FRGS: Quality Proposal Writing and Winning Tips By Prof. Dr. Sabira Khatun School of Computer and Communication Engineering Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) E-mail: sabira@unimap.edu.my ; drsabirak@yahoo.com Organized by Fakulti Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) 18-19 Mac 2015 1
Presentation Outline Motivation Criteria of Top Ranking Universities Motivation Towards Success FRGS Introduction Proposal Evaluation Criteria Common mistakes We Do Quality proposal writing guide Examples 2
Criteria of Top Ranking Universities Research: volume, income and reputation (30 %) Citations: research influence (30 %) Teaching: the learning environment (30 %) International outlook: people and research (7.5%) Industry income: innovation (2.5 %). 3
Top Ranking University: Research Research: volume, income and reputation (30%) The number of papers published in the academic journals indexed by Thomson Reuters per academic staff member To give a clear picture of each institution's ability to get papers published in quality peer-reviewed journals. This category also looks at university research income, scaled against staff numbers 4
Top Ranking University: Citations Citations: research influence (30 %) In this indicator, a university's research influence is examined by capturing the number of times its published work is cited by scholars around the world. 5
Top Ranking University: Teaching (30%) Teaching : the learning environment In this indicator, a university's teaching facilities are accessed from Staff student ratio; quality teaching staff, class room, lab, library facilities etc Teaching : quality In this indicator, a university's graduates quality are accessed from Employers; Engagement (higher learning); Entrepreneurship etc. 6
Top Ranking University: Others International outlook: people and research (7.5%) In this indicator, a university's research basically international funding and collaboration is concern. Expert s familiarity Industry income: innovation (2.5 %). In this indicator, a university's research influence for commercialization of product and income is measured Industry collaboration and involvement for income. 7
Trust on ALLAH (swt)/god Change our ATTITUDE towards Positive Direction Sincerity Plan and Be Patient Punctuality Work in a Team 8
Introduction: Grants 2013 (1/4) FRGS Fundamental Research Grant Scheme ERGS Exploratory Research Grant Scheme - Penyelidikan yang menghasilkan teori, konsep, dan idea baru - Menjawab persoalan WHY? dan HOW?. - Hasil penemuan boleh dikembangkan kepada projek bersifat gunaan - Menjawab persoalan WHAT? dan WHERE?. LRGS Long-term Research Grant Scheme PRGS Prototype Development Research Grant Scheme - Penyelidikan fundamental yang memerlukan tempoh pelaksanaan melebihi 3 tahun - Penghasilan produk penyelidikan, tetapi belum sampai ke peringkat pengkomersilan 9
Introduction: Grants 2014 (2/4) FRGS Fundamental Research Grant Scheme - Penyelidikan yang menghasilkan teori, konsep, dan idea baru - Menjawab persoalan WHY? dan HOW?. ERGS : JPT.S(BPKI)2000/018/07/01 (28) bertarikh 10 Februari 2014 LRGS PRGS Long-term Research Grant Scheme - Penyelidikan fundamental yang memerlukan tempoh pelaksanaan melebihi 3 tahun 10
Introduction (3/4) FRGS BIL PERKARA Single Disciplinary Project Trans Disciplinary Project RAGS LRGS ERGS PRGS 1 Siling Permohonan RM.25 Juta RM1.5 Juta RM.5 Juta RM.8 Juta RM3 Juta/tahun RM.3 Juta RM.5 Juta 2 Tempoh Penyelidikan 1 hingga 3 tahun 1 hingga 3 tahun 1 hingga 2 tahun 3 hingga 5 tahun 3 tahun 2 tahun 3 KPI 1 PhD 3 papers in index link journal (2 years) 10 PhD (3 years) 50 papers (3 years) 3 IP (per program) - number of researchers with Citation Index of 100) 1 PhD 3 papers in index journal 1 IP (filed) 1 IP/project 11
Chair of Proposal Evaluation Panel 2014 Y. Bhg. Prof. Dr. Ku Ruhana Ku Mahamud (UUM) ICT Y.Bhg. Dr. Prof. Mohd Fauzi (UKM) Engineering Y. Bhg. Prof. Emiritus Dato Dr. Md Ikram Mohd Said (UKM) Applied Science Y. Bhg. Prof. Dato Dr. Muhamad Yahya (UKM) Pure Science Y. Bhg. Prof. Dato Dr. Mohd Amin Jalaluddin (UM) Clinical and medical sciences Y. Bhg. Dato Prof. Dr. Nik Muhamad Nik Ab. Majid (UPM) Natural science and national heritage Y. Bhg. Prof. Dr. Samsudin A. Rahim (UKM) Social science Y. Bhg. Prof. Dato Dr. Md. Salleh Yaapar (USM) Arts and applied arts 12
Introduction: Grant Category (4/4) Fundamental-Based grant MoHE FRGS:: Output: theory, concept, new/enhanced idea/ algorithm for specific advantage answer the questions What, Why & How MyGRANTS: www.mygrants.gov.my LRGS fundamental + Applied research that needs more than 3 years Applied-Based grant MOSTI e-science, e-techno, e-innovative 13
Concept of Fundamental Research (1/2) Definition of fundamental research (Social Perspective) Basic research advances fundamental knowledge about the human world. It focuses on refuting or supporting theories that explain: how scientific world operates? what makes things happen? how the changes take place? why social relations follow a certain way? why society changes? Outputs: new/enhanced models, ideas, principles and theories, etc which may not be immediately utilized; though are the foundations of modern progress and development in different fields. 14
