How to write a thesis proposal?

                                     

                                                   

                                                         How to write a thesis proposal?

                              A thesis proposal is the first offering that is formally made.

 

It is like an outline that suggests what the actual research looks like.  The thesis proposal should not be lengthy; it should vary between 1500-3000 words depending upon the intensity of the research topic.

A format is hereby given that elaborates how a thesis proposal looks like:

Ø  Title page

Ø  Abstract

Ø  Table of content

Ø  Introduction

Ø  Aim and objective of the study

Ø  Literature review

Ø  Overview of methodology

Ø  Gantt Chart for timeline

Ø  Bibliography

Always keep your Title Page neat and write the Title of the Research and Name of the Researcher and other details.

The abstract is a crisp reflection of what has been done in the entire thesis proposal. The abstract must have certain lines like “This study highlights…, This study focuses on….

The abstract should also mention 1-2 lines related to the topic to arouse the reader’s interest in the thesis proposal.

A table of content must be added if the thesis proposal is having 7-8 topics and subtopics. Do not add a table of content in case your proposal is too short.

The introduction is the start of the thesis proposal having details of the topic, and its brief description.

The aim of the study should explain why the study is being conducted. It can start with - “To Understand the role of”.  

Please see the below-given sample for a better understanding:

The primary aim of this study is to study the role of organizational performance management within the company. Some of the other objectives of this study include:

1.       To understand the role of rewards and recognition on the performance of employees.

2.       To understand the various factors that impact organizational performance.

3.       To understand the way and extent of the impact of employee satisfaction on organizational performance.

The literature review should always be added to discuss the topic of study. It should involve characteristics of the topic, factors that contribute to the factor, its impact, etc.

The literature review should be done from reliable sources.

Methodology and its overview:

 

It represents the type of research, data collection technique, and how the research was conducted. Research is important for researchers to understand the topic and also state the research problems clearly. Data collected from various journals, books, published reports, review papers and articles constitute the secondary data. Primary data is collected from questionnaires, surveys, and interviews.

Gantt Chart for the timeline:

Gantt Chart has activities mentioned and the probable time that will be taken to complete them.

 

Here is the format of the Gantt Chart for reference:

Activities

Time Taken

W1

W 2

W 3

W 4

W 5

W 6

W 8

W 9

W 10

W 11

W 12

W 13

W 14

W 15

W 16

W17

W18

1

Topic Selection

Expected

Actual

2

Proposal Submission

Expected

Actual

3

Primary Data Collection (Survey)

Expected

Actual

4

Secondary Data Collection

Expected

Actual

5

Results

Expected

Actual

6

Submission Date

Expected

Actual

 Bibliography:

·        Cite all information used in your work from an appropriate source. Try to ensure that all sources in your reference list are seen as citations in your work and that all names cited in the work appear in your reference list. 

 

·         Reference can be chosen as per the instructions given, here is an example of referencing style that can be considered for understanding.

     

            APA 7th referencing: https://library.hud.ac.uk/pages/apareferencing/

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