A research plan is a proper guide in research work that helps the researcher stay focused in the course of his work. The first step required is the selection of a relevant topic to work on.
The topic must be such that information can be easily found for it.
The next step would require writing down research questions. The topic is framed to form a question that would inform the research.
Research methods are now evaluated and chosen. This would inform how the research question would be resolved.
Goals and expectation for the research work are now set. This specifies what we are trying to achieve from the research, perhaps a breakthrough in technology.
A schedule is created that would that would specify the main stages of the research. It would also help the researcher stay on course.