Before writing the thesis proposal

Before writing the thesis proposal, a student should have already taken most of coursework and done an extensive literature review. He/she should have a solid understanding on the background materials and previous research done by other researchers in the same field. Most importantly, he/she should have identified a research topic with his/her supervisor. In developing a research topic, it is advisable to develop two to three topics first and then finally focus on a topic to develop further. You may like to ask the following questions in deciding on a research topic:

• -  What is the contribution to knowledge in your field of study?
  
• -  Has it been done by others before?
  
• -  What is the theoretical framework for the study?
  
• -  What are the research hypotheses or questions?
  
• -  Are data, if needed, available?
  
• -  How to collect data?
  
• -  What are the appropriate methods in analyzing the data?
  
• -  What are the expected end results?
  
• -  Can the thesis be done within the time period of study?
  Writing a thesis is the beginning of a scholarly work. You should write a thesis that you can manage within your present resource and time frame.