Research Title
Evaluating Opportunities to Empower Waste Pickers in the Waste Management Sector of OR
Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape. Write Introduction
• Background to the study: Contextualize the research problem.
• Statement of the Problem: Clearly define the problem your research aims to address.
• Research Questions, Aim and Specific Objectives.
• State your research Hypothesis if applicable.
• Rationale or Justification: Explain / discuss the importance of your research, include
its academic contribution and practical relevance.
Literature Review
• Summarize key theories, models, and previous studies relevant to your research
questions / objectives.
• Begin with the international (global), through the continental, down to the national and
local level.
• Highlight / Identify gaps in the existing literature that your research aims to fill.
• Should review, do not re-produce literature.
• Make appropriate subheadings.
Methodology
• Study area description – include the study area map(s) if applicable. Describe the
location, biophysical and socio-economic characteristics of the area.• Research Design: Describe the type of research design (e.g., experimental, survey, case
study).
• Population, Sampling frame, Sample size determination, Sampling procedure –
Detail the selection criteria for participants or data sources.
• Data Collection Methods: Explain how you will gather data (e.g., experiments,
interviews, questionnaires, observations).
• Variables/Measures: Define and describe the variables or constructs being measured.
• Data Analysis Plan: Outline the statistical tools or techniques you will use to analyze
the data.
• Ethical Considerations: Address any ethical issues and how they will be managed,
including any necessary institutional approvals.
Timeframe
• Present a timeline, preferably a Gantt chat, for completing each phase of your research,
from the initial literature review to data collection, analysis, and writing up your findings.
Budget
• Present itemised anticipated costs related to the research, including services like
statistical analysis and language editing. Preferably use a table format. May indicate
potential funding sources.
Chapter outline
• Briefly, in one smooth paragraph, outline the chapters in your dissertation and what
each chapter presents.
References
• List all and only references cited in your proposal, preferrable following the Harvard
referencing format.
Appendices
• Include any additional materials, such as a copy of questionnaire, interview questions,
observation schedules, letters of consent/permission, ethical clearance and detailed
tables or charts, as applicable.
Some hints:
• Clarity and Precision: Use clear and concise language throughout your proposal.
Ensure that each section demonstrates the feasibility and academic value of your
research project.
• Feasibility: Consider the scope of your project. It should be achievable within the
timeframe and resources available.• Alignment: All sections of your proposal should align with each other. Make sure that
your methods are able to address the research questions or test the hypotheses you
have stated.sal
