Title: Write a title which briefly describes the research problem and your approach to it.
Key words or phrases: to give a clear and concise description of the scope and nature of the report, such as the main variables to be considered.
Problem definition: Correctly defining the problem is the crucial first step in the research process. If the research problem is defined incorrectly, the research objectives will also be wrong.
Research Question: Indicate what you want to know most and first out of your research.
Study Area Review: Explain the technical/discipline area you will be working, the problem area that you will be addressing in your research, and where would you locate your intended work in relation to previous researchers.
Aims and Objectives:
Evidence of requirements: Outlining the scope and range of facts/data the researcher has in support of the validity of the project. Such requirements would typically include conceptual, empirical, market demands, etc.
Deliverables: Defining your intended outcomes (be as specific as possible). It is part of good project planning. Deliverables are linked to your aims.
Milestones: A deliverable is the outcome of a milestone.
Project/Research Type: The nature of your research? For example, descriptive, exploratory, diagnostic, analytical, applied empirical (i.e. experimental), case study, etc.
Research Methodology: Methods and techniques used in undertaking the research. There are two basic approaches, quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative involves the generation of data, through experiments or simulation, in quantitative form, which can then be analysed. Qualitative is concerned with subjective assessment of opinions, behaviour, impressions via, for example, interviews.
Resource Audit: Information on the hardware, software and research resources you will be using during the course of your research, be specific i.e. give the name of any software and the titles of appropriate journals (although you will be adding to this list during your project).
Ethical Approval: Explain what contact you will have with end users and all other stakeholders. Ethical issues in research typically include participants’ interests and rights, informed consent of participants, avoiding deception, confidentiality, possible impact and consequences, etc.
Context Description: Refers to typical factors and constraints that may influence the research process and/or its outcomes (e.g. timing, resources).