We Have Class On Thursday

Spring Break starts on Friday which means we still meet in class on Thursday 4/14. We will complete the next couple of componants for  your research proposal before Spring Break begins.

Proposal Writing

For now, just read! Below are details of your major semester project. Before the end of class, you need to come up with a topic or a subject that you are going to research.

Research Proposal

Your research proposal will explain what you plan to investigate. It will include the questions you want to answer, a literature review of related research, what method(s) you will use to conduct your study (or collect data), and an explanation of why the research will be significant.

Elements of a Good Proposal

A good proposal has nine elements, and each is important in an effective presentation.

1.   Statement of the Problem

This section should include a clear and concise statement of the purpose or goal of the project. In a grant proposal, it consists of (1) the specific question(s) to be answered, (2) a brief explanation of the need for or significance of the study, and (3) an explanation of how the results will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

2.   Literature Review

A proposal should reflect the offerer's understanding of relevant bodies of literature and where his/her study fits in that context. This section need not be lengthy, however it should be comprehensive. It should trace the central themes in the literature, highlight major areas of disagreement, and reflect a critical stance toward the materials reviewed. Citing weak research or poorly articulated theory does not help. You have considerable autonomy in identifying relevant bodies of literature. That autonomy requires careful thought and creativity in identifying appropriate sources.

3.   Conceptual Framework

In this section, the offerer provides his/her own perspective. What theories or concepts will guide the study? How or why do they suggest the specific hypotheses or research questions? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed framework?

4.   Hypotheses or Research Questions

Following the description of the conceptual framework, there should be a clear, crisp statement of the research hypotheses, or, in the case of some qualitative studies, a concise description of the phenomena to be examined. Depending on the requirements of the solicitation, the hypotheses may be stated informally or formally. Finally, an explanation of why testing the hypotheses or answering the questions is appropriate for elucidating the research problems and is consistent with the conceptual framework should be included.

5.   Methodology

This section consists of a description of plans for collecting and analyzing the data. What instruments will be used? Why are they appropriate for this study? Is there evidence of the instruments' reliability and validity? How and to whom will they be administered? What procedures will be followed in the data analysis? For qualitative studies, there should be an explanation of the purpose of observations and interviews, and, if possible, some indication of their content and format. The description of the proposed methodology should contain enough detail to indicate that the offerer knows what he/she is doing. Proposals that include the formula for a statistical test as the only information about plans for data analysis don't lend confidence that the study will yield robust findings or rich insights. Similarly, proposals that simply offer to use the newest research procedures may suggest that the investigator is attentive or attracted to fads, but may not be familiar with that particular research approach.

6.   Task Structure (Scope of Work)

This section indicates exactly what will be done, the sequence of the various activities, and the products of deliverables that will be prepared. It is important that the proposed task structure includes all of the activities necessary for completing the project. Planning a viable schedule for carrying out the tasks is often as important as developing a comprehensive list of tasks.

7.   Management Plan

A crucial part of the plan is a creative and effective approach to project management. The approach should indicate who will be responsible for each part of the work, and who will be responsible for overall coordination. The management plan should also be carefully tailored to the unique nature of the individual project.

8.   Staff and Institutional Qualifications

This section includes a full discussion of the qualifications and experience of the proposed staff. Sometimes it is useful to include brief summaries of the staff experience in the management plan and to attach complete resumes for each member of the team as appendices to the proposal. This information is essential should be presented in a way that demonstrates that the staff has the necessary qualifications and experience to conduct the research. This section should also include complete information about the relevant qualifications of the institution where the project will be located. Research projects often require a variety of hardware or software and there should be clear evidence that adequate facilities are available to support the project.

9.   Budget

The project budget should include clear and reasonable estimates of the costs of each element of the project, and there should be enough supporting information to indicate how the estimates were developed. Base salaries for all staff, standard charges for computer use, and allowable travel costs are a few examples of useful background information. In preparing the budget, remember that the budget is a reflection of the offerer's understanding of the project and his/her ability to plan and manage effectively. A budget that is too low may indicate failure to grasp how much work is really necessary to do a good job. A budget that is too high may also suggest a lack of understanding of what is required, or it may reflect careless management. Both make the proposal unattractive. Even if a budget is not required, it is a good idea to have a budget for internal purposes.

A final note about good proposals

Quality writing is critical in all good proposals. It should be clear, concise, and free of jargon. There should be no spelling or grammatical errors, and the proposal should be easy to read. Sloppy proposals and proposals laden with jargon do not provide a positive image of the offerer, nor do they lend confidence that solid research will follow. Proposals that are well-written and attractive are a pleasure to read, and they make a good impression with reviewers.

(Adapted from Centenary College Lousianna http://www.centenary.edu/research/proposal/elements)

INSTRUCTIONS WITH ILLUSTRATION (OR A TUTORIAL)

ASSIGNMENT:  Write a set of instructions on how to use a computer or other application of 500-600 words (see below).  At least two screen captures or images must be incorporated into your text (you may add more if necessary). If you like, you can also include illustrations you create yourself in power point, with a digital camera etc. As usual, write in the clear and concise style characteristic of good technical writing and in a language and tone appropriate to your audience and rhetorical purpose.

FORMAT:  You can use a memo format if you like.


Your memo should have the following elements:

Ø      Introduction/overview.

Ø      Theory or principles of operation—how does it work?

Ø      List of equipment and materials needed

Ø      Necessary prior knowledge and/or skills of the user

Ø      Major steps

Ø      Hazard notices (preview here—actual notices are in the appropriate step with symbol)

v      Caution—prevent possible mistakes

v      Warning—alert user to potential hazard

Ø      Required steps (body of memo)--how-to instructions—in logical order

v      use numbered steps--one instruction each with at the most two or three closely related instructions

v      use familiar, direct language and avoid jargon

v      be accurate

v      NOTE:  use visuals as appropriate—must have at least one

v      NOTE:  use hazard notices in steps where indicated

v      Tips and troubleshooting procedures

Ø      Glossary (definitions and terms)

Ø      Conclusion—close your memo

Revision Practice

Today you are going to practice revision concentrating on syntax, sentence structure, punctuation and proper memo formatting.

Copy and past the two memos found in the tabbed page title "Revision Practice." Make necessary revisions in a word document. When you are done, print them out and hand them in with your name and date on the page.

Web Address

Copy and paste your group's web address into the comments below so I can give you credit towards the completion of your web project

Revision

Look over the following links about revision. Read over your group's mission statement and check it for clarity, wordiness, and grammar. When you are all satisfied, print out your document and hand it in along with your memos. For homework, read over the links on revision. Once I give you in information you are responsible for it and your understanding of the reading material needs to show up in the work you are doing. When you come back to class on Thursday, we will do an in class practice revision.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/648/1/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/648/02/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/648/03/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/648/04/

DON'T FORGET: FOR THURSDAY PLEASE BRING IN A HOUSEHOLD OR  ELECTRONIC ITEM, YOUR FAVORITE SANDWICH INGREDIANCE, OR WHATEVER ELSE YOU WANT TO USE, TO PRACTICE WRITING TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Homework for Next Tuesday

Read the three  links below on Memos,  Rhetorical Awareness and Tone in business writing.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/590/1/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/624/01/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/652/1/

Then rewrite the memo you did in class 2/24 and the other memo  you write announcing your new product. Make sure that both memos are formatted correctly using the guidelines found in the previous blog with the link to the sample memo.