We are continuing our series of articles dedicated to preparing a grant application. Previously, we have already discussed how to draw up a project budget, and looked at the typical mistakes authors make at various stages of preparation. Today, we shall focus on formulating the aim, objectives and expected results of a study – aspects that often cause difficulties and frequently become the reason for a refusal of funding.
The aim and objectives of a grant project
Let us begin with these two aspects, which authors often consider interchangeable. Despite the fact that the aim and objectives of a study are directly related, there is a substantial difference between them.
The aim of a study is the final result that the researcher seeks to achieve within the framework of the entire project. It is formulated in a single sentence, reflects the essence of the scientific problem, and answers the question: "What exactly is to be obtained (proven, developed, substantiated) as a result of the study?"
The objectives of a study are the specific steps that are carried out sequentially in order to achieve the aim. Each objective answers the question: "What specifically needs to be done for the aim to be achieved?"
In other words, the project's objectives derive from its aim: the aim is singular and sets the overall direction of the study, whereas the objectives represent its sequential and measurable unfolding into specific stages. If the aim indicates the expected result, the objectives outline the path towards it.
In order to understand how this principle works in practice, let us consider an example. Imagine that the author formulated the project's aim as follows:
"The aim of the study is to determine the influence of a scholarly journal's indexation in the Scopus database on citation indicators and the academic reputation of the author."
This aim is generalised and encompasses the entire process of the study in a single sentence. To achieve it, the researcher sequentially carries out several more specific actions. These are precisely what become the objectives. For example:
- To analyse the existing criteria for the indexation of journals in Scopus.
- To identify the relationship between the fact of indexation and the dynamics of citation indicators.
- To assess the influence of indexation on the researcher's academic reputation within the selected group.
- To develop recommendations regarding the choice of journal for publication with regard to indexation.
Accordingly, if the author has carried out all the objectives set, this means that the aim of the study has been achieved.
One of the most common mistakes is the use of overly vague formulations when defining the aim and objectives of a study. For example, if the author of an application defines the aim as "studying the peculiarities of the indexation of scholarly journals", the funding body does not receive an answer to the main question: what exactly will be obtained as a result? Such a formulation describes the direction of the study rather than a specific aim.
To check how well the aim has been formulated, one can make use of the SMART system. It comprises five criteria:
- Specific – the aim clearly answers the question of what precisely is planned to be done, by whom, where, and in what manner.
- Measurable – it has indicators against which its achievement can be objectively confirmed (figures, percentages, timeframes, etc.).
- Achievable – the aim is realistic given the available resources.
- Relevant – it is linked to solving the stated problem and corresponds to the priorities of the grant programme.
- Time-bound – the aim is tied to specific implementation deadlines.
Expected results of a grant project
Let us now move on to an equally important stage of a grant application – describing the project's expected results. Here, researchers often make the same mistake as with formulating the aim and objectives, namely – a lack of specificity.
Expected results are not simply generalisations such as "raising the level of scientific awareness" or "improving the quality of research". Such formulations give the funding body no way whatsoever of verifying whether the project has indeed achieved the stated result once funding has ended.
It is important to remember that expected results must be clearly measurable and must reflect a specific indicator that can be verified upon completion of the project.
How Can the Effectiveness of a Grant Project Be Measured?
| Category | What is assessed | Examples of indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Plan implementation | The extent to which all objectives set during the project were carried out. | Percentage of activities completed, adherence to deadlines, achievement of target values. |
| Direct results | What was directly created or accomplished during the project. | Number of publications, participants, events, products, materials developed. |
| Achieved changes | Changes that occurred as a result of the project. | Skills acquired by study participants, implementation of results, new practices. |
| Efficiency | How rationally the resources were used. | Cost per participant/result, ratio of costs to results. |
| Long-term impact | Long-term changes brought about by the project. | Scientific, economic, social, political or institutional impact. |
| Sustainability of results | Whether the results are maintained after funding has ended. | Continued use of the product, new funding, continuation of activities, long-term partnerships. |
A clear definition of the aim, objectives and expected results has a direct influence on the likelihood of obtaining funding. It is important to avoid vague phrases and instead provide specific information, namely: measurable indicators, realistic timeframes and verifiable results that the funding body will be able to assess upon completion of the project.
If you require professional assistance with a publication for grant reporting purposes, get in touch with Scientific Publications. Our specialists will audit your article, select a suitable journal, and provide support at every stage of the process. To receive a free consultation, fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you as soon as possible. Together to the new scientific achievements!
