Copyright © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education. Chapter 17 Writing Proposals and Progress Reports

17-2 Chapter 17 Learning Objectives  LO 17-1 Define proposals  LO 17-2 Brainstorm for writing proposals  LO 17-3 Organize proposals  LO 17-4 Prepare budget and costs sections  LO 17-5 Write different proposal varieties  LO 17-6 Write progress reports

17-3 Defining Proposals  Argue for the work that needs to be done and who will do it  Created for projects that are longer or more expensive than routine work  Offer a method to find information, evaluate something new, solve a problem, or implement a change

17-4 Defining Proposals  Two goals  Get the project accepted  Get your organization accepted to do job  Stress benefits for affected audiences  Competitive proposal—compete for limited resources  Noncompetitive proposals—have no competition

17-5 Questions a Proposal Must Answer  What problem are you going to solve or opportunity do you hope to fill?  Why does the problem need to be solved now or the opportunity explore now?  How are you going to solve it?  Can you do the work?  Why should you be the one to do it?  When will you complete the work?  How much will you charge?  What exactly will you provide?

17-6 Style for Proposals  Make clear and easy to read  Anticipate and answer questions audience may have  Support generalizations with data  Stress benefits throughout  Use expected format

17-7 Style for Proposals, continued…  Edit carefully  Make final check for all sections requested  Ensure that appearance gives good impression  Make sure you have chosen the correct media channel  Allow enough time for production, reproduction, and administrative approvals

17-8 Class Research Proposal Sections 1.Introductory paragraph 2.Problem/opportunity 3.Feasibility 4.Audience 5.Topics to investigate 6.Methods/procedures 7.Qualifications/facilities/resources 8.Work schedule 9.Call to action

17-9 Proposals for Business  Recommends new programs or ways to solve problems  Requires considerable research  Gathers information from outside organization

17-10 Varieties: Sales Proposals  Used to sell goods or services  Make sure you understand the buyer’s priorities  Present your products as solving your audience’s problems  Show benefits for each feature  Use language appropriate for audience

17-11 Varieties: Sales Proposals Organization Scheme for Cover Letter 1. Catch audience’s attention; summarize up to three major benefits 2. Discuss each major benefit in order listed 3. Deal with objections or concerns 4. Mention other benefits briefly 5. Ask audience to approve your proposal; give reason for acting promptly

17-12 Varieties: Business Plans and Other Funding Proposals  Stress needs your project will meet  Show how project will help fulfill goals of organization you are asking for funds  Show money you already have and how you plan to use money you get

17-13 Types of Progress Reports  Chronological  Focuses on what you have done and what work remains  Task  Organizes information under the various tasks you have worked on during the period  Recommendation  Recommends action:  Increasing the funding or allotted time for a project  Changing its direction  Canceling a project that isn’t working