First of all, many thanks to all of my classmates for their opinions and advice. This project certainly could not be what it is without all of your help. And special thanks to the MATRF staff for making yourselves so readily available; it is much appreciated.
So as the class ends it is quite impressive what we have to show for it. I'm very excited to see that I am well on my way to getting this whole thesis project started...for many reasons, namely graduation I must confess.
Even though I get to work with grants on a day-to-day basis what I tend to forget is that these are research based grants and there is a huge different among the different kinds of grants that are available. I think I was taking it for granted that the foundations with which I am most familiar are federal funders, and these do not constitute the only kind of funders available. It was interesting to see how the a research proposal vs. a non-research proposal compared. From this I definitely took away the creative aspect that is entirely overlooked in the development of research proposals. You do not have to think about creatively designing research proposals as the guidelines are already laid out for you.
Also, because there are different types of proposals, the amount of emphasis placed in each area or component of the proposal varies. I think the budget is still by far one of the most important components as most reviewers or grantors will be inclined to know how much you are going to spend and if it is feasible and appropriate.
Aside from proposal writing, the class really emphasized the need for many different people to read and review a proposal before submission. The only way to know if it is coherent and sensible is to have many different opinions as many times the reviewers and the number of reviewers is unknown. In the Greg Meyer's article we see how many different ways a manuscript can be read based on the type of audience. Everyone is looking for different things and you cannot appease the masses, but you can tailor the way in which you make your presentation in such a way that reaches all audiences on some level. If anything, the best you can hope for is your proposal to be reviewed and scored. If you achieve this, the possibility of input from the reviewers increases and the possibility of resubmitting at a later time may become an option.
I thoroughly enjoyed this class and certainly the deliverables are wonderful. It offered me another perspective and unhinged my singular view of research proposals.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Week 6, Post 1: Chapter 12
In adding front and back matter to a proposal, it needs to be pertinent in every way to what you are trying to accomplish. Although most of the time these components may not be necessary, if you do choose to use them then you have to make sure that they are serving a purpose. This is part of seeing the document as a whole. The idea of "need to know" must be maintained.
Letters or memos can be very enticing as Johnson-Sheehan points out. They may very well be the first thing that funder sees in regards to your proposal; however, it may not hurt to send this letter well in advance even before you decide to submit a proposal. It never hurts to let your funder know that you even exist. Extending that "handshake" early on can have a very big impact once your proposal is received.
In regards to the back matter, if at all possible, supply an itemized budget, and if anything, without a question, provide a budget narrative. These are simply imperative to your proposal (that is of course if you're requesting money). All proposal authors will have done their research; therefore, a bibliography is almost certainly a must. Also, if your organization has supporting articles related to your proposal and the funders objectives, make sure those are included in the appendices. It can never hurt to build as much credibility as possible.
The revision is the reason why you start a potential proposal as soon as possible. It is during the revision that you finally get to see the proposal for the first time as a whole document. This can be a very rewarding or frustrating time; which is why you want to be revising your document as you write it from the beginning. The revisionary period should mostly focus on the rhetorical elements and rhetorical situation. By this point, you have hopefully thought through what you hope to accomplish and how to meet the funders objective(s) and expectations.
Letters or memos can be very enticing as Johnson-Sheehan points out. They may very well be the first thing that funder sees in regards to your proposal; however, it may not hurt to send this letter well in advance even before you decide to submit a proposal. It never hurts to let your funder know that you even exist. Extending that "handshake" early on can have a very big impact once your proposal is received.
In regards to the back matter, if at all possible, supply an itemized budget, and if anything, without a question, provide a budget narrative. These are simply imperative to your proposal (that is of course if you're requesting money). All proposal authors will have done their research; therefore, a bibliography is almost certainly a must. Also, if your organization has supporting articles related to your proposal and the funders objectives, make sure those are included in the appendices. It can never hurt to build as much credibility as possible.
