research proposal on public administration

Home > School, College, or Department > CUPA > Public Administration > Theses

Public Administration Dissertations and Final Research Papers

Theses/dissertations from 2017 2017.

Employee Engagement and Marginalized Populations , Brenna Miaira Kutch

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Impact of a State Evidence-Based Practice Legislative Mandate on County Practice Implementation Patterns and Inpatient Behavioral Health Discharge , Carl William Foreman

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

A Case Study of Collaborative Governance: Oregon Health Reform and Coordinated Care Organizations , Oliver John Droppers V

Higher Education Reform in Oregon, 2011-2014: A Policy and Legislative History , Sean Pollack

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Institutional Context that Supports Team-Based Care for Older Adults , Anna Foucek Tresidder

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Attaining a Sustainable Future for Public Higher Education: The Role of Institutional Effectiveness and Resource Dependence , Mirela Blekic

Governance in the United States Columbia River Basin: An Historical Analysis , Eric Thomas Mogren

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Use of Media Technologies by Native American Teens and Young Adults: Evaluating their Utility for Designing Culturally-Appropriate Sexual Health Interventions Targeting Native Youth in the Pacific Northwest , Stephanie Nicole Craig Rushing

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Oregon Physicians' Perception of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Use of Enforcement Discretion Related to the Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain , Robert Dale Harrison

City Management Theory and Practice: A Foundation for Educating the Next Generation of Local Government Administrators , Scott Douglas Lazenby

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

The Institutionalization of Diversity and Gender Equity Norms and Values in Higher Education Settings , Rowanna Lynn Carpenter

Organizational Complexity in American Local Governance: Deploying an Organizational Perspective in Concept and Analytic Framework Development , Charles David Crumpton

Multi-Level Environmental Governance : a Comparative Case Study of Five Large Scale Natural Resource Management Programs , Shpresa Halimi

Police Organizations : an Empricial Examination of American Sheriff's Offices and Municipal Police Agencies , Matthew Adam Jones

Measuring Community-Engaged Departments: A Study to Develop an Effective Self-Assessment Rubric for the Institutionalization of Community Engagement in Academic Departments , Kevin Kecskes

Creating a Theoretical Framework for Understanding Homeland security using Multiple Frame Analysis , Linda Ann Kiltz

Emerging Governance at the Edge of Constrained Federalism : Public Administrators at the Frontier of Democracy , Gary Lloyd Larsen

George Lakoff"s Theory of Worldview : a Case Study of the Oregon Legislature , Catherine Law

Who Benefits? : a Multilevel Analysis of the Impact of Oregon's Volunteer Mentor Program for Postsecondary Access on Scholarship Applicants , Alisha Ann Lund-Chaix

Organizational Change in Corrections Organizations : the Effect of Probation and Parole Officer Culture on Change in Community Corrections , Shea Brackin Marshman

Lost in Translation : Ideas of Population Health Determinants in the American Policy Arena , Maria Gilson Sistrom

Representation without Taxation : China's Rural Development Initiatives For a New Millenium , Minzi Su

How Organizational Arrangements Affect High Reliability in Public Research Universities: Perceptions of environmental Health and Safety Directors , Rita Finn Sumner

The Washington State Patrol, Accountability-Driven Leadership, and the Organizational Factors that Propelled their Success: An Organizational Analysis , Timothy Carl Winchell

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Changing Paradigm of Emergency Management : Improving professional development for the Emergency Manager , Robert Edward Grist

Global Civil Society Finding Collective Voice in Diversity , Kristen Marie Magis

Information Technology Training in the Public Sector : Essential Planning Elements , Betty Jean Reynolds

From Prison to the Community : the Role of Citizen Participation in Female Prisoner Reentry , Dana Roderick Torrey

Network Analysis of a Shared Governance System , Debra Reifman Whitall

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Presidential Values : Implications for Foreign Policy , Jordan Katherine Durbin

The Interactions between Carbon Regulation and Renewable Energy policies in the United Kingdom , Hal Thomas Nelson

