1. What is the purpose of a research proposal?
2. How can I get the most benefit out of writing a research proposal?
3. What do I need to work out before I start writing the proposal?
4. How can I write so that my proposal is a winner?
5. What can go wrong and how do I overcome obstacles?
6. The DIY workbook

Zina O'Leary is an internationally recognized leader in research methodologies and has a keen interest in the application of research to evidence-based decision-making. Zina is an Adjunct Professor at the Joseph R. Biden Jr, School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware as well as a Senior ­Fellow at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government where she coordinates research and project units for their Executive Masters and Executive Education Programmes. Zina also has an extensive history as a consultant to both government and the private sector and was the research coordinator for the Centre for Environmental Health Development at the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. She is the author of Researching Real World Problems, The Social Science Jargon Buster, Workplace Research and three books in Sage's Little Quick Fix Series: Research Questions; Research Proposals; and Presenting Your Research.