Module 21

Module 21 is on Proposals and Progress Reports.  Reports provide the information needed by people in companies.  Reports include five basic steps: defining the problem, gathering the information, analyzing the information, organizing the information, and writing the report.  Research is very important in writing proposals, it is important to start on and finish at least one-fourth of your research before you start writing your proposal.  Once the problem is defined, you then write a purpose statement which makes three things clear: the organizational problem or conflict, the specific technical questions that must be answered to solve the problem, and the rhetorical purpose the report is designed to achieve.  The proposal should contain what it is that you are going to do to solve the problem, how you will do it, and evidence that you will do it well.  Knowing an accurate budget is also very important otherwise you may not win the bid.  Progress reports are a way to show your employer that you are working hard and updating them on the progress and difficulties that you have made and come across.

One thing to come away with from this module, is that when writing a proposal, you must show the reader benefits, and make sure that you have good reader benefits.  No matter how good your proposal is if the reader cannot connect with it then it is a total waste of time.

Another thing that is important from this module is the use of progress reports.  Not only are they good because they show your employer where you stand on your work, but they can also help to minimize future problems if used correctly.  By using them you can update your boss on what to expect in the future so that they can prepare and not be blind sided by any delays or funding problems