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Reorganizing the Oregon Department of Human Services : an Exploratory Case Study of Organizational Change , Charles Anthony Gallia

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

Portrayals of Disability in the Professional Preparation of Speech-language Pathologists , Jane Eric Sleeper Gravel

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

The Effects of Parent Care and Child Care Role Quality on Work outcomes among dual-earner couples in the sandwiched generation , Angela Rickard

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

The Role and Performance of Governmental and Nongovernmental Organizations in Family Planning implementation : Jordan as a Case Study , Khalaf al Hadded

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

The Value of Independence in Old Age , Paula C. Carder

American Indian Elderly and Long-Term Care : Interorganizational Barriers to the Use of Oregon's Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver , Jo Lynn Isgrigg

The Effects of Mentoring on Work-parenting Gains and Strains in a Sample of Employed Predominately Female AFDC Recipients , Charlene Rhyne

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physician Assistants , Roderick Stanton Hooker

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

State Funding for Special Education in Oregon : Calculating Cost Differentials of special education for handicapped students in Oregon school districts , Kyung-Sup Kim

Theses/Dissertations from 1996 1996

Scenery as Policy: Public Involvement in Developing a Management Plan for the Scenic Resources of the Columbia River Gorge , Gordon Mathews Euler

Impact of the Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965 on Health Sciences Libraries in the Pacific Northwest: an Interorganizational Approach , Leonoor Swets Ingraham

Administrative Reform in China: Its Impact on Economic Development After Mao , Meiru Liu

Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994

Oregon Primary Care Physicians' Support for Health Care Reform , Timothy Alan Baker

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS
• Featured Collections
• All Authors
• Schools & Colleges
• Dissertations & Theses
• PDXOpen Textbooks
• Conferences
• Collections
• Disciplines
• Faculty Expert Gallery
• Submit Research
• Faculty Profiles
• Terms of Use
• Feedback Form

Home | About | My Account | Accessibility Statement | Portland State University

Privacy Copyright

KU ScholarWorks

• Enroll & Pay
• KU Directory
•   KU ScholarWorks
• Public Affairs and Administration, School of

Public Administration Dissertations and Theses

Search within this collection:

Recent Submissions

Street-Level Judgments: How the Role of Judges Influences the Decision to Collaborate in Juvenile Courts 

The Influence of Business Interest Groups in Urban Policymaking: An Empirical Exploration of a Low Salience Policy Setting 

Beyond Adoption: The Influence of Local Institutional Arrangements on Sustainability Policy Implementation and Management 

Three Essays on the Economics of For-Profit Colleges 

What Happens at the Intersection of Policy and Practice? Examining Role Conflict and Professional Alienation of Occupational Therapy Professionals in Complex Environments 

OMBUDS AND TITLE IX COORDINATORS: PROCEDURAL CONVERGENCE OF UNIVERSITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS FOR HANDLING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT 

Financial Health of Nonprofit Organizations 

The Effect of Collaboration on Performance in Public Management: Evidence from Community Policing 

Accountability Remade: The Diffusion and Reinvention of Offices of Inspectors General 

Does the Race of Police Officers Matter? Police Officers on Interactions with Citizens and Police Procedures 

Pathways to Change: Explaining the Effectiveness in Community Based Development Organiztions 

Specifying and Testing a Multi-Dimensional Model of Publicness: An Analysis of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities 

FOLLOWING THE LEADER OR LEADING THE FOLLOWER? THE EFFECTS OF MISSION-DRIVEN VS. LEADER-DRIVEN COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION 

Rule Bending and Red Tape: Organizational and Individual Influences and the Effect of Ethical Climate 

COST ACCOUNTING IN US CITIES: TRANSACTION COSTS AND GOVERNANCE FACTORS AFFECTING COST ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENT AND USE 

Sustainable Public Administration: the Search for Intergenerational Fairness 

Administrative morality in Colombia 

Welcoming the Outsider: Local Construction of the Law towards Immigrants 

Public Management as Citizen Compliance: A Case Study of Income Tax Compliance Behavior in Thailand 

Collective Bargaining in Municipal Government: How Unionization Impacts Employee's Attitudes, Behaviors, and Values 

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected] , 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

Home > College of Business and Public Administration > Public Administration > Public Administration Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Public Administration Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Theses/projects/dissertations from 2020 2020.

