Developing Research Proposals: (Success in Research)

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

About the Author :
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.

Review :
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 Nazari Online Information Review This 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 Coughlin SRA News Developing 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 Moise LSE Review of Books