GUIDELINES ON RESEARCH PROPOSAL IN

ARCHITECTURE
BY

NIYI OKEDELE and CEPHAS ADELORE

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AKOKA, LAGOS, NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION
One of the Principal pre- occupations of an academic in higher institution of learning is research
along with teaching and community services. The accepted method of investigation causes and
effects on the subject of investigation are therefore procedures considered common to all disciplines.
Researches therefore are means to an end, forming the proof of knowledge about what is being
studied.

Science and Research

As Amund (2001) puts it, Science is characterized by the possibility of making precise statement,
which are susceptible to some sort of checks or proof. Science, according to Youngson (1994) is
from a Latin word Scientia which means knowledge. Science is thus defined as a systematic study
of nature by observation and experiment leading to the formulation of descriptive generalization
about it.
Science is applied to a variety of disciplines or intellectual activities, for example, Basic Sciences,
Applied Sciences and Social Sciences all of which have certain features in common. Science is thus
classified basically into exact Science or descriptive Sciences. Applied Sciences include
Engineering, Medicine and Environmental studies, the study of which involves gathering and use of
information. Such information gathering is achieved by Scientific method. This includes:
1. Identification of problems,
2. Problem definition and delimitation,
3. Conducting the study,
4. Analysis of the problem and interpretation of results,
5. Deductions based on the analysis including recommendation of solution to the problem,

6. Implementation of recommended solution.

The above steps of a scientific inquiry are known as research. Research is therefore defined as an
organized enquiry that aims at providing information for solving identified problem. The most
important contribution of research to the national economy is the education of men and women with
an understanding of emerging new knowledge and the creativity of the mindset and skills to apply
them wisely. The outcome of researchers need to be known to those who wish to know about what
goes on in a particular discipline and to others for the sake of knowledge. (Oyesiku, 2003). It is for
these reasons that scholarly publications form the cornerstone of academic life. It is also in
recognition of this importance that the assessment of lectures in academia depends. What he or she
has contributed to knowledge through publications thus form basis of his or her staying afloat or
sinking (you either publish or perish). Research provides an opportunity for researcher to keep fresh
abreast of advances in his or her area of specialization. It is directed at discovering, creating and
adding to a pool of scientific knowledge.
In this paper, strategies and guidelines for executing research and publishing academic research
works are discussed.

RESEARCH WORKS IN ARCHITECTURE.

Definition: Research and Publication may be defined as a concentrated, comprehensive study
based on intensive research intended to advance knowledge related to a Problem of Architectural
Significance (Okedele, 2003). The definition covers four fundamental components in a research: the
scope, the method, the intent and the focus.
The first component, "... concentrated, comprehensive study..." defines the scope of the research; the
scope component, "... based on intensive research..." defines the method used in the research; While
the third component in the above definition, "...intended to advance in knowledge..." states the intent
of the research, that is, to further human knowledge with respect to the stated problem. And the final
component,"...related to a problem of architectural significance..." defines the central focus of a
research within the sphere of Architecture.
These four major characteristics: a comprehensive scope, a research method, and intent to advance
human knowledge, and focus of Architectural significance- define the research and set it apart from
any other single aspect of the educational or design work or project experience is thus a challenge for
those who are willing and capable to accepting the burden of the Pursuit of Excellence.

Three basic steps are involved in the bid to successfully complete a research work. These are briefly
defined and outlined in sequential order:
1. Decision to Seek Research Experience
The initial step is deciding to embark upon a research. Once a researcher has decided to engage
in a research work, and meet the necessary requirements, it becomes imperative that a title is selected
and a realistic evaluation be made of competence for successful completion of research. In other
words, for the researcher to be able to successfully complete his research work with excellence, he
should not only have interest in the topic but also have that ability to bear the burdens of the exercise.

