PROPOSAL WRITINGPROPOSAL WRITING

It is a plan or a scheme that persuades its It is a plan or a scheme that persuades its readers to accept the idea written by one firm as readers to accept the idea written by one firm as a response to a request from another firm and a response to a request from another firm and can be also written without any prior request. It can be also written without any prior request. It aims at obtaining commercial contracts.aims at obtaining commercial contracts.

It is a written offer to undertake a project for It is a written offer to undertake a project for designing, creating something new or for designing, creating something new or for changing or modifying an existing procedure, changing or modifying an existing procedure, method, system or structure within a specified method, system or structure within a specified period of time.period of time.

Any proposal offers a plan to fill a need, and your Any proposal offers a plan to fill a need, and your reader will evaluate your plan according to how well reader will evaluate your plan according to how well your written presentation answers questions aboutyour written presentation answers questions about

WHATWHAT you are proposing, you are proposing, HOWHOW you plan to do it, you plan to do it, WHEN WHEN you plan to do it, andyou plan to do it, and HOW MUCHHOW MUCH it is going to cost. it is going to cost. Proposals are informative and persuasive writing Proposals are informative and persuasive writing

because they attempt to educate the reader and to because they attempt to educate the reader and to convince that reader to do something. convince that reader to do something.

The goal of the writer is not only to persuade the The goal of the writer is not only to persuade the reader to do what is being requested, but also to make reader to do what is being requested, but also to make the reader believe that the solution is practical and the reader believe that the solution is practical and appropriate. In persuasive proposal writing, the case is appropriate. In persuasive proposal writing, the case is built by the demonstration of logic and reason in the built by the demonstration of logic and reason in the approach taken in the solution. approach taken in the solution.

Types of proposalsTypes of proposals External proposalsExternal proposals : A proposal written by a firm : A proposal written by a firm

in order to win contracts for work.in order to win contracts for work. Internal proposalsInternal proposals : The writer prepares an : The writer prepares an

internal proposal with a motive to convince the internal proposal with a motive to convince the person or a group in authority to allow him to person or a group in authority to allow him to implement his ideas. It is submitted within a implement his ideas. It is submitted within a company. company.

With internal proposals, you may not have to With internal proposals, you may not have to include certain sections (such as qualifications), include certain sections (such as qualifications), or you may not have to include as much or you may not have to include as much information in them information in them

Solicited proposalsSolicited proposals : : It is a proposal It is a proposal prepared in response to an invitation from a firm prepared in response to an invitation from a firm or some government or non- government or some government or non- government organization. These invitations are published in organization. These invitations are published in the news papers as the news papers as tender noticestender notices. . The writer The writer is required to supply relevant particulars, as is required to supply relevant particulars, as demanded by the firm to win the project.demanded by the firm to win the project.

Unsolicited proposalsUnsolicited proposals : : It is a proposal It is a proposal prepared by an individual on his own initiative, prepared by an individual on his own initiative, without any external encouragement or request , without any external encouragement or request , to solve a problem or to meet a specific need as to solve a problem or to meet a specific need as perceived by him and convince the authority to perceived by him and convince the authority to allow the writer to implement his idea.allow the writer to implement his idea.

Characteristics of a proposalCharacteristics of a proposal It must tell the reader what you plan to do, how It must tell the reader what you plan to do, how

will you do it, how much time will you take in will you do it, how much time will you take in completing it and what will it cost.completing it and what will it cost.

Since it is persuasive in nature it should be Since it is persuasive in nature it should be based on the based on the AIDAAIDA plan plan

AttentionAttention is caught towards what is being is caught towards what is being proposedproposed

InterestInterest is created by pointing out how the work is created by pointing out how the work will be executed.will be executed.

