Project Proposal Writing

Thinking Strategically

Difference between a “traditional” project proposal approach and a “design-thinking” approach to Project Proposal Writing

Key Takeaway: Rationality/Objectivity Vs Human Experience

VisualizationJourney MappingValue Chain AnalysisMind MappingBrain StormingRapid Concept DevelopmentAssumption Testing

What to consider when writing Project Proposals

Rapid PrototypingCustomer Co-creationLearning Launches

Key Takeaway: “Learning of a broadened set of skills and acquiring knowledge in these areas”

(contd.)

What is? (a true picture of reality)

What if? (thinking outside the box)

What clicks!? (reality+creativity)

What “wows” or works? (execution: The “How to”: plan of action)

The Design-based Project Proposal

Designed-based Proposals

Activity: Write a short proposal outline for constructing a guard room

Project Proposal Writing

Project Scope Creep

You have been given a project of constructing a 4-bedroom house. While construction is underway, suddenly a need arises to construct one additional room, making the total number of rooms five. How would you manage that project change?

Activity: Project Proposal

A slight deviation or major occurrence that changes the actual project

Difference between Scope and Purpose?

Scope Creep?

The general outcome (benefit) of a project for an organization: What

Purpose

ScopeWhat that has been agreed to deliver: contents, elements, attributes, etc.:How

Involve right people key stakeholders (end users functionality or Control Boards)

Analysis of past projects

Schedule for future changes that might occur based on past experience

Scope Creep in Project Proposals

Scope-Creep Board

Set the rules…?

Scope Creep in Project Proposals

You have been given a project of constructing a 4-bedroom house. While construction is underway, suddenly a need arises to construct one additional room, making the total number of rooms five. How would you manage that project change?

Activity: Project Proposal

Set the Limit: Anything more than 3% change in the project will require a formal requestProject Size: “We best do projects that fall within a range of PKR 3 to 5 million”Set a Guideline for Scope Change: How many major or minor modifications?

How to deal with Scope Change?Set the rules-

Periodic System Project Review to link up all subprojects

Last but not least: Don’t say no to scope creep especially in a service industry

(contd.)

Project Proposal Writing

Systems Thinking

Systems Thinking: The Project Proposal Writing Process in the Context of Systems Thinking

Focus on the issue

Develop and test assumptions (cause and effect)

Draw conclusion (big to small picture or vice versa or a hybrid approach)

Systems Thinking Steps

Project Proposal WritingGetting Approval

Work from prospect’s or readers point of viewFollow a disciplined process for RFPsThorough ResearchTimeline and Responsibilities outline

Points to consider

AnalysisScopeRecommendationsImplementation HighlightsBenefits

Rule: ES should not be more than 15%

Crafting Executive Summary

Thank you

Recap