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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

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See an example

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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MBA Research Proposal: 5 Writing Tips to Present a Masterpiece

Before any student writes and submits their MBA dissertation, they need to prepare what is known as a research proposal. A research proposal is mainly a rough idea or draft of what the dissertation will talk about. It gives tutors the basics of what a student will produce in their final draft and requires careful planning to conduct it successfully. Any mistakes done in a proposal can easily be carried on into the final dissertation is they are not dealt with or shown to a tutor. There are 4 writing tips every student must follow to present a masterpiece of a proposal to their tutor. These guidelines were borrowed from academic experts at PhD research proposal writing service with years of experience.

Come up with the topic

An MBA research proposal will not get off the ground if a student does not have a topic and that is why this is the first step. A topic is very important because it is the subject matter that will be analyzed by the student. A student needs to pick a topic that is narrow and not too broad. Picking a subject matter that is too broad can make things complicated as plenty of time and effort will be required to find all the necessary information. This can be challenging and stressful for some students if they are feeling the heat to get a good grade. Keeping the topic simple is advisable because information will easily be found and you will finish the research proposal on time.

Create a very good introduction for your research proposal

Apart from the conclusion, an introduction can be tricky and difficult to write when compared to the main body. Since an introduction sets the tone for the research proposal, many students struggle to come up with a good one because they want it to be perfect. Coming up with an introduction that read and flows well is not that difficult at all. The first thing that a student has to do in their introduction is to spell out the reason for their investigation. Once that is done, you have to come up with the hypothesis for your research paper. Lastly, evaluation of the usefulness of the topic to your own developments as well as for the company it is based on. It is very important to make this part of the research proposal very precise and straight to the point without adding unnecessary things or facts to it. The last thing that a student needs is to have an introduction that is not attractive on the eyes. This can easily put readers off.

Begin writing the literature review

Once the introduction is over and done with, it is time to add some meat to the research proposal and that is where the literature review comes in. When you are performing your research for the topic you picked, you really need to pick ideas and facts that matter. This will make your research proposal stand head and shoulders above everyone else’s. Failure to do so can result in producing a piece of work that is not only underwhelming but lackluster at the same time. You need to provide at least 5 sources to show your tutor that you are looking at relevant information to get your topic off the ground. Relevant information, in this case, means looking at things that are not outdated and recent. Adding content that is way out of date or too old can get you a very low mark. Make sure you read different materials from different authors to fully grasp the topic you have picked. The more authors you use to support your facts and work, the better and it will add the meat you need to make your literature review the masterpiece you want it to be.

Show your methodology

The last thing you need to do to make your research proposal a masterpiece is to have a methodology section. There is no denying that this section of the MBA research proposal is important because it shows a tutor the thought process of a student. It also shows the methods a student used to analyze their topic. In order to show a level of diversity, you need to use different methods to analyze your data. You need to be careful and pick a method that suits the topic because using the wrong method of analysis can lead to wrong or inconclusive results. You have to do everything you can to choose the best methodology for the research because this section can either make or break your research proposal.

Close with a nice conclusion

Closing a research proposal with a nice proposal is just as tricky as coming up with a good introduction. While an introduction as pointed out before setting the tone, a conclusion sums up the results that will be found in the research. It is basically a summary of everything that will be touched on in a future dissertation. Wording this section is not easy however, if you have your facts and information right, it can make life easy. Overall the tips mentioned above will help you present a masterpiece to your tutor if followed religiously. Although writing a proposal is not as time-consuming as a dissertation, it still requires attention to detail. You have to make sure that you have a good plan of action and spell out from the get-go why you picked that particular topic and not any other.

