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How to write a research proposal

It pays if your writing is coherent, clear and compelling.

The goal of your research proposal is to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and the ability to fully follow it through to completion.

You should provide enough information for the ALIA Research Award Panel to make an informative decision on your proposal and we would therefore suggest you address such things as:

what project you will undertake – a suitably descriptive title
what earlier work has been undertaken on a project like the one you propose
what you plan to accomplish - why it is important, ; what will the outcome be for whom?
how you are going to do it
when you anticipate the project will start / end - provide a estimated timeline including at least one status report

Checklist, things to do

First things first, read the ALIA research awards terms and conditions before you begin writing your proposal. Follow the guidelines - respond to all questions and include details relating to:

timetable
budget
outline of proposed research project including aims and objectives, contribution to LIS research and/or practice
concise and properly referenced literature review to show what work, if any, has been carried out on your chosen research topic
evaluation / outcomes
How you plan to disseminate the results of your research (e.g. conference paper, journal article)
curriculum vitae
references from two referees
other related information to assist in the evaluation of your application
ask someone (e.g. an experienced/acknowledged researcher) to critique your proposal and heed their advice
submit nomination by no later than advertised closing date

Tips on what to provide

Timetable
Your timetable needs to show the overall duration of the research project and indicate timing of the significant stages of the project.

Budget
Your budget doesn't have to be complicated but make it realistic, clear and concise. Establish your budget by making a list of all income and expenditure involved in your plans, run it by your supervisor or mentor to make sure you haven't overlooked anything. Detail costs are and how they have been calculated. Some items you might like to include in your budget proposal are:

Postage and telephone /other communications costs
Stationery and supplies
Travel and Accommodation – you will need to provide some detail on how you have arrived at the costs you claim, e.g. overnight accommodation @ $/night.
Evaluation
Other expenses

Remember to provide information about contributions made by other sponsors, for example will your workplace allow you to conduct the research during your working hours, will any other organisations contribute financially or otherwise.

Outline of proposed project including aims and objectives

A research proposal gives you an opportunity to present the case for your research, highlight your project’s significance and your capacity to do the work. It should also demonstrate your understanding of the research topic and your familiarity with the research methods you recommend.

Title
It should be concise and descriptive, make it memorable, exciting, capture the panel's interest and enthusiasm. Be precise enough to suggest the nature and scope of the project, and concise enough to be referred to quickly and easily
Aim and objectives
Aim: one clear and concise sentence that captures the research issue
Objectives: spell out the individual objectives that will achieve the aim.
Outline
Provide a brief overview of the proposed project. Describe what you plan to accomplish and how this will be achieved.
Introduction
The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessary background or context for your research idea. Be creative, the introduction typically begins with a general statement or description of the major issues of the research project and focuses on such things as the purpose of the research, why it is important and worth doing. If applicable, indicate that you are aware of other research taking place and how your study may be complementary/contradictory (i.e. how it contributes and extends existing knowledge). Indicate the possible research audiences
Literature review
This does not have to be extensive. You need to show evidence that you have read the literature on your topic of choice and that you are aware of any similar work has been carried out on your topic and how your proposed work will contribute to the existing body of work (or lack of work) in the area. Please remember to correctly reference the works you use.
Methods
This section is very important because it should show the panel how you plan to tackle your research project. It should contain sufficient information for the panel to determine whether your methodology is sound. You need to demonstrate your knowledge and make the case that your approach is an appropriate way to address the project.
Results
Clearly identify key outputs (e.g. reports, papers, etc.). State what you think will be achieved by doing this study and state what outcomes you believe will arise from this research, and indicate how they will come about

Evaluation / outcomes
You obviously don't have the results at the proposal stage but you do need to have some idea of the outcome of your research and that it is achievable within the agreed timeframe. What are the measures of success? Describe how you are going to evaluate whether your project is a success or not. How are you going to disseminate the results of your research? List main tasks and when they will be done and indicate key tasks that can be used to monitor activity/achievements

Sharing results
State how you will inform others and share you results (e.g. proposed presentations, publications, informal reporting, etc.)

Curriculum vitae
Provide a brief account of your career to date. You could also include information relating to your special interests, career and life goals to support your application. Do not duplicate information already documented.

Referees
Your two referees need to communicate a sense of enthusiasm and confidence in you and your proposal and focus on the significance of the proposed project to the profession. It is your responsibility to ensure the references from your referees are received by no later than the nomination closing date.

Useful References

American Astronomical Society. (2004). Grants and prizes. Available from: http://www.aas.org/grants/hints.html

Bouma, Gary D. (2000). The research process. 4th edn. London: Oxford University Press. And later editions. There are many many books which outline the research process – this is just one title.

Community builders NSW (n.d.) A guide to submission writing. Available from: http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/finding_funds/submissions/submissions.html

How to: win a philanthropic grant - the essential guide (n.d.) Available from: http://www.ourcommunity.com.au

Levine, S Joseph. (2007). , Guide for writing a funding proposal. Available from: http://www.learnerassociates.net/proposal/

Olk, Harald, (2003, November) How to write a research proposal. Available from: http://ic.daad.de/accra/download/How_to_write_a_research_proposal.pdf [pdf 22kb]

Pickard, Alison Jane. (2007) Research methods in information London : Facet,

Walonick, David S. (n.d.) Elements of a research proposal and report. Available from http://www.statpac.com/research-papers/research-proposal.htm

Williamson, Kirsty et al. (2000) Research Methods for Students, Academics and Professionals Wagga Wagga, NSW Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University.

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