Writing Across the Curriculum, NIU

Proposal Writing

Persuasion

The purpose of any proposal is to persuade your audience (managers, professors) that your project or research should be approved/funded. To do this, you must convince them that your research is necessary. This is done in a few simple steps:

Problem


You must convince readers that your research addresses an important problem or deficiency. Is the current situation wasting money, compromising safety, compromising efficiency, etc.? Can a satisfactory process, product, or condition be improved?

Be sure to provide (and describe) details, examples, and evidence (including references) to support your assertions. If applicable, briefly review related research (see Literature Review).

Objectives


You must demonstrate that the aims (objectives) of your project/research are desirable to your readers. Therefore, a proposal must stress the quantifiable advantages of your project (i.e., will the fruits of your research reduce costs, lower production time, improve quality, increase safety, etc.).

Product / Research


A discussion of the project's product/research must address the stated objectives. The proposal must explain how your product/aim will achieve these objectives. This often requires advanced research and forecasting.

If necessary, explain why you chose your approach over other approaches.

Proposal Structure

Adapted from Paul V. Anderson's Technical Writing: A Reader Centered Approach, Chicago: Harcourt Brace, 1991, p.626.

Topic	Readers' Question	Your Persuasive Point
Introduction	What is this communication about?	Briefly, I propose to do the following.
Problem	Why is the proposed project needed?	The proposed action addresses a problem that is importantt to you.
Objectives	What features will a solution to this problem need in order to be successful?	A successful solution must achieve these objectives . . .
Discussion of product	How do you Propose to do those things?	Here's what I plan to produce and how it will work effectively at achieving the objectives.
Method, Resources, Schedule, Qualifications, Management	Are you going to be able to deliver what you describe here?	Yes, because I have a good plan of action (method), the necessary resources (equipment, facilities, etc.), a workable schedule, the appropriate qualifications, and a sound management plan.
Budget	What will it cost?	The cost is reasonable.
Recommendations, Conclusions	--	Reiterate the feasibility proposed idea/product based on your criteria.

Abstract

Due to the brief nature of many proposals, an abstract is generally used only in documents exceeding ten pages in length.

(1) State your purpose (e.g., creating X to solve Y)
(2) Explain how you propose to do this (i.e., technical method).
(3) Explain what results can be forecasted.

Headings

The headings provided under the "Topics" column can be used to organize a proposal. Task related headings are encouraged for the "Objectives" and "Discussion" sections. Also, the "Problem" and "Objectives" sections can be incorporated as subheadings under the general "Introduction" section.

Brainstorming

Begin by briefly jotting answers to each "Readers' Question." Your responses may help form an outline and spark further ideas.

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