| How to Fill Out a Problem Statement |
 |
|
|
 |
| How to Fill Out a Problem Statement |
|
Research projects start with the identification of a specific problem affecting costs, efficiency, safety, or productivity. Research ideas are presented to the Research Section in the form of written documentation called problem statements. The research budget is limited and each problem statement must pass through several stages of review. Only a limited number of problem statements will receive funding to become research projects. Developing a problem statement that is well written and contains the level of detail necessary for a fair review will help improve the odds of it being selected.
Please have a look at our Guidelines page on this web site for more help.
*The ODOT Research Section is available to assist you in the development of your research idea and with the preparation of a problem statement. Please call Linda Perkins at 503-986-2700 or send her an email (Linda.Perkins@odot.state.or.us) with your contact information and a brief description of the research topic.
The following section provides guidance for filling out a problem statement. Each heading represents a field on the Problem Statement Form.
|
|
|
| Title |
|
Provide a unique title that encapsulates the research idea.
example:
A project that would investigate the reflectivity of pavement marking during wet conditions, might be titled "Evaluation of Wet-Weather Retroreflectivity of Pavement Marking Materials"
more examples of problem statements
|
|
|
| Problem (description of need) |
|
Describe the issue or problem and its relationship to ODOT needs. How and why is it an issue or problem? What is/are the cause(s) of the problem? What issues arise in the agency because of this problem? Draw a line between the problem and the solution (i.e. this research will or could help solve the problem).
example:
Pavement marking materials are vital to traffic operations and the safe negotiation of drivers through the transportation system. Pavement marking materials that perform well in wet weather is particularly important in Oregon, where wet conditions are common.
ODOT requires testing of all pavement marking materials before they can be applied on a state highway. Materials are applied on a test deck where the product and application method are evaluated. The testing and evaluation on ODOT test decks are limited to measuring the thickness of the marking material; assessing retroreflectivity; and subjective evaluations of appearance, quality, and durability. These tests do not include assessment of wet-weather retroreflectivity.
Because of the increasing older driver population and the impact of wet-weather retroreflectivity on safety, ODOT will benefit from considering the incorporation of the evaluation of wet-weather retroreflectivity as part of the testing procedures of the ODOT pavement marking test deck or quality control processes.
more examples of problem statements
|
|
|
| Proposed Research, Development, or Technology Transfer Activity |
|
Describe the type of research that is needed to help solve the problem (ex. field studies, lab analysis, program testing, etc.). This section should be an overview of the research and does not need to include specific research tasks.
example:
Examine and record ODOT’s current pavement marking testing practices. Review what other states are doing, and what research has been done on the subject. Focus on measuring retroreflectivity of pavement marking materials in wet weather. Determine additional testing procedures that could be used by ODOT. Conduct field tests of the most promising testing procedures. Recommend new procedures to meet ODOT specific testing needs.
more examples of problem statements
|
|
|
| Potential Benefits |
|
Articulate the benefits of the research. Be sure to address the specific benefits to ODOT. Who in ODOT is, or would be, interested in the outcome of the research? Will the research findings increase the body of knowledge? Will the results be beneficial to other transportation agencies?
example:
Being able to select pavement marking materials that offer better wet weather visibility will have significant safety and cost saving benefits for ODOT.
more examples of problem statements
|
The Research Section is available for assistance. If you have any questions, or would like advice when compiling a problem statement please call or email the Research Section at:
Phone: 503-986-2700
Email: Linda.Perkins@odot.state.or.us
|
|
|
|
| Implementation |
|
Identify the product the research will produce (e.g. guidelines, procedures, model, prototype). Describe how the results will be used and who in ODOT would be involved in implementation. Confirm that the agents of implementation support the project.
No examples, as this is a new feature for 2011
|
|
|
| List of References (optional) |
|
List the references you identified when you searched for completed and current research.
|
|
|
|