2. The Research Proposal

The research proposal can be defined as a binding document, which specifies what the researchers
will do and how his work shall be judged when he has finished; In other words, it is a document of
specified yardstick. The preparation of a research proposal should therefore take some appreciable
time if it is to be done thoroughly. During this period, the researcher will clarify his thinking, outline
his work schedule, refine his strategies and methods and transform his problem statement into
research goal(s) and objectives. At the end of this period, he will be expected to submit his final
research proposal to the Research Grant Committee or the Review Committee. Acceptance of the
proposal constitutes part of the written document by which his limits of accountability are defined. It
also establishes the criteria by which his work shall be evaluated at the end of the exercise.

3. The Research Product Publication

Upon the acceptance of the research proposal, the researcher shall enter the research stage to do the
preliminary work and research brief for the execution of the publication to be prepared in accordance
to the format requirements.

CATEGORIES OF RESEARCH WORK IN ARCHITECTURE

A research work in Architecture may fall under any of the following categories:
Planning & Design, Architectural System Research, Man-Environment Systems, Comparative
Studies and Special Topics. These categories are briefly defined below.
1. Planning and/or Design.
Three types of design, in terms of scale, may be identified; each type with two levels of
complexity.
The first is small scale planning or design:- The first level of complexity is definitive manner which
is a tightly defined problem treated in a comprehensive way. A thorough consideration of all related
factors and implications is necessary. The second level of complexity is the level of classical,
professional design considerations, which involves programming, site planning, structural &
mechanical systems, and e.t.c.
The second medium scale planning or design- while a larger scaled planning or design is involved in
this type of project, comprehensiveness is only required, albeit with less detail and more generality.
The third is the macro-project- at this level, the scale is considerably larger and the basis concern is
with the inter-action of larger scale systems.
2. Architectural Systems Research
This research problem under this category will deal with more technical aspects of architectural
studies such as building systems technology, engineering aspects, structure and structural design, as
well environmental controls. Problems of this type might deal with innovations in systems, the testing
and evaluation of structural system, and efficiency comparisons between types and structural systems.
3. Man- Environment System
Research- work in this category will deal with the transactions between man and his built or
designed environment. Concern can be focused on any of a number of different levels of complexity
ranging from the micro-environmental and its effect on behavior on ecological systems to macroenvironmental and its effect such as pollution of all sorts: traffic chaos, etc.
4. Comparative Studies
Research topics appropriate for this category would include architectural studies, theory and history,
architectural journalism and literary criticism, environmental forensics (debates), the abandonment or
research works concerned with historic preservation, environmental-energy, environmentalecological studies, e.t.c. Comparative studies typically evaluate and compare a variety of phenomena
according to the same set of criteria.
5. Special topics
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The special topics category permits a range of research topics that are atypical: in nature. Under this
category, titles such as films, media presentations and the packaging of information and concepts for
a more general, public audience are appropriate. Research work that falls under this rubic however,
still requires an exhaustive and carefully outlined proposal even through the final work forms, will
differ from the other categories.

WRITING RESEARCH PROPOSALS

There are various types of researchers, few of which are academically acceptable. Newspaper,
reading periodic magazines, periodic journals, students or other association journals, textbooks and
books are some works within the context of publish or perish syndrome. Journals, textbooks and
other forms of works whose targeted reading audience are professional groups, students, and
researchers in tertiary institutions are highly rated works. Moreover, joint authored articles, edited or
co-edited books, chapters in a book (or textbooks) are highly rated works. Single-book or textbook
writing gives more of a sense of fulfillment in ones career but may not provide much weight for
academic promotion exercise. Textbooks may be differentiated from scholarly books or publications
because their objectives are: commercial, educational, personal fulfillment and not advancement of
knowledge (Blij, 1989).

Guidelines For Writing Research Proposal For Grant.

The following is a typical research proposal guideline in Architectural studies:

Research Project Title

This must be brief scientifically or technically valid. At a glance, the title should depict what the
researchers intention on the topic is (not the usual Evening Newspaper Headline).

Project/Executive Summary

The summary of the key information of the entire proposal, which captures the essence of the
research.

Introduction / Background Information to Study.

