As any graduate student will tell you acceptance onto a Ph.D program is largely based on submitting a successful proposal. Thereafter, as long as the researcher adheres to the proposal, graduation is virtually guaranteed. I am a Ph.D student who used the book to construct my proposal, which was summarily accepted by the research committee with minor changes. This appears to be contrary to what many Ph.D hopefuls experience. The book is expensive however I would highly recommend it. The proposal hurdle is well worth overcoming professionally.