work plan and target deliverables in research proposal

Thesis, major paper, and major project proposals

• Definitions
• Introductory section
• Literature review
• Methodology

Schedule/work plan

• Other potential elements
• Proposal references
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If you're unsure if your research proposal requires a schedule or work plan, please consult your project handbook and/or speak with your instructor, advisor, or supervisor.

The information about schedules or work plans in proposals was gathered from RRU thesis and major project handbooks, current in 2020, from programs in the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Management, and the College of Interdisciplinary Studies. If the details here differ from the information provided in the handbook for your project, please follow the handbook's directions.

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• In RRU's Anxiety About Academic Writing guide, this resource is open to everyone.

How Do I Plan the Various Stages of My Research Project?

• In SAGE Research Methods: Planning and Practicalities, look for How Do I Plan the Various Stages of My Research Project? drop down option. Access via this link requires a RRU username and password.

Learning Skills: Time Management

• In RRU's Learning Skills guide, this resource is open to everyone.

What Do I Need to Know About Time and Timetabling?

• In SAGE Research Methods: Planning and Practicalities, look for the What Do I Need to Know About Time and Timetabling? drop down option. Access via this link requires a RRU username and password.

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A work plan is an overview of a series of objectives and procedures by which a team and/or entity can achieve those goals and provide the reader with a clearer picture of the project’s context. No matter if it is used in professional or academic life, work plans serve the purpose of helping you stay focused when working on a certain project. You disintegrate a process into tiny, manageable tasks by work schedules , and define the tasks you want to achieve.

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Step 1: Think About the Objectives

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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The scope of work should include the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) statement of objectives, (3) materials and methods, (4) expected results/format of report, and (5) literature citations. Your submitted scope of work should include the following:

1. The Cover Sheet . The cover sheet must include the tentative title, date, author(s), and MP advisor(s). The cover sheet must also include the author(s) and advisor(s) signature(s) to demonstrate faculty approval (Visit #1 on the Final Report page for more information on Cover Sheets or download the template ). 2. Introduction . Describe the problem you will be working on and why it is important. Include a concise literature review to relate your problem to previous work and set the stage for the approach you will take. If applicable, describe the client involved and their interest in the project. [2-4 pages] 3. Objectives . State the research questions your MP will answer or the hypotheses you will test. Be specific and succinct. You should be able to list your questions or hypotheses as a series of no more than 3 or 4 concrete bullet points. While you may fine-tune these questions after you begin your work, the initial description of your methods and expected results should follow directly from these objectives. [<1 page] 4. Methods and Sources of Support . Describe the methods/approach you plan to use including, as appropriate, your research approach, data or means of data collection, and plans for data analysis. Be specific and identify significant subtasks related to each part of your project. State any research support needed in terms of supplies, space, equipment and money. If needed, identify source(s) of financial support (e.g., case study funds, research project of professor, school support, grant, etc.). Note whether you will require Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for data collection involving human subjects, or whether you will operate under a nondisclosure agreement . [2-3 pages] 5. Expected Results and Format of Report . Identify the expected results of the project and/or the deliverables to be produced (e.g., management plan, geospatial tool, scientific publication, policy recommendations, computer model, etc.). State the format of the final product and its intended audience. If appropriate, identify likely journals for publication of your research. [1-2 pages] 6. Literary Citations . Include full, standard citations for any references referred to in the text of your proposal. The Nicholas School does not require MPs to adhere to one specific citation style as long as citations are formatted consistently throughout the final document. Choose the appropriate manual of style for your project (for guidance, see Duke Libraries citation resources ). 7. Faculty . List all faculty who have agreed to serve as advisors or cooperators in your project, along with their affiliations (e.g., school or department). Indicate the primary adviser(s) responsible for evaluating the project.

Part II: Project Timeline

Part two should contain the timeline with anticipated deliverables, and may be attached as a separate document, if using Excel or other project management formats. Timeline of Tasks, Deliverables, and Events . Outline the various steps of project completion from start to finish. Include all significant milestones and recurring meetings with your teammates (if applicable) and MP advisor. For example, this could include completion of your literature review and other background research, as well as intermediate steps related to your data collection and planned analysis. It is highly recommended that you use a Gantt chart or an equivalent Excel spreadsheet (e.g. with individual tasks and milestones as rows and dates in columns), with ongoing tasks specified at a biweekly resolution. Your timeline should also include standing client meetings, if relevant.

Part III: Team Charter

The team charter should outline roles and responsibilities of the team and advisor. All students, including those completing an individual MPs, must include a team charter in the final Work Plan. If you are participating in an individual project, you and your MP advisor are considered a “team”.

Your team charter should include the following: 1. Team Roles and Responsibilities . Assign each team member a role and associated responsibilities to be fulfilled during completion of the MP. 2. Regular Meeting Schedule. Outline how often, in what way, and with whom your MP team will meet. This includes regular team meetings, as well as standing meetings with your advisor and, if relevant, client. Frequency and content of the meetings is up to the collective discretion of the team. 3. Team Expectations . Describe any additional agreements your MP team comes up with. (e.g., how to handle potential conflicts, preferred means of communication, data sharing and storage, etc.) 4. Team Purpose and Mission . Describe the top priorities and goals of each individual team member during the course of the project. 5. Team Cohesion and Conflict Resolution. Include a brief description that addresses these questions: How will your team resolve conflict? How can you most effectively handle scenarios in which team members are not pulling their weight or not living up to the expectations outlined in this charter? How will you have difficult conversations? What steps will you take to understand and know each other better? How do you want to promote ongoing integration and camaraderie within the team?

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Home » Proposal – Types, Examples, and Writing Guide

Proposal – Types, Examples, and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Definition:

Proposal is a formal document or presentation that outlines a plan, idea, or project and seeks to persuade others to support or adopt it. Proposals are commonly used in business, academia, and various other fields to propose new initiatives, solutions to problems, research studies, or business ventures.

Proposal Layout

While the specific layout of a proposal may vary depending on the requirements or guidelines provided by the recipient, there are some common sections that are typically included in a standard proposal. Here’s a typical layout for a proposal:

• The title of the proposal.
• Your name or the name of your organization.
• Date of submission.
• A list of sections or headings with corresponding page numbers for easy navigation.
• An overview of the proposal, highlighting its key points and benefits.
• Summarize the problem or opportunity.
• Outline the proposed solution or project.
• Mention the expected outcomes or deliverables.
• Keep it concise and compelling.
• Provide background information about the issue or context.
• Explain the purpose and objectives of the proposal.
• Clarify the problem statement or opportunity that the proposal aims to address.
• Describe in detail the methodology , approach , or plan to achieve the objectives.
• Outline the steps or tasks involved in implementing the proposal.
• Explain how the proposed solution or project will be executed.
• Include a timeline or schedule to demonstrate the project’s timeline.
• Define the specific activities, tasks, or services to be provided.
• Clarify the deliverables and expected outcomes.
• Mention any limitations or exclusions, if applicable.
• Provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the proposal.
• Include itemized expenses such as personnel, materials, equipment, and any other relevant costs.
• If applicable, include a justification for each cost.
• Introduce the individuals or team members involved in the proposal.
• Highlight their qualifications, expertise, and experience relevant to the project.
• Include their roles and responsibilities.
• Specify how the success of the proposal will be measured.
• Define evaluation criteria and metrics to assess the outcomes.
• Explain how progress will be tracked and reported.
• Recap the main points of the proposal.
• Reiterate the benefits and advantages of the proposed solution.
• Emphasize the value and importance of supporting or adopting the proposal.
• Include any additional documents, references, charts, graphs, or data that support your proposal.
• These can include resumes, letters of support, financial projections, or relevant research materials.

Types of Types of Proposals

When it comes to proposals, there are various types depending on the context and purpose. Here are some common types of proposals:

Business Proposal

This type of proposal is used in the business world to present a plan, idea, or project to potential clients, investors, or partners. It typically includes an executive summary, problem statement, proposed solution, timeline, budget, and anticipated outcomes.

Project Proposal

A project proposal is a detailed document that outlines the objectives, scope, methodology, deliverables, and budget of a specific project. It is used to seek approval and funding from stakeholders or clients.

Research Proposal

Research proposals are commonly used in academic or scientific settings. They outline the research objectives, methodology, timeline, expected outcomes, and potential significance of a research study. These proposals are submitted to funding agencies, universities, or research institutions.

Grant Proposal

Non-profit organizations, researchers, or individuals seeking funding for a project or program often write grant proposals. These proposals provide a detailed plan of the project, including goals, methods, budget, and expected outcomes, to convince grant-making bodies to provide financial support.

Sales Proposal

Sales proposals are used by businesses to pitch their products or services to potential customers. They typically include information about the product/service, pricing, features, benefits, and a persuasive argument to encourage the recipient to make a purchase.

Sponsorship Proposal

When seeking sponsorship for an event, sports team, or individual, a sponsorship proposal is created. It outlines the benefits for the sponsor, the exposure they will receive, and the financial or in-kind support required.

Marketing Proposal

A marketing proposal is developed by marketing agencies or professionals to present their strategies and tactics to potential clients. It includes an analysis of the target market, proposed marketing activities, budget, and expected results.

Policy Proposal

In the realm of government or public policy, individuals or organizations may create policy proposals to suggest new laws, regulations, or changes to existing policies. These proposals typically provide an overview of the issue, the proposed solution, supporting evidence, and potential impacts.

Training Proposal

Organizations often create training proposals to propose a training program for their employees. These proposals outline the training objectives, topics to be covered, training methods, resources required, and anticipated outcomes.

Partnership Proposal

When two or more organizations or individuals wish to collaborate or form a partnership, a partnership proposal is used to present the benefits, shared goals, responsibilities, and terms of the proposed partnership.

Event Proposal

Event planners or individuals organizing an event, such as a conference, concert, or wedding, may create an event proposal. It includes details about the event concept, venue, logistics, budget, marketing plan, and anticipated attendee experience.

Technology Proposal

Technology proposals are used to present new technological solutions, system upgrades, or IT projects to stakeholders or decision-makers. These proposals outline the technology requirements, implementation plan, costs, and anticipated benefits.

Construction Proposal

Contractors or construction companies create construction proposals to bid on construction projects. These proposals include project specifications, cost estimates, timelines, materials, and construction methodologies.

Book Proposal

Authors or aspiring authors create book proposals to pitch their book ideas to literary agents or publishers. These proposals include a synopsis of the book, target audience, marketing plan, author’s credentials, and sample chapters.

Social Media Proposal

Social media professionals or agencies create social media proposals to present their strategies for managing social media accounts, creating content, and growing online presence. These proposals include an analysis of the current social media presence, proposed tactics, metrics for success, and pricing.

