Section 2.9.2
Thesis Proposal
Write a clear thesis proposal. A thesis proposal identifies a research problem, gives some
preliminary view of existing research on the problem, identifies needed resources, and sets down the
schedule for the research and writing process. Proposal writing is a way of defining problems in
terms of necessary levels of involvement, scheduling, and resource allocation.
The thesis proposal normally includes the following:
- The background and context of your research
problem. Why is the work important? What other work has been done on
the problem thus far? What are some of the issues that concern the research you are
proposing? Identify the meaning of any key terms you will be using.
- Problem definition and approach.
Succinctly state your problem in two or three sentences. What other approaches
were considered and why is your approach a more effective one? What criteria are
you using to measure your success? One or more drawings may greatly help in your
problem definition.
- Theoretical background. What, if any, state-of-the-art theory is
important to your problem? If there are some crucial assumptions in your approach,
this is the place to state them. Provide some account of the published literature,
citing the leading articles, reports, or books that have treated relevant aspects of the
problem.
- Procedure. Explain how you will
approach the problem by providing a detailed series of steps. This sequence of steps
should be accompanied by one or more drawings.
- Materials and support. What
materials, instruments, facilities, and financial support will you need to carry out your
research? List and briefly discuss them.
- Project task breakdown and schedule.
Prepare a task breakdown and schedule of your work. Develop this section with
some care, since it will provide you a means of measuring your progress in relation
to your allotted time. If your time estimates turn out to be poorly gauged, then you
may need to seek your advisor's help in redefining your goals.
- Bibliography. List the publications
you have consulted in planning your research.
## Thesis Proposal ##
[ Home | Table of Contents
| Writing Timeline | Index |
Help | Credits]