Introduction

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

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One suggestion is to write last because proposal questions and topics often iterate a lot.

Another approach might be to try and write like an executive summary for a business proposal. Create a summary of the story you would like to tell. Often executive summaries (like that) are rewritten at the end, but it can be a focusing exercise.

(Ryan and Barbera, 2011) (1) Ryan, 4/7/2015 RRG
 * 1. Introduction ||  ||   ||   ||   ||
 * 1.1 Statement of the Problem ||  || 1-2 paragraphs ||   || 1 - states the problem; 2 positioning the reader; sort of both positioning. (1) ||
 * 1.2 Organization of the Problem ||  || 1 paragraph ||   ||   ||
 * 1.3 Background ||  || 2-4 paragraphs ||   || definitions go here (1) ||
 * 1.4 Purpose ||  || 1 paragraph ||   || Who cares (1); demi-glace of literature review. (1) ||
 * 1.5 Significance ||  || 1 paragraph ||   ||   ||
 * 1.6 Scope and Limitations ||  || 2 paragraphs ||   || Should make clear what not going to do. (1) ||
 * (Final Document) 1.7 Summary of Findings (1) ||  ||   ||   ||   ||

"A good introduction orients the reader to the importance of the problem by providing sufficient background material." (Salkink 2009, p 271) Text topic has three good paragraphs on what the contents of the introduction should be.

"In general, your first chapter will be an introduction to your research problem. State the problem; briefly state the history of the problem and where research into it stands at the present. Briefly state what you propose to do, how, and why. The last section of your first chapter may be a brief chapter-by-chapter overview of your entire dissertation. When writing your dissertation, you may want to write the introduction chapter last so you can accurately "predict" what you will say in later chapters. " (SEAS Doctoral Handbook 2011)

Checklist:
 * "State the problem"
 * EMSE: "Organization of the problem"
 * "Briefly state the history of the problem and where research into it stands at the present."
 * EMSE: Purpose
 * Briefly state what you propose to do, how, and why.
 * EMSE: Significance
 * EMSE: Scope and Limitations
 * (Optional) "The last section of your first chapter may be a brief chapter-by-chapter overview of your entire dissertation."


 * Sources**
 * EMSE 8000, Spring 2011 Syllabus
 * Ryan, Julie Dr. and Barbera, Joseph Dr. EMSE 8000 (216) "Research Methods for the Engineering Manager, Spring 2011" (Course Syllabus, EMSE George Washington University, 2011)
 * Salkind, Neil J. 2009. //Exploring Research (7th Edition),// Pearson Prentice Hall,
 * //School of Engineering and Applied Science //Doctoral Student Handbook 2010-2011 pp. 41-42

Contributors: [|Sisson]