Research Proposal writing Guideline for Undergraduate Program

Department of Accounting and Finance

The aim of this paper is to provide standard guideline on the general format of research proposal
for students of Accounting and Finance of the university. Research proposal work designed to
help students to build upon the knowledge and skills s/he has acquired during basic and
advanced courses in the class via the practical real problems. Such projects also intend to shape
students to have the ability to identify problems in the real world and do a research to suggest
possible solutions. In line with these objectives, the department found it important to have a
standard format students shall follow while writing research proposal.
Title Page
 The name of University, College, Department
 Title of Research
 Name of researcher
 Submitted to the Department and Profession of the researcher
 Name of the Advisor with their academic rank
 Date and Place
Title:
 The title should be as explicit as possible and transparent
 It should be clear and short
 It should capture and reflect the content of the proposal. It should enable the readers to
understand the concepts of the study
 Try to get the title down to one line or two

Logo
Sample cover page 1
 HAWASSA UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

FACTORS AFFECTING INTERNAL AUDIT PRACTICE IN THE CASE OF OMO

MICRO FINANCE

BY: Name of Researcher

RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

AND FINANCE IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BA
DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

ADVISOR: Name of Advisor with his/her qualification

APRIL, 2021
HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA

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Table of Contents
It should be arranged as items on the left-hand side and their respective page numbers on the
right. Whereas, the preliminaries must be given pages in roman numerals (i, ii, iii …),

CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

The introduction gives a brief overview of the research being considered and indicates the
nature of the specific question you will pursue It provides a theoretical context for the proposed
investigation, summarizing the work of others in the field. In addition, a brief but clear
statement of the specific research topic that will be addressed should be included in the
introduction. The introduction of a proposal should begin with a capsule statement of what is
being proposed and then should proceed to introduce the subject to a stranger. It should give
enough background to enable an informed lay man to place the particular research problem in a
context of common knowledge and should show how its solution will advance the field or be
important for some other work. The statement describes the significance of the problem(s),
referring to appropriate studies or statistics. Hence, introduction includes Background of the
study, Statement of the Problem, objective of the study, Significance of Research
(Justification), scope of the study (Delimitation of the study), organization of the paper and
conceptual framework of the study (optional), and definition of some terms will follow (optional).
1.1. Background of the study
In the background, the writer should
 Create reader interest in the topic
 Lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to the study
 Place the study within the larger context of the scholarly literature and
 Reach out to specific audience
Remember that the theory/line of inquiry selected will inform the statement of the problem,
rationale for the study, questions and hypothesis, selection of instruments, and choice of
methods.

1.2. Statement of the problem

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The problem statement describes the context for the study and it also identifies the general
analysis approach. A problem might be defined as the issue that exists in the literature, theory,
or practice the leads to a need for the study (motivation).It is important in a proposal that the
problem stand out that the reader can easily recognize it. Sometimes, obscure and poorly
formulated problems are masked in an extended discussion. In such cases, reviewers and /or
committee members will have difficulty in recognizing the problem. A problem statement
should be presented within a context, and that context should be provided and briefly explained,
including a discussion of the conceptual or theoretical framework in which it is embedded. A
writer is expected to clearly and succinctly identify and explain the problem within the
framework of the theory or line of inquiry that underlines the study. It is essential in all
quantitative research and much qualitative research. Effective problem statements answer the
question why does this research need to be conducted.
1.3 Research Questions
Research Questions and objectives flows naturally from the problem statement, giving the
reader specific, concrete, and achievable goals.
It is here that you layout exactly what is being planned by the proposed research.
They should not be questions that require a yes or no answer (Selamat, 2008). They should
be framed to provide the guide for the conduct of the study.
1.4 Objectives of the study
 General Objective: This is outlining the broad idea of the planned work
 Specific Objectives: This should be measurable, concise, clear and specific. Two or
more ideas should not be together; rather each idea needs to be outlined separately as
different objectives.
1.5 Significance of the study
 This is more common for projects sponsored by outsiders. Here, the writer tries to show
the potential beneficiaries of the report and try to reasonably magnify the potential gains
vis-a vis the costs.
 In this section, the writer tries to indicate how the research will define, revise, or extend
existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Note that such refinements, revisions
or extensions may have substantive, theoretical, or methodical significance.
 The writer may think about implications- how results of the study may affect scholarly
research, theory, practice, educational interventions, curricula, counseling, and policy

