data
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4. Importance of Research
Research adds knowledge: Adding to knowledge means that educators
undertake research to contribute to existing information about issues
Research improves practice: Research is also important because it suggests
improvements for practice
Creates effective professionals
Research to modify policies: Research also provides information to policy
makers
Highest degree of University (Some Universities offer DSc (Doctor of Science)
Desirable for Teaching profession in University or College
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5. Importance of Research
Start-ups on research based outputs
Patents can be filed
Technology can created and transferred
Research papers publications
Thesis can be published
Can work as Scientist-B, C, D, E, F, G based research experience)
Can serve as Research Associate (RA)
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6. Important tips for Researchers
Pride to be a researcher
Network with research and industry related people and instiutions
Your work is more important than your ego
Accomplish the research work by applying Reverse engineering strategy
Strictly follow the Time line
Cultivate good documentation system
Attend seminars/workshops/training programmes related to your research work
Study research recent research papers
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7. Important tips for Researchers
Develop support system for research work
Keep your data well protected
Keep UpToDate record of your research work
Utilize the facilities of other departments and institutes
Utilize Library facility
Optimize the work and avoid unnecessary work
Do not compromise with the quality of research work.
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8. Proposal
A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration by
others
Tell (Convince)them (funding agencies)
Sell the benefit (marketing)
Be extremely specific
Keep it as brief, but not briefer
Spoon feed the reader
Focus on the action 8

9. Research proposal
It is the conceptual structure within which the research is conducted
It constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and
analysis of data
A research proposal is a document written by a researcher that
provides an outline of entire research process that gives summary to
the evaluator
Research proposal includes an outline of what the researcher will do
from. writing the hypothesis and its operational implications to the
final analysis
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10. Research proposal
A research proposal is intended to convince others that you
have a worthwhile research project and that you have the
competence and the work-plan to complete it.
Generally, a research proposal should contain all the key
elements involved in the research process and include sufficient
information for the evaluators to evaluate the proposed study.
It address the questions like Why you want to do it? What you
plan to accomplish? and How you are going to do it?
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11. Need of preparation of Research proposal
It facilitates the smooth conduction of the various
research operations
It makes research as efficient as possible yielding
maximal information with minimal resources
It provides timeline
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12. Why a good preparation is needed?
A poorly prepared proposal may not be considered at
all or cannot be considered fairly.
This is vital for grant application in a competitive
environment as the funding is very competitive.
It assists the researcher in project formulation,
planning, performance and monitoring of the research.
It helps in the evaluation outcome.
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13. Important questions to be answered in Research project
What is the study about?
Why is the study being made?
Where will the study be carried out?
What type of data is required?
Where can be the required data found?
What periods of time will the study include?
What will be the sample design?
What techniques of data collection will be used?
How will the data be analysed?
In what style will the report be prepared?
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14. Components of a research proposal
Title
Introduction
Literature review
Methodology
Plan-time frame and schedule of activities (Gantt chart)
Budget
Details of research team (signed CV)
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15. General scheme of Major Research Project
Introduction
• Statement of the Issue
Objectives of the Study
• General Objectives of the Project
• Specific Objectives of the Project
Justifications/ Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Research methods
• Sources of Data
• Sample Design
• Method of Data Collection
• Data Processing
Implementation
Budget
Work plan through Gantt chart
References 15

16. Title of Research Project
It should be concise and descriptive
It should be catchy
It should be specific, direct, concise, meaningful and easily understandable
It should not be more than one or two lines
It must accurately represent the objective and indicate the purpose of the study
An effective title not only increase the reader's interest, but also predisposes
him/her favourably towards the proposal
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17. Introduction
It provides necessary background or context for the research problem
It states the research problem (the purpose of study)
It provides the objectives (General as well as specific) of the study
It indicates the unexplored issue or knowledge gap or research question
It identify the rationale of proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth
doing
It briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be addressed by the
research 17

