Proposal+Defense

=Proposal Defense (Proposal) (GWU EMSE 216-8000)=

Index | Topics | Site Map | Lectures | Reference | Wiki Intent

The proposal defense quickly summarize the proposal and establishes what the researcher will do during the research phase. It can be viewed as a contract between the candidate and his committee -- if the candidate addresses the research goals, using the discussed method and addresses the expected findings adequately, then the dissertation defense should be expected.

The presentation part of the proposal defense should be 30 minutes.

The defense should address each of the chapters in the proposal: Introduction, key points from the Literature Review, Research Goals, Research Methods and Expected Findings. A Context Map and Data Collection Requirements Matrix which can be used to identifiy the topics that needed to be reviewed can help in determining which points from the Literature Review should be covered in the proposal derfense.

The proposal defense can also be looked at as a sales effort. The candidate is seeking to convince their committee that topic and scope is worthy and the plan is adequate.

The disseration defense can also be looked at a contract completion review. The candidate quickly summarized the goal and perspective, reviews the Research Methods and results attained, covers the findings and lists areas for additional reserach (to continue limiting potential sliding scope issues and work for acceptance of closure).

Suggested Outline

DOD Program Management Course Decision Briefings approaches can be applied to help gain acceptance.
 * A decision briefing is a 15 minute briefing to gain approval on an approach to solve a problem
 * Typical sequence is: Problem Statement, Background, Alternatives Rejected, Alternatives Considered, Pros and Cons, Recommendation, Implementation Plan
 * For a decision briefing, alternatives should be independent.
 * The best presenters have backup charts to address anticipated questions or issues that might arrise
 * Decisions that combine elements are not uncommon
 * Implementation plans for alternatives can also elimenate the need for a follow-up meeting
 * A decision briefing is similar to the proposal defense in that research goals can be expressed as a problem statement. The literature review provides the background and should bound the problem (excluding areas of research {alternatives rejected}) and clarifying the "alternative" to be investigated. Research methods is the main part of the implementation plan. An implementation plan (and budget) should be included in the proposal ___ and may need to be included as a part of the proposal defense.
 * Phil thinks the key point is preparing a balance presentation with appropriate backup charts for any needed detail - the ability to convince the committee that the candidate has thought through the problem well and will be able to complete the researh and defend the dissertation.


 * Sources**
 * 1) Institute for Innovation and Knowledge (and peer study groups)
 * 2) EMSE 216, Fall 2007
 * 3) EMSE 8000, Spring 2011
 * 4) Defense Systems Management College, Program Management Course 86-2
 * 5) Steve Neuman, Institute for Innovation and Knowledge (IKI) Monthly Meeting, March 12, 2011

Future Potential Additions ( TBD )
 * Business proposal proccesses -- "resursive peer reviews" [5]

Contributors: Sisson