Transcript Lecture2; Project Concept Document

Lecture 2: Project Concept Document
What is a Project Concept Document?
 Project Concept Document, is a document represented
before the complete project proposal, to describe the main
idea and objectives of a project.
 The purpose of the project concept document, is to capture
the interest of the funding agency, and to demonstrate that
the idea they are proposing is worthy of further
consideration
Sections of a Project Concept Document
 Introduction (Problem Statement)
 This document is usually presented to a funding agency,
and thus you need to persuade this agency that your
project worth funding!
 Your opening paragraph must capture the community
needs you have identified while also stimulating the
reader to continue reading your document.
 Explain the problem that exists in the environment
under study (company, institution, …etc), and how by
applying this project, this problem will be efficiently
solved.
Sections of a Project Concept Document
 Introduction (Problem Statement)
 Briefly provide supporting documentation for the importance
of addressing the problem in concern. If you have statistical
data, use it, numbers are always convincing.
 In short, indicate why anyone should care to fund or to buy
such a project.
 Make sure to cite or refer to what others have accomplished
relative to your project or research. Beware of stating that you
are the only person who has ever proposed such a project.
Even the most brilliant and innovative concepts are based on
the work of others from related fields
Sections of a Project Concept Document
 Project Description
 Goals and Objectives/Research Questions


A goal is statement describing a broad or abstract intent,
state or condition.
An objective is a statement of measurable outcomes that
relate to the goal. An objective include “who, what, and
when” information. It is not a statement about “how”.
 Methodology and Timeline


Give an overview of your methodology, how the project
will be carried out, and any innovative approaches,
techniques, or processes that will be used.
Include general timelines for what you hope to
accomplish (you can benefit from the deliverables due
date table illustrated in the previous lecture)
Sections of a Project Concept Document
 Cont. Project Description
 Benefits/Anticipated Output

Describe the anticipated benefits/output and who will
benefit. What you expect to add to the environment in
concern when implementing your project.
 Tip: Try to be brief, concise and clear. Concept papers
should not be longer than five pages. Don’t overwhelm
the reader with details, but avoid sounding vague or
unsure about what you want to accomplish. Be
positive and definite. Instead of saying an objective
“may be accomplished” indicate that the objective
“will be accomplished” by a certain time.
Sections of a Project Concept Document
 Support Needed & Costs (if requested)
 Only include budgetary information if it is specifically
requested.
 Finally, appearance is important. This concept paper represents
you!
 The type size should be large enough to read easily (usually 12
pts and 14 for headers)
 Margins should be standard size (left margin 3.5 cm, other
margins 2.5cm)
 Check the spelling errors before submission.
 Attention to details is important.
 Number all pages.
 Place your name and the date in the header
 Include your contact information at the end of the document
Suggested Format of a Project Concept
Paper
[Project Title]
[Your names]
[Date]
Introduction (Problem Statement)
Project Description
Goals and Objectives/Research Questions
Methodology and Timelines
Benefits/anticipated outputs
Support Needed and Costs (if requested)
Contact Information