18. Introduction
It identify the key independent and dependent variables of the
study
It state the hypothesis of the study, if any
It states the limitations or boundaries of the proposed research in
order to provide a clear focus
It typically begins with a general statement of the problem area,
with a focus on a specific research problem and followed by the
rational or justification for the proposed study
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19. Formulation of Hypothesis
Hypothesis is an assumption regarding the value or
relationship of variables that needs to be tested
It provides the basis for investigation and ensures the
proper direction in which the study should proceed
It helps one to arrive at appropriate conclusions,
suggestions and observations
Hypothesis should be clear, precise and specific
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20. Objectives of study
The number of objective depends on the nature of research. But it
should not be too many.
These should be stated clearly, concise, measurable and feasible.
These should be simple and can be understood easily.
Must be formulated on the basis of problem and hypothesis (if any).
It must indicate what specific problem to be investigated.
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21. Review of Literature
It is a review of existing literature on the proposed research should be done by the researcher
to find out the past research done on the subject.
It will help identify what was done in the past and the knowledge gap on a particular subject.
To help frame your proposal’s literature review, here are the five C’s of writing a literature
review.
Cite: 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? 21

22. Important role of Literature review
It indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing
literature.
It provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the
conceptual framework for your research.
It convinces evaluators that your proposed research will make a
significant and substantial contribution to the literature (i.e.,
resolving an important theoretical issue or filling a major gap in the
literature)
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23. Review of Literature
Contrast the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches and
controversies expressed in the literature: what are the major areas of
disagreement, controversy, or debate?
Critique the literature: Which arguments are more persuasive, and why?
Which approaches, findings, methodologies seem most reliable, valid, or
appropriate, and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe what
an author says/does
Connect the literature to your own area of research and investigation: how
does your own work draw upon, depart from, or synthesize what has been
said in the literature?
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24. Review of Literature
Aim is to provide adequate background information
on the research being proposed. The current status
of selected research topic
It should be brief, and indicate relevant related
research that had or is being conducted (references
should be included).
Review committee is normally aware of the various
projects going on.
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25. Importance of Literature review
It gives credit to those who have laid the groundwork
for the proposed research
It demonstrates your knowledge of the research
problem
It demonstrates your understanding of theoretical
and research issues related to your research question
It shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant
literature information 25

26. Scope of research studies
Under this section the researcher needs to identify
the indicators, variables and key questions based
on research objectives.
For clear understanding these issues can be
presented in a matrix form. Moreover, study
locations and limitations with reasons need to be
mentioned in this section.
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27. Justification of research project
In this section the researcher needs to justify the importance of the study.
Researcher has to give justification of following issues-
i) Relevance and importance of the study.
ii) Practical applications of the study output.
iii) How the new knowledge gained through the study will contribute to the solution of
practical problems?
iv)How the study findings will be useful in policy formulation?
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28. Methodology
This is very important because it conveys how you plan to tackle your
research problem.
It will provide work plan and describe the activities necessary for the
completion of your project.
It typically consists:
Study design: It a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment?
What kind of design do you choose (descriptive, cross-sectional, case-
control)? 28

29. Methodology
Selection of research location
Subjects or participants: Who will take part in your study?
What kind of sampling method / procedure do you use?
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Sample size: Need to calculate sample size based on the type of study you
are conducting. There are several formulas for sample size calculation
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30. Methodology for qualitative studies
It consists typically consists of the following sections:
Study design- Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of design do you choose
(descriptive, cross-sectional, case-control)?
Selection of research location
Subjects or participants: Who will take part in your study?
What kind of sampling method / procedure do you use?
You will need to decide on the inclusion and exclusion criteria
Sample size: You need to calculate your sample size based on the type of study you are conducting.
There are several formulas for sample size calculation
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31. Methodology
Study instruments
• What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use?
• Why do you choose them?
• Are they valid and reliable?
Data collection
• How do you plan to carry out your study?
• What activities are involved? How long does it take?
Data analysis and interpretation
• This includes plans for processing and coding data, computer software to be
used (SPSS, EPI-INFO, etc)
• Choice of statistical methods, confidence levels, significance levels etc.
• It is also convenient to provide dummy tables for the data you plan to analyse
from your study. 31

