2. Meaning
A type of analytical report.
A document written to persuade the reader to follow a plan or
course of action that you believe will solve a problem or fulfil a
need.
Proposals are used to get products, plans or projects accepted by
others.
A well written proposal
analyses the audience’s needs or a problem,
presents the solution to the problem,
persuades the audience that the solution provided is the best.
3. Types of proposals
According to target
audience
According to their source
Internal
External
Solicited
unsolicited
4. According to target audience
INTERNAL EXTERNAL
Submitted to internal
decision makers in the
organisation for
Seeking approval for a
project or course of action.
For requesting additional
resources.
Submitted to decision makers
outside the organisation such
as potential clients and
government officials
soliciting approval for
projects or funds.
*External proposals are legally binding
*They compete for clients business.
5. According to source
SOLICITED PROPOSALS UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS
Prepared at the request of
external parties who need
something done.(RFP:
Request For Proposal)
Focuses on addressing each
item listed in the RFP.
e.g. A proposal written in
response to RFP for designing
the website of an
organisation.
Initiated by the organisations
attempting to obtain business
or funding without a specific
invitation from the client.
Focuses on convincing the
reader about the problem
and the possible solution or
the possible benefit.
e.g. An entrepreneur may
prepare a business plan for
seeking funds from investors.
6. Proposal structure
Proposals may vary in length, formality and structure.
Different structures for short and long proposals.
SHORT PROPOSALS
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
7. LONG PROPOSALS
Front matter
Letter of transmittal or cover letter
Title page
Table of contents
List of figures, tables and illustrations
Executive summary
Introduction
Back ground or the problem
Product description
Detailed solutions
Conclusion
