GUIDELINES ON RESEARCH PROPOSAL (STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS)

UNIVERSITY OF LILONGWE

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTACY

GENDER DIMENSION OF VILLAGE BANKING IN MALAWI: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

WITH REFERENCE TO MITUNDU AND KASIYA COMMUNITIES

JUDITH BANDA

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LILONGWE IN

PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE
OF BACHELOR OF ARTS (ACCOUNTANCY) UNIVERSITY OF LILONGWE
Declaration Page (example):
“This proposal is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any
other university”.
Name: Judith Banda
BBA AC10/04/2016
Signature_________________________ Date____________________

Supervisors: This proposal has been submitted for the review with my approval as
the University supervisor.

Signature 1. __________________________Date__________________
Name : Dr. Justus Mawayula
Department of Accountancy
Abstract
It should consist of precise spectrum of the entire proposal including the Problem,
Objectives, and Methods of Data Analysis. It should give an overview of the
proposal and should not Exceed 500 words. It should also have the topic (title)
and the name of the author (as it appears on the title and declaration pages
respectively). It should occupy a page on its own.

Abbreviations and Acronyms (where applicable): All abbreviations and/or

acronyms used in the text should be included in the list. They should also be
organized in alphabetical order, but must be written out in full the first time they
appear in the text. These should be started on a fresh page.

LIST OF TABLES
Each table should be given a number that uniquely identifies it with the relevant
chapter and own number.
E.g. Table 1.1: Population of Lilongwe District by Age Distribution (2008)
This is table number 1 in Chapter 1
Table 1.2: Gender structure of the population of Lilongwe District (2008)
This is table number 2 in Chapter 1
Note: The listing should start on a fresh page

LIST OF FIGURES
Similarly, each figure should be uniquely identified by chapter and specific
number. Their listing can start immediately the list of table’s ends (i.e. it does
not have to start on a fresh page).
Definition of terms
The terms defined in this section should not be merely dictionary definitions of
words, rather they should be terms and concepts used in a particular manner in
the document, and hence a reader of the document would require these
definitions and explanations to follow arguments in the document. This section
should start on a fresh page.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION……………………………………………………………………….. i
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………….. ii
LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………………….. iii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study…………………………………………………... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem……………………………………………….… 4

1.3 Objectives of the study…………………………………………………..…..6

1.4 Research Questions/Hypotheses………………………………………... 9

1.5 Justification and Significance…………………………………………..

1.6 Scope and Limitations…………………………………………………….

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTIVE FRAMEWORK
2.1 Review of Related Literature…………………………………………….

2.2 Conceptual/Theoretical framework……………………………………

3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design…………………………………………………………….

3.2 Variables/Categories of Analysis……………………………………….

3.3 Site of the Study…………………………………………………………….

3.4 Study Population……………………………………………………………

3.5 Sampling Techniques and Sample size…………………………….

3.6 Research Instruments……………………………………………………

3.7 Pilot study (where applicable)…………………………………………

3.8 Validity and Reliability……………………………………………………

3.9 Data Collection……………………………………………………………..

3.10 Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………

3.11 Data Management and Ethical Considerations………………....

BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
A1: Research Instruments (where applicable)………………………….

1.0. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the study
Provide specific Knowledge gaps that are considered the root of the problem.
Specifically it should establish the problem leading to the study, and Cast the
problem within the larger scholarly literature, discuss deficiencies in the literature
about the problem, target an audience, and note the significance of the problem
for this audience.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
It should be precise and focused. It should be direct and very well thought out
such that it does not leave questions in the mind of the reader about the nature
and direction of the intended study.
1.3. Objectives of the study
The objectives should be clearly stated and should be achievable.
1.4. Research Questions/Hypotheses
Should be related to objectives and be testable.
1.5. Justification and Significance
A section detailing the benefits and beneficiaries of the findings. Also targeting
particular audience, explaining how the study adds to the scholarly research
literature in the field, and why the study will improve policy or available
information.
1.6. Scope and Limitations
Giving the extent to which the study will be carried out, establishing the
boundaries, exceptions, reservations and qualifications inherent in the study. It
should clearly set the expectations on the study.

2.0. LITERATURE REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL/THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1. Review of Related Literature
In this section the student should demonstrate evidence of understanding of
current research on the subject under investigation, and show clear gaps in
knowledge that will be discussed. The review should be consistent with the
requirements of the title (internal consistency) and aspects of the introduction
e.g. background of the study. Any other relevant themes should be discussed
under this heading.
2.2. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework (where applicable).
It should provide conceptual view of the study problem. If a certain theory fits the
study, it should be clearly discussed and its applications in the study explained.

