| Problem Statements (Research Ideas) |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Research projects start with the identification of a specific problem affecting Oregon's transportation system. Projects are selected using a two-stage competitive process designed to select the projects that are most likely to positively impact safety, access and mobility, durability and service live, the environment, and/or lead to cost savings and cost avoidance. A Stage 1 problem statement form is used to submit research project ideas.
|
| Writing a Successful Problem Statement |
|
Because the research budget is limited relatively few of the problem statements submitted will receive funding to become research projects. Developing a problem statement that is well written and contains all the requested information will help improve the chances of it being selected.
The following section includes tips for writing a successful problem statement. There is no guarantee that the problem statement you submit will be selected but following these tips may improve its chances.
Tips and Recommendations
In your development of a problem statement, the Research Section highly encourages that do the following:
Work with a Research Section Staff Member – Research Coordinators will assist you in the preparation of a problem statement. Please contact Linda Perkins at Linda.Perkins@odot.state.or.us with your contact information and a brief description of the research topic.
Start Early – problem statements that are well thought-out and put together have a better chance of being selected.
Review Research’s Strategic Priorities – for each general topic of research, such as planning or traffic safety, annual research priorities are set (http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/ResPriorities.shtml). Reviewing these is a good way to generally determine how your idea aligns with current priorities.
Collaborate – discuss your research idea with colleagues who have experienced similar issues or who might be involved in implementing the research findings. Work together on the problem statement.
Search the Internet for Relevant Resources – a quick search on the internet will likely yield some relevant information on your research topic and help to strengthen your problem statement:
Other Tips - see excerpts from the Transportation Research Board's (TRB), Conduct of Research Committee publication, "How to Write an Effective Research Statement."
Discuss the Project with the Person who has the Authority to Implement the Results - ODOT’s research program is designed to find solutions to real transportation problems. It is expected that the results of a research project will be used. Gain the support of the person who has the authority to implement the results by discussing the project with them.
Consider Risk– while a discussion of risk is not required for the Stage 1 problem statement, risk is an important criteria used in the final selection process. Consider risk when describing your research idea.
|
| FY 2011 Research Project Selection Timeline |
|
October 7, 2009
|
Open solicitation for Stage 1 problem statements
|
November 13, 2009
|
Stage 1 Problem Statements due
|
December 2009
|
Stage 1 problem statements reviewed and selected by Expert Task Groups (ETGs) note: selection results will be provided on this web site
|
January 2010
|
Stage 2 problem statements developed
|
February 2010
|
Research Advisory Committee (RAC) identifies projects to be funded (depends on available funding)
|
July 2010
|
Research projects may begin
|
|
| Problem Statement Forms |
|
Problem Statement Form
Completed problem statement forms should be submitted electronically to the ODOT Research Manager, Barnie Jones at barnie.p.jones@odot.state.or.us or faxed to the Research office at (503) 986-2844.
|
| Information About Project Selection |
|
|
|
|
|
