Dissertation Proposal Guide:

The following format will guide you in structuring your research proposal (Dissertation):

1. Proposed Title/Research Topic

Choosing a good dissertation title demands wide reading, reflection and discussion with researchers in your
field of study. Reading gives you direction because it enables you to know what has been done in your
research area and the knowledge gaps that exist. A good title/topic should:

1.1 Be feasible, researchable and manageable.

1.2 Attract attention and reflect clearly and concisely the content of the thesis (what will be
researched, how, which texts/with whom ie. participants, where/when/what / context).

Choose a topic that you have a passion for, and which is also worth investigating. Consider its relevance and
contribution to the needs and well-being of the local community/nation/mankind, etc.

2. Introduction

The introduction must consist of an overview or a general description of the background of the research or study
area and its context. It therefore requires you to locate the research in an appropriate background or context. It
should also identify the discipline within which the research falls. This will lead to a clear articulation of the
major problem to be investigated.

3. Background
This covers the **Global, **Regional and **Local situation as regards the research area/problem.

4. The Statement of the Problem

This demands the delineation or identification of the problem, that is, what are you investigating? There should
be a general statement of purpose about why the research is worth doing, and its anticipated results. The
statement of the problem should therefore indicate that the problem is worth investigating. Unless the problem
can be stated clearly right from the outset, it probably is a non-problem. The best way to test the problem
statement is to condense it into a concise statement or paragraph and to share it with others.

5. Aim and Objectives of the Research [State aim on its own and state objectives on their own]

Specify what you want to accomplish at the end of the study. Objectives should be measurable, specific and
attainable within a specific timeframe. They should be SMART. They should address the following questions:

5.1 What do you want to highlight?

5.2 What do you want to achieve?
5.3 What do you want to find out?
5.4 If you have a hypothesis, what is it?

6. Research Questions

Note that objectives may be articulated as research questions, problems to be solved or hypotheses.

7. Literature Review (This is very brief and directly in line with the research at hand)

This part of the proposal will contain an analysis of related literature pertinent to your proposed research
area. This will help toward the identification of major debates and issues pertaining to your research area,
which in turn will enable you to identify existing gaps to be filled, and also aid in formulating the research
methodology. You must pay attention to the following:
7.1 Indicate how existing research in this area falls short of what you intend to do, that is, identify gaps to be
filled.
7.2 Show thorough familiarity with related researches as well as methodologies used, so that you confidently
settle on your study.
7.3 Debate what existing researches say and relate it to your topic, showing how this is relevant but different,
and then indicate what you intend to do (there should be a clear indication of how your research will add,
challenge or develops existing literature).
7.4 Be careful and consistent when citing the works of others by using a standard referencing style.
7.5 State the Theoretical Framework for the study

8. Justification of the Study

Elaborate on the importance of the study and advantages to be derived. Ensure that the significance and
essential nature of the proposed research is clearly demonstrated.

8.1 What are the reasons for undertaking this study?

8.2 Why have you specifically carried out this research?
8.3 What is the likely contribution of your research (eg theory/methodology, policy,
practice)?
8.4 Of what benefit is your contribution to the field of study/communities/mankind?

At the very least, the problem must have significance to the researcher but, more importantly, it should be of
significance to your field of study as well.

9. Research Methodology

State the methodology to be used and its appropriateness in addressing the research problem/ question(s) or
testing your hypothesis, as well as in describing and evaluating your data. This will require an understanding
of alternative research methods and their unsuitability for the research at hand.

9.1 Is the research design Qualitative? (in the context of interpreting ideas, perspectives
opinions of individuals being studied)
9.2 Is the research design Quantitative? (in the context of numerically measurable data).
9.3 Is it a combination/mixture of both?
9.4 Will you use existing theories/methods/approaches, or will you develop new ones?
7.4 Where will the research be carried out?
9.5 What are sampling procedures?
9.6 What is the sample size?
9.7 How is data going to be collected? Is it through interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions,
experimental study, participant observation, desk research, etc?
9.8 How is the data going to be managed?
9.9 How is the data going to be analysed?
9.10 Are there any known limitations to the proposed methods? These should be pointed out.

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Good day

A few people have sent me a proposed "dissertation title" and asked me if it is viable or not.
Frankly, it is difficult to tell whether a dissertation is viable or not by just reading a "title".

One can begin to tell whether a "title" is viable or not when it is accompanied by (a) a draft problem
statement, (b) a draft aim, (c) draft objectives and (d) a draft justification. Without that a "title" can
mean anything.

So, If you go to consult any lecturer about your dissertation proposal it would help if you have draft
aim and objectives
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Consider my comments and do a proper proposal and send me, a proper proposal has the following
sections;
Title
Introduction
Background
Problem statement
Justification
Aim
Objectives
Questions
Theoretical Framework
Research Design Summary