Writing an Effective Proposal Proposal Writing What is

Writing an Effective Proposal

Proposal Writing • What is the point? • Use a clear writing style • Get the correct format • Put all the bits in place • Leave enough time to polish the document.

Why work to perfect the art of proposal writing? • Organize your thinking • Communicate your expertise • Impress and Conquer • Get the Job Done!

Writing Style • A clear writing style greatly aids in getting your point across • Unclear writing makes the reviewer have to work harder. • Start with an outline, containing important points you want to make for each section of the proposal • Then, develop a single paragraph for each point you want to make.

Main Structure – Device. Based Design Project • Executive Summary • Background and Significance • Feasibility and Summary of Design • Validation • Timeline / Milestones • Summary • References

Main Structure – Research-Based Design Project • Executive Summary • Hypothesis and Specific Aims • Background and Significance • Preliminary Studies • Research Plan • Legal and Regulatory Issues • Timeline / Milestones • Summary • References

Both Project Types: Background / Significance • This part describes the background relevant to the problem at hand. • You also use this section to convince the reviewer that you are aware of the important background literature for the problem. • You usually want to discuss what benefits will be produced by the proposed work.

Device-Based Projects: Feasibility and Summary of Design • Briefly describe one or two possible design approaches • This section should convince the reviewer that this project can be successfully completed on time • Be sure that your proposed design(s) satisfy the project requirements • Are there any financial issues? • Suggested page length: 1 -2 pages

Device-Based Project: Validation and Testing • Describe your proposed techniques for determining if the device works, and otherwise meets your requirements (this information will be summarized in your Milestones)

Both Project Types: Timeline and Milestones • Using a table, indicate the timeline for this project • Describe 2 or three Milestones for the project – A good milestone is a quantitative endpoint which will guarantee success for the project – Set reasonable dates for achievement of your milestones

Both Project Types: Summary • Write a one-paragraph summary of what the project will accomplish. Highlight the benefit of the work. • Limit: one paragraph

References: APA Format Example Formats • Journal article: – Fine, M. A. , & Kurdek, L. A. (1993). Reflections on determining authorship credit and authorship order on faculty-student collaborations. American Psychologist, 48, 1141 -1147. • Book: – Nicol, A. A. M. , & Pexman, P. M. (1999). Presenting your findings: A practical guide for creating tables. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. • Book chapter: – O'Neil, J. M. , & Egan, J. (1992). Men's and women's gender role journeys: Metaphor for healing, transition, and transformation. In B. R. Wainrib (Ed. ), Gender issues across the life cycle (pp. 107 -123). New York: Springer.

References: APA Format Electronic References ● Online periodical: – ● Author, A. A. , Author, B. B. , & Author, C. C. (2000). Title of article. Title of Periodical, xxx-xxx. Retrieved month day, year, from source (give URL). Online document: – Author, A. A. (2000). Title of work. Retrieved month day, year, from source (give URL)

Final Recommendations • Give yourself enough time to get everything in place • You can divide up the proposal into parts for each team-member to complete, but have one person do a final edit for style and language usage • Polish, polish – you will be glad you did