The following notes are intended to help you write an effective proposal for your final project by telling you what to include in it. However, as you work on the proposal, keep in mind that you may need to include additional information in some or all of the sections, depending on the nature of your project.

Keep in mind also that you must write each of the sections clearly and persuasively. And the whole must pull together cohesively.

The proposal is to take the form of a memo addressed to me, and each of the sections listed below (except the introduction) must have a heading.

Introduction

Explain why you are writing by saying what you want (in this case, you want approval of a topic for your final project). Here and throughout your proposal, write as if you and I have not previously discussed your project. Rely on your proposal, not our conversation, to introduce your project and to make your plans clear. Do not use a heading for this introductory section.

Background

Describe what your final project will resolve or the need it will satisfy. Explain your role in the situation you describe. Are you a company employee? A member of the student organization? A consultant? Be sure that I leave this section feeling that your project addresses an important need or situation.

Proposed Project

Describe your project report’s readers and its purpose. In describing purpose, remember to identify the ultimate objective of your proposed communication, the major activity it will enable your readers to perform while reading, and the way you want it to affect their attitudes. Also, say something about the document you will write, including the major topics it will address and the general way you will organize it.

Be sure that when I finish reading this section I know what you want your communication to do and how you will design your communication to achieve that objective.

Plan of Action

Explain how you are going to obtain the information you will use for your project. Will you administer surveys? Interview people? Go to the library? Be sure I leave this section feeling that you have a good plan for obtaining the information and ideas you will include in your final project.

Schedule

Under this heading, refer to a timetable, which you may include either on this page of your proposal or on a separate sheet. Provide the table with a title. Be sure to make clear on what dates you will perform each of the key tasks involved in your project.

Qualifications

Present your real (not your fictional) qualifications that demonstrate your ability to undertake the project you propose. Be sure I leave this section feeling that you will be able to perform this project competently.

Resources

Describe the resources (whom and what) you will use in preparing your report. Be sure that I come away from this section feeling certain that you will be able to obtain the necessary information and support in the time available to you this semester.

Conclusion

Summarize. Emphasize any final points you wish to make. Tell how your work on this project relates to your career plans or why you want to see this project come to fruition.