ABSTRACT
This chapter overviews the structure and process of research projects, with an emphasis on the more professionally relevant projects, and has proposed both a model of progress to follow and a project management tool to help novice researchers stay on track. In many ways a research project requires the same planning approach as major building projects, devising the plan, considering what resources are necessary, when the resources are available, and then arranging for everything to happen as planned. The relationship between student and supervisor is of extreme importance. Individual research projects rarely make a quantum leap in knowledge and understanding, but instead build incrementally on the achievements of earlier research. High quality research is expensive, takes time and requires planning. Once resource requirements are determined, potential researchers should explore all possible funding opportunities, including scholarships and research grants that might make easier the transition to student life and fund more adventurous data gathering.