Training and Development Proposal

Similar to training proposals, these proposals focus on the overall development and growth of employees within an organization. They may include plans for leadership development, skill enhancement, or professional certification programs.

Consulting Proposal

Consultants create consulting proposals to present their services and expertise to potential clients. These proposals outline the problem statement, proposed approach, scope of work, timeline, deliverables, and fees.

Policy Advocacy Proposal

Organizations or individuals seeking to influence public policy or advocate for a particular cause create policy advocacy proposals. These proposals present research, evidence, and arguments to support a specific policy change or reform.

Website Design Proposal

Web designers or agencies create website design proposals to pitch their services to clients. These proposals outline the project scope, design concepts, development process, timeline, and pricing.

Environmental Proposal

Environmental proposals are created to address environmental issues or propose conservation initiatives. These proposals may include strategies for renewable energy, waste management, biodiversity preservation, or sustainable practices.

Health and Wellness Proposal

Proposals related to health and wellness can cover a range of topics, such as wellness programs, community health initiatives, healthcare system improvements, or health education campaigns.

Human Resources (HR) Proposal

HR professionals may create HR proposals to introduce new policies, employee benefits programs, performance evaluation systems, or employee training initiatives within an organization.

Nonprofit Program Proposal

Nonprofit organizations seeking funding or support for a specific program or project create nonprofit program proposals. These proposals outline the program’s objectives, activities, target beneficiaries, budget, and expected outcomes.

Government Contract Proposal

When bidding for government contracts, businesses or contractors create government contract proposals. These proposals include details about the project, compliance with regulations, cost estimates, and qualifications.

Product Development Proposal

Businesses or individuals seeking to develop and launch a new product present product development proposals. These proposals outline the product concept, market analysis, development process, production costs, and marketing strategies.

Feasibility Study Proposal

Feasibility study proposals are used to assess the viability and potential success of a project or business idea. These proposals include market research, financial analysis, risk assessment, and recommendations for implementation.

Educational Program Proposal

Educational institutions or organizations create educational program proposals to introduce new courses, curricula, or educational initiatives. These proposals outline the program objectives, learning outcomes, curriculum design, and resource requirements.

Social Service Proposal

Organizations involved in social services, such as healthcare, community development, or social welfare, create social service proposals to seek funding, support, or partnerships. These proposals outline the social issue, proposed interventions, anticipated impacts, and sustainability plans.

Proposal Writing Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with proposal writing:

• Understand the Requirements: Before you begin writing your proposal, carefully review any guidelines, instructions, or requirements provided by the recipient or organization. This will ensure that you meet their expectations and include all necessary information.
• Research and Gather Information: Conduct thorough research on the topic or project you are proposing. Collect relevant data, statistics, case studies, and any supporting evidence that strengthens your proposal. This will demonstrate your knowledge and credibility.
• Define the Problem or Opportunity: Clearly identify and articulate the problem or opportunity that your proposal aims to address. Provide a concise and compelling explanation of why it is important and relevant.
• State Your Objectives: Outline the specific objectives or goals of your proposal. What do you hope to achieve? Make sure your objectives are clear, measurable, and aligned with the needs of the recipient.
• Present Your Solution: Propose your solution or approach to the problem. Describe how your solution is unique, innovative, and effective. Provide a step-by-step plan or methodology, highlighting key activities, deliverables, and timelines.
• Demonstrate Benefits and Impact: Clearly outline the benefits and impact of your proposal. Explain how it will add value, solve the problem, or create positive change. Use evidence and examples to support your claims.
• Develop a Budget: If applicable, include a detailed budget that outlines the costs associated with implementing your proposal. Be transparent and realistic about expenses, and clearly explain how the funding will be allocated.
• Address Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies: Identify any potential risks, challenges, or obstacles that may arise during the implementation of your proposal. Offer strategies or contingency plans to mitigate these risks and ensure the success of your project.
• Provide Supporting Documentation: Include any supporting documents that add credibility to your proposal. This may include resumes or bios of key team members, letters of support or partnership, relevant certifications, or past success stories.
• Write Clearly and Concisely: Use clear and concise language to communicate your ideas effectively. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse or alienate the reader. Structure your proposal with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability.
• Proofread and Edit: Carefully review your proposal for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Ensure that it is well-organized, coherent, and flows logically. Consider asking someone else to review it for feedback and suggestions.
• Include a Professional Cover Letter: If appropriate, attach a cover letter introducing your proposal. This letter should summarize the key points, express your enthusiasm, and provide contact information for further discussion.
• Follow Submission Instructions: Follow the specific instructions for submitting your proposal. This may include submitting it electronically, mailing it, or delivering it in person. Pay attention to submission deadlines and any additional requirements.
• Follow Up: After submitting your proposal, consider following up with the recipient to ensure they received it and address any questions or concerns they may have. This shows your commitment and professionalism.

Purpose of Proposal

The purpose of a proposal is to present a plan, idea, project, or solution to a specific audience in a persuasive and compelling manner. Proposals are typically written documents that aim to:

• Convince and Persuade: The primary purpose of a proposal is to convince the recipient or decision-makers to accept and support the proposed plan or idea. It is important to present a strong case, providing evidence, logical reasoning, and clear benefits to demonstrate why the proposal should be approved.
• Seek Approval or Funding: Proposals often seek approval or funding for a project, program, research study, business venture, or initiative. The purpose is to secure the necessary resources, whether financial, human, or technical, to implement the proposed endeavor.
• Solve Problems or Address Opportunities: Proposals are often developed in response to a problem, challenge, or opportunity. The purpose is to provide a well-thought-out solution or approach that effectively addresses the issue or leverages the opportunity for positive outcomes.
• Present a Comprehensive Plan : Proposals outline a comprehensive plan, including objectives, strategies, methodologies, timelines, budgets, and anticipated outcomes. The purpose is to demonstrate the feasibility, practicality, and potential success of the proposed plan.
• Inform and Educate: Proposals provide detailed information and analysis to educate the audience about the subject matter. They offer a thorough understanding of the problem or opportunity, the proposed solution, and the potential impact.
• Establish Credibility: Proposals aim to establish the credibility and expertise of the individual or organization presenting the proposal. They demonstrate the knowledge, experience, qualifications, and track record that make the proposer capable of successfully executing the proposed plan.
• I nitiate Collaboration or Partnerships: Proposals may serve as a means to initiate collaboration, partnerships, or contractual agreements. They present an opportunity for individuals, organizations, or entities to work together towards a common goal or project.
• Provide a Basis for Decision-Making: Proposals offer the information and analysis necessary for decision-makers to evaluate the merits and feasibility of the proposed plan. They provide a framework for informed decision-making, allowing stakeholders to assess the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes.

When to write a Proposal

Proposals are typically written in various situations when you need to present a plan, idea, or project to a specific audience. Here are some common scenarios when you may need to write a proposal:

• Business Opportunities: When you identify a business opportunity, such as a potential client or partnership, you may write a proposal to pitch your products, services, or collaboration ideas.
• Funding or Grants: If you require financial support for a project, research study, non-profit program, or any initiative, you may need to write a proposal to seek funding from government agencies, foundations, or philanthropic organizations.
• Project Planning: When you plan to undertake a project, whether it’s a construction project, software development, event organization, or any other endeavor, writing a project proposal helps outline the objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Research Studies: In academic or scientific settings, researchers write research proposals to present their study objectives, research questions, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and potential significance to funding bodies, universities, or research institutions.
• Business Development: If you’re expanding your business, launching a new product or service, or entering a new market, writing a business proposal helps outline your plans, strategies, market analysis, and financial projections to potential investors or partners.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: When seeking partnerships, collaborations, or joint ventures with other organizations or individuals, writing a partnership proposal helps communicate the benefits, shared goals, responsibilities, and terms of the proposed partnership.
• Policy or Advocacy Initiatives: When advocating for a particular cause, addressing public policy issues, or proposing policy changes, writing a policy proposal helps outline the problem, proposed solutions, supporting evidence, and potential impacts.
• Contract Bidding: If you’re bidding for contracts, whether in government or private sectors, writing a proposal is necessary to present your capabilities, expertise, resources, and pricing to potential clients or procurement departments.
• Consulting or Service Contracts: If you offer consulting services, professional expertise, or specialized services, writing a proposal helps outline your approach, deliverables, fees, and timeline to potential clients.

Importance of Proposal

Proposals play a significant role in numerous areas and have several important benefits. Here are some key reasons why proposals are important:

• Communication and Clarity: Proposals serve as a formal means of communication, allowing you to clearly articulate your plan, idea, or project to others. By presenting your proposal in a structured format, you ensure that your message is conveyed effectively, minimizing misunderstandings and confusion.
• Decision-Making Tool: Proposals provide decision-makers with the necessary information and analysis to make informed choices. They offer a comprehensive overview of the proposal, including objectives, strategies, timelines, budgets, and anticipated outcomes. This enables stakeholders to evaluate the proposal’s feasibility, alignment with goals, and potential return on investment.
• Accountability and Documentation: Proposals serve as a written record of commitments, responsibilities, and expectations. Once a proposal is approved, it becomes a reference point for all parties involved, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and accountable for their roles and obligations.
• Planning and Organization: Writing a proposal requires thorough planning and organization. It compels you to define objectives, outline strategies, consider potential risks, and create a timeline. This process helps you think critically about the proposal, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas that require further refinement.
• Persuasion and Influence: Proposals are persuasive documents that aim to convince others to support or approve your plan. By presenting a well-constructed proposal, supported by evidence, logical reasoning, and benefits, you enhance your ability to influence decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Resource Allocation and Funding: Many proposals are written to secure resources, whether financial, human, or technical. A compelling proposal can increase the likelihood of obtaining funding, grants, or other resources needed to execute a project or initiative successfully.
• Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities: Proposals enable you to seek partnerships, collaborations, or joint ventures with other organizations or individuals. By presenting a clear proposal that outlines the benefits, shared goals, responsibilities, and terms, you increase the likelihood of forming mutually beneficial relationships.
• Professionalism and Credibility: A well-written proposal demonstrates professionalism, expertise, and credibility. It showcases your ability to analyze complex issues, develop effective strategies, and present ideas in a concise and persuasive manner. This can enhance your reputation and increase trust among stakeholders.
• Continual Improvement: The process of writing proposals encourages you to refine your ideas, explore alternatives, and seek feedback. It provides an opportunity for reflection and refinement, ultimately leading to continuous improvement in your plans and approaches.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Final Deliverables

20 Research Deliverables

Mackenzie Collins and Amanda McEachern Gaudet

The research deliverable should have a minimum framework used as guidelines for students (and clients) to understand expectations and outcomes.

The amount of time spent on each deliverable can fluctuate as needed; however it is important to remember the total length of time necessary to complete the project. If we were to break down one semester into 3 equal parts, one for each deliverable, each individual deliverable should take no longer than 4 weeks .