A NEED FOR RICHER PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION , Adam Dallas Levitus

PERCEPTIONS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE DISCUSSIONS AS A SUPPLEMENT TO FACE TO FACE INTERACTIONS: A META REVIEW , Rachel Lisa Worrell

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Higher Education Financial Health - A Case Study of the California State University (CSU) , Amber Blakeslee

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The 'Lean In' Theory, Validated by Three Supreme Court Justices , Celene Valenzuela

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2017 2017

E-GOVERNMENT AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY , Marcos A. Ybarra

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Cost of Earmarks , Nicholis John Zappia

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The council-manager plan, or, Managing for results?: Profiles and management styles of eight city managers in San Bernardino County , Leatricia Michelle Cash

Achieving effective asset management for water and wastewater utilities: A comparison of policy options for a special district and a medium city , Cari K Dale

An analysis of nitrate contaminated water in Cherry Valley , Adriana Hernandez-Romo

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

A comparative analysis of the California Regional Center: Fair hearing process for individuals with developmental disabilities , Deborah Kay Crudup

The development of California State College in Coachella Valley , Abby Mozoras

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Crafton Hills College computer hardware/software tracking system , Catherine Pace-Pequeño

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Municipal layoffs in Southern California: Should seniority outweigh productivity? , Timothy Paul Ousley

Creating a government that works better and costs less: A historical analysis of Civil Service reform , James William Thomas

An analysis of the California State Department of Parks and Recreation's "Quality Management Program" , Celena Turney

The effects of education on the birth rates of "workfare" program participants: Implications for future welfare reform , Bryan Anderson Wing

Theses/Dissertations from 1996 1996

Auditing troubled employees in the public sector , Lila Mehdiyar

The management and regulation of the beneficial use of sewage sludge as an agricultural soil amendment in Riverside County , William Ernst Prinz

Theses/Dissertations from 1995 1995

Implementing total quality management in the public sector , Cynthia J. Lewis

Federal public policy and bilingual education , Dorothy Lewis

Regional planning in Germany , James Walter Morrissey

The Agua Mansa enterprise zone: An empirical analysis , Paul E. Ogu

Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994

Participative management style in a state transportation agency regional office , Linda Renee Grimes

Intergovernmental fiscal policy in California: The 1993 property tax shift , Lynndee Ann Kemmet

California conservatorships: An examination into ethics, standards, and judical monitoring , Lucille Castillo Lyon

Long range planning at the University of California Riverside: A case study , Janice Jo Martin

Assessment administration for county service areas , Shawn Dwayne Nelson

Alternative dispute resolution and public policy conflict: Preemptive dispute resolution negotiated rulemaking , Allen G. Norman

Strengthening the power of the mayor's office: An examination of the city of Riverside , Michael William Radford

A study of the affirmative action employee selection process in California community colleges , Mary Elizabeth Sampson

Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination at the local government level: The case of economic development in Riverside County , Alozie Donatus Udeh

Theses/Dissertations from 1993 1993

Determining the parks and recreation services of the Fontana community , Mitchell James Assumma

Leadership in local government computer service organizations within the state of California , Robert Benjamin Beavan

A study to determine what factors influence employee sick leave usage in the Riverside County Department of Mental Health Administration , Sally Aguilar Beavan

Wellness programs in police departments and how they effect workers' compensation claims , Herbert G. McKee Jr.

