Ways to Improve Your Research Proposal Writing

A typical research proposal contains:

• A title.
• An introduction outlining the topic and questions for investigation, as well as a brief literature review and theoretical framework.
• A detailed strategy explaining what the research methods are, what data will be collected and how access to data sources will be obtained.
• A realistic timetable for completion, showing key milestones and when they will be accomplished. You will be working to deadlines.
• Discussion of logistical and ethical considerations.
• Limitations of the proposed research.
• An indicative bibliography of references consulted to date on the topic. 

Follow these steps when writing the actual Research Proposal:

·  Align Your Goals - show how your vision aligns with their strategic plans and where their goals will be realized by your research findings. This also helps if you want to win repeat business from this client.

·  Be Selective - don't bid on projects where you have no track record. Instead, target your Research Proposal to areas where you can leverage your skillsets and expertise.

·  Be Specific - one cardinal sin in Proposal writing is to be vague and missing the point. Funders don't like bids that sidestep costs or other 'hard' facts, such as project deadlines. Instead discus the project's outcome, the use of funds, be very specific about goals, and how you will measure objectives.

·  Better Writing Skills - to increase your chance of success, examine other successful Research Proposals and see how the Proposal Writers use different techniques to persuade the reader. Understand how to use the correct writing techniques when developing Research Proposals, for example, write in the active voice, be positive, be specific, and make it interesting to read. Remember, the evaluation team gets many, many bids every week so make sure yours stands out.

·  Define Your Plan - demonstrate your planning, research and leadership skills throughout your proposal and show where and how you will address risks and issues are they arise.

·  Follow-up - once you've submitted the Research Proposal, contact the funding officer and discuss the status, evaluation, and outcome of your proposal.

·  Make Contact - for those involved in funding applications, contact the grant-maker before you write your proposal and discuss their application guidelines. This also helps form a greater connection with the evaluation team.

·  Use the Right Format - most Research Proposals request that you follow a specific format when responding to the bid. Develop your proposal in the appropriate and correct format and include all necessary attachments.

·  Make it Comply - avoid the mistake of not complying with the Request For Proposal's purpose, goals and objectives. For example, ensure that you submit the Tax Clearance Form and other legal documents.