research project pdf

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Download Free PDF

Your research project: a step-by-step guide for the first-time researcher_Walliman_2005

Related papers

This book is the outcome of more than four decades of experience of the author in teaching and research field. Research is a creative process and the topic of research methodology is complex and varied. The basic premise for writing this book is that research methods can be taught and learnt. The emphasis is on developing a research outlook and a frame of mind for carrying out research. The book presents current methodological techniques used in interdisciplinary research along with illustrated and worked out examples. This book is well equipped with fundamentals of research and research designs. All efforts have been made to present Research, its meaning, intention and usefulness. Focussed in designing of research programme, selection of variables, collection of data and their analysis to interpret the data are discussed extensively. Statistical tools are complemented with examples, making the complicated subject like statistics simplest usable form. The importance of software, like MS Excel, SPSS, for statistical analyses is included. Written in a simple language, it covers all aspects of management of data with details of statistical tools required for analysis in a research work. Complete with a glossary of key terms and guides to further reading, this book is an essential text for anyone coming to research for the first time and is widely relevant across the disciplines of sciences. This book is designed to introduce Masters, and doctoral students to the process of conducting scientific research in the life sciences, social sciences, education, public health, and related scientific disciplines. It conforms to the core syllabus of many universities and institutes. The target audience for this book includes those are going to start research as graduate students, junior researchers, and professors teaching courses on research methods. The book entitled “A guide to Research Methodology for Beginners” is succinct and compact by design focusing only on essential concepts rather than burden students with a voluminous text on top of their assigned readings. The book is structured into the following nine chapters. Chapter-1: What is Scientific Research? Chapter-2: Literature Review Chapter-3: How to develop a Research Questions & Hypotheses Chapter-4: Research Methods and the Research Design Chapter-5: Concept of Variables, Levels and Scales of Measurements for Data collection Chapter-6: Data Analysis, Management and Presentation Chapter-7: Tips for Writing Research Report Chapter-8: Glossary Related to Research Methodology Chapter-9: References It is a comprehensive and compact source for basic concepts in research and can serve as a stand-alone text or as a supplement to research readings in any doctoral seminar or research methods class. The target audience for this book includes those are going to start research as graduate students, junior researchers, and professors teaching courses on research methods.

Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 2020

Modern Language Journal, 2012

A thesis/Dissertation, as one piece of work, should be a text that addresses the issues of the community; all divisions and sub-divisions ought to be interconnected and interrelated to become a process leading to one goal. Thus, the text has threefold dimension. The first is that few people know the underlying principle of a research; that is the wisdom behind the idea, the efforts and the pains of carrying out a research in a particular field of knowledge. The second is a request to students to fall in love and to have passion for the kind of study they want to undertake; this increases the motivation and disposes them to go extra miles for comprehensive and immense discovery where understanding, application and generation of new knowledge take place. The third reason, which is equally important, maybe the most important in writing this text, concerns the organization of the report; in this case the presentation of a thesis/dissertation. Students should be more and more motivated to carry out research in various fields of knowledge, particularly when they have means; and postgraduate students should be increasingly encouraged to take part in research initiatives, for this helps to find new meanings of life.

This section presents an introduction of the study and review of the theories that are adopted in the study. These underpin the theoretical perspectives adopted in the process, the Statement of the problem, objectives and the scope of the study.

Essential Tremor, 2020

So you’re a student at university looking to do research and write a dissertation (thesis)? This book is for you. It’s an essential guide to the research process covering all stages from planning to doing to writing up and proofing. The book also has a unique section on publishing your dissertation for those who wish to push their academic career along. Unlike other books, it does not assume that you have infinite time and resources to conduct your research. It recognises that at this level you probably have six months or less to finish the dissertation and gives practical advice on which studies are feasible and which are not. The book gets on top of the research terminology by giving concise, working definitions of the key terms, which will appeal to international students. With over 30 years of experience in leading and teaching research in a variety of fields, Dr Michael Cribb has pulled together all his wisdom and knowledge in one book to help guide students through their first big research project.

Ethnographies of Outer Space: Unveiling the hidden social worlds of space exploration, seminar, 2024, Poland, 2024

IAEME PUBLICATION, 2019

South Asian History, Culture and Archaeology, Vol. 2 (1), 2022

Revista General De Informacion Y Documentacion, 1993

Remote Sensing, 2019

Sir Syed Journal of Education & Social Research, 2018

Routledge eBooks, 2023

PREVALENCE OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS IN BIOPSIES OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNX (Atena Editora), 2024

Environmental History, 2014

ANNUARIO della SCUOLA ARCHEOLOGICA DI ATENE e delle MISIONI ITALIANE IN ORIENTE, 2021

European Journal of Human Genetics, 2009

Scientific Reports, 2019

Akdeniz sanat dergisi, 2014

R&E-SOURCE, 2015

International Journal for Scientific Research and Development, 2016

Transatlantica, 2021

Nuclear Medicine Communications, 2009

The Journal of Immunology

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Publications
• Account settings
• Advanced Search
• Journal List

How to write a research proposal?

