SayPro Template RPW01 – Research Planning Worksheet
SayPro Template RPW01 – Research Planning Worksheet
Section 1: Project Information
This section captures basic information about the research project.
- Project Title: Provide a clear, concise title that reflects the focus of the research.
- Project Number (if applicable): Any internal or official tracking number.
- Researcher(s)/Team: List names, roles, and contact details of the primary researcher and team members.
- Date Started / Date Due: Indicate the project start and expected completion dates.
Section 2: Research Objective
Clearly state what the research aims to achieve.
- Main Research Question: Define the central question you intend to answer.
- Sub-Questions/Objectives: Break down the main question into specific sub-questions or research objectives.
Example:
- Main Question: How does remote work affect employee productivity in South African tech companies?
- Objectives:
- To assess changes in productivity since the shift to remote work.
- To evaluate employee perceptions of remote work benefits and challenges.
Section 3: Background and Rationale
This provides context and justification for the research.
- Background: Summarize the existing knowledge or previous studies on the topic.
- Rationale: Explain why this research is important. Highlight the problem it addresses and the potential impact of the findings.
Section 4: Methodology
Outline how the research will be conducted.
- Research Design: Choose and justify the type of research (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
- Data Collection Methods:
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Observations
- Literature review
- Sampling Strategy:
- Define your target population and sampling method (random, stratified, purposive, etc.).
- Data Analysis Methods:
- Explain how the data will be analyzed (statistical tools, thematic analysis, etc.).
Section 5: Resources and Budget
Detail what resources are needed.
- Human Resources: Number and roles of people involved.
- Material Resources: Equipment, software, access to databases, etc.
- Estimated Budget: Provide cost breakdown (data collection, travel, transcription, incentives, etc.).
Section 6: Timeline
Use a Gantt chart or a list to outline key milestones and deadlines.
- Phases:
- Literature Review: [Start–End Date]
- Data Collection: [Start–End Date]
- Data Analysis: [Start–End Date]
- Report Writing: [Start–End Date]
- Final Submission: [Date]
Section 7: Ethical Considerations
Explain how you will handle ethical aspects.
- Informed Consent: Describe how participants will give informed consent.
- Confidentiality: Methods for keeping data secure and anonymous.
- Ethics Approval: Indicate if institutional ethics approval is required and obtained.
Section 8: Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Identify potential risks and how they will be managed.
- Potential Risks: e.g., non-response, data loss, ethical breaches.
- Mitigation Strategies: Backups, training, ethical oversight, contingency planning.
Section 9: Expected Outcomes and Impact
Describe what you hope to discover and how it will be used.
- Expected Findings: Hypotheses or anticipated results.
- Application of Results: How findings will inform policy, practice, or further research.
- Stakeholders: Who will benefit from or be interested in the results.
Section 10: References
Include a list of key references that informed your planning and background section.
Optional Attachments:
- Survey Instruments
- Interview Guides
- Gantt Chart
- Detailed Budget
Final Notes
Make sure all sections are:
- Aligned with your institution or organization’s research policy.
- Complete and thoroughly reviewed before submission.
- Signed off by any required supervisors or ethics boards.
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