Budget development and staffing

Abstract

A research project, whether large or small, and regardless of funding source, requires a budget. A budget is a realistic prediction of what it will cost to complete a study and is constructed by analyzing each of the steps involved in conducting the study. For most grant applications, a budget justification must accompany the budget and usually includes a narrative description of the roles played by personnel requested in the application and how other projected expenses have been determined. The budgeting process requires the investigator to think through the proposed project carefully and identify each step of the research plan. Not only must the investigator estimate the dollar amount of projected expenses, but he or she must also estimate the timing of when expenditures are likely to occur. The budgeting process is an integral part of a grant application and should not be left for the last minute. The process itself can often identify important steps or omissions in the project. © 2007 Humana Press Inc.