Devika rani duggappa.

• Author information
• Copyright and License information

Address for correspondence: Dr. Devika Rani Duggappa, 314/2/5, Durganjali Nilaya, 1 st H Cross, 7 th Main, Subbanna Garden, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru - 560 040, Karnataka, India. E-mail: [email protected]

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

Key words: Guidelines, proposal, qualitative, research

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

• 1. McGranaghan M. Guidelines on Writing a Research Proposal. [Last accessed on 2016 Jun 25]. Available from: https://www.2.hawaii.edu/~matt/proposal.html .
• 2. Nte AR, Awi DD. Research proposal writing: Breaking the myth. Niger J Med. 2006;15:373–81. doi: 10.4314/njm.v15i4.37249. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 3. Saunderlin G. Writing a research proposal: The critical first step for successful clinical research. Gastroenterol Nurs. 1994;17:48–56. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 4. Klopper H. The qualitative research proposal. Curationis. 2008;31:62–72. doi: 10.4102/curationis.v31i4.1062. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 5. Singh MD, Cameron C, Duff D. Writing proposals for research funds. Axone. 2005;26:26–30. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 6. Burns N, Grove SK. The Practice of Nursing Research: Conduct, Critique and Utilization. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. pp. 667–8. [ Google Scholar ]
• 7. Sandelowski M, Barroso J. Writing the proposal for a qualitative research methodology project. Qual Health Res. 2003;13:781–820. doi: 10.1177/1049732303013006003. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 8. Krathwohl DR. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press; 2005. pp. 45–7. [ Google Scholar ]
• 9. Balakumar P, Inamdar MN, Jagadeesh G. The Critical Steps for Successful Research: The Research Proposal and Scientific Writing: A Report on the Pre-Conference Workshop Held in Conjunction with the 64th Annual Conference of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress-2012. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013;4:130–18. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.110895. [ DOI ] [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• 10. Labaree RV. Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Writing a Research Proposal. [Last accessed on 2016 Jun 25]. Available from: http://www.libguides.usc.edu/writingguide .
• 11. Research Proposal. [Last accessed on 2016 Jul 04]. Available from: http://www.web.stanford.edu/~steener/gendertech/assignments/ResearchProposal.pdf .
• 12. Burns N, Grove SK. The Practice of Nursing Research: Conduct, Critique and Utilization. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. p. 40. [ Google Scholar ]
• 13. Sliep Y, Poggenpoel M, Gmeiner A. A care counselling model for HIV reactive patients in rural Malawi – Part II. Curationis. 2001;24:66–74. doi: 10.4102/curationis.v24i3.855. [ DOI ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• View on publisher site
• PDF (372.3 KB)
• Collections

Similar articles

Cited by other articles, links to ncbi databases.

• Download .nbib .nbib
• Format: AMA APA MLA NLM

Add to Collections

• Project Topics
• Project Topics Materials
• Project topics in education
• Accounting project topics
• Computer science project topics
• Project topics for mass communication
• Project topics for Marketing
• Project topics for business administration
• Project topics in economics

• REQUEST PROJECT
• HIRE A WRITER
• SCHOLARSHIPS

Project By Departments

• Agric Engineering
• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Banking And Finance
• BioChemistry
• Building Technology
• Business Administration
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cooperative And Rural Development
• Cooperative Economics
• Design And Technology
• Electrical Electronic Engineering
• Entrepreneurial And Business Management
• Estate Management
• Fine And Applied Arts
• Food Technology
• Health Science And Technology
• Home And Rural Economics
• Hospitality Management And Technology
• Industrial Chemistry
• Industrial Relation and Personnel Management
• International And Diplomatic Studies
• Library And Information Science
• Mass Communication
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical And Health Science
• Microbiology
• Nursing Science
• Office Technology and Management
• Political Science
• Printing Technology
• Public Administration
• Public Relations And Communication
• Purchasing And Supply
• Quantity Surveyor
• Science Lab Technology
• Secretarial Administration
• Staff Development And Distance Education
• Urban And Regional Planning
• Thesis and Dissertation

Project Topics , Download Research Materials

Are you a student looking for high-quality project topics and research materials? Look no further than ProjectNg! We are your one-stop solution for all your academic research needs. With a vast collection of free project topics and comprehensive research materials, we are here to support you throughout your academic journey. Whether you are working on your final year project , postgraduate thesis, or dissertation, our platform offers a wide range of resources to assist you. Let's explore how ProjectNg can be your go-to destination for academic excellence.

