Today, we are beginning the project that will set the stage for everything we do in the last part of the semester. It is the 1500-2000-word formal product or service proposal. According to the syllabus, this project involves these things:
A 1500-2000-word formal product or service proposal that demonstrates: 1. knowledge of the product or service offered, of pertinent market forces, and of the potential customer base. 2. the proposer’s qualifications to deliver the product or service described. 3. knowledge of research methodology and the ability to describe that methodology. 4. proper proposal format. At least six library-sourced citations must be included (non-library-sourced citations are encouraged, but they do not count toward the six library-sourced sources). Any outside sources cited should be documented according to APA format.
In this project, you will think of a product or service that you would like to make a reality if given the time, personnel, and material resources. This project requires a little creativity on your part to imagine a product or service that you would like to build or offer. Your proposal should address all of the components listed above, but in particular, you have to include research on the current state of the market you would be entering, who are the intended users/customers, and how you qualify to propose and lead this project that you propose (ethos). Research on your part will inform questions about the product/service, the market for it, and the intended users. You must describe a research methodology as a part of your proposal–it could R&D to create the final product, it could be UX testing, etc.–you think what kind of research methodology applies to the successful implementation of your plan and describe it in your proposal.
Use Dr. Richard Johnson-Sheehan’s “Planning and Organizing Proposals and Technical Reports” on the Purdue OWL website as a guide in planning and executing your proposal.
We will use today’s class to begin brainstorming your topic and conducting your background research.
During today’s class, brainstorm what you want to propose. It should be within the realm of possibility, but it can take technology into new directions. Write a memo to Professor Ellis that includes these things: 2-3 sentences describing your proposed product or service, and 3 URLs to similar/competing/inspiring technologies (each link should begin with the technology’s name and the name of the company producing/offering it).
Due at the beginning of our next class is a printed copy of these sections of your proposal: Introduction, Current Situation, and Qualifications.
