MARE 103 MOP Proposal Lecture

What is a proposal? A proposal is a plan for a project. In science and industry, it generally is written in such a way as to convince an employer or agency to fund or support that project. The ability to write an effective proposal will be a useful skill in your scientific career.

Parts of a proposal? Proposal will differ depending upon type of MOP project: Research Project Internship Special Topics

Will Differ with Project Title page Abstract (Project Summary) Table of Contents Project Narrative (usually page limit) Introduction (include objectives here) Methods and materials Deliverables References Budget & Budget Narrative Curriculum vitae for all project personnel

Parts of a proposal? Title page Abstract (Project Summary) Table of Contents Project Narrative (usually page limit) Introduction (include objectives here) Methods and materials Deliverables References Budget & Budget Narrative Curriculum vitae for all project personnel

Title Page

Abstract Also called Project Summary It should be a very short summary of your proposal, no more than one page. Write the abstract last, and place it after your title page Usually has specific word count

Introduction This section describes the background, intended scope, and significance of your proposed project. A detailed introduction in your proposal can easily be adapted to the introduction to your final report.

Introduction What is already known about the subject matter of your project? Describe work previously done by others which has led up to your project. Proposal should be based upon primary literature. What is the significance of your project?

Introduction Why is the project worth doing? What are your objectives for the project? What do you hope to accomplish? Indicate who will benefit from your results

Objectives “The objectives of the proposed work are to…” Direction effort is place in Aim of the study Goals of the study Basically answers “What is the point”

Materials & Methods Explain how you intend to accomplish the objectives you detailed in your introduction. Describe the materials you will need and the methods in which you will use them. Should be based upon scientific literature

Materials & Methods Need to provide detailed timetable - include all aspects/milestones in the project Project initiated Jan-2011 Samples Collected Feb 2011 Data Analyzed Mar 2011 Report Written April 2011 Data Presented May 2011 Final Report June 2011

Materials & Methods What resources will you need to carry out the project- facilities, supplies, specimens, computers, money, etc. Justify here the major items you include the budget section. Also estimate the resource of your time

Materials & Methods Research Project – as described; similar format to research paper Internship – Describe how and what you will do as part of your internship; these will be specifics from the advertisement or description – essentially job duties etc. Special Topics – specific to the techniques necessary to complete the project including things like: photographic techniques, video recording and editing, writing, construction, program development, curriculum development, etc.

Budget & Justification

Budget & Justification

Deliverables Used in project management to describe a tangible or intangible object produced as a result of the project that is intended to be delivered to a customer Could be a report, a document, a “thing” (model, facility, team, program) or any other building block of an overall project This section is where you describe how you will demonstrate that you have met your objectives.

Deliverables Your deliverables must be tangible; for example, they may include a written final report, or they may include a product such as a slide show, a poster, a video, a piece of art work, or a performance. Products such as these must be accompanied by an abstract, at least, and possibly by written material that reflects upon the experience or gives insight into the project.

Deliverables Research Project – report, manuscript, publication, presentation Internship – Photos, projects, media, programs, tangible products Special Topics – relates specifically to the project but typically tangible products

Literature Cited This section is a bibliography of the literature you have cited. It is critical that this section be extensive Must understand the literature to propose that there is a gap for your proposed research to fill

Literature Cited Research Project – peer reviewed journal articles, textbooks, technical reports Internship – documents produced by organization you work for/with Special Topics – technical manuals or guides, handbooks, etc.

Curriculum Vita / Project Personnel A curriculum vita, or CV, is similar to a resume, but is more extensive, and summarizes your personal information and background as evidence of how you are qualified to undertake this project.

How Best to Learn? 1) write proposals 2) work with people who have written “successful” proposals 3) carefully consider reviewers’ comments of your proposals 4) write more proposals