The Proposal

This assignment asks you (your group, collaboratively) to create a formal request to work on the final document design project. Include a work plan, task breakdown, time schedule, and estimated budget.

Proposal Overview

A proposal makes an offer. In a proposal you propose to do something. The writer tries to persuade the readers to accept the proposal. This document will set forth what you plan to do.

Treat the proposal as a contract (between your group and me). This is where you begin. The proposal memo lays the foundation for the work you will do for the rest of the semester. Your document set should be something that warrants several weeks of time and effort.

The readers of the proposal invest in it. You are writing to decision-makers (namely me, for this assignment). You want me to approve your project. You need to persuade me that your project is worth the consideration, money, time, etc.

Proposals are functional documents. Proposals are not read linearly (not cover to cover). Sections of a proposal must have proper headings (and subheadings) and must be written to communicate effectively.

For further information about proposals and their contents, you may find the link below helpful.

http://www.io.com/~hcexres/textbook/props.html

The Assignment

You and your partner will collaboratively create a detailed proposal and project plan for the final document set for ENGL 3190 (the schedule of assignments may help you in creating the project plan). I have included a very detailed breakdown of the contents.

Sample Proposal to Instructor

(don't include this in your draft)

Memorandum (start here)

Date:

From: Jane M. Doe [be certain to initial the memo: JMD]

To: Dr. Shelley Thomas

Subject: Proposal to ... [name of your project]

Purpose

What is the purpose of this memo?

Introduction

Objective of the project

Statement of the problem you will solve

Background and significance of the problem

Assumed reader of your document set

Problem/Solution Analysis

Scope of the project

Methods and resources you will use to create the documents

Resources you will use:

Facilities (labs, equipment, etc.)

Personnel (including your group, and your client)

Literature (books, journal articles, interviews)

Task breakdown and timetable (this includes who is doing what, when you meet with your client, drafts, etc.)

Persuasive appeals (how will you convince me of your plan?)

Audience Analysis of Client

Who is your client?

What document set will you be creating for them?

What constraints do they have?

Include other pertinent information.

Qualifications and Experience

Why (and how) are you (your group) qualified to do this project?

Costs

Printing the final documents will cost money. These costs need to be researched and estimated. Itemize the costs, which might include transportation (to interview your client), equipment, printing, photocopying, binding, etc. and justify these expenses.

Conclusion

State why you think your project is worthwhile

Project what information your document set will contain

Call for action (explain what is it you want me to do)

BACK