The logistics of proposals. This chapter will help you to understand the process of writing proposals, andguide you through the steps of creating your own.
Create a mini-proposal to do a project in which you have expertise.It might be building a Website,creating a database, providing technical support for a small organization, or doing some programming. Be sure to incorporate the guidance provided in the slides.
It is important that you do not just regurgitate the information from the chapter. You should use the chapter, but also go beyond it to use outside sources.
Slide 1 Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Chapter 16 Overview: Writing Proposals Understanding the process of writing proposals The logistics of proposals The “deliverables” of proposals Persuasion and proposals Writing a proposal The structure of the proposal * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * The logistics of proposals involve these categories: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Consider your readers’ knowledge about and attitudes toward your proposal. Consider collaborating if you are writing a large proposal. Follow the instructions in any RFP or IFB from the prospective customer. Otherwise, follow the structure outlined in the chapter. Because external proposals have firm deadlines, build in extra time to revise, edit, and proofread. When writing a proposal, focus on the following steps: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Solicited and unsolicited proposals respond to different needs: Solicited proposals are sent in response to an information for bid (IFB), a request for quotation (RFQ), or a request for proposal (RFP). Unsolicited proposals are submitted by a supplier who believes that the prospective customer needs goods or services. * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * research goods and services Proposals lead to two categories of deliverables: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Show that you understand your readers’ needs. Show that you have a plan and that you are able to do it. Show that you are a professional and that you are committed to fulfilling your promises. You must show three things to create a successful, persuasive proposal: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Understand that what makes an argument persuasive can differ from one culture to another. Budget enough time for translating. Use simple graphics, with captions. Write short sentences, using common vocabulary. Follow these six suggestions when writing international proposals: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Use local conventions regarding punctuation, spelling, and mechanics. Ask if the prospective customer will do a read-through. Follow these six suggestions when writing international proposals (cont.): * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Describe your credentials and work history. Provide your work schedule. Describe your quality-control measures. Include your budget. Follow these four guidelines to demonstrate your professionalism: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Avoid these four common dishonest practices: saying that certain qualified people will participate in the project, even though they will not saying that the project will be finished by a certain date, even though it will not * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Avoid these four common dishonest practices (cont.): saying that the deliverable will have certain characteristics, even though it will not saying that the project will be completed under budget, even though it will not * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * to avoid serious legal trouble stemming from breach-of-contract suits to avoid acquiring a bad reputation, thus ruining your business to do the right thing There are three reasons to write honest proposals: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * To follow through on a proposal, you need three categories of resources: personnel facilities equipment * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * summary introduction proposed program qualifications and experience budget appendixes A typical proposal includes six sections: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * What is the problem or opportunity? What is the purpose of the proposal? What is the background of the problem or opportunity? What are your sources of information? A proposal’s introduction answers seven questions: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * What is the scope of the proposal? What is the organization of the proposal? What are the key terms that you will use in the proposal? A proposal’s introduction answers seven questions (cont.): * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * how you will gather and analyze data why the professional literature justifies your proposed course of action what preliminary research you have already done why the project is likely to succeed The proposal’s proposed program explains four major issues: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * What technical credentials do you and your co-workers possess? What similar projects has your organization completed successfully? What equipment and facilities does your company have? How will your company’s management structure ensure the project will go smoothly? A proposal’s qualifications and experience section answers four questions: * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * Task schedules are presented in one of three formats: table bar chart or Gantt chart network diagram * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * An example of a task schedule as a table * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * An example of a task schedule as a bar chart * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * An example of a task schedule as a network diagram A network diagram provides more useful information than either a table or a bar chart. * * Chapter 16. Writing Proposals © 2015 by Bedford/St. Martin's * There are several techniques for evaluating completed work: quantitative evaluations qualitative evaluations formative evaluations summative evaluations * *