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

• Highlight how it is original or significant
• Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
• Identify the importance of your research
• Show why you are the right person to do this research
• Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
• Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
• Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

• Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
• Writing a Creative Writing PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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17 Research Proposal Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Get your Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

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8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

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A research proposal submitted in the SCH OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE OF NKUMBA UNIVERSITY

2019, Research proposal

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THE CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAMIC MICRO FINANCING IN UGANDA A CASE STUDY OF ISLAMIC MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN KAMPALA

mikidad ratib

Microfinance is the provision of savings accounts, loans, insurance, money transfers and other banking services to customers that lack access to traditional financial services, usually because of poverty. Microfinance can also be defined as a type of banking service that is provided to unemployed or low-income individuals or groups who otherwise would have no other access to financial services. It is in some instances also called microcredit. Microfinance plays an important role in creating financial access needs in the undesirable sections of the economy and society. It helps lift masses out of poverty by providing small loans to those lacking access to traditional financial services or funding opportunities, develop small businesses that can then provide regular income, and they provide financial resources to underserved markets. As such, microfinance is an important tool not just to minimize the impacts of poverty, but also to promote house hold income and livelihoods. However micro financing has generally not been well developed and established on the global, regional and national level. Relating to Islamic micro financing, it too suffers the same issues in its development and establishment on all levels.

Working Papers

Gloria Almeyda

Abdul kaziba Mpaata

The study was designed to examine the relationship microfinance services and the rural community welfare in Uganda. It focused on Masaka Microfinance which is one of the oldest microfinance institutions in Uganda. The specific objectives included; (1) to establish the relationship between Masaka Microfinance services and rural community income earnings; (2) to determine the relationship between Masaka microfinance services and the resulting job creation in the community; (3) to document the relationship between Masaka microfinance services and community saving practices. A sample of 78 respondents of who were beneficiaries of Masaka Microfinance Limited was purposively contacted out of whom 52 filled and returned complete questionnaires. The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between Masaka Microfinance services and; (1) rural community income earnings (r = .690 p<0.0001); (2) the resulting jobs in the community (r = .540 p<0001); and (3) comm...

April, Development Research Center, …

Hans Dieter Seibel

kabasha marc

MUDIOPE CHARLES

under Tier IVfinancial system (Finance Act 2002) as an NGO primarily to enhance access to financialservices by the majority of poor Ugandans, especially women who have generally beenleft out by the mainstream financial system in the country. The program design focuseson poverty alleviation through provision of credit at an affordable cost, convenience, nocollateral or pre-saving requirement, plus provision of capacity building to clients toenhance planned for income generation activities.In the span of only two years, the microfinance program has a network outreach of 46 branch offices in 24 districts across the four (East, central, West, North) geographicalregions of Uganda. The program offers two micro credit products:Micro group lending:-1,932 member groups formed with 55472 clients. Total loandisbursed is US $ 11,727.153 to 39,888 clients at 20% annual interest rate. No collateralor pre-saving required, and services delivery at client doorstep. Success and sustainability of projects undertaken depends so much on monitoring and evaluation. Microfinance institutions have enabled increased access to credit for many individuals thus improving their livelihood. It is therefore important to understand the role of monitoring and evaluation which are essential tools that enhance the growth of microfinance institutions. The aim of the Central Bank of uganda is to see that the microfinance industry spreads out to the heart of rural homes in order to meet the needs of the unbanked through expanding access to financial services for poor individuals and families along with small businesses, especially the small, medium Scale and informal sector businesses. Such a goal also fulfills the ugadan Vision 2040 where the government aims to improve access to the financial sector and in doing so fulfill the millennium development goals. This research was conducted in Entebbe munisparity by analyzing responses got from employees and clients working in some of the leading microfinance institutions in the region. Data analysis was done to present the findings by employing statistical methods. It was found that monitoring and evaluation practices influences performance of MFIs schemes as was supported by 86.6% of the respondents. The research established that preventive monitoring and evaluation practices are not fully utilized by microfinance organizations and in addition that Information technology practices need to be incorporated when conducting monitoring and evaluation. Recommendations were made which included insuring flexibility in M&E practices that should be customer based and the use of sustainable screening techniques that enhance effective delivery of services. Moreover, training of employers and employees on customer's preferences and seeking professional assistance are essential tools for monitoring and evaluation.

Abanis Turyahebwa

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Research Proposal Sample

by kasi | Mar 18, 2017 | Business Research | 0 comments

Project Title: Relationship between perceived organizational ethics and effectiveness of e-business: A case of SMEs in UK. Introduction: Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) constitute an integral part of the economic development and sustainability in United Kingdom. It has been noted that in 2012, there were approximately 4.8 million SMEs operating within the country (Business Innovation and Skills, 2012). Furthermore, SMEs contribute to the 99.9% of business related processes within the private sector of the economy. The factors that determine the success of an SME are attributed to the ability of the management to capitalize on the strengths and opportunities. However, the role of consumers or customers as central stakeholders can’t be overlooked. Technological advancements have also changed the outlook of the business environment for SMEs within UK. An increasing number of organizations have integrated e-business or e-commerce as a part of their operations to fulfill the demands of the consumers in an effective manner (Taylor & Murphy, 2004). The SMEs as well as large scale corporations have perceived e-business as a profitable opportunity, thus leading to the integration of e-business models in SMEs.

