Academic Writing

How to consider a project

Contents
Definition.................................................................................................................... 1
Examples.................................................................................................................... 1
Project life-cycle......................................................................................................... 2
Project processes........................................................................................................ 2
Example Research project........................................................................................ 2
1. Context................................................................................................................ 2
2. Objectives........................................................................................................... 3
3. Impact................................................................................................................. 4
4. Research Methodology........................................................................................ 5
5. Resources and budget......................................................................................... 7
Example Business Plan............................................................................................ 8

Definition
A project is a temporary activity undertaken in order to create a unique product, service or
result.

A project is temporary in the sense that it has a definit beginning and end.

A project can create:

- a product
- a service or a capability to perform a service
- an improvement in the existing product or service
- a result (an outcome, a document)

Examples
Examples of projects include:
- Developing a new product, service, or result

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- Implementing a change in the structure, processes, staff of an organization
- Developing or acquiring a new or modified information system (hardware or software)
- Conducting a research work
- Constructing a building, industrial plant or infrastructure
- Implementing, improving existing business processes and procedures

Project life-cycle
Projects can be quite complex. All projects have the following phases:
- Starting the project
- Organizing and preparing
- Carrying out the work
- Closing the project

Project processes
- Initiation
- Planning
- Executing
- Monitoring and controlling
- Closing

Example Research project

1. Context

Background:
- Why it is important to address the topic of the project?
- The importance of the issue from scientific, technological, socio-economic or cultural point of
view.
- The limitations of current approaches by analyzing the state of the art of the knowledge related
to the project topic

Problem (problem statement):

From the Context/Background stated above, it should be clear what are the general problems /
issues. We should say that we select only one of these problems, to address within our project.

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- What is the problem the project wants to solve?
- Why it is mandatory to address (and solve this problem now, through this project (and not next
year or later..)?
- What are the elements of difficulty of the problem (issue)?
- What is the project topic?

State of the art (literature review):

Here should be listed several concepts, then a state of the art for each concept (with
references). At the end of this section, a table with the progress beyond the state of the art
brought by our project. For example:
Concept 1: (I fantasize here..) Euro zone. .... What is the knowledge at this moment about this
concept? References.
Concept 2: New member states and the adoption of Euro. What is the knowledge at this
moment about this concept? References.
Etc.

2. Objectives

Main objective:
The goal of the project (This should be formulated as the response to the problem identified
above. It should be formulated using verbs as increasing, solving, enhancing, reducing...
you got the idea... something measurable..

Specific objectives:
Not more than 2 (or 3) specific scientific objectives (They should be formulated in such a way, it
becomes clear that their achievement will lead to the accomplishment of the main objective.)

Progress beyond the state of the art:

The elements of originality and innovation that the implementation of the objectives brings to the
field, in relation to the state of the art of the knowledge and related to previous projects
implemented by the applicant.

Progress beyond the state of the art (I suggest the following table):

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 Progress beyond
Where in our project
Existing knowledge the existing state of
Concept this new knowledge
(state of the art) the art brought by
will be achieved
our project
Concept 1: Euro .... .... WP1.
.... (workpackage)...
WP3. ...
D1.1. (deliverable) ...
D3.1
D3.3
Concept 2: New ... .... WP1. ...
member states and .... WP2. ...
the adoption of Euro. D1.3
D1.4
D2.1
D2.2.
Etc

3. Impact

- The potential to significantly influence the scientific field through new concepts or approaches,
and if necessary, by opening of new themes or research directions.

- Discussing the potential impact of the project in the scientific, social, economic or cultural
environment and/or the applicative directions to be explored within the project (where applicable
for the proposed research direction).

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PROJECT COHERENCE
(PROJECT LOGIC)

4. Research Methodology

Research methodology:
The project logic (see Figure). The methods and instruments of investigation, in relation to the
newest approaches from the theme field, and how they will be integrated

Research Activities to achieve Estimated Results 1:

Research Activities to achieve Estimated Results 2:
- ....
- ....
- ....
- ....
- .....
- .....

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Workplan:
Workpackages and the relation with the Objectives (Pert diagram). Description of workpackages
and tasks. Gantt chart.
For example, Pert diagram can be like this:

WP4
WP3.....
..... WP2 .....

Workpackages (I suggest the following table):

Workpackage Tasks Persons- Deliverables Milestones Risks

month (month of (month of
delivery) verification)
WP1. .... T1.1. ... ... D1.1.a ... (M?) .....
D1.1.b ... (M?)
T1.2. ... ... D1.2. ....
T1.3. ... ... M1. ... (M?)
WP2. .... T2.1. ... ... D2.1. ... (M?)
T2.2. ... ... D2.2. .. (M?)
Etc. ......
.....
Gantt chart
For example:
Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12
Workpackage 0
WP1. ....

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Task 1.1.
Task 1.2.
WP2. ...
Task 2.1.
Task 2.2.
Etc.
...

5. Resources and budget

- There will be presented the relevant existing resources for the project implementation, as well
as the neccessary resources, which will be procured within the project.
- There will be also presented the estimation of the time allocated for the project by each team
member, in units months/member.
- There must be described in detail the existing research infrastructure and laboratories where
research will be made and how they could support the research activities presented in the
project.
- When new equipment will be procured with a value higher than 60,000 lei (price that includes
VAT) is necessary to include a justification of the role of such equipment within the project.
- The budget breakdown by type of expenditure and calendar years must also be detailed and
justified. The types of expenses that are distributed in the budget are: personnel, logistical,
travel and indirect expenses (overhead).

Budget Breakdown (euro, for the whole project)

Total budget
Budget chapter (expenses)
2017 - 2019
Personnel
Logistical
Travel
Indirect
TOTAL

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Budget Breakdown (lei):
Budget chapter 2017 2018 2019 Total
(expenses) (lei) (lei) (lei) (lei)
Personnel
Logistical
Travel
Indirect
Total

Example Business Plan

Executive Summary
- The market
- Services
- Competitive edge
1. Mission and Objectives
- Mission
- Keys to success
- Objectives
2. Company summary
- Company ownership
- Start-up summary
- Deliverables and milestones
3. Services
4. Market analysis
- Market segmentation
- Target market segment strategy
- Service business analysis
- Competition and buying patterns
5. Strategy and implementation summary
- Competitive edge
- Marketing strategy
- Sales strategy
- Sales forecast
- Milestones
6. Web plan summary
- Website marketing strategy
- Development requirements

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7. Management summary
- Personnel plan
8. Financial Plan
- General assumptions
- Projected profit and loss
- Projected casj flow
- Projected balance sheet
Appendix

End of document

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