32. Research methods
Methods of a research depend on the hypothesis/hypotheses and objectives of
the research project.
Generally the following issues are covered under research methods.
Where the study will be conducted and how the study location has been
selected?
What population will be covered?
Will it be a complete enumeration or sample surveyor a case study? If it is a
sample survey, what will be the sample size and how it has been determined?
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33. Research methods
What sampling technique will be followed to select sample units or sample
respondents?
What will be the sources of information?
What methods and tools will be used in collecting information?
How the quality of data will be ensured?
How data will be processed?
How data will be analyzed and what statistical tools will be used?
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34. Ethical considerations
It is necessary to submit research proposal to the Ethical Committee
where you work and also where you plan to conduct your research.
Depending where you are working and the type of research you are
planning to conduct, you are required to submit the Ethical
Committee Application Approval Form, together with the research
proposal.
Special ethical considerations are required if there are invasive
procedures for human subjects, or animal use.
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35. Ethical considerations
Is the study ethical and lawful?
Has the study been approved by, or will it be submitted to,
an ethics committee or assessor?
Is the use of routinely or specially collected data or
specimens for this research covered by an appropriate law?
In cases of sensitive information, are questions relating to
these topics in the questionnaire acceptable?
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36. Work Plan
Work Plan needs to include the time needed to complete the study
and breakup of the entire time period.
The activity schedule is essential for effective monitoring of project. It
should list the time frame for major activities, and include milestones.
Break-up of the time period for different steps are mentioned as
follows-
Preparation of the proposal
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37. Work Plan
Preparation of the questionnaire/checklist
Data collection
Tabulation
Preparation of draft report
Review of draft report
Finalization of the report based on reviewers’ comments.
The work Plan can be prepared through a Gantt chart.
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38. Planning for research proposal
Planning for the research proposal should include the time frame and activity
schedule for the proposed research.
The time frame should include time for:
Purchasing and obtaining relevant consumables and facilities needed to
conduct the study
Conduct of study
Analysis of data
Writing up of project report
A most effective way of plotting the activity schedule is by using the Gantt
Chart.
The time needed for publication need not be included
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39. Project activities(Gannt chart)
Activity
Planning of research
Literature search
Development of
questionnaire
Pre-testing
Training of researchers and
research assistants
Data collection
Data entry and analysis
Report writing and
presentation
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40. Budget
It is essential to request for an adequate budget for the research work
Provide a total and yearly breakdown of the budget needed
Follow the guidelines provided by the funding agency
Give appropriate estimates of costs depending on the different areas, eg: travel
and transportation, consumables, salaries, services, rentals, equipment,
utilities, repairs, etc.
Provide adequate justification, especially for costly items
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41. Budget questions
Is the budget total within specified limits?
Is the budget sufficiently detailed?
Is each item in the budget adequately justified?
Are some budget items excessive in relation to their justification?
Are personnel too senior or junior for specified tasks?
Is the equipment really necessary?
Should some of the equipment and consumables applied for be covered by the institution
applying for the grant?
Are there less expensive options for achieving a similar result?
Could some less important parts of the study be deleted to reduce the budget? 41

42. Budget format
Expense Categories and Items Details Year RM
1. Temporary and contract personnel
Justification:
Salary:
2. Travel and transportation
Justification:
3. Rentals
Justification:
4. Research materials and supplies
Justification:
Minor modifications and repairs
Justification:
6. Special services
Justification:
7. Special equipment and accessories
Justification:
Total expenses
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43. Budget
Items Cost (Rupees)
(a) Honorarium of the research assistant (basic salary of one month)--------
(b) Research Assistant-------
(c) Data collection/survey/sample collection/field work/ --------
(d) Travel and local transport expenses --------
(e) Stationery------
(f) Preparation and binding of report---------/-
Total expenses: ---------------
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44. Conclusion
• The conclusion reiterates the importance or
significance of your proposal and provides a brief
recap of the entire study.
• This section should be only one or two paragraphs
long, emphasizing why your research study is
unique, why it advances knowledge, and why the
research problem is worth investigating.
• Someone reading this section should come away
with an understanding of-
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45. Conclusion
Why the study was done; the specific purpose of the study
and the research questions it attempted to answer
The research design and methods used
The potential implications emerging from your proposed
study of the research problem
A sense of how your study fits within the broader
scholarship about the research problem
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46. References
• References- lists only the literature that you actually
used or cited in your proposal.
• Bibliography-lists everything you used or cited in your
proposal with additional citations of 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 make sure
the project will complement and not duplicate the
efforts of other researchers.
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47. References
Start a new page and use the heading ‘References’ or
‘Bibliography’ 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 [i.e.,
education=APA; history=Chicago, etc].
This section normally does not count towards the total length
of your proposal.
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48. Research team
Identify all expertise required for your research
Include the curriculum vitaes (CVs) of all key researchers
Obtain agreement of participation by team members in
writing
Ensure adequate expertise and spell out responsibilities of
each of the researchers
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49. Common errors in proposal writing
Objectives too broad or too ambitious
Objectives do not reflect the title of the study or statement of problem
No literature review or relevant references
Inadequate information on methodology
Inappropriate time-frame and schedule of activities-too ambitious
No justification for Budget-asking for too much or too little.
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50. Assessment of Research Proposal
Following criteria are used by researchers for assessing research
proposals.
Relevance: Is the research within designated priority areas? Does
the research address an important problem?
What new information will the research produce which is not
already known?
How can the results be operationalized into practice?
What are the probable industrial or economic benefits of the
research? 50