DesireDesire has to be generated to accept the has to be generated to accept the proposal by highlighting the benefits and proposal by highlighting the benefits and advantagesadvantages

ActionAction is induced by persuasive reasoning is induced by persuasive reasoning

Qualities of a good proposalQualities of a good proposalA number of factors play a role in converting A number of factors play a role in converting

this selling tool into a contractual commitmentthis selling tool into a contractual commitment Understand customers need as well as the products Understand customers need as well as the products

and services.and services. Specify the scope clearlySpecify the scope clearly Be realistic in your estimate of time, money, material Be realistic in your estimate of time, money, material

and personnel required.and personnel required. Establish your credentials for accomplishing the taskEstablish your credentials for accomplishing the task Highlight the benefits that would accrue to the Highlight the benefits that would accrue to the

customer.customer. Keep the proposal short and simpleKeep the proposal short and simple Use plain language.Use plain language. Mention the risks and benefits that are likely to occur.Mention the risks and benefits that are likely to occur.

The most basic composition of a proposal, as with any The most basic composition of a proposal, as with any other written document, is simple; it needs a other written document, is simple; it needs a beginningbeginning (the Introduction), a (the Introduction), a middlemiddle (the Body of (the Body of material to be presented) and an material to be presented) and an endend (the (the Conclusion/Recommendation).Conclusion/Recommendation).

TheThe INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION presents and summarizes the presents and summarizes the problem you intend to solve and your solution to that problem you intend to solve and your solution to that problem, including the benefits the reader/group will problem, including the benefits the reader/group will receive from the solution and the cost of that solution. receive from the solution and the cost of that solution.

The The BODYBODY of the proposal should explain the of the proposal should explain the complete details of the solution: how the job will be complete details of the solution: how the job will be done, broken into separate tasks; what method will be done, broken into separate tasks; what method will be used to do it, including the equipment, material, and used to do it, including the equipment, material, and personnel that would be required; when the work will personnel that would be required; when the work will begin; and, when the job will be completed. It should begin; and, when the job will be completed. It should also present a detailed cost breakdown for the entire also present a detailed cost breakdown for the entire job. job.

The The CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION should emphasize the should emphasize the benefits that the reader will realize from your benefits that the reader will realize from your solution to the problem and should urge the solution to the problem and should urge the reader to action. It should be encouraging, reader to action. It should be encouraging, confident and assertive in tone.confident and assertive in tone.

Facts must lead logically and inevitably to the Facts must lead logically and inevitably to the conclusion and/or the solution presented. conclusion and/or the solution presented. Evidence should be given in a Evidence should be given in a descending descending order of importanceorder of importance, beginning with the most , beginning with the most important evidence  and ending with the least important evidence  and ending with the least important. important.

PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND WRITING TIPS WRITING TIPS

Use outline formats and listings whenever possible to Use outline formats and listings whenever possible to break up narrative texts. break up narrative texts.

Use visuals to enhance and explain abstract concepts Use visuals to enhance and explain abstract concepts and relationships. (Do not overuse.) and relationships. (Do not overuse.)

Don't overkill a point. State it, support it, and move on Don't overkill a point. State it, support it, and move on to the next point. to the next point.

Use forecasting and internal summaries to help the Use forecasting and internal summaries to help the reader know where they are and where they are reader know where they are and where they are going. going.

Be generous with transitions as they will help the Be generous with transitions as they will help the reader to know where they have been and where they reader to know where they have been and where they are going. are going.

Avoid equivocal language, such as: "might, could, Avoid equivocal language, such as: "might, could, ought, may, should, hope, will consider, it appears". ought, may, should, hope, will consider, it appears".

Don't avoid significant issues which apply to the Don't avoid significant issues which apply to the project or potential problems which may be relevant to project or potential problems which may be relevant to the project. It is better to take a stand and discuss a the project. It is better to take a stand and discuss a process for dealing with anticipated problems than to process for dealing with anticipated problems than to avoid these questions. avoid these questions.

Avoid impossible promises. Avoid impossible promises. Avoid unsupported subjective arguments. Avoid unsupported subjective arguments. Do not assume that the reader will be intimately Do not assume that the reader will be intimately

familiar with the subject. familiar with the subject. Sequence the components of the proposal in a logical Sequence the components of the proposal in a logical

manner. manner. Carefully Carefully review, edit, and proofread -- review, edit, and proofread -- again again andand

again again . Get others to help, as in another opinion in a . Get others to help, as in another opinion in a medical manner. Avoid errors in grammar, spelling, medical manner. Avoid errors in grammar, spelling, math, and maintain a clean overall appearance. math, and maintain a clean overall appearance.

