Running head: Grant Proposal: Virtual Reality1
Grant Proposal: Virtual Reality
by
Salih Abdullah
A00436638
Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership
Program: Ph.D. in Education
Global and Comparative Education
EDUC 8118: Innovation and Change in Educational Settings
Dr. Nella B. Anderson
Walden University
8/15/2015
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 2
Abstract
This grant proposal is designed with the aim of improving the
knowledge and skills of medical university students via the
adoption and usage of virtual reality equipment and software.
This technology will grant students the opportunity to practice
in situations that closely rival the real world. In addition,
student will be able to improve their English language
acquisition via this technology through intensive immersion.
Included in the proposal is a description of the project context,
the need for innovation, the innovation, implementation plan, and
evaluation plan.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 3
Section 1: Context
This proposal seeks to acquire funding for the purchase of
virtual reality hardware, medical training and language immersion
software to be incorporated into the undergraduate medical
program at King Saud bin Abdul Aziz University for Health
Sciences (KSAU-HS). KSAU-HS is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The university was established in 2005 to prepare Saudi nationals
for professional work in the medical field. There are currently
around 2,584 undergraduates and 501 postgraduates. KSAU-HS is
considered to be one of the most modern medical universities in
the region and in the Arab world. This university is under the
umbrella of the National Guard and the Ministry of Higher
Education (Welcome to KSAU login wizard, 2015). Therefore, its
stakeholders are primarily governmental affiliates.
The university’s mission is to provide “advanced education
programs in healthcare professions in an academic setting that
fosters excellence in innovative learning, scientific research,
compassionate patient care and community health promotion, and
enhances healthcare development nationally and globally.” Its
vision is to be recognized as a center of excellence, offering
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 4
the best evidence-based health education and utilizing concepts
of information technology to attract the best students and
faculty (Welcome to KSAU login wizard, 2015). This grant proposal
directly correlates with both the mission and the vision in the
sense that virtual reality can be used as a form of “advanced
education”, “innovative learning” and “information technology”.
Section 2: Need for the Innovation
Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive computer stimulated
experience that stimulates the physical presence in either real
or imagined worlds (Virtual reality, 2015). The potential for
this technology to revolutionize the medical field is immense. If
the funding is approved, the university will purchase and use
virtual reality devices with accompanying medical and language
immersion software to train its medical students. Medical
students would be able to learn how to discover certain medical
conditions, practice complex medical procedures, and learn about
lifesaving interventions in a simulated world that will look and
feel like the real world (Glatter, 2015). This virtual
preparation could potentially save the lives of millions by
reducing errors in operating rooms and through the development of
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 5
human resources. The potential is endless, CPR training and
practice can be conducted in the comfort of any environment,
master surgeons can guide operations in real-time regardless of
their locations on earth, medical decisions can be stimulated
prior to being executed, and much more. Undoubtedly, the learning
curve and margin of error would be substantially reduced with the
introduction of this technology.
The language immersion software can train the medical
students to practice using the English language in realistic
medical environments. All medical students must complete a two
year preparatory year academy before they fully enter their
fields. Within these two years, they undergo intensive training
in the English language. As non-native English speakers, they
need extra practice with the language in order to obtain mastery
or at least a high level of proficiency. The traditional
classrooms do not adequately provide that experience because
there is not much room for individual practice with other native
speakers. Virtual reality software, on the other hand, can
provide the opportunities for them to practice with their
language development. They would communicate with artificial
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 6
intelligence created by native speakers and language experts in a
stimulated environment.
Inevitably, virtual reality is the next big technological
innovation that will take the world by storm. Oculus Rift was
purchased by Facebook for 2 billion dollars in March, 2014. Since
then, many other companies have followed their lead. Samsung has
created its Gear VR, Apple is patenting its own VR headset. HTC
has created its Vive. Sony is close to launching its project
Morpheus. Microsoft is preparing its HoloLens (Ripton &
Prasuethsut, 2015). Educational institutions are notoriously
known as being slow moving. Visionary entrepreneurs and educators
alike must capitalize on this next wave to equip students with
21st century skills.
The medical field is rapidly developing in Saudi Arabia,
however, the margin of error is high and constantly increasing.
