Posted by: Alex Liberzon | April 13, 2008

Use his questions when you write a proposal

Heilmeier’s Catechism

A set of questions credited to Heilmeier that anyone proposing a
research project or product development effort should be able to answer.

  • What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
  • How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
  • What’s new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
  • Who cares?
  • If you’re successful, what difference will it make?
  • What are the risks and the payoffs?
  • How much will it cost?
  • How long will it take?
  • What are the midterm and final “exams” to check for success?

George H. Heilmeier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Heilmeier’s Catechism

A set of questions credited to Heilmeier that anyone proposing a research project or product development effort should be able to answer.

* What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
* How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
* What’s new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
* Who cares?
* If you’re successful, what difference will it make?
* What are the risks and the payoffs?
* How much will it cost?
* How long will it take?
* What are the midterm and final “exams” to check for success?

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