ABSTRACT
The research proposal is an important first step in the research process. The proposal is a description of what the researcher plans to undertake and why, as well as how the researcher plans to carry out the research project. As such, it serves as a guide that keeps the researcher focused on the tasks that need to be done. It also provides the research sponsor with a rationale for investing in the effort. The purpose of the final report, on the other hand, is to explain what the researcher concluded from his or her analysis. Because it serves as a guide or checklist, preparing a good research proposal in advance makes writing the final report much easier.