There is an absence of reliable statistics because malpractice
cases are under-reported. Currently, there are no mechanisms in
place for monitoring incidents of medical malpractice. Majid
Garoub, the chairman of a legal committee on medical cases blamed
the high number of medical malpractice cases that are discovered
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 7
on the lack of medical expertise (Mohammed, 2014). This is where
virtual reality can help solve this problem. There is already
some evidence that VR has been used in the medical field (Al-
Khalifah et. al, 2006; Ershow et. al, 2011), which indicates that
this is an emerging field. If and when medical practitioners can
practice on inanimate objects in a virtual world, then the margin
of error will be reduced substantially. In addition, if verbal
communication is able to be improved, then it will likewise
substantially reduce the rate of medical malpractice and
erroneous diagnosis.
Section 3: The Innovation
This proposal is to purchase and incorporate virtual reality
technology to be used for both its medical students and medical
practitioners. A third-party platform developer will be solicited
to develop medical training programs tailor-made for Saudi
students. Software for the language immersion platform has
already been created and only needs to be purchased. The
technology will be used at KSAU-HS, and if adopted, the proposal
will be presented to representatives in the Ministry of Higher
Education. This technology will promote student achievement by
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 8
increasing motivation, expanding the realm of hands-on
experiences, broaden the means of testing, and generate
heightened interest in the program. The overall medical program
will be enhanced by developing student capacity via situated
learning experiences.
Implementation Plan
Involvement of Stakeholders
Professional learning involving all stakeholders is
necessary for change to be adopted and implemented successfully
(Hall & Hord, 2015). Professional learning requires the
development of a culture of empowerment and communication. To
that end, Think Education Plus (TEP), a for-profit educational
consultancy organization, is seeking to introduce this change to
KSAU-HS, a medical university in Saudi Arabia, with the
collaborative involvement of various stakeholders. TEP members
understand the first step in a change initiative is to create a
sense of urgency around the problem and its potential
opportunity. Then they must build and maintain a coalition with
inclusive leadership practices for change to be adopted and
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 9
sustained (Kotter, 1995; Bolman & Deal, 2008). Any other strategy
typically results in failure.
As a TEP representative, I will approach the director of
academic affairs of KSAU-HS with the idea of the change proposal.
A physical plan would have been prepared prior to the meeting.
However, emphasis on the flexibility of the plan will be
emphasized. TEP does not want to present a completed proposal
because that will undermine the future contributions of the
stakeholders. TEP has already worked on establishing strong ties
with the academic director. They believe that he will act as that
means to connect the TEP representative with those to whom have
the power to bring about the change initiative.
When TEP members unite with other stakeholders, they will
create a strategic vision and an implementation plan together. It
is imperative that the vision from which the plan is based is
both established and shared by all involved stakeholders. If
possible, medical practitioners should be involved in this
process. Medical practitioners know best what are the current
weaknesses in the hospital and what students need to overcome
those problems in the future. In addition, other stakeholders can
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 10
be included at this stage, such as teachers, and even senior
students. The implementation plan must factor in the time needed
to re-examine the data related to the institutions structural
conditions. In addition the plan must identify and dismantle
systemic barriers that can impede progress. Overall, the plan
will be presented to the academic dean with emphasis on a
rational approach with roles that will get titles and matching
individuals on an as needed basis. Organizations succeed when
rationality prevails over personal agendas (Bolman & Deal, 2013,
pg. 45).
Within the plan, a sub-section will be written which
determines what the availability of resources are. Available
resources must be known and allocated to those who will adopt and
implement this change initiative. Resource requirements may
include the hiring of more staff, additional funding for the
purchase of virtual reality (VR) devices and software, training
in VR, hiring full-time VR-knowledge administrators, change
management and change management support, project management and
project management support, administrative support, and
communication tools.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 11
Finally, the TEP team and key stakeholders will create an
external communications sub-section that will include all
stakeholders including parents and community leaders. This
section will consist of the creation of a social media group that
will streamline the process of communication. The social media
outlets will include WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and
Instagram pages with the targeted focus of the change initiative.
These communication outlets will be the means to continually
assign responsibilities to individuals, empower the stakeholder
team, disseminate surveys for evaluation, and celebrate
accomplishments. These communication channels will be led and
moderated by one individual, but communication will be lateral in
the sense that all stakeholders will have a voice through the
channels and their concerns will be addressed (Bolman & Deal,
2008). After these plans are established, we will collectively
implement the plan. We will continue to learn from the experience
by following up with a survey that will extract stakeholder
feedback. Note: Further details regarding the purchasing of VR
devices and software and utilizing them at the university will be
known after implementing the aforementioned steps.
