
Unit 2: Writing a research proposal
Creating a research plan
A dissertation is an extended project that asks you to manage your time and undertake a variety of tasks. Some courses schedule the dissertation at the end, while others have it running along concurrently with other modules. Whichever way your course is organised, it is essential that you create a plan that helps you allocate enough time to each task you have to complete.
It is useful to work out how many weeks you have until you need to submit your completed dissertation, and draw a chart showing these weeks. Block out the weeks when you know you will be unable to work, and mark in other main commitments you have that will take time during this period. Then allocate research tasks to the remaining time.
January
Christmas | Write research proposal | Literature review | Complete literature review and conduct pilot study | Main data collection |
February
Complete data collection | Analyse data | Analyse data | Write dissertation plan, then begin first draft |
March
Complete first draft | Discuss draft with supervisor | Second draft | Second draft | Proofing/checking |
It is very important to be realistic about how long each task is likely to take. Some focused thought at the beginning, then at the planning stage of each phase, could save hours later on. Write down the resources needed for each stage. It could be time in the library; the resource of your working hours; or the use of equipment or room space that needs to be booked in advance.
SMILE - Writing a research proposal by The Learning Development Department, University of Leicester modified by Marion Kelt, Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence