Why Proposal Writing is Important? Martha N. Hill, PhD, RN, FAAN Dean Emerita and Professor Nursing, Medicine and Public Health Hae-Ra Han, PhD, RN, FAAN Director, PhD, Program School of Nursing Johns Hopkins University
With Appreciation to Marie T. Nolan, RN, PhD, FAAN Professor Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Hae-Ra Han, PhD, RN, FAAN Associate Professor Former Director, PhD, Program Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Grant writing: synonimous with proposal writing Vocabulary Proposal: a description of the research to be carried out Grant: a commitment by a funding source to provide the money to support a research project Application: a request in writing for funding Submission the written request for funding sent to the funder
Proposal Writing and its Purpose The process of writing a proposal to apply for funding provided by an institution, organization, or government. Essential skill for independent researcher. A way to accomplish research goals, solve problems. Opportunity to refine research methods with expert reviewer input. Koppelman & Holloway (2012)
Team Effort
The Proposal Development and Implementation Process Plan, plan, plan - discuss and agree Develop a project plan Target the proposal to the funding organization Write a concise, compelling and reasonable proposal Conduct the research Manage the grant Report results to funder Disseminate findings
Preparing to Write a Proposal Consider long-term research goals Identify funding organization Identify and invite collaborators Collect relevant information: literature, government reports, pilot data or findings from previous studies) Organize computer storage of documents/data Agree on who will write what Develop a timeline (check funding guidelines)
Getting Started What is the problem/issue of concern? What is the impact of this? Who is affected by it? How are they affected? Who else has addressed this issue? Who cares and why? So what?
Developing Your Idea Does it address a real need or problem? What kind of impact will it have? WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? What is the gap in knowledge? In practice? WHAT evidence do you have that this is a real problem? (literature, statistics, test scores, your own research) WHO is affected by the problem? WHERE does the problem exist? WHEN do you plan to take on the project? HOW do you plan on solving the problem?
Types of Proposals Letter of intent (see if your idea matches funding agency s priorities) A 1-2 page proposal (usual for foundations and corporations) A full 10-15 page proposal Find out what the funder wants and follow their guidelines!
Developing a Proposal Once you have an idea, develop a plan Understand the problem Identify solutions Indicate expected results and benefits of a new solution Identify tasks to accomplish the new solution List resources needed (personnel and nonpersonnel) Define outcome measures Invite critique of your proposal Davidson (2012)
What shall I research?
Developing and refining your research question is crucial
Guiding Principles The problem is important Outcomes are unsatisfactory Care is inappropriate Interventions are inadequate, missing The cost of care is high More research is needed
Developing Your Plan Does it address a real need or problem? What kind of impact will it have? WHAT is the problem? WHAT evidence do you have that this is a real problem? (literature, statistics, test scores, your own research) WHO is affected by the problem? WHERE does the problem exist? WHEN do you plan to take on the project? HOW do you plan on solving the problem?
Outline of a Proposal Cover letter (optional, depending on agency) Summary (1-2 paragraphs, depending on guidelines) Introduction Problem Statement Study Aims & hypotheses Significance Methods Outcomes Personnel Budget Budget Justification Supporting documents
Key Points Significance How will scientific knowledge be advanced? Approach Is the study design appropriate? Are the methods well developed? Innovation Is the study novel in concept and approach? Are the study aims original?
Key Points con t Is the proposed study Achievable Ethical Affordable Worthwhile and Designed to answer the study questions, address the study aims, and test the hypotheses
Remember No proposal, no money No money, no study No study, no data No data, no money No study, no data-based publications No scholarly and data-based publications, no research career THIS IS WHY PROPOSAL WRITING IS IMPORTANT!
Follow the instructions!