Access Free Project Topics and Research Materials

At ProjectNg, we understand the importance of having access to a diverse range of project topics. Our platform provides an extensive selection of free project topic s across various fields of study, including computer science , engineering , education , and more. Simply browse through our project topics list and choose the one that aligns with your interests and academic requirements.

In addition to project topics, we offer complete research materials to accompany your chosen topic. Our research materials consist of well-researched and reliable content, including abstracts, chapters (1-5), and references. We ensure that our materials are up-to-date and of the highest quality, allowing you to save valuable time and effort in your research process.

Download Project Materials

We prioritize your convenience and offer instant delivery of projects listed on our website. Simply visit our Download Project page and access the materials you need. Additionally, we provide the option to forward the complete project materials to your email through our Email Project page. Our commitment is to ensure that every customer receives free project topics and can download complete research materials with utmost satisfaction.

Request for Project Material

If you've searched for your desired topic on our platform but couldn't find it, don't worry. We have a solution for you! Fill out our Project Request form, and we will make every effort to upload the requested materials to our website. We value your feedback and strive to provide a comprehensive collection of project topics to meet your needs.

Find Job in Usa Opportunities

Stay ahead in your career by accessing a wide range of job opportunities . Explore job in the usa, job portals, career websites, and company listings to discover openings in your field. Set up job alerts and stay informed about new positions. Utilize professional networking platforms to connect with industry professionals and explore hidden job opportunities. With the right resources, you can find the job that aligns with your skills and aspirations.

Discover Scholarships

Pursue your educational dreams without financial constraints by discovering scholarships . Access scholarship databases that compile various funding opportunities. Explore scholarships based on your field of study, academic achievements, and personal circumstances. Stay updated with application deadlines and requirements to increase your chances of receiving financial assistance for your education. Scholarships can open doors to educational opportunities that may have seemed out of reach.

Stay Updated with the Latest News

Stay informed and connected to the latest developments in your industry. Access latest news , industry publications, and professional associations to stay updated with trends, advancements, and insights. Being well-informed about the latest news can enhance your knowledge, help you make informed decisions, and even open doors to new career opportunities. Subscribe to newsletters, follow industry influencers on social media, and attend conferences or webinars to stay connected to the pulse of your field.

Hire Experienced Project Writers

Do you need professional assistance with your project? ProjectNg has a team of experienced project writers who are ready to help you. Whether you have a fresh project topic approved by your supervisor or need support in developing a new research topic , our skilled writers can provide you with customized content tailored to your specific requirements. By hiring our project writers , you can benefit from their expertise in conducting thorough research, formulating hypotheses, and presenting your findings effectively.

Postgraduate Project Topics, Thesis, and Dissertation

Postgraduate students often face unique challenges in their research endeavors. ProjectNg recognizes the importance of providing specialized support for postgraduate studies. Hence, we offer a dedicated section for postgraduate project topics, thesis, and dissertation. Whether you are pursuing an MSc , PhD , or other postgraduate degrees, our platform offers a wide range of research topics to choose from. You can download complete and ready-made project materials specifically designed for postgraduate studies.

Project Topics Blog

Expand your knowledge and improve your research skills through our Project Topics Blog . We offer step-by-step guides on how to write a research paper , insights into factors that can impede undergraduates' project research, and valuable information on the difference between a thesis and a research paper. Additionally, you can learn about the structure of a master's dissertation and find guidance on writing abstracts, Chapter One, and literature reviews . Make sure to check out our tips for delivering impressive presentations and discover the 25 most common project defense questions and answers tohelp you prepare effectively.

Selecting Project Topics

Choosing a suitable research topic is crucial for your final year project. At ProjectNg, we understand this importance and provide guidance in selecting the right topic . Before submitting your topic to your supervisor, ensure you have a clear understanding of what your final project should look like. Read the abstract and Chapter One of the project material on our website to gain insights. While the project title may not exactly match your research question , it should effectively convey the focus, purpose, and significance of your research.

Project Defense Preparation

Preparing for your project defense can be a daunting task. At ProjectNg, we are committed to helping you succeed in your defense. Our platform provides valuable resources to enhance your preparation. We have compiled a comprehensive collection of project defense questions and answers , which can guide you in anticipating and addressing potential questions from your panel. By studying these commonly asked questions, you can gain confidence and avoid common mistakes during your defense.