However, with this being the first deliverable, it is advised to give attention to the chaotic nature of the semester in the first week as students are introduced to their courses initially. Ideally, the students should spend a minimum of 2 weeks on deliverable #1.

Students should be asking the client:

• How do they want the research presented to them?
• What level of detail is expected? How in-depth should the research be?
• How much information do they want?
• Sources, Viewpoints, Organizations, Types of Researchers, etc.
• How do they want the data stored/sent to them?
• What is required/will be given from the client?
• Are labs and/or equipment necessary?
• If clients require supplementary materials alongside any presentation, such as additional brochures, pamphlets, infographics, or other.

Research papers should be a minimum of 5 pages, properly cited using APA Citation.

APA Citation Guide (Purdue University)

Presentations should be 5-10 minutes minimum , with or without slides depending on the client’s preference. (See professional presentations chapter ).

At least 10 secondary sources of research should be cited in the results, these sources should be those most relevant to answering the research question – not the first 10 sources that appear in the search.

If primary research is being done, a sample size of at least 10% should be taken. In the case of participant interviews, this number may be lowered to accommodate for time.

Types of Research

• A/B Testing
• User Testing

Sample Sizes in Primary Research

Qualitative research.

The key in qualitative research is not the number of participants, but rather your justification for the sample size. A minimum of 12 cases in a sample is the recommendation when conducting qualitative research (Boddy, 2016).

https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/calculating-sample-size/

Quantitative Research

Once you determine a few bases, you can calculate your sample size through a formula (or online tool).

• Population Size – the number of people in the entire group you are researching (i.e., all the employees at the company, all customers)
• Confidence Level – the statistical probability that the value of a parameter falls within a specified range of values. The most used confidence level is 95%. The higher the confidence level, the higher the probability your results will truly reflect the population.
• The margin of Error – the maximum acceptable difference in results between the population and the sample. The smaller the margin of error, the more predictive your results are of the general trend of the population. The recommended margin of error to be used is between 5-10%.

Research Paper

Understand your target audience when deciding length. A highly technical audience will appreciate a highly detailed paper that includes visuals, charts, and more. This could be 30-50 pages. A non-technical audience will appreciate a shorter paper that clearly synthesizes all points in an easy-to-understand way. This could be 10-15 pages.

Background Work

• Think about different forms of evidence that can aid your research
• Gather evidence from a variety of sources
• Develop a bibliography
• Write a thesis for your research
• Critically analyze and write about key pieces of evidence
• Consider the possible reasons one may disagree or question the premise of your thesis
• Categorize and evaluate evidence

The Components of a Research Paper

• The Formal Outline : Formal outlines are a sort of table of contents for your essay: they give the reader a summary of the main points and sub-points of what they are about to read.
• The Introduction : Get the reader’s attention and briefly explain what the essay will encompass.
• Background Information : Explain, contextualize, and orient your readers.
• Evidence : Generally speaking, you need to have a piece of evidence in the form of a direct quote or paraphrase every time you make a claim that you cannot assume your audience “just knows.” Your audience wants to know your interpretation of these quotes and paraphrases as you guide them through your research. To do this, you need to explain the significance of your evidence throughout your essay.
• Possible Arguments and Rebuttals : Anticipate the ways in which a reader might disagree with your point, and address them. Demonstrate your knowledge of the different sides of the issue by acknowledging and answering them.
• Conclusion : Make a connection in the conclusion of your essay with the introduction, and restate your thesis, Note that you don’t necessarily have to restate your thesis in the same words you used in your introduction.
• Works Cited / References  (ensure you understand the difference between ‘in-text citations’ and the end list of sources)

Sources & Examples

Courses and Guided Projects

Research Writing (2018)  by Shaelynn Long-Kish, OER The Argumentative Research Project by Sara Layton, OER

Tools and Templates

citethisforme.com : Get the citation for any website you’re visiting online easybib.com : Manage citations for a project flightradar24.com : Live air traffic map. Track, search and view info on capacity, cargo, route and more for any aircraft in the sky. importyeti.com : Find any company’s suppliers worldwide, and view shipment dates, maps and more scholar.google.com : Find academic journals, books, and articles related to any topic

Any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability to perform a service that must be produced to complete a process, phase or project. (PMBOK Guide)

Tools and Resources for Capstone (v. 1.2 Jan 2024) Copyright © by Mackenzie Collins and Amanda McEachern Gaudet is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write a Project Proposal (Examples & Template Included)

Table of Contents

What is a project proposal, types of project proposals, project proposal vs. project charter, project proposal vs. business case, project proposal vs. project plan, project proposal outline, how to write a project proposal, project proposal example, project proposal tips.

• ProjectManager & Project Proposals

A project proposal is a project management document that’s used to define the objectives and requirements of a project. It helps organizations and external project stakeholders agree on an initial project planning framework.

The main purpose of a project proposal is to get buy-in from decision-makers. That’s why a project proposal outlines your project’s core value proposition; it sells value to both internal and external project stakeholders. The intent of the proposal is to grab the attention of stakeholders and project sponsors. Then, the next step is getting them excited about the project summary.

Getting into the heads of the audience for which you’re writing the project proposal is vital: you need to think like the project’s stakeholders to deliver a proposal that meets their needs.

We’ve created a free project proposal template for Word to help structure documents, so you don’t have to remember the process each time.

Get your free

Project Proposal Template

Use this free Project Proposal Template for Word to manage your projects better.

In terms of types of project proposals, you can have one that’s formally solicited, informally solicited or a combination. There can also be renewal and supplemental proposals. Here’s a brief description of each of them.

• Solicited project proposal: This is sent as a response to a request for proposal (RFP) . Here, you’ll need to adhere to the RFP guidelines of the project owner.
• Unsolicited project proposal: You can send project proposals without having received a request for a proposal. This can happen in open bids for construction projects , where a project owner receives unsolicited project proposals from many contractors.
• Informal project proposal: This type of project proposal is created when a client asks for an informal proposal without an RFP.
• Renewal project proposal: You can use a renewal project proposal when you’re reaching out to past customers. The advantage is that you can highlight past positive results and future benefits.
• Continuation project proposal: A continuation project proposal is sent to investors and stakeholders to communicate project progress.
• Supplemental project proposal: This proposal is sent to investors to ask for additional resources during the project execution phase.

A project proposal is a detailed project document that’s used to convince the project sponsor that the project being proposed is worth the time, money and effort to deliver it. This is done by showing how the project will address a business problem or opportunity. It also outlines the work that will be done and how it will be done.

A project charter can seem like the same thing as a project proposal as it also defines the project in a document. It identifies the project objectives, scope, goals, stakeholders and team. But it’s done after the project has been agreed upon by all stakeholders and the project has been accepted. The project charter authorizes the project and documents its requirements to meet stakeholders’ needs.

A business case is used to explain why the proposed project is justified. It shows that the project is worth the investment of time and money. It’s more commonly used in larger companies in the decision-making process when prioritizing one project over another.

The business case answers the questions: what is the project, why should it be taken up, who will be involved and how much will it cost? It’s therefore related to a project proposal, but the project proposal comes before the business case and is usually part of the larger proposal.

Again, the project proposal and the project plan in this case are very similar documents. It’s understandable that there would be some confusion between these two project terms. They both show how the project will be run and what the results will be. However, they’re not the same.

The project proposal is a document that aims to get a project approved and funded. It’s used to convince stakeholders of the viability of the project and their investment. The project plan, on the other hand, is made during the planning phase of the project, once it’s been approved. It’s a detailed outline of how the project will be implemented, including schedule, budget, resources and more.

All the elements in the above project proposal outline are present in our template. This free project proposal template for Word will provide you with everything you need to write an excellent project proposal. It will help you with the executive summary, project process, deliverables, costs—even terms and conditions. Download your free template today.

There are several key operational and strategic questions to consider, including:

• Executive summary: This is the elevator pitch that outlines the project being proposed and why it makes business sense. While it also touches on the information that’ll follow in the project proposal, the executive summary should be brief and to the point.
• Project background: This is another short part of the proposal, usually only one page, which explains the problem you’ll solve or the opportunity you’re taking advantage of with the proposed project. Also, provide a short history of the business to put the company in context to the project and why it’s a good fit.
• Project vision & success criteria: State the goal of the project and how it aligns with the goals of the company. Be specific. Also, note the metrics used to measure the success of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: There are always risks. Detail them here and what strategies you’ll employ to mitigate any negative impact as well as take advantage of any positive risk.
• Project scope & deliverables: Define the project scope, which is all the work that has to be done and how it will be done. Also, detail the various deliverables that the project will have.
• Set SMART goals: When setting goals, be SMART. That’s an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. All your goals would be defined by those five things.
• Project approach: Define the approach you’ll use for the contract. There are several different types of contracts used in construction , for example, such as lump sum, cost plus, time and materials, etc. This is also a good place to describe the delivery method you’ll use.
• Expected benefits: Outline the benefits that will come from the successful completion of the project.
• Project resource requirements: List the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., that you’ll need to execute the project if approved.
• Project costs & budget: Detail all the costs, including resources, that’ll be required to complete the project and set up a budget to show how those costs will be spent over the course of the project.
• Project timeline: Lay out the project timeline , which shows the project from start to finish, including the duration of each phase and the tasks within it, milestones, etc.

In addition to these elements, it’s advisable to use a cover letter, which is a one-page document that helps you introduce your project proposal and grab the attention of potential clients and stakeholders.

To make the best proposal possible, you’ll want to be thorough and hit on all the points we’ve listed above. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive priority proposal.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a quick overview of the main elements of your project proposal, such as your project background, project objectives and project deliverables, among other things. The goal is to capture the attention of your audience and get them excited about the project you’re proposing. It’s essentially the “elevator pitch” for the project life cycle. It should be short and to the point.

The executive summary should be descriptive and paint a picture of what project success looks like for the client. Most importantly, it should motivate the project client; after all, the goal is getting them to sign on the dotted line to get the project moving!

2. Provide a Project Background

The project background is a one-page section of your project proposal that explains the problem that your project will solve. You should explain when this issue started, its current state and how your project will be the ideal solution.

• Historic data: The history section outlines previously successful projects and those that could have run more smoothly. By doing so, this section establishes precedents and how the next project can be more effective using information from previous projects.
• Solution: The solution section addresses how your project will solve the client’s problem. Accordingly, this section includes any project management techniques , skills and procedures your team will use to work efficiently.

3. Establish a Project Vision & Success Criteria

You’ll need to define your project vision. This is best done with a vision statement, which acts as the north star for your project. It’s not specific as much as it’s a way to describe the impact your company plans to make with the project.

It’s also important to set up success criteria to show that the project is in fact doing what it’s proposed to do. Three obvious project success criteria are the triple constraint of cost, scope and time. But you’ll need to set up a way to measure these metrics and respond to them if they’re not meeting your plan.

