Proposals and final editing tips

Learning Objectives

Discuss proposals Develop the introduction Explain the background, problem, and purpose Discuss the proposal, your plan, and a schedule Consider staffing Develop a budget Request authorization Discuss editing your manuscript report

Writing Proposals

Examining the parts of a proposal Introduction: explain reasons for proposal, outline your

qualifications, capture the readers interest, detail the scope and limitations, if required, and outline the organization of material, if necessary.

Background, Problem, Purpose: identify the problem, discusses goals and purposes

Proposal, Plan, Schedule: discuss your plan for solving the problem, include a schedule of activities

Staffing: describe credentials and expertise of project leaders; include size and qualifications of support staff

Budget: itemize hours and costs carefully Authorization: remind reader of benefits, motivate action,

Introduction

Explain the reason for the proposal.

Develop a persuasive “hook”. Suggest excellent results, low cost, or exclusive resources. Identify a problem or name a key issue or benefit.

Background, Problem, Purpose Discuss the significance of the proposal and

its goals or purposes.

For unsolicited proposals, convince the reader that a problem exists.

For solicited proposals, show that you fully understand the problem and its ramifications

Proposal, Plan, Schedule

Present your plan for solving the problem.

Describe implementation and evaluation.

Outline a schedule showing dates.

Staffing

Explain the specific credentials and expertise of the key personnel for the project.

Show how your support staff and resources are superior to the competition.

Budget

Itemize costs carefully. Proposals are contracts.

Present a deadline for the bid figures.

Authorization

Ask for approval. Make it easy to reply.

Getting That Report Written

Manuscript Report

Manuscript Report

First Steps

Manuscript Report – First Steps End the research phase for the manuscript

report if you haven’t already done so.

Manuscript Report – First Steps Begin the first draft by putting your

Introduction, Body, Conclusions, and Recommendations all together in one document

Manuscript Report – First Steps Include your in-text citations wherever you

have quoted from an outside resource

Manuscript Report – First Steps Reference your visuals correctly

Introduce the visual Present the visual Explain the visual

Manuscript Report

Next Steps

Manuscript Report – Next Steps Continue with the Conclusions and

Recommendations (each of which is on its own page)

Manuscript Report – Next Steps Write the introduction, including purpose,

scope, significance, sources, and limitations

Manuscript Report – Next Steps Concentrate on this section of the report for a

while and do your revising, proofreading, and evaluating. This part of the manuscript report is roughly equivalent to the Informal Report with the addition of in-text citations.

Manuscript Report

Final Steps

Manuscript Report – Final Steps Write the rest of the ending parts (glossary,

bibliography, and appendices)

Manuscript Report – Final Steps Write the rest of the beginning parts (title

page, executive summary, table of contents, and list of illustrations)

Manuscript Report – Final Steps Proofread, proofread, proofread on a draft

printed copy before you print the final document

Manuscript Report – Final Steps Print 2 copies of the final report

Manuscript Report – Final Steps Assemble one copy carefully in an

appropriate cover

Manuscript Report – Final Steps Write your letter of transmittal and paperclip it

to the front cover of the report

Manuscript Report – Final Steps Insert the report into an appropriate-sized

envelop ready for delivery to the reader

Homework

Write a proposal regarding your Informal Report Complete your manuscript report Revise, proofread, and evaluate manuscript

report Work on your final presentation

Quote of the Day

Pay attention to the small things – the kite flies because of its tail.

Hawaiian Proverb