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Proposal Development

Assessing Your Idea

Assessment     Background      Idea       Environment    

• Is your idea valid and clear?
• Do you know the literature in your area of study? Is your idea significant? Is your idea innovative?
• Does your idea support departmental and University goals?

Is your idea valid and clear?

To test the clarity of your idea, write it out in the form of one testable hypothesis or primary objective. Then, write three or four clear and concise specific aims. If you have more than one idea, do this exercise for each of your ideas. Note how your ideas differ and where they overlap. Keep these differences and similarities in mind when you start looking for potential sponsors and think about how you can frame your idea in a way that reflects a particular sponsor's objectives.

If you are working with a team to develop ideas, brainstorm with the team and then work together to define a clear purpose. Refer to the legislative purposes or goals of the sponsor to help the team focus ideas in the initial design phases of the project.

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Do you know the literature in your area of study? Is your idea significant?
Is your idea innovative?

It is very important to take time to familiarize yourself with the most recent work being conducted in your field and to cite recent work in your proposal. Sponsors are looking for projects that will expand knowledge or use an innovative approach. To be sure your idea does not duplicate work that is already being conducted at another institution--or is already being funded by the sponsor--you must be familiar with current work in your field. Think about how your project is important and innovative in relationship to your field and in a broader context.

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Does your idea support departmental and University goals?

Talk to your department chair or dean to see how your idea fits in with departmental and university goals. Sponsors may look for evidence of institutional support--and you will have institutional support if your idea supports ongoing goals of your department and the University.

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