4. Identify Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

To reduce the impact of risk in your project, you need to identify what those risks might be and develop a plan to mitigate them . List all the risks, prioritize them, describe what you’ll do to mitigate or take advantage of them and who on the team is responsible for keeping an eye out for them and resolving them.

5. Define Your Project Scope and Project Deliverables

The project scope refers to all the work that’ll be executed. It defines the work items, work packages and deliverables that’ll be delivered during the execution phase of your project life cycle. It’s important to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to define your tasks and subtasks and prioritize them.

6. Set SMART Goals for Your Project Proposal

The best mindset when developing goals and objectives for your project proposal is to use the SMART system :

• Specific – Make sure your goals and objectives are clear, concise and specific to the task at hand.
• Measurable – Ensure your goals and objectives are measurable so it’s obvious to see when things are on track and going well, and conversely, when things are off track and issues need to be addressed. Measurable goals make it easy to develop the milestones you’ll use to track the progress of the project and identify a reasonable date for completion and/or closure.
• Attainable – It’s important every project has a “reach” goal. Hitting this goal would mean an outstanding project that extends above and beyond expectations. However, it’s important that the project’s core goal is attainable, so morale stays high and the job gets done with time and resources to spare.
• Relevant – Make sure all of your goals are directly relevant to the project and address the scope within which you’re working.
• Time-Based – Timelines and specific dates should be at the core of all goals and objectives. This helps keep the project on track and ensures all project team members can manage the work that’s ahead of them.

7. Explain What’s Your Project Approach

Your project approach defines the project management methodology , tools and governance for your project. In simple terms, it allows project managers to explain to stakeholders how the project will be planned, executed and controlled successfully.

8. Outline The Expected Benefits of Your Project Proposal

If you want to convince internal stakeholders and external investors, you’ll need to show them the financial benefits that your project could bring to their organization. You can use cost-benefit analysis and projected financial statements to demonstrate why your project is profitable.

9. Identify Project Resource Requirements

Project resources are critical for the execution of your project. The project proposal briefly describes what resources are needed and how they’ll be used. Later, during the planning phase, you’ll need to create a resource management plan that’ll be an important element of your project plan. Project requirements are the items, materials and resources needed for the project. This section should cover both internal and external needs.

10. Estimate Project Costs and Project Budget

All the resources that you’ll need for your project have a price tag. That’s why you need to estimate those costs and create a project budget . The project budget needs to cover all your project expenses, and as a project manager, you’ll need to make sure that you adhere to the budget.

11. Define a Project Timeline

Once you’ve defined your project scope, you’ll need to estimate the duration of each task to create a project timeline. Later during the project planning phase , you’ll need to create a schedule baseline, which estimates the total length of your project. Once the project starts, you’ll compare your actual project schedule to the schedule baseline to monitor progress.

Now let’s explore some project proposal examples to get a better understanding of how a project proposal would work in the real world. For this example, let’s imagine a city that’s about to build a rapid transit system. The city government has the funds to invest but lacks the technical expertise and resources that are needed to build it, so it issues a request for proposal (RFP) document and sends it to potential builders.

Then, the construction companies that are interested in executing this rapid transit project will prepare a project proposal for the city government. Here are some of the key elements they should include.

• Project background: The construction firm will provide an explanation of the challenges that the project presents from a technical perspective, along with historical data from similar projects that have been completed successfully by the company.
• Project vision & success criteria: Write a vision statement and explain how you’ll track the triple constraint to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: List all risks and how they’ll be mitigated, and be sure to prioritize them.
• Project scope & deliverables: The work that’ll be done is outlined in the scope, including all the deliverables that’ll be completed over the life cycle of the project.
• Set SMART goals: Use the SMART technique to define your project goals by whether they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
• Project approach: Define the methodology that the project manager will employ to manage the project. Also, figure out what type of contract will be used to define the project.
• Expected benefits: Show how the project will deliver advantages to the company and define what these benefits are in a quantifiable way.
• Project resource requirements: List all the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., needed to execute the project.
• Project costs & budget: Estimate the cost of the project and lay that out in a project budget that covers everything from start to finish.
• Project timeline: Outline the project schedule, including phases, milestones and task duration on a visual timeline.

Whatever project proposal you’re working on, there are a few tips that apply as best practices for all. While above we suggested a project proposal template that would have a table of contents, meaning it would be many pages long, the best-case scenario is keeping the proposal to one or two pages max. Remember, you’re trying to win over stakeholders, not bore them.

Speaking of project stakeholders , do the research. You want to address the right ones. There’s no point in doing all the work necessary to write a great proposal only to have it directed to the wrong target audience. Whoever is going to read it, though, should be able to comprehend the proposal. Keep the language simple and direct.

When it comes to writing, get a professional. Even a business document like a project proposal, business case or executive summary will suffer if it’s poorly constructed or has typos. If you don’t want to hire a professional business writer, make sure you get someone on your project team to copy, edit and proof the document. The more eyes on it, the less likely mistakes will make it to the final edition.

While you want to keep the proposal short and sweet, it helps to sweeten the pot by adding customer testimonials to the attachments. Nothing sells a project plan better than a customer base looking for your product or service.

ProjectManager & Project Proposals

ProjectManager allows you to plan proposals within our software. You can update tasks for the project proposal to signify where things stand and what’s left to be done. The columns allow you to organize your proposal by section, creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) of sorts.

When building a project proposal, it’s vital to remember your target audience. Your audience includes those who are excited about the project, and see completion as a gain for their organization. Conversely, others in your audience will see the project as a pain and something to which they aren’t looking forward. To keep both parties satisfied, it’s essential to keep language factual and concise.

Our online kanban boards help you think through that language and collaborate on it effectively with other team members, if necessary. Each card shows the percentage completed so everyone in the project management team is aware of the work done and what’s left to be done.

As you can see from the kanban board above, work has begun on tasks such as product documentation and design. Tasks regarding stakeholder feedback, ideation, market research and more have been completed, and there’s a good start on the engineering drawings, 3D rendering, supply chain sourcing and translation services.

A PDF is then attached to the card, and everyone added to the task receives an email notifying them of the change. This same process can be used throughout the life-cycle of the project to keep the team updated, collaborating, and producing a first-class project proposal. In addition to kanban boards, you can also use other project management tools such as Gantt charts , project dashboards, task lists and project calendars to plan, schedule and track your projects.

Project proposals are just the first step in the project planning process. Once your project is approved, you’ll have to solidify the plan, allocate and manage resources, monitor the project, and finally hand in your deliverables. This process requires a flexible, dynamic and robust project management software package. ProjectManager is online project management software that helps all your team members collaborate and manage this process in real-time. Try our award-winning software with this free 30-day trial .

Deliver your projects on time and under budget

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What Are Project Deliverables: The Ultimate Guide with Examples and Templates

Whether you’re launching a groundbreaking product , executing a complex marketing campaign, or constructing a towering architectural marvel, every project requires planning and execution. 

At the heart of this process lie the “project deliverables”.

This comprehensive guide will dive into deliverables, exploring their definition, significance, and the essential steps to identify, plan, and execute them efficiently. 

Along the way, we will provide real-world examples and templates to illustrate how different industries and disciplines utilize deliverables to achieve project success.

Let’s unlock the potential to deliver projects that exceed expectations and drive lasting impact.

Table of contents

What are project deliverables, what are planning deliverables, what are internal deliverables, what are external deliverables, project deliverable vs. milestone, project deliverable vs. objective, project deliverable vs. task, project vs. process deliverable, project vs. product deliverable, product development team deliverables, it team deliverables, research and development team deliverables, steps to managing project deliverables, essential project documentation helps define deliverables [+ 8 handy templates], tools for managing project deliverables, tips for managing project deliverables.

Only 40% of organizations consistently achieve the full benefits of their projects. And here, deliverables come into play.

In project management , deliverables are the specific outputs, products, or results that must be achieved and provided to fulfill the requirements of a project. 

In essence, project deliverables are the measurable “milestones” that showcase progress and demonstrate the successful completion of various project phases.

A well-defined deliverable has several key elements and needs to be:

• Specific: Deliverables must be clear, precise, and unambiguous in describing what needs to be accomplished or produced.
• Measurable: Each deliverable should be quantifiable and measurable, enabling objective progress assessment and issue identification.
• Time-bound: Deliverables are associated with specific deadlines , establishing a project timeline , and fostering accountability among team members (might using the RACI framework ).
• Client-oriented: Deliverables align with stakeholder requirements and are customer-centric, delivering value to clients or end-users.
• Quality-focused: Deliverables must meet pre-defined quality standards to ensure client satisfaction and maintain project credibility.

Project deliverables can vary significantly based on the nature of the project, its scope , and the industry it belongs to. They range from physical items and documents to intangible outcomes like improved processes or increased customer satisfaction. 

Common categories of project outputs include:

• Reports and documentation: These include project plans, feasibility studies, portfolio reports , and final project summaries.
• Prototypes and products: In product development projects, prototypes, finalized products, or software applications are common deliverables.
• Infrastructure and constructions: Construction projects yield tangible deliverables like buildings, bridges, roads, or other physical structures.
• Marketing and advertising materials: Deliverables in marketing projects may include advertising campaigns, brochures, websites, or social media assets.
• Training and workshops: In educational or training projects, deliverables can be the development of training materials, workshops, or e-learning modules.

The process of defining deliverables in project management begins during the project’s initiation phase. 

Key stakeholders collaborate to outline the project’s scope, objectives, and expected outcomes. As the project progresses, deliverables are refined and detailed, laying the groundwork for efficient execution and successful completion.

As we have explored the fundamental concept of project deliverables, let’s dive into the diverse categories encompassing different project outputs.

Types of project deliverables

Project deliverables come in various forms, each serving a specific purpose and contributing to the project’s overall success. 

This section will explore three primary project management deliverables categories: planning, internal, and external.

Let’s start with planning deliverables.

Planning deliverables refer to the deliverables to facilitate effective project planning and decision-making. 

These deliverables serve as essential reference points and guidelines for the project team , enabling them to strategize, allocate resources , and anticipate potential challenges.

Examples of planning deliverables:

• Project scope statement: A clear and concise definition of the project’s objectives, deliverables, constraints, and project assumptions .
• Work Breakdown Structure: A hierarchical breakdown of the project’s tasks and activities, enabling better task management and resource allocation .
• Project timeline and Gantt chart : A visual representation of the project’s schedule, showing task dependencies and milestones.
• Resource allocation plan: Details on the allocation of personnel, budget, and other resources throughout the project.
• Risk management plan: Identification and mitigation strategies for potential risks that could impact the project’s success.

P.S. We’ll discover all of them in the template section later on.

