Basics of Research Proposal Writing

Basics of Research Proposal Writing

Syed S. Hossain
Institute of Statistical Research and Training
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
shahadat@isrt.ac.bd

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

Consulting Process

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

A proposal should contain:

Covering letter & letter of transmittal

Introduction, Background,
Project objective & scope,
Proposed methodology (technique), work program,
Proposed Organisation & staffing, skills and experience,
Timing and costs
Agreed control and termination.

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format

Covering letter: A short forwarding letter

Addressed to the client
Signed by the consultant
Should mention the attachement of the formal proposal and
submission relevence.
Letter of transmittal: A brief letter that summarizes the
project. It should clearify:
The client and consultants and their working relation
Research rationale and relevance of the methodology proposed
Appropriateness of the consultant
Key benefits of the research
Appreciation of the clients need.

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format (Cont.)

Introduction: This section will describe

How did the consultant learn of the opportunity/problem of
the client (usually from client’s advertisement)
What have the consultant done to prepare
Why are the consultant suited for the work
Background: This section will describe:
Where the consultant can be different
Knowledge on clients situation & needs
Why does the client think a consultant can help
Why is this the right project for the client given the info
provided

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format (Cont.)

Project objectives
Broad objective: One sentence of what client hopes to achieve
- ”to achieve ....”
Specific Objectives: The range of activities to be carried out to
achieve the specific objective combined with methodology
Scope of the Project
Statement of scope combined with objective
Limits to the proposed work
Avoids misunderstanding, e.g. clarify
sources of the info to be used,
organizations and people to be contacted
Work included and excluded that establishes and limits the
consultant mandate

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format (Cont.)

Proposed Methodology: This section will describe:

How defined problem are to be addressed and objectives are to
be achieved
The basic description of the approach
The techniques and methods to be used to do the work
Practicality of the techniques to the real world conditions
Flow-charts and diagrams to illustrate models

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format (Cont.)

Proposed Work Program: This section will describe:

The sequence of steps needed to perform the work
Each step and sub step should relate to a definite purpose
(expected deliverable)
Gantt chart, Pert, CPM to elaborate the work program

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format (Cont.)

Proposed Organization and Staffing

The right mix of skills and experience to do it - graphs, matrix
(skills/experience)
Specific consultants commited
Project Organization (preferably using diagram)

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

Example of Project Organization

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format (Cont.)

Timing and costs : This section will describe:

The professional time of involvement and time to completion,
Estimated fees and costs involved
fixed or maximum fees (common-buying results)
contingency fees (results based billing)
retainer fees (common for advice)
Billing process, fee control
Initial payment if risk in cancellation
monthly
progress billing
performance holdback
Control and termination: Clients may want to have control
over costs - want to stop the project at any time - if so must
pay costs to that time, consultant may wish to stop it.

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

The proposal Format (Cont.)

Summary of project deliverables What materials will be

handed over to the client, e.g.
Three copies of draft report
Eight copies of final report
Soft copy of the report and data base in CD
Library of literatures consulted
Filled in and blank instruments (questionnairs), etc.
Appendices
Description and track record of the consulting firm
Professional resumes of key personnel
Detailed data or methodology if required, etc.

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd
Basics of Research Proposal Writing

Effective Proposals

Content - a key - providing clients what they need

Style - precise language, putting sell in, the casual one or
what the client uses in business relationships, -
Appearance - use visual displays, graphic support for content,
attractive exterior, firms image
Attention to detail - communications key - poor writing, poor
writing, grammar errors, inconsistency reflects sloppy
consulting
Putting Sell in the Proposal - use challenge or opportunity
instead of problem, positive attitude confidence, experience,
support, enthusiasm

Syed S. Hossain Institute of Statistical Research and Training University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. shahadat@isrt.ac.bd