SGS Format for Writing Proposals

MASENO UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

FORMAT FOR WRITING PROPOSAL FOR FINAL SUBMISSION

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roman number pages

 ....................................................................................................

Title

Declaration

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Abstract

• Comprehensive, no rubrics, single-spaced

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

• Sections on definition of terms and operational definition of terms should be included as appropriate

List of Tables

List of Figures/List of Plates

Body – Numerical Pages

............................................................................................................

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Background: Should include highlights of the rationale for the study gaps; and indicate the study gaps that will be addressed

Statement of the Problem: Should comprise of a summary of the study gaps

Objectives: General and Specific

• Should comprise of objectives that will address the gaps indicated

Research questions/hypotheses: Apply as relevant for each objective

Justification: Relevance of achieving each of the objectives (who will benefit and how)

Chapter 2 - Literature Review

• Should comprise of a comprehensive critique of existing knowledge that culminates in knowledge gaps that will be addressed by each of the objectives
• Include a review of relevant methods with rationale for those that will be applied in the study

Chapter 3 - Materials and Methods/Methodology

• Should be clear enough to facilitate replication without reference to the author

References 

• Use referencing style recommended by your School; should be consistently applied; references in text and list should be consistent (advise: use referencing software)
• Listing the references should be consistent and each reference listed must be as complete as possible.  Follow your School guidelines or established formats that are published.
• Each reference should show, volume, publisher (where applicable), page number

Appendices

NOTE:

1. Ensure the proposal is edited before submission to address typographical, grammatical and other errors.
2. There should be a clear link running through all sections of the proposal.
3. Although the above guidelines are given, there may be slight variations in the Body section depending on the Discipline.