ASSIGNMENT: PROPOSALS

Proposals are "vehicles to link those who wish to do the work to those who want it done or believe it should be done." Whether solicited or unsolicited, proposals are bids for contracts to do something. Proposals are evaluated according to how clearly the writer answers questions about what, why, how, when and how much.

Application

The purpose of this assignment is to clarify your topic for the final report.

The proposal will introduce the subject and purpose of the project, state the problem and proposed solution, explain the scope of your inquiry and your methods of research. The quality of the final analysis will only be as good as the quality of the questions you ask and the answers you generate. The proposal will be no more than two typed pages.

Clues for writing unsolicited internal proposals:

1. Convince the reader there is a problem and a great need to solve it

Document existence of problem and scope or need by supplying specific dates, places and costs (tell reader source of data)

Demonstrate why current equipment, policies, personnel and/or facilities are insufficient to solve the problem you are bringing to decision maker's attention

2. Give specific details of your plan

Note who will participate, what will be done/accomplished, when it will tell how much it will cost

3. Be certain the proposal is carefully researched and diplomatically written (it is always best to discuss first with superior)

Organization

1. Introduction will define problem or need
2. Body outlines proposal's solution step-by-step
3. Conclusion sums up benefits