A research proposal is a document of usually ten to fifteen

pages that informs others of a proposed piece of research.

University students usually write research proposals for
academics who may eventually supervise the work based on
the proposal.
Reason to get the proposal right is that this can save you time
in the long run. If the proposal is well-designed, it can form an
outline of the thesis to follow, and ideally, can be mapped onto
various parts of the final thesis.

Introduction or background to the research problem or issue
Research question/ Problem Statement
Justification for the proposal research
Literature review
Theoretical framework
Statement of the contribution
Proposed research methodology
Research plan and outline
Limitations of the research
List of references used in preparing the proposal

Introduction:
The introduction should be as brief as possible
The general area
The specific area
The research gap
The thesis statement is your tentative or proposed answer to
this question
Demonstrate command of the issues
Use simple and jargon-free language
Problem statement:
Problem statement is a statement of what needs to be
investigated.
However, it could also be phrased in the form of a question or
formal hypothesis.
Justification for the proposed research:
The size of the industry/area involved
The gaps in the literature that demand attention
The unusual or improved methodology being used
The benefits in terms of policy and practice
Literature review:
Provide detail about what others have done in the area
The major issues
Gaps in the literature
Research questions connected to the literature being reviewed
Questions arising can be the focus of data collection/analysis
Theoretical framework
It describes the model that you are using in the thesis to
demonstrate your point
Contribution of the research
The importance of the research outcome
The practical or theoretical nature of the outcome
Proposed research methodology
justify use over other methodologies
a certain paradigm or theory
qualitative or quantitative research
a case study of a specific kind
surveys, correlational experiments, field studies, specific
statistical measurements, etc.
certain dependent or independent or moderating variables
Research plan
it gives you a framework for the direction your proposed
thesis will take
it shows the reader the project is well-organised and
achievable in the time available
List of references
In-text references should be provided for all sections of the
proposal
Proposal Thesis/Final Project
1. Introduction
- General area
- Specific topic
- Gap
- Research Question
- Thesis Statement


1. Introduction
- General area
- Specific topic
- Gap
- Research Question
- Problem Statement
- Contribution
- Limitations
2. Literature Review 2. Literature Review
3. Theoretical Framework 3. Methodology
4. Methodology 4. Data Analysis
5. Contribution 5. Conclusion and Implications
6. Research Plan 6. References
7. References 7. Appendices
Existing Research Reports
The application of an existing theory in a different setting
or a different context
An investigation into whether a particular early theory still
applies today.
A replication study of previous research in a different
setting or context
The exploration of a gap in existing theory/research
An exploration of factors affecting a certain situation
The application of an important concept or theory in a
particular context
Any contemporary or emerging issue in your area of
interest
Select a topic that adds new knowledge to what is already
known