Is it true that proposal problem statements are often confused with strategies/methods?
Yes. It is important to remember that problem statements must be developed with the target population, i.e., people, as the primary focus. Consider the following problem statement: The main problem that we will be addressing in the request for proposal is the lack of student computers at Johnson Elementary. Most reviewers would not consider this a true problem statement. The purchase of computers would be considered a strategy to address an underlying problem associated with the elementary students. A statement that more clearly describes the problem might be: Over the course of the last three years students at Johnson Elementary have scored below the national average on reading comprehension examinations. The focus is now on the target population and the purchase of computers in this case would represent one possible strategy to improve reading comprehension. Again securing computers for the students is more appropriately addressed in the methods or activities section of the proposal.
