Learning Objectives: The students are expected to:

 define what a concept paper is;

 comprehend various kinds of concept papers;
 identify situations in which a concept paper may be effectively used to improve our society; and
 determine the ways a writer can elucidate on a concept by definition, explication and clarification.

Topic 1: Ways or Strategies of Developing Ideas or Concepts

1. Absence Thinking: Think about what is not there.

2. Art streaming: Keep creating until you get through the blocks.
3. Assumption Busting: Surfacing and challenging unconscious assumptions.
4. Attribute Listing: Listing attributes of objects and then challenging them.
5. Brainstorming: The classic creative method for groups.
6. Challenge: Challenge any part of the problem.
7. Delphi Method: Explore ideas or gain consensus with remote group.
8. Forced Conflict: Using conflict to stimulate the subconscious.
9. Guided Imagery: Letting your subconscious give you a message.
10. Incubation: Letting the subconscious do the work.
11. The Kipling method (5W1H): Ask simple questions for great answers.
12. Lateral thinking: Thinking sideways to create new ideas.
13. Nominal Group Technique: Getting ideas with minimal personal interaction.
14. Pause: Think more deeply for a minute.
15. Provocation: Shake up the session by going off.
16. PSI: Problem + Stimulus = Idea!
17. Remembrance: Remembering solutions not yet discovered.
18. Reversal: Looking at the problem backwards.
19. Reverse Brainstorming: Seek first to prevent your problem from happening.
20. Rubber-ducking: Get someone else to listen to your talk.
21. Take a break: When creativity is fading.
22. Unfolding: Gradually unfolding the real problem from the outside.
23. Value Engineering: Deep analysis to understand and innovate in areas of key value.
24. Visioning: Creating a motivating view of the future.
25. Wishing: State ideas as wishes to expand thinking.

Topic 2: Concept

What is a concept paper?

Writing or developing the concept paper is often the first act of transforming a creative or worthwhile idea
into a reality. The concept paper is one of the three key components to beginning a funded project design.
The other two key components are developing the budget and finding the funding sources.

What is the importance of a concept paper?

Concept papers are summaries of projects or issues that reflect the interests, experiences and expertise of the
writer or organization. Concept papers generally serve the purpose of providing in-depth discussion of a
topic that the writer has a strong position on, usually with the intent of obtaining funding for that project
from donors. The terms "concept paper" and "proposal" are often used interchangeably as they can be used
for the same function. The concept paper may also be used as an instructional tool that may have developed
as a result of extensive research, committee input and/or as a result of the outcome of a current project. In
addition to providing guidance for implementation of a program, a concept paper could also discuss best
practices, philosophies and other related issues that the writer believes action should be taken on in the near
future.

What are the different kinds or types of concept paper and their uses?
The concept paper, sometimes called a prospectus, preliminary proposal, or pre-proposal, is a useful tool for
several purposes.

Purpose Type of Description

Concept Paper
It helps clarify and organize ideas in a written form and provides the
basis for a funding search. From the concept paper, an individual is
able to develop any number of grant applications for the same idea.
Simultaneous submissions, applying to several funding agencies at
Grant one time, are not only acceptable, sometimes it is encouraged by
For Applications or funding agencies and others. Additionally, it can give a potential
funding Grant Concept sponsor advance notice of the idea you wish to pursue as well as to
Paper inform colleagues about your intentions.
Sometimes a funding agency will ask for an abbreviated, one- to two-
page paper (concept paper) or prospectus of the project or program.
 Some agencies require that a preliminary proposal or letter of inquiry,
briefly describing the proposed idea, be submitted for review before a
formal proposal is invited. Use the concept paper or parts of it that fit
the funding agency criteria.
A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a
worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and
the work-plan to complete it. Generally, a research proposal should
contain all the key elements involved in the research process and
include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed
study.
For Research Regardless of your research area and the methodology you choose, all
approval Proposal research proposals must address the following questions: What you
of an plan to accomplish, why you want to do it and how you are going to
intended do it.
research The proposal should have sufficient information to convince your
readers that you have an important research idea, that you have a
good grasp of the relevant literature and the major issues, and that
your methodology is sound.
The quality of your research proposal depends not only on the quality
of your proposed project, but also on the quality of your proposal
writing. A good research project may run the risk of rejection simply
because the proposal is poorly written. Therefore, it pays if your
writing is coherent, clear and compelling.
A business proposal is perhaps one of the most critical documents you
Obtain Business need to learn how to write. It is what spells the difference between
Jobs or Proposal success and failure, whether you’re a freelancer or you have a
business company of your own.
projects A business proposal is a written document sent to a prospective client
in order to obtain a specific job. Proposals may be solicited or
unsolicited. A client may simply request a proposal on a project in the
course of a sales call.

What are the parts and format of a concept paper?

Note: See attached pdf file “Writing_Concept_Paper” and “Concept Paper Template”.

Concept Paper Template

This is not a prescription. Rather, this is a guide to use as a starting point for your concept
paper. Always follow a sponsor’s guidelines, but in the absence of any direction from the sponsor,
consider using this document as a beginning.
The purpose of a concept paper, from the sponsor’s point of view is to determine if the proposed
project fits with the sponsor’s goals and has a chance for success. The applicant’s purpose in
developing a concept paper is to capture the interest of the funding agency and demonstrate that the
idea she is proposing is worthy of further consideration.
Concept papers should be clear and concise. Keep to fewer than five pages--three pages if
possible. Obviously, use a font large enough not to strain the eyes and avoid the use of industry-
specific jargon if submitting to a sponsor who may not be dedicated to your field.

Concept Paper Outline

Introduction
You want the sponsor to be interested in reading the whole concept paper so try to gain the reader’s
interest. You need to demonstrate that you understand the mission of the funding agency and the
types of projects that they support. Identify how the missions of your project/WCW and the funding
agency mesh. Describe any partner agencies that will be involved and their interest in the
project. Next describe the question, problem or need to be addressed.

Purpose
Briefly provide supporting documentation for the importance of addressing this question, problem or
need. If you have statistical data, use it. Cite significant and compelling sources. Why does this
project matter? Make sure that you cite or refer to what others have accomplished relative to your
project.

Project Description
Concisely describe what you plan to do, your approach, who benefits and potential impacts.

Goals and Objectives/Research Questions

Outline your goals, objectives and research questions. Goals are simply a clearer statement of the
vision, specifying the accomplishments to be achieved if the vision is to become real. The target
objectives are clearer statements of the specific activities required to achieve the goals. A goal is
statement describing a broad or abstract intent, state or condition. An objective is a statement of
measurable outcomes that relate to the goal.

Methodology and Timelines

How will the project be carried out? Make sure you have connected goals and objectives to your
methodology/timeline. In many cases a table or visual in this section helps.

Benefits/Anticipated Outcomes
Who benefits? What are the outcomes to be expected? How are the results disseminated? How does
the project/research add new knowledge to the field?

Support Needed & Costs

State the total dollar amount and general idea of type of support needed--usually a detailed budget is
not required at this stage and in some circumstances you may leave this section out all together.

Contact Information
Name, Contact info, e-mail, telephone, website

Concept Paper Format

 Introduction
 Purpose
 Project Description
 Goals and Objectives/Research Questions
 Methodology and Timelines
 Benefits/Anticipated Outcomes
 Support Needed & Costs
 Contact Information