Consumers in today’s world engage in decision making process which involves the consideration of various factors. The increased awareness of corporate social responsibility as well as the organizational ethics displayed through the firm’s interaction with the online consumers determines the level of success of SMEs. Creyer (1997) have stated that failure to understand the potential of consumer’s perception about organizational ethics can have negative implications for an organization. This area has also been relatively unexplored as most of the scholars have focused on the impact of corporate social responsibility on the overall performance of SMEs in UK (Spence, Schmidpeter, & Habisch, 2003; Castka, Balzarova, Bamber & Sharp, 2004; Baden, Harwood & Woodward, 2009). Based on this background, the researcher has proposed to investigate the role of perceived organisational ethics by consumers as a factor that has significant impact on the effectiveness of electronic mode of business for SMEs operating within UK (Daniel, Wilson & Myers, 2002).

Literature Review

Various researchers have analyzed the factors that encourage the consumers to engage in online transactions with an organization (Gefen, 2000; Close & Kukar-Kinney, 2010; Kardes, Cronley & Cline, 2011). Such positive online behavior is expected to be facilitated by a wide array of reasons. Limayem, Khalifa and Frini (2000) have used the theoretical framework of planned behavior to identify the factors that result in increased participation of online transactions by the consumers. It was found that the perception of the consumers about the repercussions of their use of internet and the subsequent purchase was the main factor which determined their future internet based purchase behavior. Taking this view into consideration, the ethical behavior of the organisation can support the online consumers in establishing feelings of trust towards the company. According to Kracher and Corritore (2009) the businesses operating in the online world apply similar ethical rules as the businesses that have physically established set ups in the market. Therefore, the presence of trust and credibility holds equivalent importance within e-business context. Most of the organizations engaging in electronic business use the financial output as a tool of identifying the degree of effectiveness.  However, the return on investment seems to offer limited scope of understanding the notion of success. As proposed by Walker and Brown (2004), the SMEs can utilize non monetary criterion to identify their capability to maintain effective level of performance. The same criterion can be applied within the online arena as customers’ decision to purchase a product or avail a service from an SME is determined by a wide array of non monetary variables.

So and Sculli (2002) have identified the presence of trust as one of the key elements that promotes online consumer behavior. A consumer is likely to develop trust on a business if they underlying perception is supportive of the ethical conduct of the company. It has been further asserted that firms that are not able to maintain positive perception among the target market are likely to face significant loss. The overall ethical outlook of a company is linked with the maintenance of consumer privacy and confidentiality of the data. McKnight, Choudhury and Kacmar (2002) have demonstrated the role of positive perception of the business in the consumer base. It has been stated that in order to facilitate a potential consumer to become an actual consumer of a company, the firm needs to establish validated feelings of dependability. This proposition is further reinforced by the persistent display of moral and ethical choices by the company. One of the dimensions related to ethical conduct of a business has been identified by Culnan and Armstrong (1999) who regarded the sharing of information with customers as a means of establishing goodwill among them. The consumers who were informed about the company about the nature and scope of use of their profile information were able to view this as a reflection of organizational ethics. On the other hand, firms that collected and used consumer related information, but were reluctant to provide knowledge about the process were perceived with suspicion and low credibility. The tendency of a company to display ethical behavior in the online communication and transactions with the consumers develops a low risk profile of the business in the market (Kim, Ferrin & Rao, 2008). This indicates that the variables of perceived risk and perceived organizational ethics are significantly related to each other.