Why Choose ProjectNg?

Extensive Range of Project Topics: Our platform offers a wide selection of project topics across different fields of study, ensuring that you find a topic that suits your interests and academic requirements.

High-Quality Research Materials: Our research materials are well-researched, reliable, and up-to-date. They include abstracts, comprehensive chapters, and references, providing you with the necessary resources to excel in your research.

Experienced Project Writers: Our team of skilled project writers can assist you in developing your research topic, conducting thorough research, and delivering customized content for your project.

Postgraduate Support: We understand the unique needs of postgraduate students and offer specialized postgraduate project topics, thesis, and dissertation materials to support your academic journey.

Project Defense Preparation: Prepare for your project defense with confidence using our collection of project defense questions and answers. Avoid common mistakes and present your findings effectively.

ProjectNg is your ultimate resource for free project topics, research materials, and expertassistance. With our extensive collection of project topics, complete research materials , and experienced project writers, we aim to empower students in their academic research journey. Whether you're working on your final year project, postgraduate thesis , or dissertation, ProjectNg provides the necessary tools and support to help you excel.

Take advantage of our free project topics and access comprehensive research materials , including abstracts , chapters, and references, all designed to save you time and effort. If you require personalized assistance, our team of skilled project writers is ready to provide customized content tailored to your specific needs.

Postgraduate students can benefit from our dedicated section, offering a wide range of project topics, thesis materials , and dissertation resources. We understand the unique challenges faced by postgraduate students and strive to provide specialized support to ensure their success.

Preparing for your project defense? ProjectNg has got you covered. Our collection of project defense questions and answers will help you anticipate and address potential queries from your panel, enabling you to confidently present your research findings.

Choose ProjectNg as your trusted partner in academic research . Explore our platform today and unlock a world of free project topics, research materials, and expert guidance. Empower yourself with the resources you need to achieve academic excellence.

Click Here for More Research Project Topics

Join Us on Facebook

• Scholarships
• Download Projects
• Bank Details
• Free Data/Airtime
• Terms and Condition
• Sim hosting
• Back to Top
• Privacy Policy      RSS Feeds

November 13, 2024

The Role of Research in the Sisters Blended Value Project: A Conversation with Dr. David Mathuva

In recent years, Catholic Sisters across Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania have embarked on a transformative journey. Guided by the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP), these sisters are moving beyond traditional roles in ministry, stepping into the realm of social entrepreneurship to create sustainable change in their communities. But behind the scenes of the SBVP, research is a quiet yet powerful force driving its success. At the heart of this effort is Dr. David Mathuva, the SBVP’s Research Coordinator.

In a recent interview, Dr. Mathuva offered a glimpse into the crucial work that the research team is undertaking under his guidance. He described how research provides Sisters with insights, strategies, and frameworks to turn their ministries into self-sustaining social enterprises. This effort, he explained, doesn’t only enhance the sisters’ ability to serve their communities, but it also challenges conventional views of what Sisters can achieve as entrepreneurs.

Transforming Ministries through Research

For many, the idea of Catholic Sisters managing profitable businesses may seem unexpected, perhaps even improbable. Traditionally, their roles have been centered on ministry, education, and healthcare—endeavors often funded by donations and grants. However, a baseline survey conducted by the SBVP and funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in early 2021 revealed several critical challenges that Sisters face in maintaining these ministries. These include dwindling donor funds, gaps in leadership skills, and limited organizational sustainability measures.

According to Dr. Mathuva, research plays a critical role in providing much-needed insights on factors that could contribute to successful transformation. By studying what works—and what doesn’t—in the realm of social enterprises, the team has generated a body of knowledge that guides the sisters on a path to sustainable, impactful ministry.

Beyond the Economics: Linking Faith and Social Enterprise

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dr. Mathuva’s work is exploring how faith intersects with social entrepreneurship. Many people view business purely through an economic lens, but for the sisters, these ventures are grounded in spirituality. Dr. Mathuva notes that while the goal is to create financially sustainable enterprises, these initiatives are also deeply rooted in compassion, service, and community values.

“We’ve learned that it’s not just about the economic side,” he said. “The social and spiritual dimensions make these enterprises unique.” By understanding how these elements interact, the research team is uncovering ways for the sisters to leverage their faith as a strength in the business world. This perspective not only sets them apart from traditional enterprises focused on profit maximization, but it also adds credibility to their work, fostering trust within their communities.