Background to the Study

Statement of the Problem

Theoretical Framework of the Study

Purpose of Study

Research Question(s) / Hypotheses

5

Significance of the Study

The purpose of the introduction is to supply the reader with the history pertinent to the problem being
studied; to inform the reader of the nature of the problem being studied; to inform the reader the
extent literature dealing with the problem; and to inform the reader of the architectural significance of
the problem. The introduction should communicate the authors comprehensive grasp of the field(s)
pertinent to the problem being investigated.

Literature Review and / or Case Studies.

(Case Studies - Research familiarization and graphic documentation of selected design or work
already executed related to the proposed project. Analysis, evaluation and summation of
findings.)

Scope of the study

The focus of the study should be stated here in the form of Goal(s) or Aim(s) and the objectives of
how to achieve the goal(s) must be stated.

Methodology

Samples & Techniques

Pilot Study

Instrumentation

Study Variables

Scoring

Data analysis

The methods and procedure can be entitled descriptively according to the specific research and
publication project. This section must outline in detail the methods and procedure by which the
design decisions were accomplished. An adequate methods and procedures section should indicate
what criteria were employed in data collection, how the data were analyzed and reduced, e.t.c.
The purpose of the methods and procedures section is to place the entire research and publication
process in public domain so that others can attempt to replicate the process if they so choose, or so
that others can systematically vary from his procedure to test the effects of alternative approaches to
the same problem.

Research Project Duration / Timetable.

The research project should contain a carefully thought out plan to complete the research in

specified amount of time. Include a bar chart (where applicable).

Research Budget.

Provision of a budget, which should include a detailed estimate of the expected cost of the
proposed research work. This, however, should exclude details of the manpower involved, the
cost of equipment to be used, allowances, research assistants and secretarial supporting staff, as
funds available are limited. It is assumed that researchers will take advantage of the human
resources and equipment on the ground for the purpose. Details of the cost of consumables could
however be included.

Biography of the Researcher(s).

The proposal should include a short biography of each project person. (Includes researchers
publications most relevant to the research proposed).

References / Bibliography.

The reference section must include all primary reference and source material employed during the
research work. References must be typed according to specific format employing standard
conventions and be alphabetized according to the principal author.

Appendix (where applicable).

Source: Adapted from Appendices A, B & C attached.

Guidelines For Writing For Various Audiences

The guidelines for the writing of Research Proposals, Seminar/Workshop (called opinion papers), and
Publications in learned journals are as follows:
Guideline
Writing

for
for

Technical Guideline for Research Paper Guideline for Research Work

Research for

Proposal

Seminar/Workshop for Publications in Journals,

for (Opinion Papers)

Books, Periodicals.

Dissertation/thesis Reports

Title page

Title page

Title page

Executive Summary

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction/Problem

Introduction/Problem

Introduction/Problem

Identification

Identification

Literature Review/Case

Hypothesis

Studies

and

Literature Review/Case

Identification

and

Hypothesis

Literature Review/Case

Methods & Procedures

Results obtained so far

Opinion discussions

Work yet to be done

Conclusions

References/Bibliography

References/Bibliography

Materials

Appendices

Appendices

Description of type of

Research

Research

Studies

Studies

Methodology

of

Research and

objectives/hypotheses

Data Analysis

Results of Research

Discussions

Recommendations

Conclusions

References/Bibliography

Appendices

Sources: Adapted from Appendices A, B & C attached.

