Research Planning: The10 Step Research Plan Blueprint

-Dr Gargi Roy Goswami

Let’s begin...

What is meant by the term research?

“Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.” - Sydney University

This definition of research is consistent with a broad notion of research and experimental development (R&D) as consisting of creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and society, and its use to devise new applications.

A robust plan defines the pathway for a defined work to obtain a fruitful outcome!

Agree? Or Agree?

Basically a research plan gives a principal investigator the opportunity to discuss the proposed idea, stating its importance and how it will be conducted.

In one sentence, I define a research plan as an opportunity to bring your ideas to reality.

4 questions that your research plan must address are:

1. What do you intend to do?
2. Why is the work important?
3. What has already been done?
4. How are you going to do the work?

10 Steps To Solve Your Research Problems

Now , here is your 10 Step Research Plan Blueprint! This blueprint will give you a clarity on how to start, execute and achieve success through a hassle free research journey with your amazing idea.

The 10 steps are:

1. Specific Goals
2. Research Strategy
3. Resources
4. Research Consultancy
5. Writing a project description
6. Preliminary Studies and Progress Reports
7. SWOT Analysis
8. Identifying suitable personnels
9. Research Support
10. Forming an estimated project budget

Step 1: Specific Goals

The purpose of this is to clearly and concisely describe what do you intend to accomplish through the project.

Step 2: Research Strategy

The Research Strategy should focus on:

• Significance
• Innovation
• Approach

Step 3: Resources

Identify the facilities to be used (laboratory, clinical, animal, computer, office, other). If appropriate, indicate their capacities, pertinent capabilities, relative proximity and extent of availability to the project.

Step 4: Research Consultancy

Consultancy involves purchasing the skills and expertise of external agencies to work on a specific project. Consultancy may cover activities such as

• expert opinion
• analysis
• testing services
• product development and
• process development

It can be usefully defined as professional services based on existing knowledge.

Step 5: Writing a Project Description

When writing a project description for external funding, always think of your audience. It is essential to use formal English, define your key terms and cite key international and easily accessible references wherever possible. Clarity is key.

Step 6: Preliminary Studies

The preliminary results section describes prior work by the investigators relevant to the proposed project. This help to establish the likelihood of success of the proposed project.

Step 7: SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a compilation of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis is a planning process that helps your project idea overcome challenges and determine what new leads to pursue.

The primary objective of a SWOT analysis is to help to develop a full awareness of all the factors involved in making a decision required for materialising your research idea or research project.

Step 8: Identifying suitable personnels

Consider price, quality of product or service and customer service while choosing a vendor. Take recommendations from others who have already hired or availed the services of a particular vendor.

Step 9: Research Support

List out all grant announcements from different agencies for healthcare research.