Concept of Fundamental Research (2/2) Definition of fundamental research (Science Perspective) Also called basic research - scientific investigation for its own sake. The goal of fundamental research is to gain/discover new knowledge and understanding of the physical world that may lead to new theories or extending and refuting existing theories, models or algorithm policy recommendation improving technology at the fundamental level. Regardless whether or not the knowledge discovered will be of any practical use immediately Can be usable within 3-5 years or more. 15
Applied Research What is Applied Research Then? In applied research scientific investigation is carried out in order to discover a solution to a practical problem. Output is tangible. Able to generate IP. Survey, baseline and observational studies alone are not fundamental research. 16
FRGS 2014: RESEARCH AREAS Areas: Information Technology and communication Technology and engineering, Pure science, Applied science, Clinical and health sciences, Social sciences, Arts and humanities, Natural sciences and natural heritage 17
Proposal Evaluation Criteria (1/2) MOHE: Brief evaluation of specific sections Title, executive summary, objective, expected result Detail evaluation of all sections RMC/Faculty/School has to ensure that Form is complete Only one research area is chosen Appropriate AREA and researchers Presence of researchers and Director of RMC s signatures Concise CV TWO Fold Internal Review: 1 st in Faculty 2 nd in RMC Aim to enhance/upgrade the proposal 18
Quality Proposal Measures The measures for a good quality proposal are: Informative title; Convincing executive summary; Clear problem statement; Scientific background and rationale; Good selection of research methods; Realistic budget and schedule. Ethical considerations; and 19
Most common reasons for Application Rejection 1. Lack of new / original ideas 2. Unfocused research plan 3. Lack of knowledge on published relevant work 4. Unclear Problem Statement 5. Lack of experience in the essential methodology 6. Lack of methodology detail 7. Questionable reasoning in experimental approach 8. Unrealistically large amount of work 9. No clear future directions 10. Uncritical approach 20
PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT (1/3) Internal Assessment Department/Faculty/School level University/RMC level Internal assessors improve the quality of proposal submissions How to improve Faculty/School level should conduct workshop and make one-one guidance Then in RMC/ Uni Level 21
PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT (2/3) External Assessment Sponsor level Many constraints Number of proposals, amount of money available, etc. To find mistakes/weaknesses, etc. To find ways How to Reject? 22
PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT (3/3) 7 ELEMENTS Proposal VS Assessment Elements of FRGS/ERGS Proposal Title Details of Researcher Research Information Executive Summary Research Background Problem Statement Hypotheses Literature Review Research Objectives Methodology/Research Design Timeline/Schedule Expected Results Facilities and Special Resources Budget Resume/Brief CV Appendices Evaluators Point of View Title (1) Details of Researcher Research Information Executive Summary (2) Research Background Problem Statement (3) Hypotheses Literature Review Research Objectives (4) Methodology/Research Design (5) Timeline/Schedule Expected Results (6) Facilities and Special Resources Budget (7) Resume/Brief CV Appendices 23
Proposal Evaluation Criteria 2/2 Title reflects the FRGS issues to be researched Executive summary Precise, concise Include brief background, problem, method and expected result/future directions Objective reflects the solution/output to the problem Keywords to come out, to propose, to enhance, to make a recommendation, etc. Expected Results reflects the solution/output to the problem 24
Quality Proposal Writing Tips Divided into TWO Parts: Main Components: Title Executive summary Objectives Expected results Other Components: Detail Planning Research background: 1. Problem Statement, 2. Hypothesis, 3. Research Questions, 4. Literature Reviews, 5. Relevance to Goverment Policy, if any Common Mistakes.pptx References (within FIVE years, 12 to 20 references) Methodology: Flow chart and Gantt chart of the research activities, Milestones and dates 25
Quality Proposal Main Components 1/4 Title Should contain THREE main components Objective, method and significant/implication Common Mistakes.pptx WHAT? HOW? WHY? Example 1: New Fast Multiscale Algorithm Based on Power Law Approximation for Pedestrian Detection Example 2: A novel model for Mid-range Wireless Power Transfer using Magnetic Resonance for Daily Electronic Appliances 26
Quality Proposal Main Components 2/4 Executive Summary 1. Background/Motivation (1-2 sentences) 2. Problem statement (1-2 sentences) 3. Objective (1-2 sentences) 4. Methodology (2-4 sentences) 5. Expected outcome/ Contribution (1-2 sentences) Max 12 sentences (300 words) Example 1: Example 2: 27