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 and so on.
1.6 Delimitation of the study (scope of the study)
In this section, the researcher indicates the boundary of the study (in terms of time span, aspect
of outlook, geographic coverage, etc.), usually in a paragraph.
It addresses how a study will be narrowed in scope; that is, how it is bounded. This is the place
to explain the things that the study is not doing and why the writer has chosen not to do them –
the literature not reviewed, the population not studied, the methodological procedures not
employed (and why).
1.7 Organization of the paper
You should state the contents of the study

CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
In this chapter, the writer critically reviews the contemporary theory and wisdom on empirical

findings related to the topic of the study. It may be organized in two sub-topics, viz theoretical

literature and empirical literature. In the former, the writer shall try to review what(economic)

theory says about the issue; and in the latter s/he shall attempt to critically examine what other

researchers did, how, and what they found so that the writer builds a kind of theoretical and

empirical framework for the study. This makes the work of analysis more interesting especially

if the writer compares and contrasts against other findings. This assessment of literature is a way

of uncovering the GAP in the knowledge the research is trying to fill. The review of the literature

provides the background and context for the research problem. It should establish the need for

the research and indicate that the writer is knowledgeable about thearea.

The literature review accomplishes several important tasks:

 It shares with the reader the results of other studies that are closely related to the study being
reported.
 It relates a study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in the literature about a topic, filling in gaps
and extending prior studies.
 It provides a framework for establishing the importance of the study, as well as a benchmark
for comparing the results of the study with other findings.

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 It frames the problem earlier identified.
 It demonstrates to the reader that the writer has a comprehensive grasp of the field and is
aware of the important recent substantive and methodological developments
 Delineate the “jumping-off place” for the study How will the study refine, revise, or extend
what is already known?
 It avoids statements that imply little has been done in the area or that what has been done is
too extensive to permit easy summary. Statements of this sort are usually taken as indications
that the writer is not really familiar with the literature.
CHAPTER THREE
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Study Methodology
This is a very important part of the research outline and should receive a lot of attention. It may
well be the longest section of the proposal. Detailed information about how the researcher
intends to answer the research questions should be clearly explained here. Anyone who reads
the proposal will want to know the sources and quality of evidence employed in this part, the
analytical technique to be followed. Depending on the discipline and the topic, suitable research
strategies should be defined. The methodology section should describe the proposed method for
the study including who the participants will be what equipment will be used, and the procedure
that will be followed. Data collection procedures: Detailed data collection procedures should
also be included so that other researchers can replicate your method exactly if required. (For
example, a researcher may explain in his methodology: Questionnaire, Key informant, Focus
group discussion, Household interviews, Field level procedures, Laboratory Techniques,
Retrospective data collection system, etc.)
3.1 Description of the study area

This is describing the study area in terms of map or descriptive form in reference with the known
town (example the capital or the regional town)
3.2 Study design (Study type, Sample size and Sampling Procedure)
Empirical research almost always depends upon a sample which is assumed to accurately
represent a population. At the end of the day we will extrapolate our finding to the population
level. Therefore, the techniques by which the sample was chosen are vital to assess the validity
of the research findings.
3.3 Method of Data Collection
3.4 Method of data analysis including the software

BUDGET BREAK DOWN

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The budgeted line test he costs to be met by the funding source, including stationary, per deim,
transportation cost, laboratory consumables, assistants cost, etc.
 There should be clear budget breakdown rather than putting the sum-up of the money.
 There should be matching between the extent of the research works and the amount
of budget requested
Sample budget breakdown
No Expense Items Total cost (Birr)
1. Stationary and Supplies 2880 00
2. Per-diem expense 18365 00
3. Travel expense 1320 00
4. Miscellaneous expense 2800 00
Sub total 25365 00
Contingency (10%) 2536 50
Grand total 27901 50

TIME FRAME
As a researcher, the amount of time needed for the various stages of study should not be under
estimated. Give information about the estimated timetable (if possible in table form), indicating
the sequence of research phases and the time that you will probably need for each phase .Take
into account that at this stage, it can only be estimated, but make clear that you have an idea
about the time span that will be needed for each step.
No Activity Months
Month 1 Month2 Month 3 Month 4
Weeks 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1111
4 22223333 4 1 2 3 4
1 Identification of problem 
-
2 Definition of the problem
3 Literature review
4 Redefining the problem
5 Developing the hypothesis
6 Preparation of the plan
7 Preparing questionnaire
8 Data collection
9 Discussion and analysis
10 Conclusion & Recommendations
11 Editing & Finalizing the Paper

REFERENCES
A) The reference list should be in alphabetical order, in the following formats