EVALUATION OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS

Oloyo (2001) has indicated the importance of research report as evaluation for worthiness,
sufficiency of work done, and for significant contribution to knowledge. In addition, soundness
of the research design, objectivity and clarity in reporting research findings, accuracy of
statistical analysis and inferences and validation of the conclusions are the major consideration in
any research report. Commissioned research is evaluated against the objectives, which the
research is set to achieve. Tools for evaluating research reports can differ with the type and
purpose of the report. Rather the assessor should rely on experience and expertise and using their
own initiative for fair assessment. Key elements of research such as abstract, introduction,
literature review, materials and methods, results, discussions, conclusions and recommendation
should be questioned for worthiness, sufficiency of research question or subject study, adequacy
of literature review and appropriateness of reference citation both in the text and as end matter,
appropriateness of experimental design, adequacy of experimental techniques or procedures,
adequacy of presentation of results and soundness of interpretation, discussion and conclusion. It
also includes conformity to style of journal for manuscript preparation, adherence to correct
nomenclature and units, originality of research work, main strength of the research work, main
strength of the research work, serious deficiencies of the research work and appropriateness of
language such as grammar and structure. It is important to have an evaluation sheet with a
checklist of probing question to assist the assessor. An example of the adopted evaluation criteria
by the Academic Programmes Committee (A.P.C.) of the School of Post-graduate Studies
(S.P.G.S.) University Of Lagos is as follows:
-Review These1. Is the background of project established?

Yes ( )

No.(

2. Are problems identified?

Yes ( )

No (

3. Are Aim and Objectives well stated?

Yes ( )

No (

4. Are the Hypotheses clearly stated (where applicable)?

Yes ( )

No (

5. Is the conceptual/theoretical framework well stated?

Yes(

No (

6. Is the methodology appropriated?

Yes(

No (

7. Are the findings appropriately / adequately analysed?

Yes(

No (

)
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8. Is the work properly arranged according to S.P.G.S. format(s)? Yes( )

No ( )

9. Is the work yet to be done stated?

Yes ( )

No (

10. Is the referencing and Bibliography properly done?

Yes ( )

No (

No (

11. Can we give unequivocal statement of the quality

of presentation and the work?

Yes (

12. Any other comments: .

(APC, 2004).

CONCLUSION
The pride in being an academic is seeing in our scholarly papers published: a symbol of the
accomplishment of sound contributes to knowledge. Writing scholarly papers (i.e. journals,
articles, and high rooted books.) are very difficult and tedious exercise, especially to the
practicing professionals in architecture. We have to publish as group scholars with knowledge in
the profession, discipline and field of architecture. It is necessary to disseminate research
findings to students, professional colleagues and the general reading public who are all the
consumers of our academic products. This is only possible through articles in learned journals,
conferences, and workshops both nationally as well as internationally.

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REFERENCES
1. Alo, B.I., 2003, Guidelines for Research Proposal, The Central Research Committee,
UNILAG. Information flash.
2. Amund, Dan- Israel, 2001, Proposal Writing in the Sciences Development Committee
Proceedings on Research Proposal Writing, UNILAG, pp.77-182.
3. Academic Programmes Committee (A.P.C.) 2004, Evaluation criteria for theses &
Dissertation School of Post-Graduate studies, Unilag.
4. Berry R. (1986). How to write a research paper. 2nd Ed, Oxford: Pergamon press p.105.
5.

Center Research Committee (C.R.C). 2001, Annual Report on C.R.C Development

Committee, UNILAG

6. National University Commission (N.U.C), 1999, Format for Presentation of Research

Proposals for Funding, Centrally Coordinated research Fund Scheme. Booklet.
7. Ogunsanmi, O.E. (2003) Research as a Tool of National Development Yaba College Of
Technology p.15.
8. Okedele, Niyi. 1988, Dissertation Experience in Architectural Professional Programmes
The Journal of Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria (AARCHES) Vol. 1. No 1
pp. 36-40.
9. Okedele, Niyi, 2003, Sensitization Workshop on Research and Publication Yaba college of
Technology, Lagos, p.2
10. Oloyo R. A. (2001), Fundamentals of Research Methodology For Social And

Applied

Sciences Ilaro: Kingbond Investment Ltd.

11. Oyesiku, O.O. (2003), Guide Towards Research and Publication. Yaba College of
Technology Lagos, p. 5,6,12.
12. Youngson, R.M. (1994) The Guinness Encyclopedia of Science, London: Guinness
Publications Ltd. p.12. .

