Writing a research proposal is one of the most important tasks facing academics, researchers and postgraduate students. Yet there is a good deal of misinformation and a great lack of guidance about what constitutes a good research proposal and what can be done to maximise one's chances of writing a successful research proposal.   Denicolo and Becker recognise the importance of developing an effective research proposal for gaining either a place on a research degree programme or funding to support research projects and set out to explore the main factors that that proposal writers need to attend to in developing successful proposals of their own.   Developing Research Proposals will help readers to understand the context within which their proposal will be read, what the reviewers are looking for and will be influenced by, while also supporting the development of relevant skills through advice and practical activities.   This book: Explores the nature and purpose of different kinds of proposals Focuses on the actual research proposed Discusses how best to carry out and structure the literature review Examines the posing and phrasing of research questions and hypotheses Looks at how methods and methodology should be handled in a proposal Discusses the crucial issues of planning, strategy and timing in developing targeted proposals Denicolo and Becker draw together the key elements in the process of preparing and submitting a proposal and concludes with advice on responding to the results, successful or not, and their relevance to future proposals. The Success in Research series, from Cindy Becker and Pam Denicolo, provides short, authoritative and accessible guides on key areas of professional and research development.   Avoiding jargon and cutting to the chase of what you really need to know, these practical and supportive books cover a range of areas from presenting research to achieving impact, and from publishing journal articles to developing proposals. They are essential reading for any student or researcher interested in developing their skills and broadening their professional and methodological knowledge in an academic context.

Table of Contents:
Prologue Serendipity Intended Readers Overview of the Rook The Task Before You What is a Research Proposal? A Pervasive Task Defined A Celebration of Difference First Steps in Meeting the Needs of Your Readership Finding out about Research Degree Opportunities Finding out about Research Funding Opportunities General Preliminary Explorations Skills Inventory When Is a Research Proposal Required and Why? Motivation Sources of Funding Gaining a Richer View of Funders′ Requirements Gaining Financial Awards for Study Identifying Potential Supervisors/Advisors Securing a Place on a Higher Degree by Research Programme Sections Within a Proposal - What Funders or Research Degree Reviewers Are Looking for Main Features of Proposals What Are the Key Aspects of Proposal Preparation? Pre-Preparation The Title, Abstract and Covering Letter The Body of the Proposal - Audience and Style Developing Your Proposal Draft Language Register, Voice and Verb Tense The Conceptual Framework Stages in the Production of Proposal - Advance Planning The Constraints of Time What Should Be Included in the Introduction, Rationale and Literature Review? Orientating Your Reader to Your Purpose The Introduction The Rationale Preparing for the Literature Review The Literature Review Itself The Process of Searching the Literature Constructing Your Argument What Is the Significance of the Aims, Objectives, and Research Questions/Hypotheses? Level of Specificity Required Clarification of Terms - Aims and Objectives Research Questions and Hypotheses Paradigms Why Paradigm Identification Is Important The Link between Aims/Objectives and Research Questions/Hypotheses What Should Be Included in the Methodology/Research Implementation Sections? Consistency between Purpose and Procedures Clarification of ′Shorthand′ Terms Methodology - Approach and Justification Consistency and Justification Research Using Positivist Approaches Presenting and Analysing Quantitative Results Research Using Interpretivist Approaches Presenting and Analysing Qualitative Results Using the Right Language Ethical Considerations Evaluation Plan What Financial Considerations Are Required? The Ground Rules of Budgeting The Financial Demands of a Research Degree Project Financial Considerations for All Researchers Types and Styles of Budgets for Funding Applications Key Elements of the Budget: Personnel Key Elements of the Budget: Operating Costs The Budget after Submission of the Proposal What Planning and Organisation Details Are Required? Establishing Goals and Deadlines Project Planning and Time Management Implementation Plans Research Governance People Management Schedules and Timelines Who Are the other Potential Contributors to and Referees for Your Project? Building Professional Relationships Building on Overviews of Requirements Making Contacts and Seeking Help Developing Collaborations and Partnerships The Review Process What Reviewers Are Seeking from Proposals Reality Check - Grit Your Teeth! Where Does It End? Reactions, Reflections and Anticipations After Submission Receiving Feedback from Reviewers Reasons for Rejection Responding to Feedback Back to the Beginning The Continuous Cycle of Proposal Writing Appendix 1 Funding Sources Appendix 2 Resources Glossary Index