What Is a concept paper?
Just like a
research proposal, a concept paper is
document that summarizes a project matters i.e. the interests, understandings
or proficiency of an individual author or organization. In essence, it summarizes
a research project. It is a brief document whose length depends on program in
question. In sum, a concept paper demonstrates the purpose of a research project.
How to write a concept paper.
Before
articulating the steps to writing a concept paper, there is need to highlight
the purpose of a concept paper. This is to persuade donors, colleagues,
superiors in your area of assignment the relevance of your project. Hence,
always ‘speak in their language.’ It means ensuring your capture your readers
attention through prose, writing style and professional terms relevant to the
project and area of study.
For instance, you can use an intriguing statistic in your
introductory sentence that is both in line with what you are proposing as well
as factual
You can
also develop a title that captures the reader’s attention and draws their
desire to read further on
Therefrom,
follow the following steps;
i.
Establish your resolve to write
Write about your
project goals and express the interlinkage between your goals and the sponsor’s
or donor’s line of work.
ii.
Describe the problem
Outline the
problem, how you came to know if its existence and how you intend to solve it.
iii.
Outline why the problem is of concern
This is putting
your project in its context. Include statistics and current issues to support
the importance of your project. Depending on the nature of your project,
personal stories are also included. They are all intended to prove the
extremity and extent of the problem thus the need for your solution
iv.
Explain your concept and its workings
This is the
implementation plan or formula of your solution. How will your solution be
introduced to the intended market. For instance awareness raising and capacity
building. If your solution involves the invention of a device, then a prototype
is needed. If your project involves a further investigation of the problem,
then express your investigation plan.
v.
Express the unique nature of your concept
Your project
needs to be set apart from existing projects. It should offer better solutions
and include better plans if not completely innovative and creative ones.
vi.
Include output measures you will use to assess
the success of your project
A project
success needs to be measured. Monitoring and evaluation procedures you intend
to use to measure the progress of project as well as outcome need to be included.
vii.
Include a timeline and detailed budget
A project has
phases. Provide a timeline for each phase as well as detailed preliminary budget.
viii.
Project summary
This is a
conclusion to all the information you have detailed in the concept paper in
summary form.
Other factors to
consider include;
·
Your concept
paper should be precise and concise. It should be brief as well as detailed.
·
Use the
necessary vocabulary in the right context
·
Use action-oriented
language by proving your actions are doable and showcasing confidence
·
Include your
contact information