TU
Format for Research
Proposal:
The
Research Centre, T.U., considers it essential that research proposals submitted
for acceptance and financial grants confirm to a prescribed format. The main aim in requiring an acceptable
format for writing a research proposal is to have all the important features to
appear in appropriately acceptable details.
When a proposal falls short of presenting the significant aspects, it
tends to hinder factual understanding and the real worth and relevance of the
proposed work. Clear statements of the
intended objectives of the study, the procedural approaches to be adopted, time
schedules for the work and the estimate of expanses would greatly help in the
preparation, proper evaluation, and the final approval of the proposal. During the process of evaluation it is also
possible that some meaningful changes can be brought about to the proposal so
as to render it more effectively.
Furthermore, processing of the proposal and the eventual conduct of the
study would also gain convenience if the submitted proposal is comprehensive and
self contain.
It may often be difficult to write down all kinds of
research proposals strictly within the descriptions and categories fixed by a
prescribed format. To an extent the
format as developed below indicates the significant aspects which may not be
missed out in any proposal. We hope that
it will provide broad guidelines for drawing up a research proposal. It does not, however, limit the size and
content of any proposal if the researcher feels that other relevant details
also need to be added on.
The project proposal in its final form is expected to
contain all pertinent details concerning the study, right from the initial
stages to the stage of completion. It
should, therefore, aim to be what may be described as the complete plan of
action. To ensure a smooth course of
development of the work it becomes necessary to project oneself into various
phases of its growth and be able to possibly locate and take care
of the constrains and other difficulties which may creep in the process
of study. The idea of having to put in
all details, before one knows whether the proposal may be at all accepted, may
not be that relishing. For that matter,
a proposal in a preliminary form may be submitted and may later on be developed
into its full form. Even in a
preliminary form it is always advisable to put in essential details just to
eliminate the possibility of a gap in understanding which otherwise keep on
workable idea away from fruition.
Apart from the above stated factors, it is also
desired that an objective basis should be available for the evaluation of the
research work. The Research Centre has
been entrusted with this job. Successful
execution of a research project gives certain benefits and credits to the
researcher. It is important that the
researcher gets a fair evaluation on the basis of the work and receives the
credit we rightly deserve. To this end, it is essential that the proposal
should contain a full description of all the facets of the work. Here are the items that need to be
essentially included in the writing of a research proposal.
1. Title of the Study:
A brief but clearly stated title of the proposed study
is intended. The title should
appropriately reflect the nature and scope of the proposed study.
2.
Purpose of the Study:
The
study problem should be identified by clearly stating its background, setting
or environment, and the need for the study.
Then, its importance should be clarified with reference to its practical
application to policy decisions or to the illumination of concepts and theories
of development.
3.
Statement of the Problem:
"A
question well stated is a question half answered". The problem of the research question is,
therefore, an interrogative statement in terms of the relation that exists
between a set of variables. It should be
stated clearly and unambiguously so as to permit empirical testing. Above all the problem should not be stated
too generally or too narrowly. Most
important, where the problem lies (the problem that guides the study) should be
clearly stipulated in terms of the background and development within the scope
of the proposed question (historical perspective is necessary).
4.
Review of Literature:
One
undertakes this in order to find out what works have already been done in the
areas of the research problem under study. It also helps minimize the risk of
dead ends, choice of rejected methods etc, promotes greater understanding of
the problem under study, provides comparative data to evaluate and interpret
the significance of findings, and to enforce fruitful sources of
hypothesis. This section is vitally
necessary. All references consulted must
be cited.
5 Definition of Concepts:
This is necessary to strength the theoretical framework of
the study, and to ensure the validity and reliability of the study for the
purpose of communicating the concepts.
6
Objectives of the Study:
Within
the felt needs of the study, the specific objectives for undertaking the
project should be spelled -out clearly.
They should be identified in terms of the variables and parameters under
study precisely and be formulated in the manner of questions. Where general objectives are felt desirable,
specific sub-objectives must be framed within each general objective in a
logical sequence.
7
Location of the Study:
The place or places in which the
study will be conducted need to be indicated.
8
Test Hypotheses:
A hypothesis is a conjectural
statement of relations (based on the statement of the problem and the objective
of the study) between two or more variables in either negative or positive
terms. It should be neither too general
nor too specific. However, it should
specify how the variables are related.
The hypotheses thus could be formulated as null hypothesis, against
alternatives.
9
Methodology:
It should correspond to the order in
which each of the objectives listed are to be attacked in terms of essential
hypothesis to be used: how and what data are to be generated and processed
from? What methods of analysis should be
used? What assumptions are being put to effect of the inquiry?
(a)
Methods of Data
Collection:
Basic
design of the experimental study should be explained. It has to stated whether the data is to be
collected from other sources or the primary collection. The uses of secondary
sources, mail questionnaires, personal interview or field works which are relevant
to the nature of the study are to be made where possible.
(b)
Sampling Techniques:
Mention
should be made of the estimated total size of population in the study and the
method of sampling should be used in the proposal. It is necessary that adequately reliable
sampling frames and the basic criteria of selecting them be adopted. The main thrust of the study often centers
around the nature of the questionnaire, selection of respondents as well as the
modalities of operation of the study.
(c)
Analysis of data:
Statistical
procedures and tests are adopted to ensure relevance of the conclusions of the
proposed study. As such, the methods to
be adopted indicating the level of analysis, and testing need should be clearly
indicated.