Having briefly explored the various planning project deliverables, let’s focus on the critical internal deliverables.

Internal deliverables are the outputs that are primarily intended for consumption within the project team or organization. 

Internal deliverables are often intermediary steps necessary to complete the final project outcome successfully.

Examples of internal deliverables include:

• Team progress reports: Regular updates on individual and team progress, highlighting accomplishments, challenges, and action plans.
• Task assignments and deadlines: Allocating tasks to team members with clear deadlines and responsibilities.
• Research findings and analysis: Information gathered through research, market studies, or data analysis that informs decision-making within the project.
• Project prototypes: Early-stage versions or models of the final product, allowing teams to evaluate and refine design concepts.
• Project management documents: These include project plans, roadmaps , risk assessments, and resource allocation charts. 

Having examined the distinct internal deliverables in project management, let’s focus on the external project deliverables, which encompass the tangible outcomes for stakeholders beyond the project team.

External deliverables are the outputs intended for clients, customers or other stakeholders external to the project team. 

These deliverables represent the project’s results and are often used to measure its success in meeting its objectives and client expectations.

Examples of external deliverables:

• Completed product or service: The final version of the product or service that satisfies the client’s requirements.
• Client reports and documentation: Detailed client-oriented reports outlining project progress, achievements, and future recommendations.
• Marketing materials: Deliverables like brochures, promotional videos, or websites developed for advertising a product or service.
• Training and user manuals: Documents providing instructions on how to use the delivered product or service.
• Test results and certifications: Official test results and certificates, ensuring compliance with industry standards or regulations.

Now that we have a comprehensive understanding of the various project outputs, let’s compare them to other essential project elements to further grasp their significance in the project management process.

Comparing project deliverables with other project elements

It’s essential to distinguish deliverables from other project elements in order to properly understand their role and significance. 

This section will compare project deliverables with milestones, objectives, tasks, process deliverables, and product deliverables.

We’re going to start with the difference between deliverables and milestones.

Project milestones are specific points in a project’s timeline that mark significant achievements or the completion of critical phases. 

While milestones indicate progress and act as reference points in the project schedule , deliverables are the outputs produced due to these accomplishments. 

Practical example:

• Milestone : Completion of the prototype development phase.
• Deliverable: The finalized product prototype ready for testing and evaluation.

Having examined the distinct relationship between project deliverables and milestones, let’s explore how project outputs align with the broader project objectives to drive successful project outcomes.

Project objectives are the goals and purposes a project aims to achieve. 

Objectives define the “what” of the project, while deliverables represent the “how” and “when” these objectives will be accomplished.

• Objective: Increase market share by 15% within the next fiscal year.
• Deliverable: Launch and implement a targeted marketing campaign to reach new customers.

Having gained an insight into aligning deliverables in project management with objectives, let’s shift our focus to the granular level and explore how deliverables relate to the specific tasks that drive project progress.

Tasks are individual activities or actions that must be completed to accomplish deliverables and achieve project objectives. 

Tasks are the actionable steps that make up a project’s work breakdown, while deliverables represent the outputs of these tasks.

• Task: Conduct market research to identify customer preferences.
• Deliverable: Market research report summarizing customer preferences and market trends .

Having explored the connection between project deliverables and tasks, let’s now examine how they differ from process deliverables, which are crucial in ensuring efficient project execution and continuous improvement.

Process deliverables refer to the documentation, guidelines, or materials generated during a project that facilitate the execution of tasks and project management activities. 

By contrast, project deliverables pertain to the specific outputs produced during the project’s life cycle. 

Process deliverables maintain consistency, efficiency, and quality throughout the project.

• Project deliverable: Finalized architectural blueprints for a new building.
• Process deliverable: Project management templates for progress tracking and risk analysis while constructing a new apartment building.

Having distinguished between project and process deliverables, let’s now compare project deliverables with product deliverables, representing the tangible outcomes delivered to clients or end-users.

Product deliverables refer to the tangible outputs that are the direct result of the project and are delivered to the client or end-user. 

In contrast, project deliverables encompass all outputs produced during the project, including both interim and final results. 

• Project deliverable: Marketing plan to promote a new software application.
• Product deliverable: The fully developed and operational software application.

Now that we have explored the differences between project outputs and other project elements let’s shift our focus to practical applications and examine specific examples of deliverables in project management for different teams.

Examples of project deliverables for different teams

Project outputs vary significantly depending on the nature of the project and the specific goals of each team involved. 

This section will explore examples of project deliverables for different teams, demonstrating their distinct contributions to a project’s success.

We’ll start with the product development team and its deliverables.

The product development team focuses on creating new products or enhancing existing ones. 

Their deliverables revolve around the actual product development process and include:

• Product prototypes: Physical or digital prototypes that allow the team to test and refine the product design .
• Product requirements documentation: Detailed specifications and feature lists that serve as guidelines for the product’s development.
• Product testing reports: Results from extensive testing and quality assurance procedures to ensure a robust and reliable final product.

Top tip: Here is a great guide to creating a product requirement document (PRD) by Jira.

Having examined the specific examples of project deliverables from the product development team, let’s shift our focus to the IT team and explore the distinct outputs they contribute to project success.

The IT team handles technical aspects, infrastructure, and software development. 

Their deliverables focus on implementing and maintaining technology solutions and include:

• Software applications: Delivering fully functional and tested software applications tailored to the project’s requirements.
• System integration plans: Strategies and documentation for integrating different software systems to ensure seamless operation.
• Security and compliance documentation: Ensuring the project meets security standards and regulatory compliance.

Piece of advice: Here is a comprehensive guide to system integration .

Now that we’ve explored the IT team’s contributions to project deliverables, let’s shift our focus to the research and development team and discover the innovative outcomes they bring to the project’s fruition.

The R&D team focuses on innovation and creating new solutions. Their deliverables involve exploring new ideas and advancing the organization’s capabilities and include:

• Innovation proposals: Presenting new ideas and concepts for potential products, services, or processes.
• R&D reports: Documenting findings from research activities and experiments.
• Prototype demonstrations: Showcasing functional prototypes that demonstrate the viability of innovative concepts.

Pro tip: If you’re searching for ideation and innovation management functionality, PPM Express can provide you with both. 

Now that we have examined examples of specific project outputs from various teams, let’s focus on essential steps for effectively managing project deliverables, ensuring seamless execution and successful project outcomes.

Effectively managing deliverables in project management is crucial for ensuring project success, meeting objectives, and satisfying stakeholders. 

A well-structured approach to deliverable management helps keep the project on track, minimizes risks, and fosters collaboration among team members. 

As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “ You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step. ” Let’s take the first step and start managing deliverables.

→ Step 1: Define clear and measurable deliverables

If you’re a project manager or business analyst , at the project’s initiation, work closely with stakeholders to clearly define the project deliverables. 

Each deliverable should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound ( SMART ). 

Ensure that the deliverables align with the project’s overall objectives and contribute to meeting the client’s expectations.

Example: For a software development project, a clear and measurable deliverable could be completing a user registration module with specific functionalities, such as user sign-up, login, and profile creation.

→ Step 2: Break down deliverables into tasks

Once the deliverables have been defined, break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. 

Create a Work Breakdown Structure outlining the hierarchical structure of tasks, sub-tasks, and interdependencies. 

Assign responsibilities and deadlines for each task to promote accountability and efficient progress.

Example: Breaking down the user registration module deliverable into tasks, such as designing the user interface , developing backend logic, implementing database integration, and conducting testing.

→ Step 3: Set realistic timelines

Develop a project timeline that includes estimated start and end dates for each task and deliverable. 

Consider dependencies between tasks and allocate sufficient time for potential contingencies. 

Realistic timelines help avoid schedule overruns and ensure the timely completion of deliverables.

Example: Allocating two weeks for designing the user interface, three weeks for backend development, one week for database integration, and one week for testing to ensure a realistic timeline for completing the user registration module.

→ Step 4: Establish clear communication channels

Set up regular meetings, status updates, and reporting mechanisms to inform team members about progress, challenges, and changes. 

Encourage open communication and address any concerns promptly to maintain project momentum.

Example: Conducting weekly status meetings with the development team to discuss progress, roadblocks, and updates on the user registration module’s development.

→ Step 5: Monitor and track progress

Implement a reliable project management system or software to track the progress of deliverables and tasks. 

Regularly monitor KPIs and OKRs to assess progress against the project timeline and make data-driven decisions to keep the project on course.

Example: Using project portfolio management software like PPM Express to track the completion status of each task in the user registration module and visualize progress through Gantt charts and dashboards.

→ Step 6: Manage risks and mitigate issues

Identify potential risks that may impact the successful delivery of project deliverables. 

Develop a risk management plan to address and mitigate these risks proactively. Be prepared to adapt and adjust plans as unforeseen issues arise.

Example: Identifying the risk of potential security vulnerabilities in the user registration module and developing a risk management plan to conduct thorough security testing and address any vulnerabilities.

→ Step 7: Review and quality assurance

Regularly review the deliverables at various stages to ensure they meet the defined quality standards. 

Conduct thorough quality assurance checks and seek stakeholder feedback to validate that deliverables align with their expectations.

Example: Conducting a review of the user registration module’s design and functionality with stakeholders to ensure it aligns with their expectations and conducting quality assurance tests to verify that it meets defined standards.

→ Step 8: Obtain stakeholder sign-off

Before closing out each deliverable, obtain formal sign-off from relevant stakeholders. 

This approval indicates that the deliverable meets the specified requirements and is ready for further use or integration into the project.

Example: Requesting formal sign-off from the project sponsor and key stakeholders after demonstrating the user registration module’s functionalities and addressing any feedback or concerns.

→ Step 9: Document and archive deliverables

Maintain a comprehensive repository of all project deliverables, including associated documentation and reports. 

Properly archive and organize these materials to facilitate easy access and reference for future projects or audits.

Example: Creating a comprehensive repository that includes design documents, test reports, and code documentation for the user registration module, organized adequately for future reference or audits. For instance, use Sharepoint to create the repository.

→ Step 10: Celebrate achievements and learn from challenges

Recognize and celebrate the successful completion of deliverables and major milestones. 

Likewise, use any challenges or shortcomings as learning opportunities to improve processes and enhance future project outputs.

Example: Celebrating the successful completion of the user registration module with a team recognition event while conducting a retrospective to identify areas for improvement and learning from challenges encountered during the development process.

Having explored the essential steps for managing project deliverables, let’s focus on the significance of basic project documentation and its role in defining clear deliverables through templates.

Precise and well-structured project documentation clarifies project objectives and requirements and plays a pivotal role in defining deliverables with clarity and precision. 

Let’s explore a set of essential project documentation templates that aid in defining project deliverables efficiently.