The revision is the reason why you start a potential proposal as soon as possible. It is during the revision that you finally get to see the proposal for the first time as a whole document. This can be a very rewarding or frustrating time; which is why you want to be revising your document as you write it from the beginning. The revisionary period should mostly focus on the rhetorical elements and rhetorical situation. By this point, you have hopefully thought through what you hope to accomplish and how to meet the funders objective(s) and expectations.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Style Guide
Style Guide
Body Text
Times New Roman, 12 point font
Paragraphs
Headings
First level headings: All caps, 12 point font, Arial, centered
Second level headings: Mixed caps, 12 point font, Arial, centered, underlined
Third level headings: Mixed caps, 12 point font, Arial, left aligned, italicized
Indentation
0.5
Justification
All body text left justified
Headings (see above)
Non-sequential lists
Square bullets, 10 point font, 0.5 tab
Margins
1 inch (top, bottom, left, right)
Page
Running page header: Goergen Prospectus
No page borders
Graphics must be at least half a page, centered
Page numbers centered at bottom of page
Graphics
Captions: 9 point font, bold
Captions for tables: above table, centered, labeled as Table 1:
Captions for Figures: below figure, centered, labeled as Figure 2:
No borders on any graphic
9 point font used in tables, charts and graphs
Document
8.5 x 11 standard paper
Body Text
Times New Roman, 12 point font
Paragraphs
Headings
First level headings: All caps, 12 point font, Arial, centered
Second level headings: Mixed caps, 12 point font, Arial, centered, underlined
Third level headings: Mixed caps, 12 point font, Arial, left aligned, italicized
Indentation
0.5
Justification
All body text left justified
Headings (see above)
Non-sequential lists
Square bullets, 10 point font, 0.5 tab
Margins
1 inch (top, bottom, left, right)
Page
Running page header: Goergen Prospectus
No page borders
Graphics must be at least half a page, centered
Page numbers centered at bottom of page
Graphics
Captions: 9 point font, bold
Captions for tables: above table, centered, labeled as Table 1:
Captions for Figures: below figure, centered, labeled as Figure 2:
No borders on any graphic
9 point font used in tables, charts and graphs
Document
8.5 x 11 standard paper
Week 5, Post 1: Chapter 11
I think graphics are very underutilized in grantwriting. I think this stems from the fact that most proposal authors hesitate to put in a graphic because there are already so many formatting constraints and/or page limits that they do not want to risk losing the precious space that they do have.
During my study one of the things we encountered was that one of the authors had placed a graphic in his proposal and the graphic was very important to the overall proposal, in fact, most of it hinged upon his graphic. The problem was that the graphic was in color but the proposal was printed in black and white, a minor detail excluded from the RFP, but something that made a huge difference. I think if you're going to make the choice to use a graphic, do so in such a way that if those "minor" details are not included your proposal will not be affected.
As powerful as images can be, in a proposal, under such staunt restrictions, you need to make the graphic count and be worthwile. If it will help illustrate or enhance your message in any way, by all means use it, but I don't see the point in using a pie chart when it says so little. I think Tufte's theory of chart junk should be heeded carefully in this regard. Do not put more on the page than is needed to convey the information.
During my study one of the things we encountered was that one of the authors had placed a graphic in his proposal and the graphic was very important to the overall proposal, in fact, most of it hinged upon his graphic. The problem was that the graphic was in color but the proposal was printed in black and white, a minor detail excluded from the RFP, but something that made a huge difference. I think if you're going to make the choice to use a graphic, do so in such a way that if those "minor" details are not included your proposal will not be affected.
As powerful as images can be, in a proposal, under such staunt restrictions, you need to make the graphic count and be worthwile. If it will help illustrate or enhance your message in any way, by all means use it, but I don't see the point in using a pie chart when it says so little. I think Tufte's theory of chart junk should be heeded carefully in this regard. Do not put more on the page than is needed to convey the information.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Week 4, Post 4: Chapter 10`
All of the proposals I have worked with have been federally funded grants and they do not care too much for design quality. So long as you read the RFP, abide by the general requirements, and format exactly like they say too, you can be assured that your abstract will at least be read.
