EFAPP HANDOUT #6

Compare and contrast various kinds of concept papers

What is a Concept Paper?

A concept paper enables in putting thoughts and ideas into paper for consideration for
research. It is from the concept paper that one develops the research proposal which can either
be business or academic oriented. Most students usually go directly to the research proposal.
As good as concept paper and research proposal may seem similar, they are different in the
process and presentation. The aim of the concept paper is to capture the thoughts and ideas
while the research proposal captures the ideas in a structured manner for approval to research
(Lango, 2019).
Parts of a Concept Paper
Barrot and Sipacio (2016) claims that concept paper usually ranges from 500 to 2,000
words and is usually divided into several parts. However, they emphasized that the format and
design required by the funding agency needs to be followed. The parts of a concept paper may
also vary depending on the nature of the project/activity. Below are two outlines of a concept
paper based on the context.

Concept Paper for a Project

Use the following structure when you want to propose a certain tangible
project in your discipline.
1. Cover Page
● State the name of the proponents and their affiliations.
● State the addresses, contact numbers, and email addresses of the proponents.
● State the head of the agency and his/her contact information.
● State the date of submission.

2. Introduction
● State the information about the funding agency to show that you understand its mission.
● State the mission of the agency that the proponents represent and align it to the funding
agency’s mission. Also, state the year the proponents’ agency was established, its major
accomplishments, and other details that demonstrate its capability to undertake the proposed
project.
● Present and describe other partner agencies and why they are qualified as such.
● Provide reasons why the funding agency should support the project.

3. Rationale or Background
● State the gap in knowledge to be addressed by the project.
● State the problems to be solved.
● State the project’s significance.

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4. Project Description
● State the goals and objectives of the project.
● Present the methodology (sometimes termed as Action Plan, Project Activities, or Approach)
● Present the timeline expressed in months and year.
● State the benefits or anticipated outcomes.
● State how success of outcomes will be evaluated.

5. Project Needs and Cost

● Outline the main budget; include the item description and amount.
● Explain or justify how the budget will be used.
● List the personnel or equipment needed for the project.

Concept Paper for Academic Research

Use the following structure when you intend to present an idea or a concept for research you
would like pursue.
1. Title Page
● State your research title.
● State your name and school.
● State the date of submission.

2. Background of the Study

● Provide the current state of the field you are researching on.
● State the gap in knowledge and problems to be addressed by the research. Provide statistics
and previous studies to prove your claims.
● State the reasons why you want to investigate on the chosen topic.
● State the theoretical and practical implications of your proposed research.

3. Preliminary Literature Review

● Provide a theoretical framework. This includes the theory that will guide you in the conduct
of your research.
● Provide related literature that supports your topic.
● Provide related studies that will help you in conducting the research or analyzing and
discussing the data.
● Provide a brief synthesis of the reviewed literature and studies.

4. Statement of the Problem/Objectives

● State your general problem in one sentence.
● State your specific research questions or objectives.

5. Abridged Methodology
● Provide the contexts and participants of the study.
● Provide the instruments to be used.
● Provide the data collection procedure.

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● Provide the data analysis scheme to be used.

6. Timeline
● Provide a timeline (e.g. Gantt chart) set in months and year.
7. References
● Provide a list of books, journals, and other resources cited in your paper.

Guidelines in Writing a Concept Paper

Barrot and Sipacio (2016) presented the following guidelines to come up with a well-written
concept paper.

1. Cost and methodology should be reasonable.

2. The budget, methodology, and timeline should be clearly aligned.
3. Use statistics and figures when discussing the rationale for the project.
4. Use no more than five pages (single-spaced) excluding the cover page. Do not overwhelm the
readers with details.
5. Never request funding for planning the proposal.
6. Adjust your language to the intended readers. You may use technical terms if readers are
scholars and scientists. However, refrain from using jargon when your target readers are lay
persons.
7. Include the overview of the budget if it is required. If not, then skip the budget section. In
place of this, you may simply include the type of support you may need such as personnel,
travel and communication, and equipment.
8. Be sure that basic format details, such as page numbers, are incorporated.
9. Cite your references.

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EFAPP HANDOUT # 7

PRESENT A NOVEL CONCEPT OR PROJECT WITH

ACCOMPANYING VISUAL/ GRAPHIC AIDS

Vocabulary Lists:
● Graphic Aids - also visual aids. Can be used interchangeably with the term, visual aids
● Visual Aids - an instructional device (such as a chart, map, or model) that appeals chiefly to
vision (Merriam– Webster Dictionary)
● Concept Paper– a summary of what a project is all about, the reasons for conducting the
project and how it will be carried out.
● Novel - (adjective) new and not resembling something formerly known or used

6 Groups of Graphic/ Visual Aids

Charts
Tables
Graphs
Diagrams
Visual
Maps

Barrot and Sipacio (2016) presents the following as some of the basic rules in adding
diagrams to your text.

