UNIT 2

Writing Technical
Proposals
 Learning Outcomes
• identify the sections and organizational structure of a proposal
• identify the components of a proposal
• write the background, problem and solution of a proposal
 Technical proposal
• a type of persuasive document in which the writer proposes solution to a
particular problem
 The main points of the proposal:
• an explanation of the proposed research or project (what will be done)
• the methods to be employed (how it will be done)
• the novelty and\or importance of the study or project (why it should be
done)
 Formal Proposals VS. Informal Proposals

Formal Proposals Informal Proposals

- large comprehensive documents - short documents
- produced by the team of experts on behalf of - address a limited problem
an organization - provide a relatively straightforward solution
- prepared in response to RFP
 Structure of a proposal
• Title
• Background (basic facts or historical information about the subject of the
proposal, past research etc.)
• Problem
• Solution
• Benefits (who will benefit fro your solution and how)
• Implementation (methods, resources, timetable etc.)
• Budget
• Conclusion (restate the seriousness of the problem, reassert your selling
points, urge action)
 Activity 2.1
Background Problem Benefits
Soundbender

Sunscreenr
 Structure of a proposal
• Title
• Background (basic facts or historical information about the subject of the
proposal, past research etc.)
• Problem
• Solution
• Benefits (who will benefit fro your solution and how)
• Implementation (methods, resources, timetable etc.)
• Budget
• Conclusion (restate the seriousness of the problem, reassert your selling
points, urge action)
 Preparing for Unit 3
• Activity 2.5 – prepare the outline of your proposal in your groups of 4/5
• Microsite: Unit 3 (video + exercises) – compulsory submission after every
tutorial
• Activity 3.4 - watch Dr Alvin Leong's video lecture and fill in the
guidelines for paraphrasing from Activity 3.4 (page 26). The video
lecture can be found on the main course site
under Textbook video activities tab.
• Student’s Course Guide: Unit 3