Stream 1 | Research Proposal Development
✦ Overview
The Proposal Development stream is designed to help doctoral candidates lay a solid foundation for their research journey. A well-developed proposal is more than a formality — it is a strategic blueprint that guides the entire research project. This stream offers structured, step-by-step guidance to help participants refine their research questions, design appropriate methodologies, and present a compelling case for their study. Through interactive group sessions and personalised mentoring, candidates will gain the clarity and confidence needed to move forward with institutional approval and academic rigor.
✦ Learning Objectives
By the end of this experience, participants will be able to:
- Understand the key components of a doctoral research proposal and their function.
- Develop clear, feasible, and researchable questions or hypotheses.
- Conduct and synthesise a comprehensive literature review to identify research gaps.
- Design a coherent and appropriate research methodology, including data collection strategies and ethical considerations.
- Draft and revise a structured proposal document based on expert and peer feedback.
- Prepare effectively for proposal presentation and defence at departmental or institutional review panels.
✦ Monthly Sessions
Scheduled sessions will focus on these as core discussion topics:
- Introduction to Proposal Writing
Learn the essential components of a strong research proposal, including research aims, rationale, and framing your research questions. - Literature Review
Explore methods for conducting a systematic review, synthesising literature, and identifying research gaps. - Methodology Design
Understand qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs. Build a framework that aligns with your research aims and complies with ethical standards. - Drafting the Proposal
Learn techniques for structuring and writing your proposal. Start developing your first draft. - Refining and Finalising
Work through multiple iterations with your mentor’s feedback, improving clarity and coherence. - Presentation and Defense Preparation
Prepare for panel review or oral defense, including presentation skills and anticipating critical questions.
✦ Meet Your Mentors
Dr Esther Hooi is an Assistant Professor at Faculty of Creative Industries, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. Her area of expertise includes Applied Linguistics, Syntax, Pragmatics, Teaching Methodology, and English for Specific Purposes.
Dr Craig J Selby is an interdisciplinary researcher and doctoral mentor who is committed to helping PhD candidates develop strong, thoughtful, and impactful research. His mentoring supports candidates in refining their ideas, strengthening methodology, and growing into confident, independent scholars.