GUIDELINES AND FORMAT FOR

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

RECTOR'S OFFICE
RESEARCH DIRECTORATE
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
KIRTIPUR, KATHMANDU
NEPAL.
 Format for Research Proposal
The Research Directorate, T.U., considers it essential that research proposals submitted for
acceptance and financial grants confirm to a prescribed format. The main aim in requiring an
acceptable format for writing a research proposal is to have all the important features to
appear in appropriately acceptable details. It may often be difficult to write down all kinds of
research proposals strictly within the descriptions and categories fixed by a prescribed
format. To an extent the format as developed below indicates the significant aspects which
may not be missed out in any proposal. We hope that it will provide broad guidelines for
drawing up a research proposal. It does not, however, limit the size and content of any
proposal if the researcher feels that other relevant details also need to be added on.

In general, the research proposal should contain a full description of all the facets of the
work. Following are the items that need to be essentially included in the writing of a research
proposal:

1. Researcher's Personal Information

Researcher's Personal Information Such as Name, Designation, Office Address,
Mobile No., Email Id, Subject, Department, Faculty/Institute of TU should be
mentioned only in cover page including title of Research Proposal, Not
mentioned in other page of Research Proposal. 2nd Page of Research Proposal
must contain the Title of Research Proposal including introduction, objectives
etc.

2. Title of the Study

The title should appropriately reflect the nature and scope of the proposed study.

3. Introduction / Background of the study

A brief but clearly stated introduction or background of the study should be
submitted. Introduction / Background should reflect the scope of the proposed study.

4. Statement of the Problem

"A question well stated is a question half answered". The problem of the research
question is, therefore, an interrogative statement in terms of the relation that exists
between a set of variables. It should be stated clearly and unambiguously so as to
 permit empirical testing. Above all the problem should not be stated too generally or
too narrowly. Most important, where the problem lies (the problem that guides the
study) should be clearly stipulated in terms of the background and development
within the scope of the proposed question (historical perspective is necessary).

5. Purpose of the Study÷ Objective of the Study

The study problem should be identified by clearly stating its background, setting or
environment, and the need for the study. Then, its importance should be clarified
with reference to its practical application to policy decisions or to the illumination of
concepts and theories of development. Within the felt needs of the study, the specific
objectives for undertaking the project should be spelled -out clearly. They should be
identified in terms of the variables and parameters under study precisely and be
formulated in the manner of questions. Where general objectives are felt desirable,
specific sub-objectives must be framed within each general objective in a logical
sequence.

6. Review of Literature
One undertakes this in order to find out what works have already been done in the
areas of the research problem under study. It also helps minimize the risk of dead
ends, choice of rejected methods etc, promotes greater understanding of the problem
under study, provides comparative data to evaluate and interpret the significance of
findings, and to enforce fruitful sources of hypothesis. This section is vitally
necessary. All references consulted must be cited.

7. Conceptual / Operation Definition ( if need)

This is necessary to strength the conceptual clarity which should ensure the validity
and reliability of the concept.

8. Test Hypotheses ( if need)

A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of relations (based on the statement of the
problem and the objective of the study) between two or more variables in either
negative or positive terms. It should be neither too general nor too specific.
However, it should specify how the variables are related. The hypotheses thus could
be formulated as null hypothesis, against alternatives.
9. Methodology÷ Theoretical Framework / Conceptual Framework/ Limitations
It should correspond to the order in which each of the objectives listed are to be
attacked in terms of essential hypothesis to be used: how and what data are to be
generated and processed from? What methods of analysis should be used? What
assumptions are being put to effect of the inquiry? The place or places in which the
study will be conducted need to be indicated.

(a) Methods of Data Collection

Basic design of the experimental study should be explained. It has to stated
whether the data is to be collected from other sources or the primary
collection. The uses of secondary sources, mail questionnaires, personal
interview or field works which are relevant to the nature of the study are to be
made where possible.

(b) Sampling Techniques

Mention should be made of the estimated total size of population in the study
and the method of sampling should be used in the proposal. It is necessary
that adequately reliable sampling frames and the basic criteria of selecting
them be adopted. The main thrust of the study often centers around the nature
of the questionnaire, selection of respondents as well as the modalities of
operation of the study.