A proposal should be readable, should not be missing A proposal should be readable, should not be missing pages, and should be written in the same consistent pages, and should be written in the same consistent style throughout.style throughout.

Organization of ProposalsOrganization of Proposals As for the organization of the content of a proposal, As for the organization of the content of a proposal,

remember that it is essentially a sales, or promotional remember that it is essentially a sales, or promotional kind of thing. Here are the basic steps it goes through: kind of thing. Here are the basic steps it goes through:

You introduce the proposal, telling the readers its You introduce the proposal, telling the readers its purpose and contents. purpose and contents.

You present the background—the problem, You present the background—the problem, opportunity, or situation that brings about the opportunity, or situation that brings about the proposed project. Get the reader concerned about the proposed project. Get the reader concerned about the problem, excited about the opportunity, or interested in problem, excited about the opportunity, or interested in the situation in some way. the situation in some way.

State what you propose to do about the problem, how State what you propose to do about the problem, how you plan to help the readers take advantage of the you plan to help the readers take advantage of the opportunity, how you intend to help them with the opportunity, how you intend to help them with the situation. situation.

Discuss the benefits of doing the proposed project, the Discuss the benefits of doing the proposed project, the advantages that come from approving it. advantages that come from approving it.

Describe exactly what the completed project would Describe exactly what the completed project would consist of, what it would look like, how it would work—consist of, what it would look like, how it would work—describe the results of the project. describe the results of the project.

Discuss the method and theory or approach behind Discuss the method and theory or approach behind that method—enable readers to understand how you'll that method—enable readers to understand how you'll go about the proposed work. go about the proposed work.

Provide a schedule, including major milestones or Provide a schedule, including major milestones or checkpoints in the project. checkpoints in the project.

Briefly list your qualifications for the project; provide a Briefly list your qualifications for the project; provide a mini-resume of the background you have that makes mini-resume of the background you have that makes you right for the project. you right for the project.

Now (and only now), list the costs of the project, the Now (and only now), list the costs of the project, the resources you'll need to do the project. resources you'll need to do the project.

Conclude with a review of the benefits of doing the Conclude with a review of the benefits of doing the project (in case the shock from the costs section was project (in case the shock from the costs section was too much), and urge the audience to get in touch or to too much), and urge the audience to get in touch or to accept the proposal.accept the proposal.

Front MatterFront Matter Letter of TransmittalLetter of Transmittal/ statement of request/ statement of request Title PageTitle Page

Project Summary Project Summary (approx. 200 word abstract)(approx. 200 word abstract)

THE PROPOSALTHE PROPOSAL

IntroductionIntroduction BodyBody Project Proposal: (Includes Statement of the Problem, Proposed Solution(s), Project Proposal: (Includes Statement of the Problem, Proposed Solution(s), Program of Implementation, Conclusions/Recommendations) Program of Implementation, Conclusions/Recommendations)

Conclusion/RecommendationsConclusion/Recommendations

Back MatterBack Matter

Bibliography and/or Works CitedBibliography and/or Works Cited QualificationsQualifications (of writer(s) and/or project (of writer(s) and/or project implementers) implementers)

BudgetBudget (Itemization of expenses in the implementation and operation of the (Itemization of expenses in the implementation and operation of the proposed plan, and detail of materials, facilities, equipment and personnel)proposed plan, and detail of materials, facilities, equipment and personnel)

    AppendicesAppendices

Format Format Cover pageCover page

A proposal A proposal

ForFor

TITLETITLE

ByBy

Name Name

DesignationDesignation

Name of the OrganizationName of the Organization

DateDate

Title pageTitle pageAA

ProposalProposalForFor

TITLETITLESubmitted toSubmitted to

Name of the recipientName of the recipientByBy

Proposers nameProposers nameDesignationDesignation

Name of the organizationName of the organizationDateDate

Statement of RequestStatement of Request DateDate Name of the proposerName of the proposer DesignationDesignation Organization nameOrganization name

Name of the addresseeName of the addressee DesignationDesignation Organization nameOrganization name Subject:……….Subject:……….

