RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

STUDY TITLE: 10 words

Authors name

SUPERVISORS
Authors names

1. INTRODUCTION:
Introduce the study area. Construct a problem statement with some
supporting statistics. The study area depends on your interest and based upon
a simple GAP analysis in the subject area. Do try an area of study that you have
been taught and familiar with. It may include your present employment area.

2. OBJECTIVE
The study objectives are listed as below (use appropriate verbs): (some
examples as follows)
2.1. General objective: statement of a general nature reflecting on the area of
study
2.2. Specific objectives: (S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely)

2.2.1. To determine (include your variables dependent or independent)

2.2.2. To identify (include your variables dependent or independent)
2.2.3. To evaluate (include your variables dependent or independent)
More can be used depending your study

3. HYPOTHESIS
3.1. Research Hypothesis 1:
3.2. Research Hypothesis 2:
3.3. Research Hypothesis 3:
Research hypothesis may be used depending on your study objectives and statistical
tests
4. LITERATURE REVIEW
Use a GAP analysis method to detail the present knowledge areas while looking
into the present proposed study.
Areas to be covered are as follows:
4.1. Definitions / glossary / terminology
4.2. Past studies (local / international) journal articles of less than 5 years.
Use a template in table form with following details e.g. Year of publication,
name of authors, contents / variables studied / gaps identified, etc.
4.3. Legal Provisions laws, guidelines, etc.
4.4. Statistics both primary and secondary data analysis as supporting the
problem statements (with citations).
4.5. Reference books, journal articles, etc.
4.6. Use proper citation and referencing methods, e.g. APA Method.

Look out for plagiarism. Wherever possible use End Notes program for
citations. The number of words (>10,000-15,000) and Turnitin tests for
plagiarism will be conducted (Similarity Index <30%).

5. METHODOLOGY: must be clear and focused well.

5.1. Study samples and Study Variables
a). Sample size with appropriate estimations (past studies must be
referred to with estimation formula).
b). Sample size formula with sample calculations.
b). Sampling methods - must be clear and referred (study flow chart).
b). Independent variables select practical ones for measurement.
c). Dependent variables select practical ones for measurement.
(S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely)
5.2. Studys Conceptual Framework to include all variables to be
measured
5.3. Inclusive and exclusive criteria for sample selection. It should be
referred well and based upon past studies.
5.4. Conceptual and operational definitions need to be covered.

5.5. Study Instruments

a. Questionnaire (Cronbach alpha value: 0.6-0.8) and Checklist for
direct observations (validated and referred from past studies)
b. Research instruments (sampler & test equipment)
c. Calibration methods test equipment
d. Standard methods (referred methods)
e. Study procedures / Instrument flow charts
f. Gunn chart or Pert Chart to plan and show progress (%) reports to the
supervisor (s) - Program planner (by weeks).

5.6. Data information and analysis primary and secondary data analysis is
critically looked upon with appropriate analysis e.g. graphs, tables, maps,
photos, etc.

5.7. Statistical analysis descriptive / analytical and inferential analysis to be

used. Statistical packages may be used e.g. MS Excel, SPSS, etc.
Hypothesis testing must be clear. Inferential t-test, regression, chi
square, etc. Descriptive percentages, graphs, charts, tables, mean,
standard deviation, etc

5.6. Financial implications must be looked at. There is a possibility the whole
study depends upon supporting funding which may OR may not be
procured. Plan for this well in advance. Look for funding sources from the
beginning, e.g. Health Education Board MOH, employers, private
entrepreneurs, etc.
5.7. Ethical considerations must be looked into if involving any human
subjects. We need to avoid a legal conflicting situation. Where required
please register with CRC and NMRR due to human subjects or public
surveys.

6. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

Findings must support the study objectives and hypothesis with appropriate
literature. You have to outline these clearly and be focused on the outcome.

7. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
Descriptive and inferential analysis using Microsoft MS Excel Version 2010 and
SPSS Version 23. The detailed statistics analysis both descriptive and
analytical must be stated here with appropriate references.

8. REFERENCES
Use standard referencing method APA method.
All references MUST be stated / cited here.

Please DO try not to do any miracles. Be focused and be very practical.

Using a timeline or Gantt chart is most useful as a program planner.

Thank you and best wishes!

Prepared by :
Dr.K.Subramaniam, PhD, MCIEH; PJK,
HoD-EHS,
MAHSA University,
Kuala Lumpur Campus.

Tel: 012-6923264.
(email: kajangsubra@gmail.com or drsubramaniam@mahsa.edu.my ).