I appreciate well designed documents. One's that are particuarly asethetically pleasing do make the information easier to read and in some cases, enjoyable. But I think in the long run, the actual design should not be the main concern. Proposals are a particular kind of genre and they do have their conventions. You do not want to produce an aesthetically pleasing document that is completely unrecognizable as a proposal either.
Of the different design theories, I do like the grid. It's clean, it's simple, and it does leave an open canvas upon which you can create balance. If a design is adopted a style guide is definitely needed to create consistency and identity. Consider using design aspects, but more importantly, just follow the RFP to a "T."
I appreciate well designed documents. One's that are particuarly asethetically pleasing do make the information easier to read and in some cases, enjoyable. But I think in the long run, the actual design should not be the main concern. Proposals are a particular kind of genre and they do have their conventions. You do not want to produce an aesthetically pleasing document that is completely unrecognizable as a proposal either.
Of the different design theories, I do like the grid. It's clean, it's simple, and it does leave an open canvas upon which you can create balance. If a design is adopted a style guide is definitely needed to create consistency and identity. Consider using design aspects, but more importantly, just follow the RFP to a "T."
Week 4: Post 3, Progress Report 3
Date: 05-June 2008
To: Dr. Jan Holmevick
From: Katie Goergen
Introduction
A usability test of the Office of Sponsored Programs website and the Limited Submission Program will be conducted in order better understand how users use these tools. This study will reveal usability flaws and provide recommendations forboth of these interfaces which will in effect improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the pre-award submission phase at Clemson University.
Work Completed
At this point, I at least have a full draft of my proposal. I am currently waiting for comments from Jin and Jan to see how I can improve upon it. I feel most comfortable with the introduction and conclusion and I'm hoping those are preceived as strong. My methodology is perhaps a little weak. I have looked at it several times and I feel as though it needs a little more, I'm just not certain as to what that is as of yet. The literature review also needs some fine tuning. I don't know, for a projct I'm having a difficulty writing because it's not as though I'm helping contribute to any particular field or expanding the research in a particular field, I'm just helping a client produce a better product. So, the literature review is still a bit of a worry for me.
At this point I am still waiting to hear back from Drs. Gallichio and Prizrembel regarding the possibility of a usability test for the OSP website. I'm thinking it will get approved, but there is nothing written in stone as of yet, so on that front, I'm stalled.
Next Steps
I am continuing to look at my proposal and working it to make it better. I have started working on the instrumentation for the study. I feel as though if I at least have something I will have something to work from, which is better than nothing at all. I will also be focusing on my presentation. I think in order for my presentation to have an impact, I need to convey the current situation and show how my project aims to contribute to a possible solution. I'm discovering my project is not about overhauling the entire OSP website as there is not enough time to tackle that, but I can assess the needs of the faculty and staff that could open the door to new possibilities and directions for the kinds of resources Clemson provides for its faculty and staff in the way of proposal writing.
By next week I will have a comprehensive storyboard completed so that I can begin making the actual presentation.
Conclusion
Amazing that this class is almost over. It is kind of a relief knowing that I will be walking away with something that is going to be used to move me on to the next step. I'm looking forward to making the presentation, I think it has potential to be a good persuasive piece. By next week I should have a more refined version of my proposal and a very clear idea about how I plan to construct my presentation.
To: Dr. Jan Holmevick
From: Katie Goergen
Introduction
A usability test of the Office of Sponsored Programs website and the Limited Submission Program will be conducted in order better understand how users use these tools. This study will reveal usability flaws and provide recommendations forboth of these interfaces which will in effect improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the pre-award submission phase at Clemson University.
