MEXT Scholarship for 2019

How to make a good

Research Proposal
April 2018
Embassy of Japan in Cambodia
Form of the Research Proposal
Structure of the research proposal

1. Present field of study

2. Your research topic in Japan

3. Research plan in Japan

 1. Present field of study

Describe your present field of study.

［Point］
- Describe concretely and briefly with
itemization.
 2. Your research topic in Japan

Describe your research topic in Japan

［Point］
- Describe articulately the research you
wish to carry out in Japan.
 3. Research plan in Japan
Describe in detail and with specifics, particularly
concerning the ultimate goal(s) of your research in Japan.
［Points］
- Describe systematic, for example using structure as
follows;
(1) Introduction, background of research
(2) Objectives of research
(3) Usage, application
(4) Research method and time-line
(5) Conclusion, future research

- Use tables, figures and charts to make your research

plan clear and easy to understand.
 3. Research plan in Japan
(1) Introduction, background of research;
 What is your research about?
 What are the motivations?
 Why your research should be done?

(2) Objectives of research;

 What is your research purposes, goals?
 What are the problems and solutions (Research
questions, Hypothesis…)?
 Why is it best to do the research in Japan?
 3. Research plan in Japan
(3) Usage, application;
 What is the expected result or finding?
 How is your research used or applied to the society,
academic and industries, etc?
 What are the impacts and contribution of your
research?
 How does your research contribute to the
development of Cambodia or Cambodia-Japan
relations?
 3. Research plan in Japan
(4) Research method and time-line;
 How will you conduct your research? (survey,
interview, field study, case study and analysis, etc.)
 What is your sample? (targeted area, people, etc.)
 Budget plan, if applicable.
 Time schedule of your research.

(5) Conclusion, future research;

 Concluding the result of your research.
 What are the remaining unsolved/unknown
questions/problems for further research?
 Points to decide your research theme

(1) Whether your research is related to your past

academic background.

(2) Whether your research should be done in Japan.

(3) Whether your research is better than others.

 (1) Whether your research is related to your past
academic background
a) Your research should be narrow and deep within the past major.
Bad example: I majored in biology and I wish to major in medical.
Good example: I majored in biology and I wish to major in microbiology.

b) Your research should be adding new viewpoints.

Bad example: Research on pros & cons on hydroelectric power plant.
Good example: Research on pros & cons on hydroelectric power plant in
the Mekong.

c) Research theme should briefly state the research plan.

Bad example: Abstract theme and too long research plan
Good example: Concrete theme and concise research plan
 (2) Whether your research should be done in Japan
a) Your research should have some relations with Japan.
Bad example: Research on English-Khmer translation PC program
Good example: Research on English-Japanese translation PC program to find
elements applicable to English-Khmer translation program

b) Your research should be well researched in Japan.

Bad example: Research on prevention of Swine Flu
Good example: Research on prevention of mass outbreak of Flu A virus.

c) All research including primary data collection, could be accomplished in

Japan.
Bad example: Research on ecotourism promotion at islands in Sihanouk Ville
Good example: Research on ecotourism promotion at islands in Okinawa
 (3) Whether your research is better than others
a) Whether your research contributes to Cambodia.
Bad example: Research on nuclear safety at atomic power plant.
Good example: Research on environment protection at thermal power
station.

b) Whether your research contributes to the understanding of Japan.

Bad example: Research on how to advance women in Cambodian society.
Good example: Research on the history of women advancement in Japanese
society to apply the research to Cambodian society.

c) Whether your research has uniqueness and originality.

Bad example: Research on how to invite foreign direct investment to
Cambodia
Good example: Research on the decision making process of Japanese
company to make foreign direct investment
 Note
- You can download the form of Research Proposal on the
website of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia.
http://www.kh.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

- For more information

Embassy of Japan in Cambodia
Culture and Information Section
Scholarship Adviser
Tel: 023-217-161
Email: scholarship.jpn@pp.mofa.go.jp
Office Hour: 13:30-17:15