The Plan/Propose stage begins with forming a hypothesis or research question. It includes identifying a sponsor (whether externally-funded or internally supported), and developing and submitting a proposal. If the proposal is denied by the sponsor, the Lifecycle ends for the project, but may start anew as a new or revised proposal. Waiting times for a sponsor decision, whether a decision from an external sponsor to fund the research or an internal approval for the research project, vary considerably from project to project (could be weeks or years) and are included in this stage.