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It is imperative to involve these stakeholders for several
reasons. Many Middle Eastern institutions are still functioning
off the change models from yesteryear. Change initiatives are
highly centralized and absolutist in nature. Order is dictated
from the top and employees do not understand why they must
implement this change or what is expected of them in the future.
Moreover, employees rarely get the chance to contextualize the
relevancy of a change initiative theory to one’s own work. Change
in general is a threat to their leadership because of the
macroeconomic concept of creative destruction (Schumpeter, 1942).
This principal argues that creativity and innovation destroy old
structures in the path of creating new ones. Creative destruction
is a real fear that demands us to tread carefully. The TEP
representative will approach these leaders with the utmost
diplomacy. He will safeguard their egos by assuring them first
and foremost that this change initiative will not impact their
positions, rather it should improve their reputations and
solidify their positions. The TEP representative will argue that
KSAU-HS will become a leading institution as a result of this
adoption as oppose to remaining stagnate with outdated practices.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 13
He will mention that the pain of change will be reduced through
the inclusion of multiple stakeholders in the university. In
addition, he will request for their involvement at all stages of
the change process. It will not be possible to enact this
initiative without their involvement, for they possess
perspectives and insights on key issues and their value and input
is much needed.
The steps of the implementation and evaluation plan are as
follows.
Table 1
Implementation Plan
Step
#
Goals and
Objectives
Measurable
outcomes
Target
Date
Stakeholder
involvement
1 Create change
plan
highlighting
the need for
adopting VR
devices and
software to
Creation of 1
change that
includes each
stage of
implementation
.
(Modifications
Septembe
r 1,
2015.
TEP members
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 14
use at KSAU-
HS.
should be made
in the
future.)
2 Choose a TEP
representativ
e to approach
the director
of academic
affairs to
present the
change
proposal.
1 TEP member
is selected
and approaches
the academic
director
Septembe
r 7,
2015
TEP
representative
and director of
academic
affairs.
3. TEP meets
with other
stakeholders
who may
include heads
of
departments,
the assistant
Meet with at
least 3 of
these leading
stakeholders
to discuss the
change
initiative.
October
2015
TEP
representative,
the director of
academic
affairs, and at
least 3 key
stakeholders.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 15
dean, the
head dean,
the vice
chancellor,
or the head
chancellor.
4. Re-create a
strategic
vision and
modify the
implementatio
n plan.
Creation of
1 new
vision
statement
that
reflects
the
evolving
change
initiative.
Creation of
1 new
implementat
ion plan
November
2015
TEP members, the
director of
academic
affairs, at
least 3 key
stakeholders,
medical
practitioners,
teachers and
potentially
senior students.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 16
based on
the
recommendat
ions and
re-
direction
of leading
stakeholder
s.
% of
stakeholder
satisfactio
n.
5. Re-examine
and remove
systemic
barriers or
structural
conditions
that can
1 new master
schedule must
be recreated
to accommodate
students who
will use this
new technology
December
2015
TEP members and
KSAU-HS leading
stakeholders
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 17
impede
progress.
and teachers
who will
support them.
6. Create an
availability
of resources
plan
1 new plan to
determine what
resources are
needed will
need to be
created.
January
2016
TEP members and
KSAU-HS leading
stakeholders
7. Create a
communication
plan to
continually
assign
responsibilit
ies to
individuals,
empower the
team,
disseminate
Assign and
train 1 staff
member to
create,
update, and
moderate
social media
channels.
February
2016
1 key member in
control, all
stakeholders
involved.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 18
surveys for
evaluation,
and celebrate
accomplishmen
ts.
Sustainability Plan
If this proposal is approved, the initiative will be
sustained through the means of continual improvement. Namely, it
will positively impact the university and its immediate
environment through a better usage of resources. For example, the
university itself will need to allocate less money in the budget
to account for physical equipment and costly trainings. The human
resources will be developed via enhanced training which improves
the quality of education and enhances the reputation of the
university. In addition, the local community will be improved
through an overall sense of enhanced well-being and the
environment will improve because there will be less of a need to
purchase medical resources. Adopting virtual reality equipment
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 19
employing a medical platform, will ensure lasting 360-degree
sustainability (Hollingworth, 2009).
