1. Capstone Project Proposal

2. Basic Elements of Project Proposal
1. Capstone topic
Title of your project
A working title
A subtitle (i.e. research question)
2. A Client
3. Issue Diagnosis
Statement of Problem (including a definition of the problem)
4. Specific research question
5. Objective of the project
A clear statement of purpose (“The purpose of this project is…”)

3. “There is nothing new under the sun” Ecclesiastes 1:9

4. 1. Choose A Project Topic
The choice of Capstone topic is deliberately left open to your imagination and available opportunities
You are responsible for identifying your topic
“What is a public policy or public administrative issue that you are interested in?”
For quantitative analysis, not qualitative analysis
For evaluation, not forecasting
Your project topic should address a significant public administration, public policy, nonprofit issue or need, or a need/issue confronting an organization in the public administration, public policy, or nonprofit arena
Inappropriate topic: “What causes death?”
Appropriate topic: “What is an effect of ACA on death rate?”

5. 1. Choose A Project Topic (cont.)
First, to search current issues, you may go the following websites (examples):
The White House website for current issues:
The New York Times, for daily news:
USA. Gov. Channel:
PBS Frontline:
Bill Moyers:
Follow the Money:

6. 1. Choose A Project Topic (cont.)
Second, write about
(1) “What is your policy area?”
For example, “Environmental Policy”
(2) “What is your policy issue (i.e. specific topic or issue)?”
For example, “global warming”
(3) An indication of its significance
“Why are the policy area and issue meaningful to you personally?”
“Why are the policy area and issue you have chosen are important to our community or society?”
(5) “Who would be potential main audiences (such as clients or readers) of your Capstone project paper or report?”

7. 2. Finding A Client (or Client Organization)
Once you identify your general topic, find a client (such as governments, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or interest groups in local**, state*, or federal level)
While you may choose a federal issue, I want you to choose an issue in our local community
The client search is similar to a job search
You may choose your current employer
You may use your Capstone as an opportunity to gain exposure to people and places where you might like to find a position post graduation

8. 3. Issue Diagnosis: Statement of Problem
What are the issues or problems? In other words, what are the claims and evidence of harm (or opportunity)?
Identify the claims of harm or opportunity, and consider the magnitude of the problem
“What is the harm (or opportunity)?” and “what is the magnitude of the harm (or opportunity)?”
What is the evidence regarding causal claims?
Framing of an issue
Action may be taken often requires the development and justification of causal arguments
It is often difficult to identify causation, because your policy issue is a “wicked problem.” If so, what manner did your policy issue involve a “wicked problem?”

9. 4. Research Question
Why is it so important to formulate a good research question?
The research question:
Sets the stage for the whole research paper
Determines the direction of the whole research paper
Determines the outcomes and quality of the paper
To make a good research question, you need to think about several criteria to evaluate whether you have a suitable query
Research questions should be “interesting,” “important,” “brief,” and “doable.” Also, start with one of the appropriate words, such as “What (especially “what is an effect of A on B?),” “Why,” “How,” “To what extent,” or “Under what conditions,” instead of starting with purely descriptive words
I want student to choose “what” question

10. 4. Research Question (cont.)
Interesting: Research questions should make readers want to read your research paper or consulting report
Important: Research questions should be useful to you (at least), scholars, public sector managers, policymakers, politicians, citizen, and your clients (including your current or potential bosses)
Brief: Research questions should be short, direct, and clear
Doable: Research should think of time and data constraints in the beginning stage of research
Starting with appropriate words: Research questions should be “questions”
“What (especially “what is an effect of A on B?)”

11. 5. Objective of the Project
Primary objective of the project
A clear statement of purpose (“The purpose of this project is…”)
“Problem solving” or “amplify opportunities”
Direct and/or indirect (potential) benefits of the project

12. For next In-Class session
Capstone Project Proposal presentation (5:30-6:45)
Bring/turn in one page hard copy of capstone project proposal
Style and format: About words (about one or two pages), single-spaced, Times New Roman font, 11-point font, one inch margins, and page numbers
Prepare “Capstone Project Proposal” presentation slide (i.e. PowerPoint slide): No more than 5 slides