Proposal for Instructions

Write me a memo seeking my approval for the topic for your instructions. The requirements for the instructions are explained in Project 3: Instructions Assignment. When writing the proposal, think of me as someone who wants to be sure that you choose a project from which you can learn a great deal and on which you can do a good job. While I am willing to consider a wide range of topics, you must convince me that you have chosen a worthwhile topic that you are capable of handling well. In reading your letter, I will be looking for answers to the following questions:

What problem will your instructions address? Have you clearly defined a conflict between a desired situation and the current situation (that is, the need for the instructions)?

Whose problem is it? Who will read the instructions? What is your position relative to your readers? Remember that you must define a complex audience. You may describe a real situation or devise a hypothetical one.

Why is this problem significant for these readers? What’s at stake? Do you have a handle on a solution to the problem? Have you analyzed what a good solution would require? Do you know about alternative plausible solutions?

How is the topic related to your major? Your career plans? What makes you qualified to carry out the project? I will give preference to projects that give you practice writing a kind of document that you may have to prepare on the job.

What will it take to gather the necessary information and complete your analyses? Can you complete your instructions in the time alloted, using resources readily available to you?

Do you have a work plan for your project, a plan that shows specifically when certain activities must be completed this semester if you are to finish the project on time?

The format for your letter should be that of a formal business letter.Select your information and organize it in such a way that it is persuasive and accessible. Include:

• an introduction which tells me why you are writing and what the memo is about.
• a section on the problem, including an explicit well-developed problem statement. Convince me your audience is facing a tough and important problem.
• a section describing your plans for designing the instructions. Convince me that you know what kind of information you’ll need and where to find it. Include an analysis of your readers and what information they’ll need in order to buy your solution.
• a discussion of your credentials. Convince me that you have the background and resources necessary to conduct your research.
• a schedule. Convince me that you know what activities your research will require and that you can get them done on time.
• a conclusion which formally requests permission to proceed