SirSir In response to your advertisement in The Times dated 7In response to your advertisement in The Times dated 7thth may’05 I would may’05 I would

like to submit a proposal enclosed herewith.like to submit a proposal enclosed herewith. I shall be thankful to you if you will kindly let me know the status of the I shall be thankful to you if you will kindly let me know the status of the

proposal at the earliest.proposal at the earliest.

Yours faithfullyYours faithfully SignSign NameName DesignationDesignation

Enclosed: ProposalEnclosed: Proposal

Summary Summary It conveys the jist of the entire proposal to the It conveys the jist of the entire proposal to the

authorities who have to take a decision.authorities who have to take a decision. It must contain all the information in brief.It must contain all the information in brief.

SummarySummary

1.1. Project titleProject title

2.2. Proposer ( Name & designation)Proposer ( Name & designation)

3.3. Proposers Address (Organization Name)Proposers Address (Organization Name)

4.4. Venue of workVenue of work

5.5. Time needed to begin after approvalTime needed to begin after approval

6.6. DurationDuration

7.7. Estimated costEstimated cost

8.8. Summary of the main bodySummary of the main body

Introduction / Statement of problem:Introduction / Statement of problem:Defines the need or states the problem to which Defines the need or states the problem to which

the proposal is addresses itself.the proposal is addresses itself.Have to give a brief background in terms of the Have to give a brief background in terms of the

work already done and its inadequacy in the work already done and its inadequacy in the present circumstances.present circumstances.

Defines the scope and limitations of the projectDefines the scope and limitations of the project.. Background on the problem, opportunity, or Background on the problem, opportunity, or

situation.situation. Often occurring just after the introduction, Often occurring just after the introduction, the background section discusses what has brought the background section discusses what has brought about the need for the project—what problem, what about the need for the project—what problem, what opportunity there is for improving things, what the opportunity there is for improving things, what the basic situation is. basic situation is.

Objectives: Objectives: To what extent your proposal is going To what extent your proposal is going

to solve the existing problem or effect to solve the existing problem or effect the change.the change.

Stated in terms of long and short term Stated in terms of long and short term goals. goals.

Objectives must be tangible, specific, Objectives must be tangible, specific, concrete, measurable, and achievable in a concrete, measurable, and achievable in a specified time period specified time period

Management Plan / Methodology:Management Plan / Methodology: Describes how you will accomplish the proposed task. Describes how you will accomplish the proposed task.

Method, procedure, theory.Method, procedure, theory. The plan of action for doing the The plan of action for doing the proposed work, if approved to do it. This acts as an additional proposed work, if approved to do it. This acts as an additional persuasive element; it shows the audience you have a sound, persuasive element; it shows the audience you have a sound, well-thought-out approach to the project. well-thought-out approach to the project.

facilities required The existing ones and which may be facilities required The existing ones and which may be needed but are not there. (Justify the requirement)needed but are not there. (Justify the requirement)

Schedule.Schedule. The time required to complete the workThe time required to complete the work Most Most proposals contain a section that shows not only the projected proposals contain a section that shows not only the projected completion date but also key milestones for the project. If you completion date but also key milestones for the project. If you are doing a large project spreading over many months, the are doing a large project spreading over many months, the timeline would also show dates on which you would deliver timeline would also show dates on which you would deliver progress reports. And if you can't cite specific dates, cite progress reports. And if you can't cite specific dates, cite amount of time or time spans for each phase of the project.amount of time or time spans for each phase of the project...

QualificationsQualifications The proposer has to convince the The proposer has to convince the

authority concerned that he is fully authority concerned that he is fully qualified in all respects to do the proposed qualified in all respects to do the proposed work.work.

