Proposals CPIT 221 Outline What is a proposal

Proposals CPIT 221

Outline What is a proposal? Proposal contexts Proposal types Components of a research proposal Examples of proposals

What is a proposal? A proposal is a document written to persuade/convince readers that what is proposed will benefit them by solving a problem or fulfilling a need

Proposal contexts: solicited proposals Solicited proposals: prepared in response to a request for goods/services RFP (Request for Proposals) A need or problem is defined and proposals are submitted to propose possible solutions IFB (Invitation for Bids) a specific item/service is required with specific predefined requirements. Commonly issued by government agencies

Proposal contexts: unsolicited proposals Unsolicited proposals: prepared without prior request Help address issues unrecognized by a company (Ex. poor inventory methods/high maintenance costs…)

Proposal types The two most common types are: Sales Proposals: offer to provide specific goods/services to a buyer within a specific time and for a specific cost Grant & Research Proposals: request approval and funds to conduct research to investigate a problem or possible improvements to a product

Grant & research proposals Examples: Scientist writes a proposal to the Ministry of Health to request money to conduct research on a new cancer drug Student writes proposal to receive approval for a Ph. D thesis topic

Components of a research proposal Front matter Introduction / Purpose Significance / Background Audience Research plan Work schedule Qualifications Budget Conclusion Back matter

0. Front matter Formal proposals (usually more than five pages), include: Cover letter Appreciation for the opportunity, prior associations, summary of recommendations… Title page Table of Contents List of Figures

1. Introduction / Purpose Indicates concisely what you propose to do In detail, answer: WHAT can readers expect as a result of the proposed research?

2. Significance / Background Illustrates how both your audience and others will benefit from the results Incorporates evidence to support any claims Answer: WHY are the questions you propose to investigate important? What is the value of your potential findings? Why is the report worth writing?

3. Audience Considers who will be interested in your research Considers their needs and requirements

4. Research plan Discusses the methods/sources you plan to use to achieve your objective What, when, and how you will gather new and reliable information to support your investigation

5. Work Schedule Outlines realistic deadlines for specific research tasks that will help you achieve your objective and meet the final deadline Best presented as a Gantt chart Consider using Microsoft Project to develop it Need to Decide tasks Divide them into manageable segments Develop a timeline by deciding how much time you will need for each task

6. Qualifications Summarizes the expertise of those who will conduct the research Sometimes their resumes/CVs are included in the appendix

7. Budget Provides a list of projected costs for all resources needed to carry out the research

8. Conclusion Reminds the reader of the benefits of the research and any specific products that will result Includes a request for approval by a specific date and an offer to answer any of the readers’ questions

9. Back Matter Appendices CVs, statistical analyses… Bibliography Sources consulted in preparing the proposal Glossary Definitions of unfamiliar terms

Examples of proposals Each context/type/agency has different requirements Before your assignment, we will insha Allah clearly define the exact format and requirements of your proposal assignment Good examples in your handbook Pages: 412 -433

Example of a student proposal… Source: Rodman, Lilita. “Technical Communication”.

…Example of a student proposal Best to include dates of the weeks Source: Rodman, Lilita. “Technical Communication”.

Success of a proposal Your readers will evaluate your proposal based on: How well you answer their questions about what you are proposing to do How well you explain how you plan to do it How it will benefit them How much it will cost them

General tips for writing proposals Be clear and persuasive Be honest and use facts, statistics, and examples to support your claims Anticipate and address your audience’s questions and objections Use a confident, positive tone Take into account the audience’s varying level of technical knowledge Cite relevant sources

Conclusion: Test your understanding What is the difference between a solicited and unsolicited proposal? A RFP and an IFB? Give an example of a grant & research proposal. What type of information should be included in the “Significance” section of a proposal?