Rough Research Proposal

Proposal

Requirement

Possible Points

Notes

Cover Page

Includes Title of paper (in larger font than rest of text) and bolded; name of target reader, and name of student. As appropriate, include a short abstract.

 2 points

Organization/Quality of Content

Introduction to the Problem

Introduces problem, describes the context for writing the proposal, and provides reader with this type of information:

· How did you get involved with this project? Did someone ask you to write this proposal? Why are you interested?

· What is the Status Quo? Why is the current situation inadequate?

· Why does it need to be changed, in your opinion? What solutions have previously been attempted?

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If a RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

Introduction describes the contexts for writing the proposal, introduces problem(s), and provides reader with not only the narrow scope of research (questions) to be answered through the research, but why this is significant. (Longer reports might typically break introductory sections into sub-headings including significance and objectives but this will be a relatively short document.)

4 points

Background of Problem/Literature Review

In this section about the background of the proposal, reference relevant concepts (statistics or other impactful information) from the Lit review to remind reader of something they have read earlier but may not remember in the context of this document. At least two pieces of information from the Lit Review should be pulled forward into the proposal to create transition between the two documents. APA in-text citation is not needed in this document. Instead refer to source material as a journalist might (As Dr. Smith, a noted cardiologist, writes,…).

References are not commonly included in a workplace (business oriented) proposal, so a Reference page shouldn’t be included.

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If a RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

Only bring in a few key concepts from the Lit Review, do not copy/paste whole sections of the Lit Review into the proposal, even though you are writing a research oriented proposal.

5 points

The Plan

This section provides details about specific actions or solutions being recommended to solve the problem introduced in the first section. In a workplace document, this can include:

· information about what staff will be involved or impacted

· goals for the project

· identification of a potential project lead or manager

· logical steps to begin/manage/complete your idea. Explain those to the reader so they understand scope of the project.

If you know that there is still research to be done to determine next steps or best practices for implementation of your ideas; make sure this is made clear to the reader at the end of the plan. For example, the proposal may be to establish a committee to explore options to do (x). ----------------------------------------------------------

If a RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

Method: The following information may be included as relevant:

· Sections provide a reader with a plan for conducting further research, what type of study will be performed, who are the participants, what tools will be used for collecting information or data, what procedure will be followed. Identification of barriers to success and building credibility for conducting this form of research may also be added to this section.

· The design of the study is summarized with precise statement of variables and operational definitions.

· Description of procedure is clear, complete, precise, and follows a logical order.

· The number, relevant characteristics and an explanation of how to recruit subjects is clearly stated or what will be studied is clearly outlined.

· The research (data) analysis is appropriate, theoretically sound, and complete given the proposed research design. Expected results are revealed and discussed.

 5 points

Qualifications

This provides reader with explanation for why you are qualified or have the expertise to accomplish or implement the recommendations or solutions proposed.  

· What experiences do you have that qualify you to carry out this proposal effectively? Describe similar projects that have been successful.

· If you are not personally qualified, who will you bring onto the project that is? Explain why they would be competent. 

  3 points

Budget/Resources

This provides reader with estimate of project costs and demands for resources (such as time) or support.

In business or industry, the budget is one of the most important sections of a proposal! Be sure to think about both direct and indirect costs that could be associated with the project.

· Direct costs may include employee salaries or cost of materials

· Indirect costs could be rent or legal fees or downtime for use of equipment or facilities

· If you know there will be no cost involved, explain this and why.

 5 points

Task Schedule/Timeline

A task schedule lays out an estimation of the timing of different requirements for implementing your idea or completing the project.  Be as specific as you can in this section. This includes a start date, key project milestones, and estimated completion date.

 5 points

Anticipated Obstacles/Challenges

No new idea is implemented without resistance or obstacles that may prevent project success. Summarize all issues you can identify and develop an argument or way to manage any known or potential issues that might arise.

In a workplace document, this type of information can be called identification of risks so the implementation team is aware of them.

You may also want to comment on what is “out of scope” for this proposal, as that may be important to note for reader if you are aware that the project owner might allow scope creep.

3 points

Conclusion

This can be a short closing section that can reinforce value/benefit of this idea for organization.

Personal opinion is exempt from this document.

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If a RESEARCH PROPOSAL

You can recap the primary problem to be researched with a summary of expected results recommended to solve the problem introduced in the first section.

· References: complete list of resources used in preparation of the research proposal or report (in APA format for most scientific writing).

· Appendix (appendices): sometimes the information or data collected in preparation for conducting research (such as a sample human subject compliance form, or data tables, sample survey questions, interview questions, etc.) are placed at the end of a report or proposal due to best practices.

5 points

Style Elements

Headings are used throughout the paper to organize content/structure for reader (and are bolded and in larger font size than body of paper).

 2 points

Consistent and appropriate formal tone (voice) is used throughout entire paper. This means that first and second person pronouns are excluded unless you personally know the target reader. It also means that professional terms are used (vs. slang, jargon, or nonprofessional language).

  2 points

Technical Control

Clear, concise sentences of varied length and correct sentence structure are used.

  2 points

Few or no errors in spelling or punctuation are seen; verb/subject and verb/verb agreement is under control. It is clear the paper has been carefully proofread.

  4 points

Correct spacing is used throughout paper (i.e., adequate white space between text and headings, and between paragraphs.

· Tables are used for cost/timeline sections to organize information for reader.

· Bullets are used where appropriate.

 2 points

Your name is included in the file name (file naming convention).

1 point