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  Article in Journal
 Nfia A.N. and Alonge D.O. 1987. An economic survey of abattoir data in Fako division of
Southwest province, Cameroon (1978–1980). Bull. Anim. Health Prod. Afr. 38: 239–242.
 Books:
 Thrusfield M. 2005. Veterinary Epidemiology, 2nded, Black Well Science, London, pp. 179–284.
 Steel R.G.D. and Tirrie J.H. 1980. Priciples and procedures of statitiscs 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Book
Co. New York. pp. 633-639
 Book Chapter
 Scot P.M. 1988. Detection of mycotoxins in foods. In: Robinson, R. K., Peter, K.L. and Mitchell,
J.R., (ed): Development in Food Microbiology. Vol.4. London: Elsevier applied sciences. pp. 47-76

 Corporate author (Publications Of organizations)

 WHO (World Health Organization) 2005. Make every mother and child count. The 2005 World
Health Report WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
 CSA (Central Statistical Authority) 1991. Addis Abeba, CTA Publications, pp. 250-253
 Agricultural Research council, 1975. The nutrient requirements of Farm Livestock. No. 1 Poultry.
London: Her majesty’s Stationary Office. pp. 80-83.
 Dissertation/ Thesis
 Roumen E.C. 1991. Partial resistance to blast and how to select for it. Ph.D thesis. Agricultural
University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
 Alemseged Mulugeta. 2009. Major Metacestodes in cattle slaughtered at WolaitaSoddo
Municipal abattoir, Southern Ethiopia: Prevalence, cyst viability, organ distribution and
socioeconomic implications, DVM Thesis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University,
Hawassa, Ethiopia 37p.
 Conference/Workshop/Seminar Proceedings
 Dawson J.M. and Buttery P.J. 1991. Manipulation of muscle mass. In: Fiems, L.O. (ed): Animal
Biotechnology and the quality of meat production. Papers presented at an OECD workshop held
in Mille, Belgium, November 7-10, 1990. Amsterdam: Elsevier. pp. 49-67.
 DemelTeketay 2001. Ecological effects of eucalyptus: ground for making wise and informed
decicion. Proceedings of a National Workshop on The Eucalyptus Dilemma, 15 November 2000,
Part 11:1-45, Addis Abeba.
 Publications from Websites
 FAO 2000. Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission to Ethiopia. FAOIWFP. Rome.
(http://www.fao.or~/GIE WS). (Accessed on 21 July 2000)
 OIE 2004. Cysticercosis: In Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals,
http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/mmanual/A_00127.htm (Accessed on 21 July 2004)
 Tolan R. W. and Nissen M.D. 2009. Taenia Infection, Online CME from Medscape
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/999727-overview(Accessed on 21 July 2009)

B) Examples for in-text citation and its correspondence in the list of references
In text In list of references .
One author: (Dires, 2011) Dires, B. (2011)

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Two authors: (Dires and Yimer, 2011) Dires, B. and Yimer, E. (2003)
More than three authors: (Dires et al., 2003) Dires, B., David, T., Yimer, E. (2003)
The Same authors in same year:
(Dires et al., 2003a) Dires, B., David, T., Yimer, E. (2003a)
(Dires et al., 2003b) Dires, B., David, T., Yimer, E. (2003b)
NB:
 In the text you can also site reference by saying like ‘according to Direset al. (2003)’.
 Titles of journals should be abbreviated according to List of Journals indexed in Index
Medicus.
More on citation
• If there are more than two authors, then in the documentation the name of only the first is
given and the multiple authorship is indicated by “et al.” or “and others”.
• Subsequent references to the same work need not be so detailed. If the work is cited again
without any other work intervening, it may be indicated as ibid (in the same place)
• A single page should be referred to as p., but more than one page be referred to as pp.
The Layout
 General
 The paper shall be written in A4 format.
 Using Win word, leave 3.5cm margin on the left side margin and of 1.5cm on all other
margins (top, bottom and right).
 Within the frame, write the text in justified alignment (block format).
 Use 1.5-line spacing throughout.
Page should be numbered consecutively and the number should appear just below the centre of
the lower margin, 1.5cm from the edge of the page.
 Character type: Time New roman
 Character style: 12 points
 Spacing:
 Space between lines: select “Auto”
 Space between paragraphs: one line (press “return” twice)
 Space after heading of 2 and 3 order: one line
 Space before 1 and 2 order: Two lines
 Space before heading of 3 order: one line
 Headings
First headings: 12pt, bold, all capital
Second headings: 12pts; bold; not capital
Third and the following headings: 12pt, not bold, not capital

Example: 1. INTRODUCTION (12pts; bold; all capitals)

1.1. Commitments (12pts; bold; not capital)
1.1.1. Scholarships (12pts, not bold, not capital)