The insights gleaned from the research are directly benefiting Sisters across the region. In one instance, a group of Sisters developed an effective fundraising strategy for a large-scale hostel project valued at approximately  100 million Kenyan Shillings (approximately 110,000 USD). The research team guided specific fundraising strategies, empowering the sisters to approach potential donors with a clear, data-driven plan. Projects like this reveal the tangible impact of the SBVP’s research pillar on real-world initiatives.

Building a Knowledge Legacy: Research Outputs and Publications

Dr. Mathuva and his team have been prolific in their work, producing 43 research outputs in the past three years. These include research papers, case studies, white papers, and technical articles, all of which contribute to a growing knowledge base on sustainable social entrepreneurship within faith-based organizations.

  Among these outputs, 17 case studies stand out as a significant achievement. Published through the Strathmore Africa Case Center, these studies are freely accessible and provide detailed insights into sister-led enterprises. Topics range from agriculture and healthcare to innovative initiatives like organic farming and dragon fruit cultivation. One particularly compelling case involves a sister-led hospital transitioning from a Level 4 to a Level 5 facility, a move that reflects the scaling potential of these projects. Dr. Mathuva emphasized that these case studies will outlive the SBVP, serving as educational resources for future generations. They document the sisters’ experiences and capture the challenges that they have faced and the creative solutions they have implemented to overcome them. For the sisters, these studies serve as a blueprint for success, offering valuable lessons on everything from financial planning to community engagement.

The team has also compiled these case studies into a comprehensive book—a case collection that showcases the diversity of the Sisters’ ventures. Dr. Mathuva described this collection as one of the most exciting aspects of the project, as it provides a lasting testament to what the Sisters have achieved through the SBVP.

Expanding Capacity and Creating Community

Capacity building is another critical component of the SBVP’s research pillar. Dr. Mathuva believes that the knowledge generated from their research should not remain confined to academic papers and case studies. Instead, it should be shared with as many people as possible, particularly those involved in faith-based social enterprises. To this end, the SBVP has integrated training programs that equip Sisters with the skills to apply research insights in their contexts.

To this extent, Dr. Mathuva highlighted the role of the Strathmore Africa Case Center (SACC) as a knowledge-sharing platform. Anyone can access the case studies through this center, complete with teaching notes that offer further insights into the sisters’ strategies. These resources benefit not only the sisters but also educators, students, and social entrepreneurs across the region who are interested in learning from these unique case studies.

The Road Ahead

As the SBVP continues to evolve, Dr. Mathuva is optimistic about the future. He envisions a time when the sisters’ enterprises will thrive independently, no longer reliant on grants but fully sustainable through sound business practices. The research team’s goal is to ensure that the sisters are equipped for today’s challenges and those they may face long after the SBVP has ended.

Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Mathuva expressed a deep sense of fulfillment. For him, the SBVP is more than just a project; it’s a journey that has brought together faith, compassion, and strategy to create lasting change. “This project has opened our minds,” he said. “For us as researchers, it’s been inspiring to see that you can bring religiosity into running successful social enterprises, and for the sisters, it’s a way to show the world they are capable of much more than people think.”

In the end, the Sisters Blended Value Project is not only transforming the lives of Catholic sisters, it’s redefining what it means to serve, lead, and innovate in the name of faith. Through research, capacity building, and a commitment to sustainability, the SBVP is lighting the path for a new generation of sister-led enterprises, empowering women of faith to build a brighter, more compassionate world.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Your journey to business excellence starts here. Subscribe today and be at the forefront of innovation and leadership.

May Your Jar Never Run Dry: ACWECA’s Blessing for the SBVP Class of 2024

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation foresees a world in which improving the human condition is a shared and sustainable goal. “Love one another, for that is the whole law,” Conrad Hilton wrote in his will. The peoples of the world “deserve to be loved and encouraged—never to be abandoned to wander alone in poverty and darkness.” That is our resolve.

Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA)

The  Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa , unites and empowers consecrated women from diverse religious congregations

Explore our Programme Calendar

Explore our academic and executive educations programmes portfolio, explore our sbs customized solutions for organizations, a culture of ethics & learning, sbs partners, information for.

• Future Students
• International Students
• Researchers
• Teachers & Career Advisors
• Parents & Families
• Industry & Community

Useful Links

• Strathmore University
• Student Life
• Request for Coverage
• Privacy Policy
• Corporate Brand Resources
• SBS E-Learning
• SBS Programmes’ Portfolio
• Alumni Network
• Financial Aid
• Programme Calendar
• Alumni Webinars
• Graduation Policy
• Emergencies & Personal Safety
• Provide Feedback

© 2024 Strathmore University Business School. All Rights Reserved.

By Creative VMLY&R

Subscribe to our newsletter

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

RAISE 24 Projects of Merit