The Proposal Writing Guide:

How to Write a Winning Thesis Proposal

  Before we start, here's a thesis writing tip

A thesis proposal is generally written in the present and future tense. A thesis on
the other hand is always written in past tense.

13 Ingredients of a Winning Thesis Proposal

1. Introduction (1-2 pages)
 If you are required to write an introduction, write it so it captures the
reader’s interest in this overview. It does not have to be perfect.

 You can write this section last. Your best overview of you project most likely
will come after you have written the other sections of your proposal.

2. Problem Statement
 First formulate a research question. Next restate the question in the form of
a statement: note the adverse consequences of the problem.

 The type of study determines the kinds of question you should formulate,
such as Is there something wrong in society, theoretically unclear or in
dispute, or historically worth studying? Is there a program, drug, project, or
product that needs evaluation? What do you intend to create or produce and
how will it be of value to you and society?

3. Background
 Capture the reader’s interest and convince him/her of the significance of the
problem.

 Give at least three reasons why the problem you have chosen is important
to you and society, and specify at least two concrete examples of the
problem.

4. Purpose
 Begin with “The purpose of this study is to…” change, interpret, understand,
evaluate, or analyze the problem.

 State your thesis goal completely. Remember, it should be some form of

 investigative activity.

5. Significance
 Focus on the benefits of your study not the research problem.

 Place yourself in the position of responding to someone who says “so what?”
Provide a persuasive rationale for your argument by answering the following
questions: Why is your study important? To whom is it important? What can
happen to society, or theory, or a program if the study is done or not done?

6. Methodology
 Describe in technical language your research perspective and your past,
present, or possible future points of view.

 List three research methodologies you could use, and describe why each
might be appropriate and feasible. Select the most viable method.

7. Literature Review
 Locate and briefly describe those studies and theories that support and
oppose your approach to the problem. In other words, place the proposed
study in context through a critical analysis of selected research reports.

 Be sure to include alternative methodological approaches that have been

used by others who studied your problem.

8. Hypotheses
 State clearly and succinctly what you expect the results of your study to
show.

 Focus more on the substantive nature of what you expect to find and less
on how you will test for those expectations.

9. Definition of Terms
 Describe for the reader the exact meaning of all terms used in the problem,
purpose and methodology sections. Include any terms that, if not defined,
might confuse the reader.

 State the clearest definition of each term using synonyms, analogies,

descriptions, examples etc. Define any theoretical terms as they are defined
by proponents of the theory you are using.

10. Assumptions
  Describe untested and un-testable positions, basic values, world views, or
beliefs that are assumed in your study.

 Your examination should extend to your methodological assumptions, such

as the attitude you have toward different analytic approaches and data-
gathering methods. Make the reader aware of your own biases.

11. Scope & Limitations

 Disclose any conceptual and methodological limitations

 Use the following questions to identify the limitations of your study: What
kind of design, sampling, measurement, and analysis would be used “in the
best of all possible worlds”? How far from these ideals is your study likely to
be?

12. Procedure
 Describe in detail all the steps you will carry out to choose subjects,
construct variables, develop hypotheses, gather and present data, such that
another researcher could replicate your work.

 Remember the presentation of data never speaks for itself, it must be

interpreted.

13. Long-Range Consequences

 Think ahead approximately three years after the completion of your thesis
project. What are the long-term consequences of your having done the
study or not done the study?

Sample title: A report proposal on establishing a

subsidiary/branch of miokr furniture manufacturing
company
Sample Proposal Format

Sample Proposals

Date: September 1, 2000

To: Center Interns
From: Center Team Leader
Subject: Proposal to Study the Design of Business Proposals

Problem Statement

The purpose of this proposal is to outline the need for a project that analyzes the use and design of business project
proposals. In response to the Center's mission to analyze business communications practices, this project will seek to
answer the following questions:

 What is the rhetorical function of a proposal?

 What are the various ways that proposals can be structured?
 What makes a proposal effective?

Introduction/Background

Since business proposals are typically intended to produce some kind of change in an organization, they have
historically been viewed as a means for employees to take initiative by suggesting improvements that might benefit
the company or organization. An employee or group of employees may write a proposal and submit it to the
appropriate management personnel, who will then evaluate the proposal and accept or reject the suggested project.

In non-profit organizations or academic institutions, proposals are often a means of procuring funds or other
resources for specific projects or even day-to-day operations. In this case, the proposals are sent to funding agencies,
where they are evaluated as to whether the proposal matches the criteria of the funding agency, and whether it's
judged to be the best use of the resources that the funding agency has allotted for distribution.

Project Methods

In order to analyze the proposals, this project will investigate the use and design of proposals in both for-profit and
non-profit situations. We have already established contact with two local for-profit organizations and two local non-
profit organizations who have indicated their willingness to allow us to interview their staff, review their file of
proposals, and analyze their procedures for writing proposals.
In addition, we will be consulting with a local organization who specializes in writing grant proposals for non-profit
organizations. Our work with this organization will allow us to access a wide variety of proposals and will give us the
opportunity to work with proposal "experts."

We will look at both formal and informal proposals. While informal proposals may be structured in basic memo
format, formal proposals are more complicated often following a format similar to those of fromal reports:

 title page
 table of contents
 proposal summary or overview
 body of the proposal
 references
 appendices

Project Outcomes and Timeline

The result of this project will be an analytical report that discusses the rhetorical and structural components of
proposals, both in for-profit and non-profit situations. In addition, the report will suggest practical strategies for
designing rhetorically effective proposals. In order to complete this project, we will follow the schedule below:

Initial research complete: September 14

Progress report submitted: September 21

Analysis of data complete: September 28

Final report drafted: October 3

Final report submitted: October 6

Conclusion

We believe that this project will fill an existing gap in the Center's knowledge base, a gap that undermines our
organization's ability to effectively serve its clients by providing comprehensive information about business
communications practices. We are eager to undertake the project and look forward to hearing any comments and
suggestions that you have. If you wish to discuss this proposal, please contact us by phone or email (555-5555,
[email protected]).