Quality Proposal Main Components 3/4 Objectives MAIN Objectives of the Research can be: 1. To come out a new framework.. 2. To propose a new algorithm.. 3. To propose a new technique/approach.. 4. To make recommendation based on.. Common Mistakes.pptx Complete Example: The objectives of the research are: 1. To propose a new model for wireless power transfer in midrange field region 2. To analyse and validate the proposed model for its applicability in wireless power transfer 3. To compare the performance of the proposed model with other existing model 28
Quality Proposal Main Components 4/4 Expected result Novel theories/new findings/knowledge (In line with the objectives) The number of academic publications- (At least 2 articles ISI/Scopus indexed) The specific or potential applications Number of PhD/MS students 3 years 1 PhD or 2 Master 2 years 1 Master 1 year 1 Master Impact on Society, Economy and Nation One IP (if applicable; usually not necessary for FRGS) Example 29
Quality Proposal Other Components 1/7 Research background 1. Problem Statement Start with the background and problem : Describe various work done by previous researchers, critically analyzing their pros and cons Explain briefly the research been done with gaps: At the end of background, explain (better in point form) what are exactly the present drawbacks that lead to this study. Justify your work to fill which gap etc.: At the end of the problem statement give one sentence indicating what you intend to do for this research Tips Example1 Example 2 30
Quality Proposal Other Components 2/7 Research background 1. Problem Statement 2. Hypothesis: Usually not necessary for Scientific/ICT/Engg researches More applicable for Social researches An argument with strong justification based on some observations Example1 Example2 31
Quality Proposal Other Components 3/7 Research background 1. Problem Statement 2. Hypothesis: 3. Research Questions Similar to Problem Statement Explain in point form what are exactly the present drawbacks that lead to this study. Tips Example1 Example2 32
Quality Proposal Other Components 4/7 Research background 1. Problem Statement 2. Hypothesis: 3. Research Questions 4. Literature Review Describe various work done by previous researchers, critically analyzing their pros and cons The main point of the literature review should be to set the proposal off against the relevant current papers (within 5 years) and to give proper credit Easy Tips Example 33
Quality Proposal Other Components 5/7 Research background 1. Problem Statement 2. Hypothesis: 3. Research Questions 4. Literature Review 5. Relevance to Government Policy, if any Just mention if relevant Example1 Example2 34
Quality Proposal Other Components 6/7 References Published within FIVE years, Latest 2010 Good for 12 to 20 references Insert all references in TEXT (problem statement and/or LR) in chronological order Example 35
Quality Proposal Other Components 7/7 Methodology: Detail description Divide the research work into several phases Usually based on stated-objectives Elaborate all steps clearly Include Figures to increase readability Provide the flow chart 1, 2 of the research activities State Gantt chart of the research activities Milestones and dates Highlights the output in various phases of the research activities Provided in tabular form Example Common Mistakes.pptx 36
Effective Budget Planning 1/3 Budget:: total <= RM250,000 Vote 11000 (salary and wages) RM2000 for PhD and RM1500 for Master Vote 21000 (travelling expenses and subsistence) Local (conferences, training, field work, data/material collection etc.) Meeting with project members if needed (Multi-uni members) 1 Overseas ( conference/ training) Accommodation/lodging, food, flight and taxi fares, etc. 37
Effective Budget Planning 2/3 Vote 24000 (rental): Mobile data subscription (3G), building, equipment, transport, etc. Vote 27000 (research materials and supplies < RM 3000): Small devices, computer parts, portable harddisk drive, pen drive, to buy books/journals, papers, printer cartridges, chemicals, animals, yearly subscription of software license (though > RM 3k) etc. Vote 28000 (maintenance and minor repair): Upgrading existing equipment / devices (including computer or any other hardware), equipment, etc to buy sand, cement, etc to maintain/repair building, lab, etc. 38
Effective Budget Planning 3/3 Vote 29000 (professional services): Publication fees (Journals/conferences), honorarium, consultation, training (<3 months) fees, printing, professional body fees (IEEE, IET, etc) etc. Vote 35000 (equipment): Special equipment (>= RM 3000), Server, computer, printer, Software proprietary license, etc. 39
Quality Proposal Examples Example 1 Example 2: Dr. Zahril Example 3: Dr. Muataz Example 4: Dr. Kamarul Example 5: Dr. Azremi Example 6: Dr. Najib Example 7: Dr. Zarina Example 8: Dr. Mizanur 40
Beware of! Not to Submit SAME research proposal to different type of grants. ALSO Not to Submit the same research twice to SAME grant type 41
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sabira@unimap.edu.my 44 44