Memo
To: Comm 2204 Students
From: Teresa Cennamo
Date: June 10, 2017
Subject: Research Project Proposal
A major part of this course is the completion of a research report. A research report describes
and analyzes whether one or more variables or courses of action is practical or feasible. The
report also defines which option is best and makes recommendations. Part of this report is
writing a proposal to me to do the research report. I will need to approve your proposal for you
to start the project of writing the research report.
Introduction
A proposal is a bid to do work. In the business world, companies or organizations that have
projects or need work to be done often solicit proposals, or bids, from individuals or companies
that want to do the work. To get proposals, the company with the project publishes a formal
document explaining what work needs to be done and asking for bids on the project. The formal
document asking for bids is called a Request for Proposal (RFP). Competitors who want to do
the work respond to the RFPs with proposals outlining what they can do, how long the job will
take, and how much the job will cost.
Assignment
Think of this as an RFP. I am asking you to submit a proposal to me in memo format explaining
what you want to do for your final project. Approved topics are posted on Blackboard. Do some
preliminary research before writing your proposal to make sure you have a clear idea of what
you intend to do.
Proposal Memo Requirements
The Proposal Memo should be two pages in length and use the standard memo format found in
your textbook. Use the following headings to organize your proposal memo, and write at least
one or two paragraphs for each heading.
Introduction: Explain the overview of the report, what interests you about this topic and
what you want to learn, in regards to your topic.
Background: What is the background of the topic you would like to research? Explain
what it is and any surrounding problems or controversies about it.
Topics to Investigate: Describe six subtopics of this topic you will research. Why are
they important to the overall topic? What are your questions about each subtopic? What
are you trying to understand?
Research Methods: List three secondary sources in the MLA format you plan to use.
Explain what type of primary research you will do (interview, questionnaire, survey) and
mention who it will involve an individual, a group? Be specific with names, size of the
group and titles.
Scope This section should define the limitations of your study. Specifically, what will
your study include? What issues will you be unable to address?
Timeline Provide a table detailing when specific parts of your research project are due
(see your syllabus for more information and pertinent dates) and list them along with the
due dates.
Comm 2204 - Cennamo