51. Assessment of Research Proposal
Quality of Protocol: It must have introduction; aims;
methods; analysis; reporting.
Feasibility: Practicability; Experience of Researchers.
Ethics: Is the study lawful? Stage of Ethics.
Budget and Cost: Cost and Cost-effectiveness; Cost-
benefit.
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52. Major criteria for good research project
Does the proposal address a well-formulated problem?
Is it a research problem , or is it just a routine application of known
techniques?
Is it an important problem, whose solution will have useful effects?
Is special funding necessary to solve the problem, or to solve it quickly enough
or could it be solved using the normal resources of a well-found laboratory?
Do the proposers have a good idea on which to base their work?
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53. Major criteria for good research project
The proposal must explain the idea in sufficient detail to convince the
reader that the idea has some substance, and should explain why
there is reason to believe that it is indeed a good idea.
It is absolutely not enough merely to identify a wish-list of desirable goals (a
very common fault).
There must be significant technical substance to the proposal.
A representative selection of relevant publications by the proposers
should be cited.
Absence of a track record is clearly not a disqualifying characteristic,
especially in the case of young researchers, but a consistent failure to
publish raises question marks. 53

54. Considerations of good research project
Does the proposal explain clearly what work will be done?
Does it explain what results are expected and how they will be evaluated?
How would it be possible to judge whether the work was successful?
Is there evidence that the proposers know about the work that others have
done on the problem?
This evidence may take the form of a short review as well as representative
references.
Do the proposers have a good track record, both of doing good research
and of publishing it?
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55. Criteria may be applied to separate closely-matched proposals
An applicant with little existing funding may deserve to be
placed ahead of a well- funded one. On the other hand,
existing funding provides evidence of a good track record.
There is merit in funding a proposal to keep a strong
research team together; but it is also important to give
priority to new researchers in the field.
An attempt is made to maintain a reasonable balance
between different research areas, where this is possible.
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56. Criteria may be applied to separate closely-matched proposals
Evidence of industrial interest in a proposal, and of its
potential for future exploitation will usually count in its
favour.
A proposal will benefit if it is seen to address
recommendations of Technology Foresight.
It is worth looking at the relevant Foresight Panel
reports and including quotes in your case for support
that relate to your proposal.
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57. References
• World Health Organization. Health Research Methodology: A
Guide for Training in Research Methods (2nd Edition), 2001.
• Wong TP. How to write a research proposal. International
Network on Personal Meaning – Promoting Health, Spirituality
and Peace through meaning. Featured article, May 8, 2002.
http://www.meaning.ca/articles/print/writing_research_propos
al_may02.htm
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58. References
• Olk HR. How to write http://ic.daad.de/accra
• Bolton Institute, University of Bolton. How to write a
dissertation – Writing a research proposal.
• http://basil.acs.bolton.ac.uk/~wh2/PROPOSAL.HTML
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228490768_
HOW_TO_WRITE_A_RESEARCH_PROPOSAL
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