Most proposals contain a summary of the Most proposals contain a summary of the proposing individual's or organization's proposing individual's or organization's qualifications to do the proposed work. It's like a qualifications to do the proposed work. It's like a mini-resume contained in the proposal. The mini-resume contained in the proposal. The proposal audience uses it to decide whether proposal audience uses it to decide whether you are suited for the project. Therefore, this you are suited for the project. Therefore, this section lists work experience, similar projects, section lists work experience, similar projects, references, training, and education that shows references, training, and education that shows familiarity with the project. familiarity with the project.

Technical Plan:Technical Plan:Describe technically how the proposal Describe technically how the proposal

would solve the problem.would solve the problem.Discuss the theoretical or analytical Discuss the theoretical or analytical

experiments to be followed by you.experiments to be followed by you.Specify the instruments, equipment and Specify the instruments, equipment and

materials that would be needed and how materials that would be needed and how all they be utilized.all they be utilized.

If new instruments are needed then justify If new instruments are needed then justify the requirement clearly indicating the the requirement clearly indicating the advantages.advantages.

Cost Estimate:Cost Estimate: Costs, resources required.Costs, resources required. Most proposals also contain a section detailing the costs Most proposals also contain a section detailing the costs

of the project, whether internal or external. With external of the project, whether internal or external. With external projects, you may need to list your hourly rates, projected projects, you may need to list your hourly rates, projected hours, costs of equipment and supplies, and so forth, and hours, costs of equipment and supplies, and so forth, and then calculate the total cost of the complete project. With then calculate the total cost of the complete project. With internal projects, there probably won't be a fee, but you internal projects, there probably won't be a fee, but you should still list the project costs: for example, hours you should still list the project costs: for example, hours you will need to complete the project, equipment and supplies will need to complete the project, equipment and supplies you'll be using, assistance from other people in the you'll be using, assistance from other people in the organization, and so on. organization, and so on.

Furnish the details of all the expenses.Furnish the details of all the expenses. These should include the amount required for the following These should include the amount required for the following

items: material, equipment, computer time, lab testing, items: material, equipment, computer time, lab testing, salaries of the people involved in the work, travel, salaries of the people involved in the work, travel, infrastructural facilities such as land, building, water, infrastructural facilities such as land, building, water, electricity etc.electricity etc.

The estimate should be realistic and logicalThe estimate should be realistic and logical. .

ConclusionsConclusions The final paragraph or section of the proposal The final paragraph or section of the proposal

should bring readers back to a focus on the should bring readers back to a focus on the positive aspects of the project (you've just positive aspects of the project (you've just showed them the costs). showed them the costs).

In the final section, you can end by urging them In the final section, you can end by urging them to get in touch to work out the details of the to get in touch to work out the details of the project, to remind them of the benefits of doing project, to remind them of the benefits of doing the project, and maybe to put in one last plug the project, and maybe to put in one last plug for you or your organization as the right choice for you or your organization as the right choice for the project. for the project.

Special project-specific sectionsSpecial project-specific sections Remember that the preceding sections are typical or Remember that the preceding sections are typical or

common in written proposals, not absolute common in written proposals, not absolute requirements. requirements.

Similarly, some proposals may require other sections Similarly, some proposals may require other sections not discussed above. not discussed above.

Don't let your proposal planning be dictated by the Don't let your proposal planning be dictated by the preceding discussion. preceding discussion.

Always ask yourself what else might my audience Always ask yourself what else might my audience need to understand the project, the need for it, the need to understand the project, the need for it, the benefits arising from it, my role in it, my qualifications benefits arising from it, my role in it, my qualifications to it What else might my readers need to be convinced to it What else might my readers need to be convinced to allow me to do the project? What else do they need to allow me to do the project? What else do they need to see in order to approve the project and to approve to see in order to approve the project and to approve me to do the project? me to do the project?

BibliographyBibliography

• It refers to a descriptive list of sources which It refers to a descriptive list of sources which have been consulted to write an article or a have been consulted to write an article or a report. Information for bibliographies is taken right report. Information for bibliographies is taken right from the source. from the source.

• It includes all the sources- books, journals, It includes all the sources- books, journals, magazines, websites, articles etc.magazines, websites, articles etc.