Work Completed
At this point, I at least have a full draft of my proposal. I am currently waiting for comments from Jin and Jan to see how I can improve upon it. I feel most comfortable with the introduction and conclusion and I'm hoping those are preceived as strong. My methodology is perhaps a little weak. I have looked at it several times and I feel as though it needs a little more, I'm just not certain as to what that is as of yet. The literature review also needs some fine tuning. I don't know, for a projct I'm having a difficulty writing because it's not as though I'm helping contribute to any particular field or expanding the research in a particular field, I'm just helping a client produce a better product. So, the literature review is still a bit of a worry for me.
At this point I am still waiting to hear back from Drs. Gallichio and Prizrembel regarding the possibility of a usability test for the OSP website. I'm thinking it will get approved, but there is nothing written in stone as of yet, so on that front, I'm stalled.
Next Steps
I am continuing to look at my proposal and working it to make it better. I have started working on the instrumentation for the study. I feel as though if I at least have something I will have something to work from, which is better than nothing at all. I will also be focusing on my presentation. I think in order for my presentation to have an impact, I need to convey the current situation and show how my project aims to contribute to a possible solution. I'm discovering my project is not about overhauling the entire OSP website as there is not enough time to tackle that, but I can assess the needs of the faculty and staff that could open the door to new possibilities and directions for the kinds of resources Clemson provides for its faculty and staff in the way of proposal writing.
By next week I will have a comprehensive storyboard completed so that I can begin making the actual presentation.
Conclusion
Amazing that this class is almost over. It is kind of a relief knowing that I will be walking away with something that is going to be used to move me on to the next step. I'm looking forward to making the presentation, I think it has potential to be a good persuasive piece. By next week I should have a more refined version of my proposal and a very clear idea about how I plan to construct my presentation.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Week 4, Post 2: Chapter 9
The style is actually an important part, though, sometimes I wonder a) how closely reviewers actually look at it, and b) how much bearing it plays in the entire process. I only say this because the other day while looking at a proposal that was scored within the 1% for NIH (which is unheard of. Meaning they do not come any better) an entire section repeated itself. One of the narratives was in one section of the grant and that same narrative was also located in another section. This was clearly a simple mistake and an oversight, but I wonder if the reviewers even noticed, or if the content was so well structured, so clear, and the idea so thoughtful that they just didn't care.
This is not to say do not focus on the style of your writing when writing a grant. As Johnson-Sheehan points out, how you write is representative of the type of company/organization/individual that you are. It reflects your own attention to detail; how concious you are of the quality of your work; and how much time, effort and thought you put into constructing the overall proposal. It is not to be taken for granted, but I do not think it is one of the most critical pieces.
The book doesn't go too much into the use of metaphors, but I was wondering what you guys thought about the use of metaphors in a proposal. When are they appropriate/not appropriate? Can you be certain that it is common enough your reader will know? (is it worth the risk?) Can you be certain that you've used them in the correct context? I don't know, the use of metaphors seems like a tricky rhetorical device to use. Obviously a proposal is a persuasive piece and rhetorical dynamics are at work, but I was wondering if anyone had any further thoughts on the use of metaphors?
This is not to say do not focus on the style of your writing when writing a grant. As Johnson-Sheehan points out, how you write is representative of the type of company/organization/individual that you are. It reflects your own attention to detail; how concious you are of the quality of your work; and how much time, effort and thought you put into constructing the overall proposal. It is not to be taken for granted, but I do not think it is one of the most critical pieces.
The book doesn't go too much into the use of metaphors, but I was wondering what you guys thought about the use of metaphors in a proposal. When are they appropriate/not appropriate? Can you be certain that it is common enough your reader will know? (is it worth the risk?) Can you be certain that you've used them in the correct context? I don't know, the use of metaphors seems like a tricky rhetorical device to use. Obviously a proposal is a persuasive piece and rhetorical dynamics are at work, but I was wondering if anyone had any further thoughts on the use of metaphors?
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