ABSTRACT

This chapter explains the first stage of the project life cycle-turning good ideas into practical project proposals. It explains the key steps to be taken in developing an idea into a project proposal that can be used to seek support, funding and approval, using methods and processes that work well in health and community services. The chapter addresses the question of how to get support for one's project ideas, and concludes with a discussion of submitting applications in response to tendered projects or funding rounds, and contracting projects to consultants. Good ideas also arise at other levels of the organisation. Staff in a small community agency was interested in reducing tobacco smoking in young people in their region, and they felt that this could be a major project for their service. The general project management literature is clear that a project goal is a statement of what the project itself will achieve expressed in concrete terms.