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APPENDICES
The following are research proposal formats as specified by the various organs of

educational

systems in Nigeria:

APPENDIX - A
The Nigeria University Commission (N.U.C) Format
The Format for presentation of Research Proposals as specified by N.U.C is as follows:
1. Executive summary
Provide an umbrella that gives a summary of the key information in the entire proposal. This should
include the description of the structure, purpose and the cost of the project.
2. Introduction
Provide an introduction to the work, its focus and issue of national concern or development to which
it is targeted.
Briefly introduce the researchers. Attach their curriculum vitae as appendices (please).
3. Problem statement/statement of relevance
Define the problem in clear terms, describing the situation that calls for the study. This should include
some literature review.
4. Project goals and objectives
Please provide brief statements on the purpose of the study and the expected outcomes. Also, clearly
state the hypotheses to be tested if necessary.
5. Methodology
Describe the nature of the research, stating clearly the material, methods, the instruments, the
sampling procedures and the method of analysis. Chosen methods must be defended if they are novel
and unorthodox.
6. Budget
Provide a budget, which should include a detailed estimate of the expected cost of the proposed
research work. This however, should exclude details of the manpower involved, the cost of
equipment to be used, allowances, research assistants and secretarial supporting staff, as funds
available are limited. It is assumed that researchers will take advantage of the human resources and
12

equipment on the ground for the purpose. Details of the cost of consumables could however be
included.
7. Conclusion
Provide a paragraph or two to reiterate the research goals and objective and to underscore the
importance and relevance of the expected outcomes to society (NUC, 1999).

APPENDIX - B
THE CENTRAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE (C.R.C.) OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
FORMAT
The following are the Guidelines for Research Proposal Writing presented by Professor Alo and
approved by the Central Research Committee of the University of Lagos:
1. Research Project Title
This must be brief scientifically or technically valid and intelligible.
2. Project/Executive Summary
This must be brief succinct and must capture the essence of the research.
3. Description of the Research
It should contain the following:

A clear statement of the work to be undertaken, how specific goals will be achieved.

Relationship of work to be undertaken to past activities.

Expected significance

Relation to the present state of knowledge in the field.

General plan of work including broad design of activities to be undertaken.

A clear description of experimental methods and procedures.

The border impacts resulting from the proposed activities.

Visual materials, including charts, graphs, maps photographs and other (if applicable)
to be provided in support where appropriate.

A statement on how the project will be evaluated should address one or more of the
following:

Integration of research and education by advancing discovery and understanding.

Promoting teaching, learning and training.

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Participation of under-represented groups (e.g. gender, ethnicity, disability,

geopolitical, e.t.c.) if applicable.

How the results if the research will be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and
technological understanding.

Potential benefits of the proposed research to society at large.

4. Research Project Duration

The research project should contain a carefully thought out plan to complete the research in a
specified amount of time. Include a bar chart.
5. Distribution of Data and /or Samples and Publication of Results.
Where data or samples are collected, is there a management plan to securely preserve,
document and share data, samples, physical collections, curriculum materials and other
related research and education products.
Is there any provision for rapid publication of research results?
6. Biographic Sketches of Research
The proposal should include a short biographical sketch for each project person. (Includes
researchers publication most relevant to the research proposed).
7. Budget
It should contain a cumulative budget for the full term, presented on yearly basis.
8. Conclusion
The research project should contain a careful thought-out conclusion. (Alo, 2003)

APPENDIX C
THE SCHOOL OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES (S.P.G.S) FORMAT
1. Introduction

Background to the Study

Theoretical Framework of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Purpose of Study

Research Question(s)
14

Hypothesis

Significance of the Study

2. Scope of the study

3. Literature review
4. Methodology and data collection

Study area

Samples & Techniques

Pilot Study/Case Study

Instrumentation

Study Variables

Scoring

Data analysis

5. Results obtained/work done/contributions

6. Work to be done
(Coiled from SPGS, Academic Programmes Committee, UNILAG, 2004)

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