Writing at Work Proposing a Solution to a Problem

The Purpose Identify a problem in your workplace and propose a solution.

The Scope Requires you to argue persuasively in favor of your proposal. Why is this a problem or issue in need of addressing? How is your approach unique? How will it serve the company’s goals and market direction? Though the problem may be minor, it must be cast in the larger dynamic of the company.

The Parameters How thorough is your plan? What are its distinctive elements? What are you requesting? Resources? Time? Who approves these elements?

Recommended Reading Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal Anderson text

Checklist and Hints Study previous proposals, both in your field and outside. Consider the visual elements – Remember, text layout is a visual design element as well. What graphs, charts, diagrams will be needed? Avoid clipart presentations, but do use visuals to enhance the meaning of your proposal.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Identify a problem in your workplace. This can be an actual issue or a possible scenario. Develop the Communication Context.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Introduction: Succinctly state what you propose to do. Problem: Make it clear to the reader how you will address the goal - Why is it important to your reader (which can be different from what it is important to you)?

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Objectives: State the issues to be resolved for your solution to be successful. Separate the objectives from the solutions. State them in a succinct list.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Solutions: State your solution. Describe the plan for achieving the objectives.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Methodology: What are your methods? Provide a workable schedule, with milestones. (If you’re familiar with Project Management processes, this would the place for a Gantt chart. Describe each phase. What facilities, equipment, and resources are needed? Make the steps clear - provide a chart for the schedule.

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Cost: What are the costs? Budget statement? Costs of resources? Estimate work-hours required and cost of additional staff, consultations, and salary. Demonstrate a savings, if possible, resulting from the success of your project?

Checklist and Hints (Cont.) Here is the bare minimum to include in your proposal: Introduction Problem Solution Costs The minimum is not enough - this is the skeleton of the proposal. To do your topic justice, include all aspects of the proposal.

Persuasion – Strategies A proposal, to be successful, must be persuasive. Here are some steps outlined in the Anderson text and useful to your work.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Understand the reader’s background: Cultural - Academic fields - Previous research. Evaluate bias your readers may have concerning your proposal.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Learn: Focus on the reader’s values. Hone in on core beliefs as it relates to your proposal and the field.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Address your reader’s concerns and prepare counter arguments. Show that your reasoning is sound. Organize to create a positive response. Build a relationship with your reader.

Persuasion – Strategies (Cont.) Ethics: As emphasized throughout this course, apply an ethical approach to your proposal. Too often, ethics are ignored to the detriment of the field. Have you presented your case truthfully and without embellishment?

Wrapping Up… Read the assignment in Anderson. What is your topic? Complete the Communication Context. As a supplement, I have added another list you might find useful as you work on the Communication Context. You’ll find it linked from the lecture page where you found this presentation. Pay attention to the schedule (don’t let the deadlines sneak up on you).