3.0. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter highlights methodological details appropriate for the study. The
following subheadings are suggested, but not all studies will utilize all the sub-
headings;
3.1. Research Design- State and justify the chosen method(s).
3.2. Variables/Categories of Analysis- Explain the independent and dependent
variables or show the units and categories of analysis for the study.
3.3. Site of the Study- Describe the physical setting where the study will be
undertaken and where applicable provide relevant maps and diagrams.
3.4 Target Population- describe the population, giving figures.
3.5 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size
3.6 Research Instruments
3.7 Pilot Study (where applicable)
3.8 Validity & Reliability (where applicable)
3.9 Data Collection Procedures- This process involves setting the boundaries for
the study, collecting information through observation, interviews, documents and
visual materials, establishing the protocols for recording information, and setting
the data parameters that will best answer the research questions.
3.10 Data Analysis Procedures- collecting information, sorting it out into clusters,
indicate that the process will be based on data reduction and interpretation,
reducing data into patterns, categories or schema.
Mention a plan to represent the information in some form of matrices (array,
lists, and tables) which show relationships between categories of information,
display categories by informants, sites, demographic variables, role ordering and
many other possibilities.
3.11 Data Management and Ethical Considerations
4.0. Time- Table of the Research (Gantt chart)
5.0. Research Budget

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES
These should be single-spaced and listed alphabetically. For citation within the
text the format of author and year of publication is recommended. Whichever
style the Department adopts must be internationally recognized and consistently
upheld all throughout the document.
Examples of APA referencing skills
1. Books

2. Edited books

3. Journals

4. Newspaper

5. Magazines

6. Newsletters

1. Books

Calcutt, R. (1991) Statistic in Research and Development (2nd Ed.)

London: Chapman and Hall
2. Edited Books

Lethridge, S. and Row. (Ed)(1980) Bilingual Education: Teaching English as a

Second
Language. New York: Praeger

NB: This is for an edited book without different contributors.

3. Newspapers
(a) Lubing, J.S. (1980, 5th December). “On idle: The un-employed shun much
mundane work, at least for a while”. The Wall Street Journal, PP1, 25.
(b) Study finds free care used more. (1998, April). APA Monitor, p.14

N.B. This is an article without an author. The title of the article takes the place of
the author
4. Magazines
Gardener, H. (1981, December). “Do babies need a universal song?”
Psychology Today, pp70-76
5. Newsletters

Staff (1980, 1st September). “Professionals Face tax rises as IRS targets
Personal-service Corporation.” Behavior Today, p.5
6. Internets

Cohen L. (2003) A Basic Guide to the internet (online) Available at <http://

APPENDICES
To include such items as tentative chapterization, work plan, budget, maps,
questionnaires, etc. These should be numbered sequentially with a prefix ‘A’, e.g.
A1 would stand for Appendix 1, A2 for Appendix 2, etc.

LIST OF TABLES/ FIGURES

These should be identified with the chapters on which they are captured.
Numbering should be: Table 1.1, 1.2 or Figure 1.1, 1.2 respectively.
USE OF TABLES AND FIGURES;
1. No table or figure should occupy more than one page. And each should also fit
within the margins of the document.

2. Each table, figure shall have a full caption.

3. They should be numbered in sequence and be cited by a number in the text.

4. Figure numbers and titles should appear above specific figures to identify them
appropriately.

5. A table which is over-size may be divided so that a portion appears on two

pages, which face each other. If and when this method is used, the entire title and
footnotes, if any should appear on the left-hand side of the table.

6. Photographs should be scanned and printed on A4 paper and put on

appropriate page(s).

PRESENTATION FORMAT
1) Typing

i) Should be typed on font 12 (Times New Roman) on A4 size paper, double

spaced and on one side of the paper.

ii) A 50mm margin should be left on the left side of the paper and a 25mm on the
right side of the paper.

iii) Typing should begin 40mm from the top of the paper and should not go
beyond 25mm from the bottom of the page.

2) Pagination:
i) Preliminaries (Title page to Abbreviation/acronyms) should be numbered
consecutively in roman numbers lower cases (e.g. i, ii etc.)

ii) The text (from chapter 1 to Appendixes) shall be numbered consecutively using
Arabic numbers; the page number shall appear in the centre of the upper margin
of the page.

iii) The proposal should be at most I0 pages, excluding Appendixes.

iv) The candidate should submit through the Head the Department, four (4) spiral
bound copies of the proposal, duly signed by the student and the supervisors, to
the Dean

3) Oral Presentation

It is advisable for the candidate not to read verbatim from the document, rather
he or she should aim at providing a succinct narrative using own notes and
reference points as guided by the Chair of the Panel. The student is also welcome
to use the POWERPOINT format.
Note: Use future tense in writing the proposal and this must be changed to past
tense when writing thesis.