GENERIC PLAN FOR RESEARCH AND RELATED FUNDING
ANIL MITRA PHD, COPYRIGHT © 1989
CONTENTS
Plan
for research and related funding
Responding to a request
for a specific proposal
Outline of
proposal: Appendixes
In the following it is assumed that a specific topic or field is in mind and has been developed to the point that feasibility is reasonably assured
Preliminary version of next item
Define capabilities: research my work, imagine possibilities, transfer expertise vertically [by generalizing and identifying abilities, skills, tools and techniques] and horizontally [branching into other areas at all appropriate levels]. As appropriate develop
Identify interests and values and match: list, imagine and feel, read my own and other material; look to present and future; values
Locate sources of information on funding, research and application facilities and opportunities, support and contacts; categorize funding sources and facilities and opportunities by area and type of organization
Study and categorize funding sources by area and type of organization; prefer according to capability and present and future potential of area
Match capability with
availability of funding
Apply for a project in an area or topic of work by type of organization; preference by probability of funding, interest and local support, work that is ready or in progress, capacity of the project for ongoing work and future potential
Public relations: develop and maintain contacts; develop areas of research, background and applications
The procedure below can be read as a flowchart or algorithm
Ideas
Stated objective, deadlines
Explicit and implicit expectations, requirements and documents [checklist]
Project definition, estimate project size [time, personnel, support, budget]
Knowledge of project or related work, algorithms, solutions: self/others
Key concepts, theories, effects, application areas, state of the art
References
Contacts in agency, direct or indirect
Composite knowledge and experience, work on sample algorithm and solution, compatibility and availability, administrative work and support, internal and external contacts, support in preparing proposal and providing a home institution
Help and support, leads and facilitation, information as outlined above
A. Key concepts and words
B. Search references
Methods, range of applications and effects, need and application areas
Criticism and review
Solution of technical questions
Algorithms and potential material for sample problems
Further references, contacts and agencies
Use work already done or acquired or acquire appropriate material, if possible
Investigate related theory, supporting developments and application areas. Consider
Plan for verification and verification data
A. Random listing of points [ongoing from start]
B. Global outline; title and cover information
C. Detailed outline [sample following]
Assign appropriate material to appendices
D. Review
A. Abstract
B. Write-up [including appendices]
C. Draft figures, tables, flowcharts
D. References
E. Resumes and budget
F. Review, correct, possible reorganization and rewrite of some sections
A. Text and tables - use word processor if available
B. Figures and flowcharts - computer graphics facilities and institutional drafting
C. Review and corrections
D. Page numbering
E. Cover page, table of contents and appendices, list of figures and flowcharts and tables, index of documents
F. Final production
A. Documents and institutional signatures
B. Copies
C. Mailing [acknowledgement due]. Route through contact if appropriate
Title and cover
Abstract
Table of contents and appendices
Table of figures
Index of documents and forms required by sponsor
Sponsor identification and project definition
Group and institution and identification
Ability for proposal, ongoing work, retainer, publication
Outline
Reference to request
Introduction - main applications and others for a broad base of application. Ongoing and future need. Local, national, global need
Mesh with other applications and areas - broad picture
Main applications
Related applications - alternate uses and uses of related and ongoing work
Introduction to required and related effects: theories to be considered and approximations to be made. Models [computer, analog, physical] and theories of development. Existing capabilities and developments proposed. Relation to ongoing work. Scope of application. Flowcharts as appropriate
Foundations
E.g., potential theory for incompressible flow without viscosity effects
Justification and development of assumptions
Framework or base theory
Project theories
Existing and to be developed
Tables of comparison
Supporting developments
For application of main project theories to the required phenomena
Related theories for ongoing work
A broad application base and possible phenomena in intended project application
Rigorous theories for verification
Models – computer, analog, physical
Foundations, approximations - considerations as for theories including existing models and those to be developed
Sample models developed and problem solutions
Provision of evidence that group can develop and verify efficient, reliable and well-documented working models within the stated time frame. Needs matched to experience and facilities [including items to be procured and subcontracted] and environment. Consider attractiveness to sponsor including location, economics, and prestige in an ongoing sense, discuss project planning, optimization and administration. If appropriate, propose a retainer and/or a subtle but attractive welcome to the sponsor to visit and use the group institution facilities in the future. Use “positive thinking” without being obvious or suggesting excessive desire
It is appealing to present a team of technical, support and administrative personnel backed by institutional facilities and resources as well as policy and authority. It is useful, when appropriate, to duplicate and to fuse function
Main technical personnel. Brief rundown of aspects
…of individual expertise. Emphasize aspects chosen to sum the project requirements. Referee to resumes. Discuss the summation of expertise and demonstrate that project requirements are comfortably matched. Demonstrate ability but note that experience is what usually counts
Support personnel. Technical and academic, secretarial, reference and technicians, purchasing
Administrative and project planning. Discuss optimization, pert, CPM
Quote experience
…and networks for computation, database, reference and expert systems. Support personnel
Proposed acquisitions
Proposed acquisitions
Matching funds and expertise
Supplies and expense accounts
Physical. Building, location
Research facility
Academic
Institutional commitment
Analytical, numerical, physical models in literature
Field data
Sponsor supplied data
Rigorous models developed or procured for verification. Propose appropriate model acquisition
Ongoing implementation and evaluation
Introduction: project planning, pert, CPM
Division of labor among investigators, sequencing, efficiency factors. Top down and modular design approach to all phases of project, models and programs. Reuse of program links in later models - enhancement by use of optional parameters. Reference to flowchart for an example model
Experience in model development
Example model if available or time to develop
Flowchart for development of models
Equations for models
Present equations here or refer to their location
Equations can be shown in the flowchart if sufficiently simple
Define a delivery schedule if appropriate. If a delivery schedule is specified, refer to it or present an alternate with appropriate reasons for the deviation. State an intention to adhere to the delivery schedule as defined. Such a plan may be limited by the following considerations:
Normal delays due to unforeseen technical problems
Enhanced development of models
Relative to specifications as appropriate and by negotiation with the sponsor
Disruption of services due to natural causes and so on
Forward dating of deadlines depending on date of contract award
Items such as extended analytical development
ANIL
MITRA PHD, COPYRIGHT © 1989, REVISED Friday,
May 02, 2003 2:18:20
PM