Module 21

Module 21 helps with understanding some of the things needed in order to write quality proposals and progress reports.   It is good to know what your subject matter consists of before exploring it. In that regard, reports can be formal, informal, informational, analytical, and/or recommendations.  Before even beginning your report, no matter what type it is, it is a good idea to have done at least one quarter of the research that needs to be done.  Proposals include many things that make them up, and even though there are different types of proposals there are certain things that can help you in general.  The problem must be indentified, the feasibility of a solution should be explored, what audience will read the report needs to be determined, topics should be investigated, methods and procedures have to be picked, work scheduled should be decided on, and a call to action should end.  Different progress reports are meant for different things and should be developed in different stages.  It is useful to keep in mind that a progress report can be used to enhance your image, float trial balloons, and minimize possible problems.  One other thing I found to be a useful aspect from the module is that a proposal should include a good purpose statement. This should clarify what the problem is, what questions need to be answered to solve the problem, and what the rhetorical purpose of the proposal is.