Ferrell and Hartline (2010) have suggested that the quality of relationship of a company with its external stakeholders can have a strong influence on the pace of logistics and operations. Similarly, in the online context, positive relationship with online consumers can result in increased sales and profitability. The perceived ethical conduct of the firm in this case tends to play a mediating role in the consumer purchase decisions. Boatright (2003) also supported this notion by asserting that e-business success of an organisation in terms of customer retention and loyalty is dependent upon the perception it generates in the mind of the consumers. Organizations that focus on acting in morally responsible ways establish the foundation of long term trust in the consumers. On the other hand, management that keeps its own vested interest central is likely to develop an ethically damaged perception in the market. This in turn has negative implications for the sales, profitability and revenue.

Research Objectives and Research Questions

The behavior of consumers is not only guided by available information about the features of products or services. The rising participation of consumers in online transactions and e-business activities indicates that the customer’s perception about the degree of trustworthiness of a business also play an important role. The consumer’s perception about trustworthiness of an organization is based on their view about the adoption of ethical business practices by the firm. If an organization is deemed as valuing the ethical and moral principles, the consumers automatically attribute the features of trustworthiness and credibility with the firm. As a result, they are more likely to retain their loyalty with the business entity (Kracher & Corritore, 2009).  Based on this assumption, the researcher has established a central question “What is the relationship between perceived organizational ethics and effectiveness of e-business of SMEs in UK?”

The main focus in this domain will be to investigate the linkages between consumer’s perceptions of a firm’s ethical behavior. The researcher will also explore the perception of consumers about the moral principles upheld by organizations and their willingness to engage in e-business activities with these firms. The research objectives identified for the study are as follows:

1. To understand the perception of organizational ethics among the online consumers of SMEs. 2. To explore the factors developing perception of organizational ethics among online consumers. 3.    To investigate the impact of perceived organizational ethics on effectiveness of e-business for SMEs. The study will be based on the following questions: 1.    What is the perception of organizational ethics among the online consumers of SMEs in UK? 2.    What are the factors which develop the perception of organizational ethics among online consumers? 3.    What is the impact of perceived organizational ethics on effectiveness of e-business for SMEs in UK?

Research Design

The researcher intends to use qualitative research design for conducting the study. Qualitative research is deemed as suitable for seeking information about the areas that are relatively unexplored. The present study is aiming to understand, explore and investigate the role of perceived organizational ethics on success of e-business of SMEs. Considering this context qualitative approach will be provide access to in-depth and detailed information which can be used to develop a comprehensive framework in this regard. The researcher can therefore establish findings which support in enhancing the knowledge and understanding about the phenomenon of perceived organizational ethics. The use of qualitative research is aligned with the deductive approach which is based on the underlying principle of moving from general information to the development of a specific theoretical concept (Bryman & Bell, 2007). Since the context of present study is an under researched area, the use of qualitative approach is more appropriate. Secondly, perception can be explored and analyzed with a greater degree of effectiveness through the use of subjective accounts and narration from the participants.

The researcher will be using grounded theory as a strategy of qualitative research. Glaser (2008) has stated that grounded theory helps a researcher in establishing a clear framework out of the generalized information. Critics have outlined the limitations embedded in the use of grounded theory and qualitative research by asserting that they are based on subjective data only. The researcher can gain insight into the thoughts and beliefs held by individuals; however the observable behavior and objective information are significantly overlooked (Bryman & Bell, 2007). Furthermore, the process of theoretical construction can be time consuming as well. Belk (2006) on the contrary has argued in favor of the use of grounded theory for investigating the various themes related to consumer behavior, as the development of new theory is needed to understand the complex phenomenon of consumer perception.

Data Collection and Analysis

[large]Data collection in a research can be based on primary or secondary sources of information. For this study, the researcher will be collecting primary data which entails collection of first hand information from the sample of study as well as secondary data from peer reviewed journals and books. There are various methods that can be used for gathering primary information. The researcher will be using focus group as it provides access to the perception underlying the behaviour of the participants. Various scholars have used focus groups to obtain information from the consumers about an area of interest (Grunert, 1997; Joseph, Sekhon, Stone & Tinson, 2005; Becken, 2007). The choice of focus group is further facilitated on the grounds that it offers adequate flexibility and validity to the researcher. Moreover, the collection of information is less time consuming as compared to other means of qualitative data collection. Another important benefit of focus group is that the researcher is likely to gain access to unexpected aspects of data. The respondents in the focus group can bring out some information which the researcher wasn’t aware of, thus creating significance of focus group in developing theory (Babbie, 2012). 

