Report format. The research proposal is a document that describes and discusses the essential features of study to be conducted in the future, actual or hypothetical. Content of the research proposal: 1. Provisional title - representing the research as it stands 2. Table of contents 3. Abstract - a short synopsis of the proposal 4. Introduction/Background - providing the general subject area and background of the proposed research as well as specific aspects of the topic to be investigated. 5. Rationale with literature review - explaining the reasons for undertaking the research by relating it to preliminary literature review dealing with the relevant theory, practice and research already existing in the field. This preliminary survey of the relevant literature should include the key sources that have helped shape the underlying ideas for the research and provide justification for the significance of the research problem. 6. Aims and objectives - the aim will express the overall intention of the research while the objectives will express the various elements of investigation necessary to achieve this aim. 7. Methodology and theoretical approaches - should discuss the proposed methodological, technical and theoretical approaches to be developed and applied during the research in order to address the overall aim. It should also indicate the strategies to be used to identify the literature which will provide the conceptual framework to the research and the appropriate methods of analysis. 8. Plan of action - should outline the practical steps necessary to fulfill the stated objectives and propose a realistic work schedule identifying the stages and timescales of the research. This could be presented in the form of Gantt chart. 9. Resource requirements - should identify and discuss essential and likely resources requirements, e.g. visits to information services, interviews, computer facilities and sources of funds if necessary. 10. Ethical considerations - these should constitute a dedicated section where you demonstrate that you have considered potential ethical problems, particularly if you are undertaking empirical research. 11. Conclusion - The research proposal may finish with a brief final statement summarising the above points and adding any extra relevant information.