• Organized alphabetically listing the authors Organized alphabetically listing the authors name in the reverse order.name in the reverse order.

Format:Format:   Books/Single AuthorBooks/Single Author A typical bibliography entry for a book has three parts: A typical bibliography entry for a book has three parts:

the author, title, and publication information (this last the author, title, and publication information (this last includes place of publication, publisher, and date of includes place of publication, publisher, and date of publication). These will appear as follows: publication). These will appear as follows:

Author’s last name, first name. Title of book. Place of Author’s last name, first name. Title of book. Place of publication: Publisher, copyright yearpublication: Publisher, copyright year

Crystal, David. Crystal, David. English as a globalEnglish as a global languagelanguage. . Cambridge; Cambridge university press,1997.Cambridge; Cambridge university press,1997.

Kasson, John F. Civilizing the Machine: Kasson, John F. Civilizing the Machine: Technology Technology and Republican Values in America 1776-1900and Republican Values in America 1776-1900. New . New York: Penguin, 1976. York: Penguin, 1976.

Multiple AuthorsMultiple Authors Ehrenreich, Barbara, and John Ehrenreich, eds. Ehrenreich, Barbara, and John Ehrenreich, eds. The AmericanThe American

Health Empire: Power, Profits, and Politics.Health Empire: Power, Profits, and Politics. New York: Vintage, New York: Vintage, 1971. 1971.

For an encyclopedia article  For an encyclopedia article   Article author’s last name, first name. "Title of article." Article author’s last name, first name. "Title of article." Name of Name of

encyclopediaencyclopedia. Copyright year. Volume number, page(s).. Copyright year. Volume number, page(s). Clark, William W. "Gothic Art." Clark, William W. "Gothic Art." World Book EncyclopediaWorld Book Encyclopedia. 2002.. 2002.

Volume 8, pp. 277-278. Volume 8, pp. 277-278.

For a magazine or newspaper article: For a magazine or newspaper article:  Article author’s last name, first name. "Title or headline of Article author’s last name, first name. "Title or headline of

article." article." Name of magazine or newspaperName of magazine or newspaper. Date of magazine or . Date of magazine or newspaper, page(s).newspaper, page(s).

McGill, Kristy. "A Baltic Scramble." McGill, Kristy. "A Baltic Scramble." FacesFaces. May, 2003, p. 27.. May, 2003, p. 27.

For an internet address:For an internet address: Author’s last name, first name. "Title of item." [Online] Author’s last name, first name. "Title of item." [Online]

AvailableAvailable  http://address/filename, date of document or http://address/filename, date of document or download.download.

DiStefano, Vince. "Guidelines for Better Writing." [Online] DiStefano, Vince. "Guidelines for Better Writing." [Online] Available http://www.usa.net/~vinced/home/better-writing.html, Available http://www.usa.net/~vinced/home/better-writing.html, October 5, 2002.October 5, 2002.

For audiovisual materials: For audiovisual materials:  Title of materialTitle of material. Type of material. Place of publication: . Type of material. Place of publication:

Publisher, copyright date.Publisher, copyright date. Bizet’s DreamBizet’s Dream. Videotape. New York: Sony Wonder, 1998.. Videotape. New York: Sony Wonder, 1998.

For a cd-rom:For a cd-rom: "Article title." "Article title." CD-ROM titleCD-ROM title. CD-ROM. Copyright date.. CD-ROM. Copyright date. "Titanic Disaster." "Titanic Disaster." Encarta 99 EncyclopediaEncarta 99 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. 1999. CD-ROM. 1999

CHECKLIST FOR STATEMENT OF GOALS, CHECKLIST FOR STATEMENT OF GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Are there one or more goals that reflect the need for the project Are there one or more goals that reflect the need for the project and clearly show its purpose and direction? and clearly show its purpose and direction?

Is there at least one objective for each need or problem Is there at least one objective for each need or problem committed to in the needs/problem statement? committed to in the needs/problem statement?

