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Concept Note Writing Guidelines

The Concept Note is a concise proposal outlining a research idea and its objectives, typically spanning 5 to 10 pages. It should include essential components such as a title page, background to the study, statement of the problem, SMART objectives, research questions or hypotheses, significance of the study, literature review, research methodology, and references. Engaging in discussions with the relevant Department before drafting the note is recommended.

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68 views2 pages

Concept Note Writing Guidelines

The Concept Note is a concise proposal outlining a research idea and its objectives, typically spanning 5 to 10 pages. It should include essential components such as a title page, background to the study, statement of the problem, SMART objectives, research questions or hypotheses, significance of the study, literature review, research methodology, and references. Engaging in discussions with the relevant Department before drafting the note is recommended.

Uploaded by

siziban
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CONCEPT NOTE WRITING GUIDELINES

A Concept Note is a short version of a proposal containing a brief description of the idea of the
research and the objectives to be pursued. A Concept Note should be 5 to 10 pages in length
including the title page. Before developing the Concept Note, a candidate may enter into an
academic conversation with the relevant Department to discuss the research idea.

The concept note may include the following:

TITLE PAGE

The title page should have a title (which should be unambiguous and convey the focus of the study);
full names of the candidate, degree programme being applied for and name of the relevant
department.

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

It is a review of the area being researched on, relevant history and current information on the

problem. Ideally, the background study should effectively set forth the history and background

information on the problem. It should display the context of the research.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A rational and reasoned argument that posits the current problem or opportunity which indicates
the necessity for the research. The problem statement should define distribution, quantity and
quality of the problem.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The SMART model should be followed, thus, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-
bound objectives. The objectives should not be less than three and they should not be too many.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS/HYPOTHESES

Clearly write the questions/hypothesis in a precise manner that captures the essence of the research
imperative.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The far-reaching implications of the project findings should be included.

LITERATURE REVIEW (This may be included depending on the discipline)

Provides the component areas of the research that comprise the literature review. It should cover
the fundamental issues and should be topical. References of no more than 5 years old are preferred.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Describe the method that best compliments the research questions and "fits" within that initiative.
These should describe how the stated objectives can be attained. How are you going to do the
research? It should be noted that methodologies are discipline-specific.
REFERENCES

A list of reference sources consulted during compilation of the concept paper should be included at
the end of the concept note.

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