“Evaluating Opportunities for Empowering Waste Pickers in OR Tambo District Municipality: A Study of Waste Management Sector in Eastern Cape, South Africa”

Research Title
Evaluating Opportunities to Empower Waste Pickers in the Waste Management Sector of OR
Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape.                                                                                                   Write  Introduction
• Background to the study: Contextualize the research problem.
• Statement of the Problem: Clearly define the problem your research aims to address.
• Research Questions, Aim and Specific Objectives.
• State your research Hypothesis if applicable.
• Rationale or Justification: Explain / discuss the importance of your research, include
its academic contribution and practical relevance.
Literature Review
• Summarize key theories, models, and previous studies relevant to your research
questions / objectives.
• Begin with the international (global), through the continental, down to the national and
local level.
• Highlight / Identify gaps in the existing literature that your research aims to fill.
• Should review, do not re-produce literature.
• Make appropriate subheadings.
Methodology
• Study area description – include the study area map(s) if applicable. Describe the
location, biophysical and socio-economic characteristics of the area.• Research Design: Describe the type of research design (e.g., experimental, survey, case
study).
• Population, Sampling frame, Sample size determination, Sampling procedure –
Detail the selection criteria for participants or data sources.
• Data Collection Methods: Explain how you will gather data (e.g., experiments,
interviews, questionnaires, observations).
• Variables/Measures: Define and describe the variables or constructs being measured.
• Data Analysis Plan: Outline the statistical tools or techniques you will use to analyze
the data.
• Ethical Considerations: Address any ethical issues and how they will be managed,
including any necessary institutional approvals.
Timeframe
• Present a timeline, preferably a Gantt chat, for completing each phase of your research,
from the initial literature review to data collection, analysis, and writing up your findings.
Budget
• Present itemised anticipated costs related to the research, including services like
statistical analysis and language editing. Preferably use a table format. May indicate
potential funding sources.
Chapter outline
• Briefly, in one smooth paragraph, outline the chapters in your dissertation and what
each chapter presents.
References
• List all and only references cited in your proposal, preferrable following the Harvard
referencing format.
Appendices
• Include any additional materials, such as a copy of questionnaire, interview questions,
observation schedules, letters of consent/permission, ethical clearance and detailed
tables or charts, as applicable.
Some hints:
• Clarity and Precision: Use clear and concise language throughout your proposal.
Ensure that each section demonstrates the feasibility and academic value of your
research project.
• Feasibility: Consider the scope of your project. It should be achievable within the
timeframe and resources available.• Alignment: All sections of your proposal should align with each other. Make sure that
your methods are able to address the research questions or test the hypotheses you
have stated.sal