Are the objectives realistic and appropriate? Are the objectives realistic and appropriate? Are the objectives stated in terms of outcomes and not in terms Are the objectives stated in terms of outcomes and not in terms

of methods or activities? of methods or activities? Do the objectives describe the population that will benefit? Do the objectives describe the population that will benefit? Do the objectives state the time by which they will be Do the objectives state the time by which they will be

accomplished? accomplished? Do the objectives describe the outcomes of the project in Do the objectives describe the outcomes of the project in

measurable terms? measurable terms? Do the activity statements show how the objective will be put Do the activity statements show how the objective will be put

into operation and accomplished?into operation and accomplished?

AESTHETICS CHECKLIST AESTHETICS CHECKLIST

1. Does the cover express something of the content of 1. Does the cover express something of the content of this proposal or the nature of your organization? this proposal or the nature of your organization?

2. Is there a Table of Contents? 2. Is there a Table of Contents?

3. Is there a title page with all necessary background 3. Is there a title page with all necessary background information describing this document? information describing this document?

4. Is the summary no more than 3/4 of a page long? 4. Is the summary no more than 3/4 of a page long?

5. Does the organization of the proposal enhance the 5. Does the organization of the proposal enhance the content and make it easy to find/avoid types of content and make it easy to find/avoid types of information? information?

6. Are the margins consistent? 6. Are the margins consistent?

7. Is the pagination accurate? 7. Is the pagination accurate?

8. Did you use a consistent type-style? 8. Did you use a consistent type-style?

9. Is the copying high-quality? 9. Is the copying high-quality?

10. Did you footnote narratively? 10. Did you footnote narratively?

11. Did you use color coding? 11. Did you use color coding?

12. Did you avoid unnecessary charts, tables, 12. Did you avoid unnecessary charts, tables, diagrams? diagrams?

13. Is the binding neat and attractive? 13. Is the binding neat and attractive?

14. Has it been reviewed for 14. Has it been reviewed for spelling/grammar/diction? spelling/grammar/diction?

15. Is the typing accurate? 15. Is the typing accurate?

16. Are the section-headings clear and consistent 16. Are the section-headings clear and consistent in format?in format?

Why Are Proposals Turned Down?Why Are Proposals Turned Down? The problem is trivial or is unlikely to produce new or The problem is trivial or is unlikely to produce new or

useful information. useful information. The proposed research is based on a hypothesis that The proposed research is based on a hypothesis that

rests on doubtful, unsound or insufficient evidence. rests on doubtful, unsound or insufficient evidence. The problem is more complex than the author realizes. The problem is more complex than the author realizes. The problem is local in significance, production, or The problem is local in significance, production, or

control, or otherwise fails to fall clearly in the control, or otherwise fails to fall clearly in the mainstream of the discipline. mainstream of the discipline.

The problem is intellectually premature - only a pilot The problem is intellectually premature - only a pilot study. study.

The problem as proposed is overly involved with too The problem as proposed is overly involved with too many elements required to be investigated many elements required to be investigated simultaneously. simultaneously.

The description of the research leaves the proposal The description of the research leaves the proposal nebulous, diffuse, and without a clear aim.nebulous, diffuse, and without a clear aim.

The proposed methodology, including tests and The proposed methodology, including tests and procedures, are unsuited to the objective. May be procedures, are unsuited to the objective. May be beyond the competence of the investigator. beyond the competence of the investigator.

The over-all design is not carefully thought out. The over-all design is not carefully thought out. Statistical aspects are not given sufficient Statistical aspects are not given sufficient

consideration. consideration. Approach lacks imagination or originality. Approach lacks imagination or originality. Controls are either inadequately conceived or Controls are either inadequately conceived or

described. described. Proposed material for research is unsuited or difficult Proposed material for research is unsuited or difficult

to obtain. to obtain. The number of observations proposed is unsuitable.The number of observations proposed is unsuitable. Available equipment is unsuited to the research. Available equipment is unsuited to the research.

The proposal will be accepted if the The proposal will be accepted if the proposal is able to convince the reader proposal is able to convince the reader about the ability of the organization to do about the ability of the organization to do the proposed work and how well it has the proposed work and how well it has been planned.been planned.