Proposition 111 and congestion management programs: A case of over-bureaucratization , Scott Richard Priester

The assessment of writing ability: A comparative cost effectiveness study of indirect and direct measures , Kristine Marie Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 1992 1992

Police culture, management and public image: Problems in implementing community oriented policing , Kenneth L. Becknell

Leadership in community oriented policing , John H. Boyd

Software pilferage in government agencies , Katherine Marie Foley

The use of privatization in the public sector: A focused study on the Inland Empire , John David Jamerson

Overcoming communications barriers in local government: Establishing networks through the public management forum , Anthony Michael Snoodgrass

Residential fire sprinklers requirement in single and multi-family homes: Survey of attitudes among the citizens of the city of Indio , David Arnold Yegge

Theses/Dissertations from 1991 1991

Analysis of the United States Trustee program , M. Shannon Goetsch

The effect of the 1964 Civil Rights Act on black Americans , Quentin Jamil Moses

A strategic analysis of budgeting for integrated logistical support of defense systems , Bruce Richard Suchomel

Theses/Dissertations from 1990 1990

Computer literacy in master of public administration classes , Penni Kaye Overstreet

Theses/Dissertations from 1989 1989

A case study to identify and evaluate the pricing policy for geothermal energy in the San Bernardino Municipal Geothermal District heating system , Kevin Perry Fisher

A study to determine the feasibility of constructing and operating a student fee funded recreational sports complex for California State University, San Bernardino , Helga Lingren

The role of the chief information officer in the contemporary university , James Jon Scanlon

Theses/Dissertations from 1987 1987

A matching process: More effective placement procedures for court dependent children , Lester M. Kushner

Theses/Dissertations from 1986 1986

The East Mojave National Scenic Area: Multiple use or national park? , Jeanne Hopkins Herr

Norton Air Force Base and San Bernardino: Communities in symbiosis , Clayton H. Snedeker

Theses/Dissertations from 1984 1984

The effects of governmental regulation on research and development in the pharmaceutical industry: An investigation into the relationship between patents, product substitution and regulatory policies , Linda Dianne Acosta

The impact of the Reagan Administration on equal employment opportunity, affirmative action for women and minorities in the public sector , Sandra Lucille Johnson

The Patton project: A demonstration program in deinstitutionalization , Harold Pitchford

The evolution of personality liability for public sector employees , Brian C. Turnbull

Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983

Recycling the poor laws: A history of welfare, cross-sectional and longitudinal statistical studies concerning general relief policies in California , Carolyn Lea Clark-Daniels

Government administration in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia , George T. Fitzgerald

Controlling the uncontrollables: An examination of the capacity of Congress to reduce government expenditures for entitlements , David Lawrence Horne

Theses/Dissertations from 1982 1982

Regionalization of public service with an emphasis on fire service , Gerald M. Newcombe

Theses/Dissertations from 1981 1981

A model program for the development of humanistic administrative techniques in a California community college , Elaine Francisco-Davis

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

Revenue practices used by California's municipal water districts , John Wesley Gebb

Congressional budget reform , Diane M. Precour

The evaluation of recent public service employment programs , Bruce Rose

Theses/Dissertations from 1979 1979

The accrual method of accounting in the federal government history and analysis , Aly Saleh A. Saleh

The Medi-Cal program , William H. Tillery

Theses/Dissertations from 1978 1978

An investigation to determine the impact of public financing on the Joint Powers Authority , Louis M. Jarcho

A comparative analysis of electric utility ownership in California , Robert E. Tremont

Theses/Dissertations from 1977 1977

A current medical reimbursement practices and prospects for national health insurance , Wallace D. Kinney

Organization closure a study of mobility versus satisfaction , Roy N. Mattke

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS
• Department, Program, or Office
• Disciplines

Author Corner

• CSUSB Public Administration Department

A service of the John M. Pfau Library

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright Acrobat Reader

• Search Menu
• Advance Articles
• Editor's Choice
• Author Guidelines
• Submission Site
• Open Access
• About Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory
• About the Public Management Research Association
• Editorial Board
• Advertising and Corporate Services
• Journals Career Network
• Self-Archiving Policy
• Dispatch Dates
• Journals on Oxford Academic
• Books on Oxford Academic

Browse issues

Cover image

Volume 34, Issue 2, April 2024

Volunteers in public service production: modeling the contributions of volunteers to organizational performance.

