Individual Semi-formal Proposal

You can choose the topic

THE TASK

Choose a specific technical or scientific topic and write a proposal to do a study. By study, and this is key, I mean something that requires primary research (interviews, surveys, experiments) and not just library research. Note also that the proposal itself is not the study; rather, it is a report designed to pitch your study to some group or individual in order to get approval to go ahead and do the study. In addition, your proposal might aim to get funding, access, or other needed tools from your audience so that you can do the study. Keep in mind that you eventually will have to do the study, so it should be realistic in terms of time and cost: something you can do in a matter of a few weeks or less.

THE PLAN

As a team or individual, invent a rhetorical situation for the proposal. Whom are you trying to persuade? What do you want from them? Whom do you represent (what company, institution, etc.)? Be specific. Name names. I also want to know the research question of your study (what you propose to learn) and a concise idea of your methodology (how you will learn it). Also indicate if the proposal is solicited or unsolicited. Put all of this into a neatly organized plan. A note of caution: Focus on a single research question and methodology; in other words, if you have four members, don’t give me four related research questions or a four-part research question.

THE PROPOSAL

Write the proposal. It should be geared to your audience and should clearly articulate both your identity as author(s) and the purpose of the proposal up front It should address the need for the proposed study and should lay out in detail your methodology for conducting it. It should also include all necessary explanations of costs, timelines, etc. Use at least one original graphic, and make sure graphics are integrated effectively and labeled appropriately. The proposal page count should be between 5 – 7 pages, single spaced. Recall that you will use graphics, headings, white space and other design features. This will quickly add up in page number count. I am looking for “consistency” with your layout and design.