English for Academic and Professional Purposes

In this lesson, the student on his own and in the long run will be able to:

1. Define what a concept paper is and identify its uses and structure;

2. Determine the ways a writer can elucidate on a concept;

3. Compare and contrast various kinds of concept paper;

4. Present a novel concept or project with accompanying visuals/graphic aids.

   CONCEPT PAPER DEFINED A concept paper is a summary document of a project proposal that tells what the project is all about, the reasons for conducting the project and how it will be carried out. This paper also provides an overview of the project, and help funding agencies eliminate proposals that are likely to be disapproved.

   It has several uses:
    Serves a foundation of the full proposal
    Determines whether the project is feasible or not
    Piques the interest of the potential funding agencies
    Obtains informal feedback on the ideas prior to preparing the full proposal.
    Helps in addressing social issues which plague our society.

PARTS OF A CONCEPT PAPER
The parts of a concept paper may also vary depending on the nature of the project/activity
when it is used in a specific discipline. Below are the two outlines of a concept paper based on the
context.

Concept Paper for a Project

Use the structure below when you want to propose a certain tangible project in your discipline.

• Cover Page contains

  • Proponent’s name

  • Proponent’s contact number, email address

  • Proponent’s agency

  • Date of submission

• Introduction contains

  • Short description of proponent’s agency, major accomplishments and capability to undertake the proposed project.
  • Reasons why the funding agency should support the project

• Rationale or Background contains

  • State the problem to be solved
  • State the project’s significance

• Project Description contains

  • Objective of the project
  • Methodology (Action Plan)
  • Timeline
  • Anticipated outcome
  • How the outcome will be evaluated

• Project Needs and Cost contains

  • Budget, item description and amount
  • Personnel or equipment needed

Concept Paper for Academic Research

• Use the structure below when you intend to present an idea or concept for a research you want to pursue. 

  • Title Page contains
  • Research title
  • Name and school
  • Date of submission

• Background of the Study contains

  • State the field you are researching on
  • State the problems to be addressed by the research, provide statistics and previous studies to prove your claim
  • Reasons in conducting the research
  • Theoretical and practical implications

• Preliminary Literature Review contains

  • Provide theoretical framework
  • Provide major related literature review at least 5
  • Provide brief synthesis of the reviewed literature and studies.

• Statement of the Problem/Objectives contains

  • State the general problem in one sentence
  • State your specific research questions of objectives.

• Methodology contains

  • Context and participants of the study
  • Instruments to be used
  • Data collection procedures
  • Data analysis scheme to be used

• Timeline contains

  • Duration of the research (Gantt chart)

• Reference contains

  • List of books, journals, and other resources cited in your paper