• View article
• Supplementary data

Administrative Burden in Citizen–State Interactions: A Systematic Literature Review

The role of intermediate collaborative forums in polycentric environmental governance, assessing the effects of user accountability in contracting out, trickle-down burdens: the effect of provider burdens on clients’ experience, decentralization and corruption in public service delivery: local institutional arrangements that can help reduce governance risks, the relationship between how agencies work together and coordinated outcomes: a configurational analysis, improving delivery of the social safety net: the role of stigma, rulemaking speed in the us states, responding to environmental uncertainties in critical supply acquisition: an examination of contracting for personal protective equipment (ppe) in the aftermath of covid-19, an analysis of micro-scale conflict in collaborative governance, email alerts.

• Recommend to your Library

Affiliations

• Online ISSN 1477-9803
• Print ISSN 1053-1858
• Copyright © 2024 Public Management Research Association
• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Institutional account management
• Rights and permissions
• Get help with access
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Offered by the Department of Public Administration and Policy   , School of Public Affairs   , the mission of the PhD program is to educate scholars who produce original research that is methodologically sound, socially relevant, and makes important contributions to knowledge and theory.

Admission to the Program

Applicants are considered and admitted for the fall semester only. January 8 is the deadline for application for admission. All applicants must submit scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The normal minimum for consideration is a grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in all previous academic work. Applicants are admitted for full-time study only.

Degree Requirements

• 36 credit hours of approved graduate coursework, exclusive of PUAD-898 Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (1-9)   / PUAD-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9)    
• Minimum 3.20 GPA in all coursework required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree
• Major Fields: Public Administration; Public Policy
• Advancement to the second year of study is contingent upon successful completion of a two-part oral qualifying examination at the end of the second semester of study
• Advancement to candidacy is accomplished by successfully passing a written comprehensive examination in student’s primary field of study
• The PhD is fundamentally a research degree. Understanding scientific inquiry and correctly using research techniques require extensive preparation. All students in the program take required courses designed to help doctoral students comprehend the nature of science and master tools of research (see Course Requirements, below)
• Each student prepares a research proposal for the dissertation project. It is the responsibility of the student to secure the agreement of a School of Public Affairs full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member to serve as the chair of the dissertation committee. One of the two other members of the committee may be from outside the School of Public Affairs. Each student must publicly defend the research proposal before the dissertation committee and other interested faculty
• The committee and the SPA director of doctoral programs (acting for the dean) must approve the defense and the research proposal. The topic covered by the proposal must be related to ongoing research or publications of the supervising faculty
• As work on the dissertation project progresses, students register for directed study. Substantive coursework may be used as part of this requirement where it contributes directly to the research specialization and is specifically recommended by the dissertation chair
• Upon completion of the research and the written dissertation, the candidate submits the manuscript to the dissertation committee for review. If the committee members approve the manuscript, the candidate must complete an oral defense of the dissertation and the general field in which it lies before the committee and other interested faculty. The committee determines conclusively at this point whether the dissertation and examination are acceptable
• The dissertation must consist of high quality original research directly relevant to the student’s doctoral program. A dissertation proposal may be rejected if the topic does not address a major research issue in political science or public administration, the research design is inadequate, the methodology is inappropriate, or because no full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member in the School of Public Affairs is academically competent or available to supervise the project. If the candidate fails to maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of the dissertation, candidacy may be terminated

Course Requirements

Major field (18 credit hours).

Complete one of the following major fields, including additional coursework in the minor field:

Public Administration

Required (12 credit hours).

• PUAD-710 Proseminar in Public Administration (3)
• PUAD-714 Seminar in Organization Theory (3)
• PUAD-718 Seminar in Public Management (3)
• PUAD-732 Seminar in Policy Implementation (3)

Public Policy (6 credit hours)

• PUAD-730 Proseminar in Public Policy (3)
• PUAD-770 Economics for Policy Analysis (3)

Public Policy

• PUAD-771 Public Finance and Human Capital (3)

Public Administration (6 credit hours)

Additional seminar.