Continual improvement cannot commence without the
dissemination, analysis, and action based on the completed
surveys. This will be shared via social media platforms. These
platforms will help us recognize problems early and address them
in the best manner. When stakeholders are granted the opportunity
to give feedback, make suggestions, and contribute to continual
development, then satisfaction levels should be high because they
will feel as though they are a valued part of the process. Being
that there will be one member that has been hired specifically
for the task of updating and maintaining communication, the
stakeholders should consistently find guidance and up-to-date
news related to developments. Details like stakeholder’s names,
their roles in each project, and their preferred communication
style should be made easily accessible via these social media
platforms. Having multiple social media options available enables
communication in a stakeholder’s preferred style. The employee
that is delegated to this task of communication will need to
understand the various stakeholders and allocate attention and
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 20
focus to those who are of high interest and high influence the
most. They are the ones who can truly make or break a project.
However, this employee’s working time will need to be divided
relatively evenly to the remainder of the community. Forging
personal connections is key to maintaining satisfaction. Surveys
and social media will be key strategies in forging these
connections.
Evaluation Plan
The evaluation plan will be attached to the implementation
plan of this proposal. It will include a survey tool to be used
in both the formative and summative stages to determine if the
program objectives are being met. This data is key for program
sustainability regardless of which stage of the implementation
program in which it is given. These surveys will act as an
ongoing learning and management tool with the aim of improving
organizational effectiveness. The survey’s will provide the TEP
team with data, which grants us good information, allowing us to
make better management decisions which generates better results.
The surveys will provide options for both the extraction of
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 21
statistical data via Likert-scale questions and qualitative data
via free response sections.
Evaluation must be on-going in order for the change
initiative to be sustained. The process that the change is taking
must be examined and the outcomes must be measured. Being that
this grant proposal will take place on a systems-level, it will
be improved when eyes are observed at each stage from 360-degree
angles, so flaws or weaknesses can be discovered immediately. In
essence, having many eyes on a change initiative increases the
chances of institutionalized change and long-term suitability
(Bolman, and Deal, 2013). These surveys will accomplish that.
Table 2
Evaluation Plan
Outcomes
Objective
Measurable
Objectives
Timelines Assessment
tool
Use of Data
Develop a
member
survey
about the
Success
equals
>75%
satasfac
1-month
periods
for Data
collecti
Stakeholde
r
satisfacti
on survey
For each
indicator
measured,
identify how it
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 22
initiative
to elicit
stakeholde
r input.
Link each
survey
question
to the
steps in
the
implementa
tion plan.
Specifical
ly related
to Goals,
Process
and
Outcomes.
Ensure
that
tion
rates.
on and 2
week
period
for
analysis
.
will be used to
improve change
initiative.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 23
questions
encompass
all key
elements
listed in
the
implementa
tion plan
(i.e.
allocation
of
resources,
schedules,
training,
communicat
ion etc.)
Verify if
the
findings
that will
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 25
References
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(2006). Using virtual reality for medical diagnosis,
training and education. International Journal on Disability
and Human Development, 5(2), 187-194.
Ershow, A. G., Peterson, C. M., Riley, W. T., Rizzo, A. S., &
Wansink, B. (2011). Virtual reality technologies for
research and education in obesity and diabetes: research
needs and opportunities. Journal of diabetes science and
technology, 5(2), 212-224.).
Hollingworth, M. (2009, November/ December). Ivey Business
Journal. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
Mohammed, I. (2014, February 3). Medical errors on the rise.
Retrieved June 7, 2015.
Ripton, J., & Prasuethsut, L. (2015, March 20). The VR race:
Who's closest to making VR a reality? Retrieved June 7,
2015.
Glatter, R. (2015, May 22). How Virtual Reality May Change
Medical Education And Save Lives. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
GRANT PROPOSAL: VIRTUAL REALITY 26
Welcome to KSAU login wizard. (2015, Jun 7.). Retrieved
http://www.ksau-hs.edu.sa/English/Pages/Default.aspx
Virtual reality. (2015, May 29). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Retrieved 11:44, June 7, 2015,
from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Virtual_reality&oldid=664495609