Why do you need to write a proposal?
You have a problem that you want to solve. Research Questions Business-related problems (e.g. Improving the sales, persuade someone to
invest in your business)
Calvin Luk
Before writing the proposal (WHO)
Think about the 5W2H (Who, What, Why, Where, When and 2 How?) Think about who is your reader? (WHO?) Research proposals: Funding agency? Scientists? Policy-makers? Business proposals: Clients? Investors?
This would determine what you would like to put into the proposals as you want to present in a way that your readers will get the key ideas.
Calvin Luk
Before writing the proposal (WHAT)
Think about your research question (WHAT) Research proposals What do you want to study? Define your topic Start thinking from a general area that youre interested in. Then develop that into a focused research question to be answered.
Calvin Luk
Process of Defining a Research Question
Define a Research Question
Literature Review
Possible Methods/ Solutions
Calvin Luk
Before writing the proposal (WHY)
Think about why they need to choose you or fund your research? (WHY) Importance/Significance of your research question.
Is your topic related to real life? Is your topic related to societal problems or influence policy? Is your topic going to be useful/interesting? Can your idea fill a gap in existing research? Will this study generate new knowledge? Will the study promote advance understanding?
Calvin Luk
Before writing the proposal (WHERE)
Is your research topic limited to a certain geographical region? (WHERE) Not so much for basic science research (universal) Social science research Hong Kong only? China? Asia? Globally?
Calvin Luk
Before writing the proposal (WHEN)
Any Timeline/Timeframe for your proposal? (WHEN) Your proposed solution is feasible in a specific timeframes.
Can this be done in 3-year time if you are asking for a 3-year funding?