1. Determine the purpose of the visual.

2. Evaluate the accuracy and validity of the data.
3. Visuals should be accompanied by clear references within your text
4. Visuals should be placed on the same page as the text references. Complex visuals
should be placed in the page opposite the text reference.
5. Preferably, position the visual vertically.
6. Make your visual as simple and self-explanatory as possible by adding data labels.
7. If the visuals are colored, go for basic contrasting colors which are easy on the eyes,
as much as possible avoid adding patterns and textures as well as neon color.

THE GRAPHICS
CHARTS
Usually, a chart uses lines, boxes, and arrows when presenting data. Its principal purpose
is to show ranks, levels, classifications, and orders.
The two most common charts:
 organizational charts (also called organigram or organogram) which can be found in
many offices, and
 the flow chart that tells about processes, orders, and steps.

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REMINDER:

1. The right size. Charts that are too large in size can be overwhelming. Three charts that are
clear will always be better than one overloaded chart. This way, the audience can take their
time to understand the structure and when they’re ready, they can just check out the other
departments or divisions.
2. The right shapes and colors. Using the same shape for the same level or department can be a
big help for the audience to understand the organization better. This rule also goes to the use
of colors.
3. The right information. Additional information about the staff such as contact information,
location, and specialties is also a way to help readers get a full advantage of looking at an
organization chart.

USEFUL TIPS:

1. Summarize the entire procedure. Present only the key points and integral steps.
2. Just like in making an organizational chart, it is needed to limit the types of shapes to be
used. Remember that rectangles refer to an event which is a part of the process, while
diamonds show a point where one has to make a decision, oftentimes, responding to a
yes-no question. Lastly, rounded boxes are used to mark the start or end of a process.
3. Legends should be provided when needed.
4. Let the chart flow from left to right or from top to bottom.
5. Keep the flow chart simple and comprehensive

TABLES
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines tables as systematic arrangement of data usually in
rows and columns for ready reference. A row is a list of items presented straight across a table
while a column presents data vertically.
In reading and interpreting a table, it is important that the title was understood since it
is
the primary source as to what the table is about. Whether the data presented are updated or
not, checking will not harm. Since many tables present numerical data, they also have to be
accurate.

GRAPHS

According to reference.com, graphs are meant to be focused on the data in question and how
they trend. They have exact numerical figures shown on axes, usually organized on the left and
bottom of the graph. Common graph types include dot-and-line and bar graphs. Graphs are
most used in analyses and situations that call for raw and exact. Some of the common types of
graphs are: bar, line, pie, and pictograph.

REMINDERS WHEN MAKING A GRAPH

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1. Whether be it a line, a pie, or a bar, limit the number of elements in the graph. Too many
lines, slices, and bars can be confusing to the readers and may present erroneous data
instead.
2. Aesthetics is important so keep the width of the lines, graphs, or pictures consistent.
3. When making a bar graph, spaces between bars may be clearer. However, if the data
to be presented are many and yet essential to be on one graph together, these spaces
may be omitted.
4. Arrange the data logically. Follow a particular sequence (i.e. ascending or descending).
5. Provide legends if necessary.

DIAGRAMS

A drawing that shows arrangements and relations is called a diagram. Merriam- Webster
Dictionary also defines diagram as a graphic design that explains rather than represents. The
Venn Diagram is probably one of the most popular types of diagram due to its simplicity yet
ability to summarize details.

VISUAL IMAGES

Visual images are pictures or photographs. Providing visual images to reports and concept
papers can surely support and in some cases, add information. If taken well, these images can
likewise add aesthetics to the output.

Reminders in Adding Visual Images to Reports

1. Add only the appropriate and relevant photos. Consider the most suited photos to the topics
discussed. Too many photos can make your report more like a photo album.
2. Lay-outing is important. It means how the images shall be positioned on the paper. It has to
be near the part that it supports or add information to.
3. The quality of the photo should also be considered. They have to be clear, clean, and
comprehensible so a blurry photo is a big NO.
4. Taking photos can be difficult. Help should always come in handy if there are friends and
acquaintances who are passionate about photography or photojournalism. The angles, light
exposure, and perspectives are just some of the technicalities. However, downloading photos
from the internet will save time and effort but never forget to give credits.

MAPS

Maps can be common addition to reports especially when presenting data about places
or areas. Since maps are usually presented with numerical data, using them can somehow
break
the monotony of numbers in a presentation.