Complete 3 credit hours from the following: 

Research Design and Methodology (12 credit hours)

• SPA-612 Conduct of Inquiry I (3)
• SPA-613 Conduct of Inquiry II (3)

Additional Methodology

Complete 6 credit hours from the following, or other research methodology courses approved by program coordinator:

• SPA-614 Conduct of Inquiry III (3)
• SPA-615 Conduct of Inquiry IV (3)

Electives (6 credit hours)

• 6 credit hours chosen in consultation with the department

Dissertation

• PUAD-898 Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (1-9)
• PUAD-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9)

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

C J Auriacombe Journal of Public Administration Vol 40 No 3.2 Writing research proposals.pdf

2005, Journal of Public Administration

Related Papers

Cambridge Scholars Publishing

George Damaskinidis

A research proposal is a plan that a candidate submits to gain approval for post-graduate research. Although it is a typical requirement for any research in higher education, it has failed to receive the attention it is due from the academic community as a procedure of systematic teaching and learning. This book provides a support framework with step-by-step guidance about what constitutes a good research proposal and what can be done to maximize our chances of writing a successful application. It also presents advice and practical activities to enhance skill development. The book doesn’t offer any short and safe route to getting the task done. Instead, it proposes a rather balanced perspective, where by success is within reach if we are willing to face our flaws and grasp how to use the available information productively and persuasively. This endeavour is supported with a good number of authentic, annotated proposals at various stages of their development.

Anas Iftikhar

Admission into a higher degree research program or confirmation of candidature into such a program of most universities often requires the applicant to submit a research proposal. This is a very important document which not only articulates the research topic and research question, but also explains the research design which outlines how the proposed research will be carried out. The significance of the research proposal is highlighted by the fact that failure to write a good research proposal may mean failure to be admitted into a higher degree research program, or failure to be confirmed as a continuing doctoral candidate. In spite of such significance, however, my experience when supervising many higher degree research students is that many of them struggle to write a good research proposal. One of the contributing factors to this is the apparent void that exists in research methods textbooks on exactly what a research proposal is and how it should be written. This paper aims to help fill that void by articulating a detailed structure of a research proposal that could be used as part of the application to gain admission into a higher degree research program of any good university or for confirmation of candidature in such a research study program. The paper draws on the expertise accumulated on this topic as a result of many decades of writing research proposals for higher degree research projects, conducting many higher degree research studies successfully in several universities in Australia and other countries, teaching research methods to higher degree research students and supervising many successful masters and doctoral theses. The paper concludes, that while there is no 'one-size-fits-all' research proposal, a careful design of a higher degree research proposal along the structure discussed in this paper should improve one's chances of success greatly.

Javed Iqbal

abasynuniv.edu.pk

Flora Maleki

FOREX Publication

FOREX Publication , Mohd Akhter Ali , M Kamraju

Writing an effective research proposal is crucial for individuals pursuing higher degree research in higher education. This paper presents best practices for crafting such proposals, providing guidance to aspiring researchers. The paper begins with an overview of the higher degree research landscape and highlights the significance of research proposals within this context. It then delves into the key elements of an effective research proposal, emphasizing the importance of a clear research question, comprehensive literature review, appropriate research methodology, and expected outcomes. The paper also offers practical advice on writing techniques, organization, and communication to enhance the proposal's effectiveness. Furthermore, it addresses common challenges and pitfalls encountered during the proposal writing process, providing strategies to overcome them. Institutional guidelines and requirements are discussed, along with ethical considerations and research governance obligations. Case studies and examples are included to illustrate successful research proposals, analyzing their strengths and characteristics. In conclusion, this paper underscores the importance of an effective research proposal for higher degree research and provides valuable insights and recommendations for future researchers.

