ENG 333 Communication for Science and Research

The Communication Situation: Proposals often begin their lives as concept papers . These are short documents that contain an overview of the problem/need, the proposed solution, and the benefits of the proposed project. You might think of the concept paper as a pre-proposal that can be used by potential evaluators to help you fine tune your final proposal.

At the least, all proposals contain the following, bare-minimum, information:

1. An analysis of the problem (or need)
2. An analysis of possible solutions for the problem (or ways of fulfilling the need)
3. A plan for the best solution (as you envision it)
4. An analysis of the costs and benefits (advantages and disadvantages) of the proposed solution
5. Assurances that you are capable of carrying out the plan you offer

The Assignment: You are to write a memo to me about your initial ideas for Assignment 5B - Formal Proposal. This can take a somewhat informal tone as you ask questions for clarification in this memo (i.e., do I need to supply this, how much research is needed for this, etc.).

The following list contains a suggested way to structure your paper:

1. Begin with a sentence that briefly states the problems that the proposal addresses. (e.g., Inner city youth often have too much unguided time after school that results in increased crime, drug use, and personal problems for the children.)
2. Say how you plan to solve the problem
3. Finish the first paragraph with a sentence or two explaining the purpose of the proposal in terms of the intended audience's interests.
4. Give the background in the second paragraph.
5. In the third paragraph, describe how your project will solve the problem.
6. Next, say what the project needs to continue.
7. Finish strong, giving the benefits of the project for all parties involved.

Evaluation Criteria for Assignment 5A

MEMO FORMAT - Use a proper memo heading and format. If you use more than one page, be sure to remember to include page numbers. Also, stand out professionally, and creatively.

FIRST PARAGRAPH - Your purpose in writing this is to obtain some help from me to define, and refine, your problem statement for the proposal. Remember, that there always exists the possibility for secondary readers so briefly state why you are writing in this paragraph. The remainder of the paragraph should allow me to understand the problem you are addressing. You need to put this in some context for me (e.g., organization, group, etc. that this problem affects).

SECOND PARAGRAPH - Extend the context of the problem by giving some background on what has caused the problem, or the need to change the status quo. This information will be useful in your formal proposal for building your credibility.

THIRD PARAGRAPH - You may use a list to brainstorm your plans for solving the problem. This may take the form of a To-Do list, and you may insert questions to me for feedback if you are unsure about whether or not you need to provide certain information.

FOURTH PARAGRAPH - State the benefits of your solution/proposal. You need to relate this to the decision maker's interests, as well as to the organization/community's needs.