As a beginner I found the preparation of the project proposal difficult because after the lectures I need to read the materials to be able to follow the template and the day was heavy enough to grasp the contents. 
I did not expect to have to write the project proposal within the 8 days of the course, therefore I feel very satisfy to be able to submit my work as I did. 

Suggestion.
Perhaps you can add a couple of days so that you have time to understand well well the contents, or after the 8 days of lectures you give a longer period to work in your project on your own.  
