Cover
Half Title
Endorsements
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Preface
Why this book?
Why the bear and the fish?
What is unique about this book?
Who is the author?
Acknowledgements
Reference
Foreword
Dr Loice Natukunda
Dr Andrew Hambler
PART I: Introducing the doctoral proposal
Introduction
Context
What is a proposal?
Why write a proposal?
What makes a good proposal?
Added benefits
Types of doctoral thesis
Outline of the rest of this book
References
1. The doctoral journey
The doctoral opportunity and challenge
Phases of a research project
Benefits of undertaking a doctorate
Reference
PART II: Selecting and presenting your topic
2. Selecting your topic
Introduction
The creative process
The importance of data
Other topic selection strategies
Qualities of a good topic
Exercise
Summary
References
3. Writing your front matter
Introduction
Writing your title
Writing your aim
Writing your objectives
Writing your research questions
Exercises
Summary
PART III: Academic writing
4. Structuring your proposal
Introduction
Essential and optional elements of a proposal
Using section numbering
Summary
Reference
5. Academic writing style
Introduction: busting a common myth
Use the third person, passive voice
Some dos and donβts
Avoiding subjective writing
Use hedging
Summary
Reference
6. Using evidence
Introduction
Backing up specific claims
Avoiding plagiarism and AI generation
Quoting
Summarising
Summary
References
7. Paragraph writing
Introduction
Definition
Length
Structure
Using transitional words
Examples
Summary
Reference
8. Argumentation
Introduction
Two styles
Examples
Argument planning
Example
Exercise
Summary
Reference
PART IV: Writing the rest of your proposal
9. Writing the rest of your introduction
Introduction
Writing your background
Example
Writing your problem statement
Example
Additional parts
Examples
Summary
10. Literature reviews
Introduction
General principles
Obtaining evidence
Deciding on your themes
Including theory
Including critical analysis
Concluding your review
Exercise
Summary
References
11. Conceptual frameworks
Introduction
Examples
Exercise
Summary
References
12. Writing your methodology/method section
Introduction: why the name confusion?
Purpose and argumentation style
Structure
Philosophy
Approach
Strategy
Data collection
Validity, reliability and hypotheses
Data analysis
Ethics
Limitations
Common mistakes
Evaluating methodology/methods sections: DECJAD
Exercise
Summary
References
13. Producing a schedule and a budget
Gantt charts
Research phases
Accompanying narrative
Providing a budget
Exercise
Summary
Reference
14. Referencing
Introduction
Citing
Tables and figures
Reference lists
Summary
References
PART V: After submitting your proposal
Introduction
15. Presenting and defending your proposal
Introduction
Developing a proposal presentation
Recommended structure
Delivering your presentation
Handling questions after your presentation
Summary
References
16. Writing another proposal
Introduction
Addressing feedback on your proposal
Understanding the requirements for another proposal
Turning your initial proposal into an extended one
Summary
17. Planning and managing your research
Time management
Stress management
Summary
References
18. Managing your supervisory relationships
Introduction
Models of supervision
Having appropriate expectations
Preparing for supervisions
Learning to be assertive
Additional advice for successful supervisory relationships
Summary
References
19. Next steps in your research
Introduction
Drafting your introduction chapter
Doing and drafting your full literature review
Drafting your methodology/methods chapter
Requesting ethics approval
Designing your data collection instrument
Summary
Bibliography
Index
