Definition:
A document that offers a solution to a problem or a course of action in response to a need. Types of proposals include internal proposals, external proposals, grant proposals, and sales proposals.
Etymology:
From the Latin, "put forth"Observations:
- "Audience and Purpose.. A proposal offers a plan to fill a need, and readers will evaluate your plan based on how well you answer their questions about what you are proposing to do, how and when you plan to do it, and how much it will cost. Because proposals often require more than one level of approval, take all your readers into account as you answer their questions. Consider especially their levels of technical knowledge of the subject. For example, if your primary reader is an expert on your subject but a supervisor who must also approve the proposal is not, provide an executive summary written in nontechnical language. You might also include a glossary of terms used in the body of the proposal or an appendix that explains highly detailed information in nontechnical language."
(G. Alred, C. Brusaw, and W. Oliu, Handbook of Technical Writing, Bedford, 2006) - "[T]he success of a proposal rests totally on the effectiveness of the argument--how convincingly the writer argues for a plan . . . and how well the writer convinces the reader that the proposing organization is the best one to do the work.
"The following questions are useful in analyzing the effectiveness of the argument:- What does the soliciting organization really want?
- What is the problem that needs to be solved?
- What approaches to the solution will be viewed most favorably?
- What approaches will be viewed unfavorably?
- What objections will our plan elicit?
- Can we accomplish the goals we propose?"