• Project charter: This serves as the foundational document for any project. It outlines the project’s purpose, objectives, scope, and key stakeholders. This template provides a comprehensive overview of the project’s context, helping to set the stage for defining clear and aligned deliverables.

Here, you can get your project charter template .

• Work Breakdown Structure: This template breaks the project’s deliverables into manageable tasks and sub-tasks. It provides a hierarchical representation of all the work required to accomplish the project’s objectives, aiding in resource allocation and task management.

Here, you can get your WBS template in Google Sheets and Google Slides .

• Project and portfolio dashboards: These comprehensive visual representations display KPIs, progress, and status for individual projects and the entire project portfolio . They serve as guiding references, helping the project team make informed decisions, monitor achievements, and ensure successful project execution and portfolio management.

Here, you can discover up to 200 PowerBI reports for your project and portfolio activities.

• Project Statement of Work: This comprehensive document defines the project’s scope, objectives, and deliverables in detail. It outlines what each deliverable should achieve and provides the criteria for success, serving as a guiding reference for the project team throughout its execution.

Here, you can get your Project Statement of Work template .

• Project budget management plan: This template outlines the financial aspects of the project, including the allocated budget, cost estimation methods, and cost control measures. 

Here, you can get your project budget management template .

• Gantt chart: This chart visually represents the project schedule, showing the start and end dates of tasks, milestones, and deliverables. 

You can use PPM Express to create a roadmap for your project.

• Risk register : This template identifies potential risks affecting the project deliverables. It documents each risk’s impact, probability, and mitigation strategies, aiding in proactive risk management and contingency planning.

Here, you can get your risk register template .

• Resource allocation plan: This is a structured document that outlines the allocation and utilization of various resources, including human resources, equipment, and budget, throughout the project. It defines how resources will be distributed to specific project tasks and deliverables, ensuring efficient utilization and optimization of available resources for successful project execution.

Here, you can get your resource allocation plan template .

Now that we understand the importance of basic project documentation and its role in defining deliverables through templates, let’s explore a range of tools specifically designed to aid in efficiently managing project deliverables.

Project management software solutions provide collaborative platforms, communication channels, and organization features, ensuring seamless coordination among team members and stakeholders. 

This section will explore various categories of tools commonly used for managing deliverables in project management, along with examples of software in each category.

Project and portfolio management software

Project management software offers comprehensive platforms to plan, track, and execute projects efficiently. These tools facilitate task management, resource allocation , and progress tracking, making them essential for managing project deliverables.

Example software: Monday.com , Smartsheet , Microsoft Project Online , and MS Project Desktop

In addition to project management tools there are portfolio management platforms. These provide a centralized and integrated environment for project data, allowing stakeholders to monitor project progress, assess risks , and make informed decisions.

Example software: PPM Express , Workfront, OnePlan

Collaboration and communication tools

Collaboration and communication tools enable real-time interaction among team members, fostering efficient collaboration on project deliverables. They facilitate discussions, document sharing, and instant messaging, promoting seamless teamwork.

Example software: Microsoft Teams , Slack, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)

Document management systems

Document management systems offer secure and organized storage for project-related files and deliverables. They ensure easy access, version control, and collaboration on important project documentation.

Example software: SharePoint , Google Drive, Notion, Coda, Microsoft Loop

Issue and bug tracking tools

Issue and bug tracking tools help identify, log, and resolve issues that may arise during project execution. They ensure the timely resolution of problems related to deliverables.

Example software: Jira Software , Bugzilla, Redmine

Reporting and analytics software

Reporting and analytics tools provide insights into project progress and performance related to deliverables. They enable data-driven decision-making and facilitate clear communication with stakeholders.

Example software: Power BI , Tableau, Google Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio)

Having familiarized ourselves with various effective tools for managing project deliverables, let’s focus on valuable tips to enhance the management process further and ensure successful project outcomes.

Effectively managing project outputs is vital for project success and meeting stakeholder expectations. 

To ensure seamless execution and achieve desired outcomes, project managers should adopt efficient strategies. In this section, we will provide valuable tips for successfully managing deliverables in project management:

• Clear scope and alignment: Define a clear scope for each deliverable and ensure alignment with project objectives and stakeholder expectations. This will prevent scope creep and keep the project on track.
• Engage stakeholders early: Involve key stakeholders early in the project to gather their input on deliverables. Regularly communicate progress and seek feedback to make necessary adjustments and ensure buy-in.
• Agile adaptation: Embrace agile project management principles to foster flexibility and adaptability in delivering iterative results. Regularly reassess priorities and adjust deliverables based on evolving project needs.
• Empower collaboration: Encourage effective collaboration among team members to ensure seamless coordination and timely delivery of deliverables. Utilize collaboration tools and hold regular meetings to foster communication.
• Quality assurance and testing: Implement a comprehensive quality assurance process to validate deliverables against established standards. Thoroughly test each deliverable to ensure its functionality and compliance with requirements.

Remember, managing project deliverables requires a well-structured approach, effective communication, and the right tools to streamline project execution.

So, if you want a powerful tool to streamline your project and portfolio deliverables, try PPM Express . This comprehensive project portfolio management platform simplifies deliverable planning, tracking, and reporting. 

Take control of your project deliverables today with PPM Express!

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• Indian J Anaesth
• v.60(9); 2016 Sep

How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

Time and quality management: keeping a project on track

While you are busy with your project research, it is necessary to also pick up the unwritten skills of research. The two biggest challenges for IT and engineering students are usually time management and writing. Setting a series of weekly deliverables is a useful discipline for pacing your work. Supervisors will not typically provide feedback, however you can take a copy to weekly meetings as a discussion point.

Weekly Deliverables for semester 1 of a two-semester project

D1. project title and project description.

• Describe your project in your own words (200-500 words)
• Give the word count

The tasks for the first week are easy tasks to make sure you can access the facilities and are on track with your project selection. It�s like writing a program that says �Hello World!� when you learn a new language.

• A good project description clearly describes the goals of the project and the methods that will be used.
• Look at three previous project reports to get a feel for what is required and the variation between reports.
• Send an email to your supervisor with the Title and Project Description
• Check out the Research wiki ( http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4809/wiki/index.php/Main_Page )

D2. Annotated Bibliography

• Look at the reference formats, APA and IEEE. Choose one of these two. (IEEE is usual for engineering)
• Learn how to use endnote. (For formal methods and mathematicians, latex and bibtex would be preferable.)
• List 5 appropriately formatted references relevant to your project using endnote. At least three must be peer reviewed papers. If you can't find a relevant article, choose something related to the topic.
• Briefly summarizing each article (1-2 sentences) and its relevance to your project (1-2 sentences).
• Email your Annotated bibliography to your supervisor
• Compiling a reference list is a mundane task that should be done throughout the project. Getting the format right early saves valuable time later.
• Endnote is a standard tool. Even though you may not need to use it for your project, you should be familiar with it and able to learn such tools quickly. You can choose any tool for the rest of your project.
• Reading a paper is more that just starting at the beginning and continuing to the end: Read the title and abstract. Predict what the paper will be about. Skim the intro, figures and conclusions. Ask yourself questions as you read. What�s the most relevant result in the paper? Is it relevant to your project? If so, read the whole paper. Summarize the article for your bibliography. Use full sentences and use your own words. It will make writing up your project much more professional and much easier later.
• Reading original references and extracting the relevance for your own research is a skill essential to a good researcher. It can initially take time, but it can be developed and the relevance of a paper extracted very quickly
• Refereed publications include full articles in journals and fully refereed conference papers. They don�t include textbooks, or user manuals.
• Wikipedia and other web pages are not refereed.
• Appropriate formatting means in traditional academic style, as if submitted to a journal or conference.
• http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4809/wiki/index.php/Writing
• http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4809/wiki/index.php/Reviewing
• If you don�t know what format to use, look at the journal or conference where your most important references are from, find their format (usually available in the back cover of the journal or online) and use that format.
• Google and scholar.google.com are often useful. Online journals are ok, provided that they are peer reviewed and published. If you can't tell, assume they are not peer reviewed.
• Unlike Wikipedia, Scholarpedia is moderated, but it is not reviewed. Online tutorials, Wikipedia and scholarpedia can sometimes be useful for learning about a new field, but they can also be biased and sometimes just wrong. The definitive articles for referencing are the peer reviewed ones.
• http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4809/wiki/index.php/CourseFAQ for details of what �peer review� means
• Impact factors are a good way to find out the standing of a conference or journal. E.g. ISI and Citeseer http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4809/wiki/index.php/Impact_factors
• When you summarise, don't copy sentences directly from the paper - that would be plagiarism. Use your own words.
• If the material is so technical that you don�t yet understand it, but you really like the phrasing, type the exact quote into your own notes using quote marks and note the source. Later you will know that you need to quote it or rephrase it when you write your literature review.

D3. Project Plan (Swales 4b)

• Describe the specific aims for your project and the methods to be used, including references if applicable (200-500 words). Define all technical terms. Give the word count
• Summarize the progress made in the first three weeks of the project (200-500 words). Give the word count
• Email your project plan to your supervisor and incorporate their feedback if there is time.

This section will form part of the introduction for your progress report (Swales 4b)

• Look at the methods sections from past project reports, or from relevant journal and conference articles.
• A good description will often have global aims and specific aims.
• Methods in the broadest sense include software engineering, computational modeling , ethnography, surveys, etc. Within each of these general areas, there are more specific details for your particular project � what language, tools, analyses, etc. If you don�t yet know what methods are appropriate, give what details you can and state how you will find out more information and when you will be making those decisions.

D4. Statement of research question and project introduction using Swales format

• State your Research Question (also called the thesis-of-the-thesis). It should be 25-200 words. State the word count
• Write a brief description for each of the sections below (these elaborate on the headings of the Swales format discussed in class in week 3). The total should be 800-1000 words. State the word count (These sections will be useful preparation for writing the introduction section for your project at the end of the year. You may also use them for your progress report.)
• Email your D4 to your supervisor and incorporate their feedback if there is time.

Swales format for writing an Introduction

• State the general topic and make a claim about why it is important.
• Describe what is generally known about this topic.
• State the core ideas in the literature and structure them in a logical sequence.
• Draw conclusions from the literature review by summing up the relevance of the literature review for the project and listing the informed decisions that need to be made.
• List the gaps. That is, given all the research reviewed in Step 2, what is left to be done? An accurate summary of this situation is one of the critical aspects of a project. Are there gaps related to an area that has not been studied, or to a new method that needs developing?
• List possible methods for addressing the gaps. For a large project, usually at least five different approaches are possible. Understanding the breath of questions that could be addressed is a major step in understanding why your project is addressing the gap that it is.
• Select a gap and a methodology for addressing it. A gap can be selected because new technology, theoretical tools or methods have recently become available. It can be constrained by length of time available for the project or by resources available. The gap is frequently large. By appreciating that many approaches would be valid, you can see what aspects you will be able to address with your chosen methodology, and what will be outside the scope of the project. Don�t confuse the gap with your research plan (which is the next Step). It is conceivable that someone else could address the same gap using the same general methodology but design a different specific plan.
• State the overall goals and the specific aims of the research. In an empirical study, the hypothesis is stated here. Make the aims as specific as possible.
• Outline the methods to be followed. A timeline is frequently useful in this section.

