Keep the stakeholders in mind.

Research Proposal proposes to define the scope of the

problem and determine whether there’s a need for action.

Evaluation Proposal proposes to investigate and

evaluate solutions to the problem. Implementation Proposal

proposes to implement solutions.

Your proposal presents a plan for using the grant $ to make progress on solving the problem/need.

Executive Summary Problem Description Project Rationale and Methodology Technology Description Implementation Plan

Including estimated schedule of your work

List of References Appendices

Describe the local sustainability problem and link it to similar problems elsewhere.

Be specific about what the local problem is and how the Subject Matter Expert(s) frame(s) the problem.

Define sustainability on basis of interview with SMEs and your reading. Indicate source of your definition.

Attach at least two sources to the PD. Don’t worry about format. Give author

and date (with title, if a published work). Remember that agencies and

companies can be “authors.” Each subsequent assignment/section

should add sources. Don’t worry about format until Technology Description section.

Your Problem Description will be more specific and focused if you have discussed a real problem with a knowledgeable person, either at the University or in practice, or both!

Solicit expert opinion.Collect and synthesize

information from published and unpublished sources.

Evaluate sources of information.

Record observations Perform calculations and/or

measurements Analyze test data

Project Rationale sets out the criteria you are using to evaluate various solutions to the sustainability problem.

These solutions are then described in detail in the Technology Description section.

Chosen solution is then proposed in the Implementation Plan as one or more of these; a pilot program further research to evaluate solution implementation of the chosen solution

Project Rationale and Methodology sets out the criteria you are using to evaluate solution(s) to the sustainability problem/need.

These solutions are then described in detail in the Technology Description section.

Chosen solution is then proposed in the Implementation Plan as one of these:a pilot program to evaluate solutionBigger-scale research project to evaluate solution implementation of the chosen solution, with

assessment.

Begins by emphasizing need for solving the specific sustainability problem/need.

Justifies the scope of your investigation of solutions. How did you narrow the scope of your research

project so that you could prepare a convincing proposal for using the grant money to solve a specific sustainability need?

Describes how you have evaluated various solutions.

Answers these questions: Why does this particular problem need solving? How have you gained the expertise to help? (You are gaining

that expertise through your research this semester).

What is your goal for this proposal. What do you want it to achieve?

What will convince proposal readers to grant you $$ to do the tasks required in your Implementation Plan? Do you understand the problem or need

from the stakeholder’s point of view? Is your scope of investigation clear?

Does quality of writing affect reader’s view of your professional ability?

Avoid words such as maybe, feel, probably.

Teams discuss individual projects. You give and receive a peer review

of the draft of your Problem Description (due in final form on Wed., Feb. 10).

Remember to respond to another student’s project idea by noon on Wed.

Partnership Agreements are due on Monday, Feb. 8.