Proposal Writing

Meaning A type of analytical report. A document written to persuade the reader to follow a plan

or course of action that you believe will solve a problem or fulfil a need.

Proposals are used to get products, plans or projects accepted by others.

A well written proposal analyses the audience’s needs or a problem,presents the solution to the problem, persuades the audience that the solution provided is the

best.

Types of proposals According to target audience

According to their source

Internal External

Solicited unsolicited

According to target audience INTERNAL EXTERNALSubmitted to internal

decision makers in the organisation for Seeking approval for a

project or course of action.For requesting additional

resources.

Submitted to decision makers outside the organisation such as potential clients and government officials soliciting approval for projects or funds.

*External proposals are legally binding*They compete for clients business.

According to source SOLICITED PROPOSALS

UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS

Prepared at the request of external parties who need something done.(RFP: Request For Proposal)

Focuses on addressing each item listed in the RFP.

e.g. A proposal written in response to RFP for designing the website of an organisation.

Initiated by the organisations attempting to obtain business or funding without a specific invitation from the client.

Focuses on convincing the reader about the problem and the possible solution or the possible benefit.

e.g. An entrepreneur may prepare a business plan for seeking funds from investors.

Proposal structure Proposals may vary in length, formality and

structure.Different structures for short and long

proposals.

SHORT PROPOSALS IntroductionBodyConclusion

LONG PROPOSALSFront matter Letter of transmittal or cover letterTitle pageTable of contentsList of figures, tables and illustrationsExecutive summaryIntroductionBack ground or the problemProduct descriptionDetailed solutionsConclusion

Back MatterGlossaryAppendixBibliography