Using a standard set of headings (such as Swales) forces you to think about why your project is important, how it relates to past literature and what the gap and aims of your project are. Thinking about these issues deepens your understanding of your research question and guides the plan of your project work. Your won�t necessarily have good answers for all the questions at this stage, but should endeavour either to give the best answer at present, or indicate that the issues are not yet fully known, and sketch how you will find an answer. The questions raise issues that many students in the past have only faced at the final stage of writing.

• D4 requires writing a brief section on each of the areas of Swales. A full introduction is not required at this stage.
• Material from D3 can be used in Swales 4b.
• Bullet point format is ok so long as you use full sentences.
• More details are linked to the wiki copy at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp4809/wiki/index.php/Defining_the_thesis_theme
• Note that D4 differs from the project progress report because it requires specifically addressing each section and has strict word limits.
• Is the title given?
• Is the research question identified?
• Is the word limit for the research question in the range 25-200 words?
• Is each section addressed (minimum 1-2 sentences on each section from 1a to 4b)?
• Is there a clear understanding of the difference between the gap in section 3 and the plan in section 4.
• Is the word count stated?
• Is the word limit for all four sections together appropriate � not too short (min 800 words) and not too long (max 1500 words)

D5. Progress report draft

• Write a draft of your progress report. State the word count.
• Email your draft to your supervisor.
• The aim of the progress report is for the student to crystallize the issues in their project, report on pilot studies and outline a plan for the remainder of the project. It demonstrates the level of understanding of the literature, methodology and plan, and provides a first assessable piece of written work.
• The draft progress report is aimed at ensuring that the major framework and all the components of the report are in place a week in advance, so that the final week can be spent dealing with substantive issues that enable the student to deepen their understanding of the literature, methods and/or plan, as necessary. It is both a time management and a quality management
• The more complete the draft report, the better you will be able to evaluate the balance of all components, and also the better the feedback possible.

o See the assessment at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp6804/assess.pdf

o Checklist: The minimum requirement includes:

• Title, student name and number, supervisor
• Contents showing a clear structure with suitable headings, including at least a first draft of
• Introduction
• Literature review
• References in appropriate format
• Note that you should use the structure as determined by your supervisor. The above structure is one example among many. For example, for one student, the supervisor specified that the sections (with more informative headings) should cover
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Methodology
• Pilot studies
• Plan and timeline for the rest of the project
• Appendices (if needed)
• Don�t include the annotations from the annotated bibliography D3. They were a step on the way to developing a literature review, and should not be included in the progress report or final report.

o For the Introduction, a Swales format is good. But rewrite section 3b much more concisely to focus on your specific gap and include appropriate (project specific headings). For the project proposal, you need to describe your specific project.

Question: Can D4 be used in the D5 Progress Report draft? Is it appropriate to use it? Answer: D4 and the Intro to D5 cover similar but not identical information. You are welcome to use the same material in both, keeping in mind that they have slightly different requirements:

• D4 required specific sections and had a word limit which allowed you to see more clearly the relationship between each section. The Progress Report introduction may be much longer and may also integrate the D4 sections into a single section.
• In D4, Section 2 included just the main points. For many projects, the full literature review in the Progress report would be much more detailed and the section in the introduction will include forward references to the literature review where appropriate.
• In the D5 introduction, the gap section from D4 (Section 3) will need condensing down to just the main issues. In thinking about the project for D4, you needed to consider all the wider options to ensure that you can justify why your approach is appropriate. D5 is the point where you condense that down to your project.

Project Progress report (final)

Marked by supervisor as part of project.

� See the assessment at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~comp6803/ , http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~engg4801/

D6. Elevator Pitch

An �elevator pitch� is a brief description of the motivation and aims of your project. Imagine you have walked into an elevator with the chairman of the Faculty Research committee, who comments that the committee is looking for interesting research to fund in the coming months. He or she then asks what your project is about. It�s not a long elevator ride - you have 30 seconds to get the message of your project across. What would you say? That 30-second message is called an elevator pitch.

• Write an elevator pitch for your project (aim for a message that takes you about 30 seconds to say talking at normal speed). State the word count.

The aim of the elevator pitch is to practice communicating your work at a different level of detail. A brief time frame forces you to focus on the most important aspects. It prepares you for the poster and demo presentations in semester 2.

• Try explaining your project in non-technical terms to a few people who don�t know your work, and watch their faces to see what explanations are most useful.
• Typically, the first draft takes about 3-5 minutes, which you can hone and polish until the message is very clear and can be communicated well in 30 seconds.
• Elevator pitches are all about the clarity of the communication: give a clear description of the motivation and aims of the project.

D7. Seminar outline and draft of Seminar slides

Prepare a draft of your seminar presentation. This is not intended to be the final perfect presentation, just the planning stage.

• State your name, student number, supervisor and title of your project.
• Length of time for your seminar, giving total time and time for questions.
• Date for your seminar if organized, or approximate date if not yet known
• Number of slides
• Title of your seminar (use your project title if nothing better comes to mind)
• Describe the take home message of your seminar (20-50 words). State the word count.
• Do the slides using Power Point or another presentation format (a rough draft of each slide is ok); or
• List the contents of the slides in text form
• Write five questions that you would like the audience to ask you at the end of your seminar. These questions may be circulated at your seminar so make sure they are ones that you will be able to answer well.
• Email your slides to your supervisor and incorporate their feedback if there is time.

Presenting research effectively in a seminar requires attention to both the content of the research and the delivery. Planning early and thinking about the issues ahead of time allows a speaker to consider a variety of options for communicating the main point, and then plan and refine a talk. Drafting the talk before polishing the slides is effective time management, since no time is wasted polishing slides that are not likely to be part of the final performance.

• The �take-home message� is the one thing that you want your audience to remember.
• A seminar is a professional communication task. The skill of effectively presentation of technical material can be learned. Like all skills, it improves with training and practice.
• Choose five questions that will make you look intelligent, reveal how much you understand about your research area, and/or allow you to highlight the main points.

D8. Description of preliminary results or pilot studies

• Describe the progress made on the substance of the project to date, including description of pilot studies, code written etc. (300-500 words). State the word count
• If your project includes writing software, state the backup system you are using and other software engineering tools.
• Email your D8 to your supervisor and incorporate their feedback if there is time

Efforts at this stage of semester are often directed towards the seminar, but you also need to be making progress on the substance of the project.

• Good time management is useful for keeping a project on track.

Half Time Seminar

Marked by supervisor as part of project. �

• Make sure your presentation has your name, student number and project title clearly displayed.
• To create a pdf from a powerpoint presentation, <print> → select pdf printer → select <print what> handouts - 6 slides per page

D9. Description of Research Methodology and Analysis or evaluation techniques

• Clearly describe the planned methodology for your project. Use diagrams where relevant. This should be in a form that may be directly useful for your final project report (minimum 300 words)
• Describe the results you intend to collect and the form in which they will be collated. Use tables or graphs to show the relevant variables or axes. (minimum 300 words)
• Clearly describe the analysis or evaluation techniques that are relevant to your project. Refer to particular analyses in the literature, and where relevant include specific diagrams that you will be using as a model for your own project. (minimum 200 words)
• State all word counts.
• Email your D9 to your supervisor and incorporate their feedback if there is time.

The time to think about methodology, collation of results, and analyses or evaluation is when studies are first designed. This information is important both for the planning stages of research, and also for the presenting your work in the seminar. The depth of your thinking about these issues at this stage of the research will be reflected in the final quality of your project in semester 2.

• �Methodology� covers all the procedures that are followed in a field in order to discover new information. In some fields it might involve mathematical proofs, in another it might be neural network simulations, in another it might be extreme programming. �Methodology� covers the general case, and �Methods� are the specific application of a methodology to your project.
• �Results� are the indisputable numbers or the facts that are observed.
• �Analysis or evaluation� is how to turn the observed facts into meaningful knowledge. For example, when comparing two algorithms, the results might be their recorded performance on a set of tasks. Analysis might include a statistical test to determine if the performances were statistically different. For a classifier, analysis might include generating a ROC curve.

D10. Project Review, Plan and Timeline for remainder of project

• Project Review: Think about what you know and/or have learned this semester about how to do research and about your research project over the last 13 weeks. Write 500-1000 words about the process of the research you have done so far this semester. Give the word count.
• Plan and timeline: Provide a detailed plan of the project tasks to be done. Provide a Gantt chart of the tasks and estimated duration for each task (week-by-week) until project completion. Include time to write the project report, seeking and incorporating feedback, and preparing and delivering the demo or poster. Mark when there are breaks for holidays.
• Email your Plan and Timeline to your supervisor and incorporate their feedback if there is time

Professional researchers learn most of their research skills through practical projects, working with experienced researchers where possible, and learning by trying things and finding out what works for them. Self-reflection is one of the major tools that can be used to improve performance by sifting through experiences to determine things that went well, and are effective for the individual in practice, and places where performance could be improved by deepening technical knowledge or development of personal skills such as writing and time management. Planning research is a skill that is learned primarily through practice.

• Gantt charts are a common tool. Descriptions can be found using any search engine.
• The Project Review is about the research process and not the product. That is, it is about �How you do effective research� and not �what your research produces�
• If you don�t know where to start, consider one or more of the following questions:
• How well has your project gone this semester?
• Are you on track compared to where you thought you would be?
• What went well this semester?
• What didn�t go well?
• The Plan and Timeline should provide sufficient detail to estimate the time management issues for the rest of the project.
• The Plan and Timeline requires thinking about next semester. What will you focus on for your project and what is the core path to completing the project successfully?

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• Project management |
• Project deliverables: What are they in ...

Project deliverables: What are they in project management?

Every project has an objective. Whether you’re making some updates to your website or building the next Eiffel Tower, you and your team are working towards something. Ultimately, running a successful project means having something to show for it at the end of the project’s timeline, whether that’s a tangible thing—like a new product or an ebook—or an intangible thing—like a decrease in customer churn or increase in NPS score.

That “thing” you’re working towards is a deliverable. Knowing what your deliverables are and clearly communicating those deliverables to your team and stakeholders can help you hit your project objectives. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to identify, set, and achieve your project deliverables.

What is a project deliverable?