(c) Data Analysis

Statistical procedures and tests are adopted to ensure relevance of the
conclusions of the proposed study. As such, the methods to be adopted
indicating the level of analysis, and testing need should be clearly indicated.
Clearly specify the limit and constraints prevailing within each method. In the
event where two or more methods are used an explanation as to which method
it to be preferred should be stated in terms of the assumptions and biases
involved in each of the methods indicated.
10. Manpower Planning
A detailed workout of manpower need should be stated in terms of the job
description, desired qualification of the personnel and their experience. Indication of
the statement of functions, duties and responsibilities should be clearly indicated.
Time for which manpower is need should be worked-out in man days for different
phases of the project. If it is a team project, the project leader should be mentioned.

11. Scheduling of Time

Different phases of the research project should be clearly stated in working weeks or
months, preferably in a diagrammatic presentation (CPM, PERT or BARGRAM).
Thus, it should be able to provide monitoring authorities with close estimates of the
entire project time. It should mention the probable time schedule between inception
and conclusion of the project in accordance with the T.U. Evaluation Format.

12. Chapter Plan : (indicative)

Chapter Plan should indicate the total number of chapters and pages, individual
chapter titles, including sub heading and pages for each chapter. This helps both
project planning and logistical support activities of the Research Division.

13. Budgeting/Estimate of Expenses

A detailed and itemized budget showing how the funds are to be spent is essential.
Presentation of budget for the proposed work may be made under the following main
categories. Other headings of the category may, however be added if considered
necessary for the sake of clarity. If any budgetary support is expected from other
supplementary agencies, the amounts and conditions should be explicitly indicated.

It may be noted that all expenses met, out of the funds made available by Tribhuvan
University, have to be budgeted strictly according to existing T.U. financial rules and
regulations. These include payments as salaries and allowances according to levels of
expertise, travel allowances and purchase of equipment.

It is important to mention that the Research Center or any other authority which funds
the research project reserves the right to increase, deduct or reject the amount of the
budget as shown on the proposal given the quality and relevance of the research
proposal as well as the availability of research funds with it.

Fund grants, if available, are made through the concerned Campus Office from which
the researcher draws the required amounts and submits the details of expenses. Fund
grants are made available in phases, which presently stand at 60 percent, 20 percent
and 20 percent. The initial 60 percent is made available at the start of the project and
subsequent 20 percent each is released on completion of two different stages of the
work.

It is, therefore, important to coordinate budgetary items according to definitive stages

of proposed work. If the researcher strongly feels that budgetary requirements have to
be particularly different, it would be helpful to present the case and give reasons for it.

(a) Stationery and Office Supplies

These include salaries to assistants inducted especially, for the project over the
period of their employment, allowances to such other personal assisting on a
regular or periodic basis and fees for consultancy services. For each category
the period of employment on number of consultancies, the terms and levels of
payment and related data have to be shown.
Note: Allowance to researchers is not to be included in this budget. After the
final presentation of the report and the standard evaluation of the report the
awards on the basis of the running salaries are provided.
(b) Equipment Costs
It is intended that only those equipment and other items of durable nature,
especially, those which cost more be purchased from the funds only if these
are needed, especially, for the conduct of the study. All capital assets, thus
acquired, will be the property of the concerned organization or campus and
may be put to use extensively by the them, if it is considered necessary.
Books, reprints etc. also fall within the same category. Expendable items may
be listed under a heading shown separately depending on the total amount to
be expended.
 It is also to be noted that facilities and materials generally available in the
concerned campus may be put to use. but, whenever materials are to be
expended their costs will have to be included in the proposal cost.
(c) Stationary and Office Suppliers
Items such as paper, postage, typing charges and other sundry supplies are to
be met under this budget heading.
(d) Travelling expense
Transportation costs and daily allowances while travelling are to be included
under this budget heading. The number and mode of travel and places to be
visited should be shown. Ordinarily, only travel costs for places within the
country can be mentioned. If travel outside the country needs to be included
full justification for these has to be given.
(e) Contingency
A contingency amount ranging from 5 to 10 percent of the total budget
estimate is allowed so as to cover costs not foreseen.

14. Resume
A recent and brief resume in English is required from each and every researcher. It
should not be more than two double spaced pages. If there are more than one research
for a research project separate resume from each of them is required to be submitted
together with the research proposal.

15. Arranging References and Footnotes

The list of the literature reviewed and the source from which items are quoted should
serially organize at the end of the proposal.

16. Appendix/Annex ( if need)

All the data charts etc that are being used for the preparation of the proposal will have
to be included systematically with due emphasis on source citation.

17. Reporting
In course of the work the researcher is required to submit progress reports to the
Research Center and to the Dean of the concerned Institute. The Research Center also
holds exclusive rights to the publication of the results of the research report regularly.