10
Limitation of the Methodology:
Clearly specify the limit
and constraints prevailing within each method. In the event where two or more
methods are used an explanation as to which method it to be preferred should be
stated in terms of the assumptions and biases involved in each of the methods
indicated.
11
Manpower Planning:
A
detailed workout of manpower need should be stated in terms of the job
description, desired qualification of the personnel and their experience. Indication of the statement of functions,
duties and responsibilities should be clearly indicated. Time for which manpower is need should be
worked-out in man days for different phases of the project. If it is a team project, the project leader
should be mentioned.
12
Scheduling of Time:
Different phases of the research
project should be clearly stated in working weeks or months, preferably in a diagrammatic
presentation (CPM, PERT or BARGRAM).
Thus, it should be able to provide monitoring authorities with close
estimates of the entire project time. It
should mention the probable time schedule between inception and conclusion of
the project in accordance with the T.U. Evaluation Format.
13
Chapter Plan
: (indicative)
Chapter
Plan should indicate the total number of chapters and pages, individual chapter
titles, including sub heading and pages for each chapter. This helps both project planning and
logistical support activities of the Research Division.
14
Budgeting/Estimate of Expenses:
A
detailed and itemized budget showing how the funds are to be spent is
essential. Presentation of budget for
the proposed work may be made under the following main categories. Other headings of the category may, however
be added if considered necessary for the sake of clarity. If any budgetary support is expected from
other supplementary agencies, the amounts and conditions should be explicitly
indicated.
It
may be noted that all expenses met, out of the funds made available by
Tribhuvan University, have to be budgeted strictly according to existing T.U.
financial rules and regulations. These
include payments as salaries and allowances according to levels of expertise,
travel allowances and purchase of equipment.
It
is important to mention that the Research Center or any other authority which
funds the research project reserves the right to increase, deduct or reject the amount of the budget as
shown on the proposal given the quality and
relevance of the research proposal as well as the availability of
research funds with it.
Fund
grants, if available, are made through the concerned Campus Office from which
the researcher draws the required amounts and submits the details of
expenses. Fund grants are made available
in phases, which presently stand at 60 percent, 20 percent and 20 percent. The initial 60 percent is made available at
the start of the project and subsequent 20 percent each is released on
completion of two different stages of the work.
It
is, therefore, important to coordinate budgetary items according to definitive
stages of proposed work. If the researcher strongly feels that budgetary
requirements have to be particularly different, it would be helpful to present
the case and give reasons for it.
(a)
Stationery and Office Supplies:
These include salaries to assistants inducted
especially, for the project over the period of their employment, allowances to
such other personal assisting on a regular or periodic basis and fees for
consultancy services. For each category the period of employment on number of
consultancies, the terms and levels of payment and related data have to be
shown.
Note: Allowance to researchers is not to be included
in this budget. After the final presentation of the report and the standard
evaluation of the report the awards on the basis of the running salaries are
provided.
(b)
Equipment Costs:
It is intended that only those equipment and other
items of durable nature, especially, those which cost more be purchased from
the funds only if these are needed, especially, for the conduct of the study.
All capital assets, thus acquired, will be the property of the concerned
organization or campus and may be put to use extensively by the them, if it is
considered necessary. Books, reprints etc. also fall within the same category.
Expendable items may be listed under a heading shown separately depending on
the total amount to be expended.
It is also to be noted that facilities and materials
generally available in the concerned campus may be put to use. but, whenever
materials are to be expended their costs will have to be included in the
proposal cost.
(c)
Stationary and Office Suppliers:
Items such as paper, postage, typing charges and other
sundry supplies are to be met under this budget heading.
(d)
Travelling expense :
Transportation costs and daily allowances while
travelling are to be included under this budget heading. The number and mode of travel and places to
be visited should be shown. Ordinarily,
only travel costs for places within the country can be mentioned. If travel outside the country needs to be
included full justification for these has to be given.
15 Resume:
A recent and
brief resume in English is required from each and every researcher. It should
not be more than two double spaced pages. If there are more than one research
for a research project separate resume from each of them is required to be
submitted together with the research proposal.
16.
Statement of purpose:
A
statement of purpose not more than two double spaced pages is required to be
submitted together with the research proposal.
17. contingency:
A
contingency amount ranging from 5 to 10 percent of the total budget estimate is
allowed so as to cover costs not foreseen.
18. Arranging Bibliography
and Footnotes:
The
list of the literature reviewed and the source from which items are quoted
should serially organize at the end of the proposal.
19. Appendix/Annex:
All
the data charts etc that are being used for the preparation of the proposal
will have to be included systematically with due emphasis on source citation.
20. Other Information:
Any
other information which would help gaining realistic understanding of the
proposal and facilitating the actual conduct of the work may be included if it
is so desired. The researcher may also
like to indicate the limitations of the proposed study and prospective
approaches for further extension of its scope.
21. Reporting:
In
course of the work the researcher is required to submit progress reports to the
Research Center and to the Dean of the concerned Institute. The Research Center also holds exclusive
rights to the publication of the results of the research report regularly.
GUIDELINES AND
FORMAT FOR
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
RECTOR'S OFFICE
RESEARCH CENTRE
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU
NEPAL.
RESEARCH CENTRE
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU
NEPAL.
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