Project deliverables are the output you expect to have at the end of your project. Deliverables can be anything—a new product, marketing campaign, feature update, a sales deck, a decrease in churn, or an increase in NPS score, just to name a few. Your project can have one or more deliverables, but clearly identifying what you’re working towards can help your team align and prioritize tasks in order to get their most important work done.

Deliverables vs. project objectives

Your  project objectives  will help you set your project deliverables, but project objectives are broader than your deliverables. When you define your project objectives, you’re also capturing the benefits and outcomes you expect from those deliverables, especially as they relate to the grander scheme of your project goals and business objectives.

Example of a project objective:  Increase company security by introducing SSO and two-factor authentication.

Example of a deliverable:  Onboard the entire company onto new SSO service.

Deliverables vs. project milestones

Milestones are checkpoints you expect to hit during your project. They represent the accomplishment of a significant body of work, but they happen during—not at the end of—your project. Think of your  project milestones  as the building blocks that help you hit your project deliverables.

Example of a deliverable:  Roll out new brand marketing campaign across paid social media, YouTube ads, and print.

Example of a project milestone:  Hire agency for creative production.

The two types of project deliverables

In order to hit your deliverables, it’s important to know what type of deliverable you’re working towards. This will impact how you format and actually hand off the deliverables once the project is finished. There are two types of deliverables, and the type of project you’re working on will determine which type of deliverable you’re working towards.

External deliverable

This is probably what you think of when you hear “project deliverable.” External deliverables are anything you’re producing for clients, like a product or new feature, a social media or marketing campaign, or a sales deck. External deliverables will help you win or maintain your customer base.

Internal deliverables

An internal deliverable, as the name suggests, is something that benefits your company but may not directly impact your customers. This includes things like a company training course or a quarterly budget report. If your project’s end-user is your company, then you’re probably working on an internal deliverable.

5 tips to manage and track your deliverables

1. clearly define your deliverables.

Before you can hit your project deliverables, you first need to know what they are. Aim to create your project deliverables while you’re creating your project plan and defining your project objectives. That way, your team has a clear sense of what they’re working towards from the very onset of the project, as well as a defined roadmap of how you’re going to get there.

To define your project deliverables, start by asking yourself a few questions:

What is this project trying to achieve?

What does “success” look like for this project?

Are we delivering internal or external deliverables?

What is the end result we want to deliver to the external client or internal team?

2. Share your deliverables with key stakeholders

Knowing your project deliverables won’t be helpful if you don’t have buy-in from key stakeholders. Make sure you surface your deliverables effectively and frequently to any key stakeholders so everyone is on the same page. If you haven’t already, share your  project plan  with them, so they have a way to access your most important project information.

3. Coordinate work with visual project management tools

In order to hit your project deliverables, you need to effectively track your team’s work so you know exactly who’s doing what by when. To do that, you need a central source of truth. With  project management software , your entire team has a way to track and execute work, so they know exactly who’s doing what by when. That way, you can share the objective of the project and also track the work your team is doing in real-time.

There are three main types of  visual project management :

Kanban boards  help you visualize work moving through stages. In a Kanban board, work is displayed in a project board that is organized by columns. Individual tasks—which are represented as visual cards on the board—move through the columns until they’re completed. With Kanban boards, you can get at-a-glance insight into how you’re progressing towards your project deliverables based on where each individual task stands in your Kanban board.

To view your project in a timeline, use  Gantt charts . Gantt charts are a bar chart-like view, where tasks are represented as horizontal bars on the bar chart. That way, you can not only see when a task is due, but how long it should take to complete. Track complex processes, like product launches or event planning, with Gantt charts.  Gantt chart software  also usually has a way for you to visualize project milestones more effectively. With a Gantt chart, you can track exactly where you are in your project timeline, and how you’re tracking towards your deliverables.

Use a  project calendar  to see your entire month’s work laid out in one central view. As the name suggests, a project calendar looks similar to a traditional calendar, and you can easily drag and drop tasks onto the correct due date. Project calendars are a great way to track monthly production, like an editorial calendar or a  social media content calendar . This type of visual project management can help you make sure you’re hitting all of your important daily tasks in order to hit your deliverables at the end of the project timeline.

4. Keep your team up to date with status reports

A  project status report  is a timely update with high-level information about how you’re progressing towards your project deliverables. That way, you can align with your team on whether or not you’re on track to hit your deliverables. If you aren’t, you can course correct before it’s too late—instead of reaching the end of your project timeline and scrambling to get your deliverables done.

At Asana, we recommend sending weekly or bi-weekly reports to keep your team aligned on your project objectives and deliverables. Project status reports are also a great way to share the big picture with project stakeholders who may not be following the project’s day to day work.

The best way to share a project status update is to do it in the same place where you’re tracking your work. Instead of spending time manually collecting data from a variety of sources, look for a  work management tool  that offers reporting and status features, so you can get real time insight with the click of a button.

5. Measure success when you finish your project

Hopefully, you’ve hit all of your project deliverables. But even if you did, it’s still important to gather metrics and evaluate the success of your overall project. Did you hit your deliverables but overshoot on your project schedule? Did you hit your deliverables easily with time and resources to spare? If you were working on an external deliverable, how did external stakeholders react? Take some time to debrief with your project team so you can bring any learnings into the next time you create and manage project deliverables.

Project deliverable examples

The deliverable you create will depend on your project objectives and your  project plan . Your deliverable should be reasonable for your project scope—in other words, don’t aim to deliver something you’d never be able to accomplish within the project timeline or with the resources you have. Writing a great project deliverable can help you build a successful project and hit your goals. Here are a few common projects and realistic deliverables for each one.

Marketing campaign plan

Type of deliverable:  External deliverable

Example external deliverable:  One 60-second live-action video, formatted for YouTube.

Type of deliverable:  Internal deliverable

Example internal deliverable:  Robust sales and operations planning detailing inbound and outbound sales strategy, revenue targets, target customers, and sales tooling for FY22.

Usability testing plan

Example external deliverable:  Complete usability testing session with at least 20 participants on August 4th.

Product marketing launch

Example external deliverable:  Promotion of new product features via social, web, and PR.

Company event planning

Example internal deliverable:  Virtual company holiday party on December 18th.

How Deputy improves company alignment with Asana

Deputy  makes workforce planning simpler for employers by enabling them to easily create rosters and track hours worked. It also benefits employees by allowing them to use an app to clock hours and swap shifts. Organizations of all sizes—from SMBs to large enterprises—use Deputy, including Amazon, Aesop, Nike, Messina, and Reliant Healthcare.

Managing technology on a large-scale is tricky at the best of times, but throw in lack of standardization and things can get chaotic. At Deputy, teams were using different work management tools, causing information silos, miscommunication, and lost data. These inefficiencies reduced transparency into projects and deliverables across the company.

Deputy’s solution to this problem was to consolidate all of their workforce management tools. Only one tool would be used company-wide, making collaboration easier and increasing transparency across the business. Deputy chose Asana because it met the company’s needs and offered the best user experience.

It’s been a relief having everything in one place. Asana makes it much easier for us to ensure everyone is rowing in the same direction.”

Asana is now used company-wide at Deputy by different departments:

Marketing  uses  Asana Forms  for project intake requests and manages all of their campaigns in the platform. This has made collaboration within the team easier.

Customer support  tracks article development for the Deputy help center to ensure all topics are comprehensively covered.

Customer success  manages customer deployments in Asana so timelines and responsibilities are clear.

Finance and other corporate teams  rely on the platform to manage their recurring work, like end of month close, and large projects.

Project Management Office (PMO)  tracks big projects like compliance and office relocations. Asana tasks ensure no detail is missed.

Corporate engineering  plans their quarterly and monthly sprints in Asana and manages projects, like deploying Zendesk for the customer support team, in the tool.

Overall, Asana has created a single source of truth that enables transparency into work happening across the company and ensures every department is moving in the same direction. Increased visibility across projects and deliverables has also improved trust, which is especially important in today's remote work environment where  59% of employees work asynchronous hours .

With Asana, team members can easily see what everyone is working on in real time and when they can expect those deliverables to be completed. When work is finished, all an employee needs to do is mark a deliverable as complete for the right people to be notified—no email needed. This has helped drive efficiency across the organization because responsibilities, deliverables, and deadlines are clear.

To learn more about how the Deputy team uses Asana company-wide,  read the full case study .

Hit project deliverables every time

It’s a good feeling when you achieve what you wanted to—and hitting your project deliverables is no different. Ultimately, achieving your project deliverables comes down to setting and communicating clear objectives, and then tracking your objectives during the course of your project. To give your team clarity and visibility into work, try a work management tool.

Asana is a work management tool designed to help teams stay in sync, hit their deadlines, and reach their goals. Learn more about  Asana .

Related resources

15 project management interview questions, answers, and tips

Critical path method: How to use CPM for project management

Unmanaged business goals don’t work. Here’s what does.

How Asana uses work management to drive product development

Developing a Research Plan

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T1 - The Role of Deliverables in Project Work

AU - Rogers, Priscilla

AU - Pawlik, Lisa

AU - Shwom, Barbara L

PY - 2015/3

Y1 - 2015/3

N2 - This study examined the role of deliverables in knowledge-intensive project work. Organizational genre studies, composition research, and object theory suggest that project deliverables (such as contracting documents, status updates, and final presentations) play a more comprehensive role in work activities than is examined to date. To explore this role we collected 1009 surveys from individual members of 214 teams after they completed initial, midpoint, and final deliverables during 7-14 week projects for diverse organizations. Scaled questions asked respondents to associate or disassociate deliverables with project activities; open-ended questions solicited information on value, learning, and client feedback. We also conducted 28 targeted interviews and participant observations of 35 projects. Findings show that deliverables serve three critical functions: operating as genres they control work by providing expectations for content, sequence, and timing; as drafts-being-composed they facilitate knowledge creation; as material objects they enable collaboration within and across groups. We elaborate these control, compose, and collaborative functions as the 3C Framework and explore implications for project management.

AB - This study examined the role of deliverables in knowledge-intensive project work. Organizational genre studies, composition research, and object theory suggest that project deliverables (such as contracting documents, status updates, and final presentations) play a more comprehensive role in work activities than is examined to date. To explore this role we collected 1009 surveys from individual members of 214 teams after they completed initial, midpoint, and final deliverables during 7-14 week projects for diverse organizations. Scaled questions asked respondents to associate or disassociate deliverables with project activities; open-ended questions solicited information on value, learning, and client feedback. We also conducted 28 targeted interviews and participant observations of 35 projects. Findings show that deliverables serve three critical functions: operating as genres they control work by providing expectations for content, sequence, and timing; as drafts-being-composed they facilitate knowledge creation; as material objects they enable collaboration within and across groups. We elaborate these control, compose, and collaborative functions as the 3C Framework and explore implications for project management.

M3 - Working paper

BT - The Role of Deliverables in Project Work