Sri Lanka Journal of Management Studies

N.J. Dewasiri

This eminent professor of Political Science has addressed a significant issue encountered by many postgraduate students and researchers in undertaking serious research in the disciplines of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Management in Sri Lanka. It is available in both English and Sinhala languages. He has addressed a wide spectrum of concerns related to writing a research proposal that covers research philosophies, methodology as well as methods in academic research. Guided by the scientific method, it presents ten comprehensive chapters that define the key elements of a marketable research proposal as well as sheds light on the key skills in writing such as winning proposals. It also covers the bibliography and glossary of key terms at the end. As the book is handy, it can be used as a practical handbook at all levels of academic research.

Journal Academica, Volume 1, July 2010, p. 1-5. [ISSN 2026 559X]

What is the purpose of a Research proposal, its components and how should it be presented? In the following we briefly consider all these issues which have been a challenge to students who are to submit no research proposal before embarking on a Research Project for a partial fulfillment of conditions for the award of a degree by their respective institutions.

Dr. Awais H. Gillani

Zimbabwe Journal of Educational Research

morrin phiri

RELATED PAPERS

Luciano Oga

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research

Dr. C. D. Aundhakar

Ioachim Romanovich Chabibullin

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries

Ján Koščo

Primary Health Care Open Access

Van Lansingh

Orlando García

Identidades territorio cultura patrimonio

Lidia Matias

American Journal of Psychiatry

David Sheehan

Clinical Radiology

Vakanüvis - Uluslararası Tarih Araştırmaları Dergisi

muttalip simsek

British Journal of Pharmacology

Martin Galvan

Public Administration Review

Melvin Dubnick

Journal of Materials Science

Thenner Rodrigues

Simon Berrow

Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Health Communication

Debbe Thompson

Atención Primaria

Angel Ledesma

Disability and Rehabilitation

Kassa Workneh

Revista técnica energía

Diego Monga

Ekspresi Seni : Jurnal Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Karya Seni

Zafirah Quroatun 'Uyun

UCLA文凭证书 加州大学洛杉矶分校文凭证书 klhjkgh

International Journal of Morphology

ENRIQUE OLAVE

NCL毕业证书 纽卡斯尔大学毕业证

BMC Gastroenterology

Isurujith Liyanage

Daniel Ewim

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Starting the research process
• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

• High-impact Practices
• Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA)
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (BSES)
• Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BAESS)
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Policy (BSHMP)
• Bachelor of Science in Arts Management (BSAM)
• Minors & Certificates
• Advising Staff
• General Ed and Intro
• Topics V450
• Topics V456
• O’Neill Launch
• Director’s Welcome
• Rising Leaders Program
• NextGeneration Leadership Program
• Indiana Leadership Program
• Courses & Faculty
• Estimated Costs
• Student Spotlights
• O'Neill Expo
• Required Internship
• Accelerated Master's Program
• O'Neill + Maurer JD
• Current IU Bloomington Students
• High School Students
• Transfer students
• For Current Students
• For Incoming Students
• Non-O’Neill Funding Opportunities
• Contact & Visit
• Academic & Leadership Programs
• Leadership Seminar Series
• Mission and Goals
• Core Curriculum
• Concentrations
• Washington, D.C. Accelerator Program
• Experiential Requirement
• Components & Concentrations
• Master of Environmental Sustainability (MES)
• Practicum Experience
• Executive Certification
• Master of International Affairs (MIA)
• MPA-MIA Dual Degree
• Experiential Requirements
• Faculty Profiles & Publications
• For Jacobs Students
• For Doctoral Students
• MAAA-MPA Dual Degree
• Additional Dual Degrees
• Certificates
• How to Apply
• Fellowships & Financial Resources
• Prior Professional Experience Benefits
• Peace Corps
• Teach for America
• Military and Veteran Benefits
• Funding for Current Students
• Funding for International Students
• Federal Financial Aid
• Subscribe to our Newsletter
• Virtual Sessions & Webinars
• Experience Day
• Schedule a Visit
• Connect with a Current Student
• O'Neill Visits You
• Why O'Neill?
• Environmental Policy
• Public Finance
• Public Management
• Public Policy Analysis
• Ph.D. in Environmental Science
• Environmental Science Fellowships
• On the Job Market
• Recent Placements
• Current Students
• Dissertations
• Why O’Neill ?
• Our Mission and Goals
• Degree Requirements and Curriculum
• O’Neill Online Week
• Nonprofit Management
• Public & Nonprofit Evaluation
• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• Meet Our Students
• Meet Our Alumni
• For Professionals
• For Military Students
• Helping You Succeed
• Information Sessions
• Executive Education
• Faculty Directory
• Environmental Research and Policy
• Racial Justice
• Research Areas
• Faculty Research Publications
• Laboratories
• Centers & Initiatives
• Working Research Groups
• Speaker Series
• Journals & Books
• Explore Careers & Outcomes
• Register Your Internships
• Internship Funds and Scholarships
• For Employers
• Careers Login
• Life at O’Neill
• Life in Bloomington
• Precollege Programs
• For International Students
• Resilience and Wellbeing Initiative
• O’Neill International
• Leadership Opportunities
• Student Organizations
• Virtual Tour
• Dean’s Welcome
• Strategic Goals and Progress
• About Paul H. O'Neill
• 50th Anniversary
• Environment, Climate, and Sustainability
• Mission, Vision, and Values
• School Profile
• Vietnam Young Leaders Award
• Activate O'Neill
• Support & Resources
• Bloomington & Indianapolis
• Careers at O'Neill
• Administration & Staff Directory
• Dean’s Council
• Get Involved
• Alumni Events
• Alumni Recognition
• Distinguished Alumni Council
• Alumni Board of Directors
• Areas to Support
• Ways to Give
• Our Supporters
• Alumni Communications

Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

• Alumni & Giving
• Faculty & Research

Public Management and Leadership

Our research interests in the field of public management and leadership include:

• The political environment surrounding public organizations
• Public organizations’ relationships with citizens, organized interests, elected officials, legal institutions, private for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and other public organizations
• Government accountability and performance
• The structure and design of public organizations and public policy implementation regimes
• Organizational strategy, decision making and leadership in public organizations
• Public employee motivation, job satisfaction and other work-related attitudes
• Governmental reform and organizational change
• Administrative rule making, policy implementation and service delivery, administrative law, and government procurement and outsourcing

Faculty Members

Lisa Amsler

Distinguished Professor, Keller-Runden Professor of Public Service

Claudia N. Avellaneda

O'Neill Professor; Fischer Faculty Fellow; and Faculty Affiliate to the Ostrom Workshop, the Political Science Department, and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS)

Paolo Belardinelli

Assistant Professor

Clinical Associate Professor

Jennifer Brass

Associate Professor

Scott Burgins

Clinical Assistant Professor

Leonor Camarena

Daniel Cole

Sameeksha Desai

Associate Professor; Director, Manufacturing Policy Initiative; Associate Director, Institute for Development Strategies

Aaron Deslatte

Sergio Fernandez

Burnell Fischer

Clinical Professor Emeritus

Beth Gazley

Paul Helmke

Director, Civic Leaders Center; Professor of Practice

Robert S. Kravchuk

Professor Emeritus

Leslie Lenkowsky

Professor Emeritus in Public Affairs and Philanthropic Studies

Deanna Malatesta

Antonette McCaster

Senior Lecturer

Temirlan T. Moldogaziev

Jill Nicholson-Crotty

Professor; Director, Master of Public Affairs Program and O'Neill Online MPA Program

Sean Nicholson-Crotty

O'Neill Professor; Director, Graduate Mentoring Center; Adjunct Professor of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences

James Perry

Distinguished Professor Emeritus , Chancellor's Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs Emeritus

Orville Powell

Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus

Thomas M. Rabovsky

Kenneth R. Richards

Amanda Rutherford

Daniel Simon

Henry K. Wakhungu

Teaching Professor

Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs social media channels

• Give to the O’Neill School

Additional links and resources