Preparing a Research Project Proposal

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Preparing a Research Project Proposal

• Prof. Lalini C. Rajapaksa

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Why write a project proposal ? Guide for
carrying out the research Review Ethical
Methodological / academic Funding specific
guidelines for the last two
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• The proposal should include
• Description of the project
• Ethical considerations
• Special issues
• Consent forms
• Ethical approval
• Budget

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• Description of the project
• Title
• Rationale and objectives of the study
• Previous similar studies
• Design and methodology
• Problems anticipated
• Expected outcomes of the study
• Duration
• Project management
• References

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• Rationale
• Describe within the context of present
  knowledge
• Justify in terms of demographic, social or
  health impact
• Policy, service or programme relevance
• Relevance to activities and objectives of the
  funding agency

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• Objectives
• General and specific objectives
• State clearly in measurable terms
• Hypothesis (es) being tested
• End points used to examine the hypothesis

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Review of literature Describe briefly the most
relevant studies published
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• Design and methodology
• Brief description of study design
• Justify choice of design in relation to the
  objectives of the research
• Brief description of the source population
• Sample size
• Describe method of computation
• justify assumptions underlying calculation
  of sample size
• Statistical power

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• Selection of sample
• Sampling procedure including type
• e.g. simple random, stratified, cluster etc
• Where and how sample would be recruited
• Inclusion criteria
• Exclusion criteria

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• Selection of comparison groups
• matching criteria
• Allocation of subjects in to index and
  comparison groups (where applicable)
• method of allocation

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• Data collection
• Variables to be studied
• Data collection instruments
• Validation
• Training of investigators
• Logistics of data collection
• Supervision

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• Where relevant
• Drugs, devices and procedures to be studied
• Laboratory and other investigations
• Pilot studies
• Follow up procedures

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Data management and analysis coding verification
how missing information would be dealt
with Statistical methods to be used how
qualitative data will be analysed
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Project management How the work would be
co-ordinated and supervised Problems anticipated
difficulties which may interfere with
successful completion within time and costs
proposed Expected outcomes advancement of
knowledge how results would be utilized means
of dissemination of results
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Duration of study time plan
Activities 1st month 2nd month 3rd month 4th month 5th month 6th month 7th month 8th month
Consultative meetings X
Development of data collection instruments X X
Pre testing of instruments X
Validation of methods / instruments X
Training of investigators X X
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References Ethical considerations Confidentiality
Consent form Statement describing the study
Certificate of consent Any special ethical
concerns Justification in terms of risk benefit
assessment
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Budget Personnel costs Supplies e.g.
chemicals, reagents, test kits,
stationary Equipment Subject costs e.g.
reimbursement of bus fares ,
compensation for time lost
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Travel Data analysis Budget summary Budget
justification
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Budget
1st year 2nd year
Personnel
professional / scientific staff N person months
Technical staff
Other
Equipment
Supplies
stationary
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Budget summary for each year of duration of
project provide sub totals under each budget item
1st year 2nd year
Personnel
Equipment
Supplies
Travel
Data analysis
Dissemination of findings
Grand Total
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Budget justification Provide justification for
the amounts asked for under each budget item in
detail