Developing Research Proposals

Working across a range of disciplines (Psychology, Health & Social Care and Pharmacy), Pam Denicolo, a Professor Emerita from the University of Reading,  a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, and an Honorary Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, has wide-ranging experience both of using a range of research approaches and methods and of teaching how to use them well to a broad range of students and professionals world-wide. She has served on executive boards and committees of national and international learned societies and organisations devoted to research and teaching. She continues to publish widely student support materials, books, and journal articles on research because she remains passionately committed to mentoring and coaching newer researchers and academics.Lucinda Becker is Professor of Pedagogy and an award-winning lecturer and tutor at the University of Reading. She has dedicated her professional life to creating independent learners who are confident in themselves intellectually, professionally and personally. Lucinda has written numerous study guides for students and works with undergraduates and postgraduates across the university. She is also a professional trainer and consultant, helping new graduates in engineering, science and law to become successful communicators and leaders.

This is a sound introduction to proposal writing, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. It is clearly presented and written in largely jargon-free language that will appeal to the neophyte... The work is useful as an introduction to the proposal-writing process.Maryam NazariOnline Information ReviewThis book is essential reading for those writing research proposals for a PhD application as well as those writing proposals to funding bodies. It is intended for those who are writing proposals for the first time but also for those who may have written proposals before, but never succeeded in getting funding... For me, this book is perfectly pitched. It is simple, but not simplistic. It offers practical advice, but also interrogates your thinking about the actual research design...This book is an excellent addition to any newer researcher′s bookshelf as well as for administrative staff and those in research offices who support academics writing proposals. You get a sense that the authors are true experts and genuinely want to support new and early academics in what is an increasingly competitive part of modern day academia.Annika CoughlinSRA NewsDeveloping Research Proposals is a very accessible and authoritative guide, and part of Sage’s informative Success in Research Series... Overall, the authors have written a book providing a wealth of information and advice that would come in handy not only to those interested in maximizing their chances to get a research degree place or funding for project in a complex and demanding environment, but also to those interested in their personal development as researchers.Andreea MoiseLSE Review of Books

• PrologueSerendipityIntended ReadersOverview of the RookThe Task Before YouWhat is a Research Proposal?A Pervasive Task DefinedA Celebration of DifferenceFirst Steps in Meeting the Needs of Your ReadershipFinding out about Research Degree OpportunitiesFinding out about Research Funding OpportunitiesGeneral Preliminary ExplorationsSkills InventoryWhen Is a Research Proposal Required and Why?MotivationSources of FundingGaining a Richer View of Funders′ RequirementsGaining Financial Awards for StudyIdentifying Potential Supervisors/AdvisorsSecuring a Place on a Higher Degree by Research ProgrammeSections Within a Proposal - What Funders or Research Degree Reviewers Are Looking forMain Features of ProposalsWhat Are the Key Aspects of Proposal Preparation?Pre-PreparationThe Title, Abstract and Covering LetterThe Body of the Proposal - Audience and StyleDeveloping Your Proposal DraftLanguage Register, Voice and Verb TenseThe Conceptual FrameworkStages in the Production of Proposal - Advance PlanningThe Constraints of TimeWhat Should Be Included in the Introduction, Rationale and Literature Review?Orientating Your Reader to Your PurposeThe IntroductionThe RationalePreparing for the Literature ReviewThe Literature Review ItselfThe Process of Searching the LiteratureConstructing Your ArgumentWhat Is the Significance of the Aims, Objectives, and Research Questions/Hypotheses?Level of Specificity RequiredClarification of Terms - Aims and ObjectivesResearch Questions and HypothesesParadigmsWhy Paradigm Identification Is ImportantThe Link between Aims/Objectives and Research Questions/HypothesesWhat Should Be Included in the Methodology/Research Implementation Sections? Consistency between Purpose and ProceduresClarification of ′Shorthand′ TermsMethodology - Approach and JustificationConsistency and JustificationResearch Using Positivist ApproachesPresenting and Analysing Quantitative ResultsResearch Using Interpretivist ApproachesPresenting and Analysing Qualitative ResultsUsing the Right LanguageEthical ConsiderationsEvaluation PlanWhat Financial Considerations Are Required?The Ground Rules of BudgetingThe Financial Demands of a Research Degree ProjectFinancial Considerations for All ResearchersTypes and Styles of Budgets for Funding ApplicationsKey Elements of the Budget: PersonnelKey Elements of the Budget: Operating CostsThe Budget after Submission of the Proposal What Planning and Organisation Details Are Required?Establishing Goals and DeadlinesProject Planning and Time ManagementImplementation PlansResearch GovernancePeople ManagementSchedules and TimelinesWho Are the other Potential Contributors to and Referees for Your Project?Building Professional RelationshipsBuilding on Overviews of RequirementsMaking Contacts and Seeking HelpDeveloping Collaborations and PartnershipsThe Review ProcessWhat Reviewers Are Seeking from ProposalsReality Check - Grit Your Teeth!Where Does It End? Reactions, Reflections and AnticipationsAfter SubmissionReceiving Feedback from ReviewersReasons for RejectionResponding to FeedbackBack to the BeginningThe Continuous Cycle of Proposal WritingAppendix 1 Funding SourcesAppendix 2 ResourcesGlossaryIndex