The data will be collected from 8 individuals who have indicated that they have engaged in online purchases in the last 2 months (from SMEs located in UK). These participants will be required to respond to the semi structured questions developed by the researcher. The nature of data will be based on direct responses to questions as well as the discussion generated responses. The focus group session is expected to last from 60 to 90 minutes. The session will be recorded by the researcher after obtaining informed consent from the participants. Later on it will be transcribed and coded to identify the various themes discussed by the participants. The analysis of the data will provide an overview of the various factors that have emerged during the focus group discussion. The data from secondary sources will be utilized to develop an understanding about the impact of perceived organisational ethics on the effectiveness of e-business. Peer reviewed journal articles and books will provide content in this regard which can be analyzed to evaluate the validity of this notion.

In order to represent the process of initiation, conductance and completion of research, I have used a Gantt chart. The chart will illustrate various stages of research and the time allocated for each of the research activity. As demonstrated in the chart given below, the research project will be initiated in February in the form of development of proposal. The next step in this regard will be literature review which will last up to 2 months. It will provide the researcher with an understanding of the theoretical constructs that can be used for formulating the questions for participants. Once the questions have been formulated the researcher will conduct a pilot study of focus group to gauge the degree of reliability and validity of the questions. In addition to this, the pilot study will also help the researcher in identifying any problems in the question structure and formatting. After the pilot study, the next phase will be focused on collection of actual research data which will also be done in June. The researcher will collect data through focus group as well as from the plethora of researches conducted by other scholars. The analysis of data will be carried out in July. The last 2 months of the research process will be dedicated for the write up draft and final submission of the dissertation.

The research is focusing on the impact of perceived organizational ethics among the online consumers on the performance of SMEs in terms of their e-business domain. The expected findings in this regard can be summarized on the basis of the three research objectives. The consumers who engage in online purchase and transactions are likely to hold positive perception about the ethical conduct of those businesses. Another expected outcome of the study is that the participants will attach low risk and high trust with organizations that are perceived to be ethical. Moreover, the degree of privacy and availability of information about the use of customer data by firm will also be associated with an indication of organizational ethics.  Lastly, the study is also expected to provide information about the impact of organizational ethics on effectiveness of e-business for SMEs through exploration of pertinent secondary data. The secondary literature will show significant relationship between consumer perception of organizational ethics and the sales and profitability of the e-business activities.

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Research Methodology Example

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Methodology Chapter Template

If you’re working on a dissertation or thesis and are looking for an example of a research methodology chapter , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through a research methodology from a dissertation that earned full distinction , step by step. We start off by discussing the core components of a research methodology by unpacking our free methodology chapter template . We then progress to the sample research methodology to show how these concepts are applied in an actual dissertation, thesis or research project.

If you’re currently working on your research methodology chapter, you may also find the following resources useful:

• Research methodology 101 : an introductory video discussing what a methodology is and the role it plays within a dissertation
• Research design 101 : an overview of the most common research designs for both qualitative and quantitative studies
• Variables 101 : an introductory video covering the different types of variables that exist within research.
• Sampling 101 : an overview of the main sampling methods
• Methodology tips : a video discussion covering various tips to help you write a high-quality methodology chapter
• Private coaching : Get hands-on help with your research methodology

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Research Methodology Example

Research methodology example: frequently asked questions, is the sample research methodology real.

Yes. The chapter example is an extract from a Master’s-level dissertation for an MBA program. A few minor edits have been made to protect the privacy of the sponsoring organisation, but these have no material impact on the research methodology.

Can I replicate this methodology for my dissertation?

As we discuss in the video, every research methodology will be different, depending on the research aims, objectives and research questions. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your literature review to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research methodology chapter here .

Where can I find more examples of research methodologies?

The best place to find more examples of methodology chapters would be within dissertation/thesis databases. These databases include dissertations, theses and research projects that have successfully passed the assessment criteria for the respective university, meaning that you have at least some sort of quality assurance.

The Open Access Thesis Database (OATD) is a good starting point.

How do I get the research methodology chapter template?

You can access our free methodology chapter template here .

Is the methodology template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the template and you are free to use it as you wish.

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