Proposal DevelopmentSample Proposal Format

Mahmoud K. El -JafariCollege of Business and Economics

Al-Quds University – Jerusalem

April 11,2007

Contents• Title Page• Abstract / Executive Summary• Table of Contents• Background: Introduction; Statement of the

Problem.• Objectives• Methodology• Literature Review• Significance; Expected Results and Impact;

Justification.• Research Design

Contents continued

• Time Table, Task-Driven Implementation Plan

• Qualifications of Applicants

• Research Staff Requirements; Qualifications

• Budget

• References

Title Page / Cover Page• It includes:• The name of Principal Researcher, Institution:

Submitted by• The name of the sponsor: Submitted to• Project Title• Telephone numbers; E_mails• Signatures of the Principal Investigator• Duration• Budget• Therefore, the project title should be descriptive.

The words should be highly selected.

Abstract/ Executive Summary• The title and abstract are the first things read in the

proposal.• The abstract may be used to facilitate assignment of

the proposal and review.• The only part of proposal read by secondary

reviewers.• Abstract should provide 200 – 250 words, by

presenting a statement on the need, main objectives, methodology, and significance, and what is new.

• Written in a direct manner that encourages the reading of the full proposal.

Table of Contents

• Listing in the table of contents should go to the first subheading and should include page numbers.

• A list of Tables, Figures.

• References.

• Appendices.

Background continued

• This section sets the stage for the work to be done.

• It presents the problem and gap in knowledge of what is known and what should be known.

• It captures the attention of the reviewers in this section to go over the whole project.

• The work proposed should be new and interesting.

• The most fundable projects are applying:• New approach to an old problem.• An old approach to a new problem.

Background• The best research is: new problem with new

approach.• The definition of the problem should be addressed

realistically.• Demonstrate the importance of the area of research.• Represent the limitation of, the preliminary results;

what will be filled in the project through addressing questions.

Objectives• Present realistic, measurable time-bound objectives

to address the main issue and each one identified in the Background.

• How the project will address the problem.• Fill the gap in knowledge presented in the

Background.• Write an objectives of each anticipated outcomes not

methods.• State what do you want to accomplish.

Significance / Justification • State the significance of achieving the objective.• Why the work is important.• The problem might be solved.• New knowledge will be created.• New model.• Improving scientific techniques.• List names of users and stakeholders.

Methodology continued

• In this section, present detailed activities or procedures to meet each objective. It tells how the objectives will be accomplished.

• Explore other possible approaches and defend the ones selected.

• Anticipate problems and limitations, and present ways to address them.

Methodology

• In the budget, travel, and publication should be reflected in the methodology.

• Show the link between duration and methodologies.

Budget continued

• Items included in pricing section:• Data Collection: primary; secondary.• Respondents Survey incentives.• Data analysis.• Meetings.• Travel.• Communication: Mail, Telephone, …

Budget

• Facilities / Equipments.• Pilot Tests.• Report preparations.• Modeling, Estimations.• Project Management.• Questionnaires.• In short, the budget should be reasonable and

justifiable.• Budget should reflect goals and methods.

Style of research

Proposed Budget

Qualifying Research Suppliers continued

• 1. Staff:• Experience and Institution.• Skills and Experiences• Project Management• Research Skills• Business Knowledge.

Qualifying Research Suppliers

• Supplier Facilities:• Project Management.• Quality assurances.• Facilities.• Reporting Procedures

Evaluation of a Research Proposal

Proposals are subject either formal or informal reviews:

• Formal:• Development of review criteria, using

guidelines.• Assignment of points.• Assignment of weights.• Generation of a proposal score.• Consideration of other factors.

Evaluation of a Research Proposal continued

• Informal:– Presentation of the proposal.– Proposal defense to answer questions.

• What is new?• Problems; new, old.• Hypothesis.• Objectives.• Methodology.• Data Collection.

Evaluation of a Research Proposal

• More than one seminar could be held to discuss your proposal.

• It is an opportunity to develop and add new ideas.

Other Considerations continued

• You must follow the sponsor guidelines:• Be enthusiastic.• Avoid running sentences.• Avoid technical jargon.• Clarity: The sentences should be clearly

stated. Write thought per sentence. • Meaning.• Grammar; use active voice,

Other Considerations

• Line spacing; page limit, page number, structure, appearance.

• Follow sponsor guidelines.• Match between project and sponsor

objectives.

The end

thanks