Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

 

Phil Druker/ University of Idaho

PROPOSAL: GENERAL OUTLINE

Here is a general proposal outline. While not all proposals follow this outline, most proposals contain the main elements listed here, so this makes a good model to work from for many different situations.

I. Title (A Proposal . . . )

II. Summary / Abstract (keep this short--100 words; summarize the whole proposal)

III. Introduction

Background:


--explain the situation
  --show what created the problem
  --show why the problem is important
  --explain the general problem
  --explain the theory behind the problem
--define basic terms

*B. Review of Literature


--{{Often this appears as the background section}}
briefly summarize important, closely related work
  --evaluate each article in terms of your project
  --show how the work is valuable
  -show faults in the work
  --show how the work supports your hypothesis, methods, objectives.
  --show how it relates to your specific problem

C. Statement of the
Project Problem
--state/use a research question
--define the problem that you will solve
  --define your audience for your completed project report
--hypothesis / main point

IV. Solution

A. Objectives

--explain what you will create to solve the problem
  --show what you will produce during the period of your proposed project
  --show how your objectives will solve/diminish the problem
  --outline your report: describe the proposed project outcome
  --describe the results you expect that prove your hypothesis

*B. Scope

--explain the limits of your project

C. Methods

--explain the specific steps you will take to produce your objectives
  --state what you will do to create/achieve your objectives

D. Time Schedule
--show when you plan to complete each method (use a bar graph)

VI. Budget

VII. Facilities* -- explain what laboratory, computer, or field facilities you plan to use

VII. Personnel/Credentials --explain what qualifications you have that make it possible for you to complete the project (summarize your résumé as appropriate)

VIII. Conclusion

 

 

--persuade
--show the potential value of the project to the reader
  --emphasize feasibility, necessity, usefulness
  --emphasize feasibility, necessity, usefulness
  --explain benefit of the expected results
  --urge the reader to take action (accept the proposal)
  --add a call to action

 

VIII. References --cite your sources

* Items marked with an asterisk (*) might not be necessary in your proposal, depending on the nature of your project.

Also see Proposal Criteria  and Proposal Format