harassment, sexual discrimination, ageism, or racism at work (descriptions of situations, definitions of terms and problems, and ways to deal with and prevent occurrences). It must real news.. any w
Assignment 5: Proposal
Length: 800-1000 words
Format: APA
Due: Thursday Week 8 (Turnitin AND in print)
Value 15%
The Task:
Understand the difference between a proposal and report.
With a partner prepare an 800-1000 word proposal for a project based on research that will end in a recommendation report, which is the last assignment in the course. (We will have 1 person work/present alone.)
(*choose your partner wisely and thoughtfully as you will be working with them for the remainder of the term.
Tips for partner work…)
Proposals can be fun to write, as long as you have a topic that truly engages your interest and you can locate materials for research. The psychology is this: you propose a solution(s) to a problem (in your work place) based on research you’ve conducted. Even though this is a proposal, you are confident in your request because you have done enough research already to know you can do the job.
Proposal vs Report
A research PROPOSAL is phase 1. It convinces readers a problem exists (PERSUASIVE), explains the general solutions that can be implemented to solve the problem – based on researched recommendations and/or other organisations who have implemented the same - and what the expected results are.
The research REPORT is phase 2. Your proposal has been accepted, now you tell the organization and the review board what the results of your research were (what is the best solution to the problem, with evidence to prove it).
Getting Started:
Your first step will be to locate a topic that will serve for both the proposal and the recommendation report. The topic should be researchable, problem based, and directed toward workable (fact-based) solutions to issues and concerns in the workplace. You will need a main idea (like a thesis statement for an essay).
TOPICS MUST be submitted for approval before starting work.
Suggested topics might include but are not restricted to:
harassment, sexual discrimination, ageism, or racism at work (descriptions of situations, definitions of terms and problems, and ways to deal with and prevent occurrences);
Please remember some of these topics are quite large, so you need to narrow the scope/focus.
As with any research task, you will need to start with a few basic research questions relating to the topic and then search for information that will help you to answer these questions.
Describing situations and then analyzing problems will be your focus in this task. Make best use of both academic and practical research skills. Your own experience is also relevant.
Understanding the Need for Research for the Proposal:
You are choosing a topic and trying to persuade your reader that you have the qualifications and abilities to begin and complete the research task.
Imagine that you are doing on site research (looking around in your workplace, talking to friends and associates, asking your boss questions, googling, using data bases in the university library, and watching current events as reported in newspapers, television, Facebook, and Twitter, and other social media.) Imagined scenarios (problems) are fine for this assignment, but the EVIDENCE (research) needs to be factual and real.
Unless you have some facts at hand – to prove there is a problem and to show there are possible solutions to be looked at- you will not be able to persuade a reader to let you do the work.
Unless you show enthusiasm and a realistic plan for completing tasks in a timely fashion, the proposal will not gain attention.
Format:
Proposal title page
Introduction - with background or description of situation and problem question or statement; briefly review what you imagine to be a potential reader’s situation, establish a need for action (rationale), and explain how things could be better.
Possible Solutions - Discuss with some evidence the potential benefits of the key solution(s) for your audience or reader. *These possible solutions are based on research.
Scope - what will be the boundaries of the research, what you will and will not do
Work and time line - explain the steps you’ll take, the time frame (when the work will begin and how it will be broken into stages, and when it will be completed) once your proposal has been approved.
Costs - projected/as appropriate.
Conclusion - that summarizes the key points in the report, reviews the benefits of the project for readers, and ends with a call to action.
Summary - your own experience and/or your organization’s experience and facilities to do this work
Appendix - charts, graphs, etc. mentioned in the proposal,
List of references (minimum six sources combined) of research to date and research planned.
*Please note that for the proposal you do not need a letter of transmittal, a table of contents, a separate outline or an abstract/summary in the beginning.
