Project Proposal Example

New or inexperienced project managers can use this generic example ofa project proposal to help create and develop their own proposals.

Example of a Project Proposal - Tips for Getting Your Proposal Noticed

When it comes to writing a proposal for a new project,inexperienced project managers have a lot to gain by consulting anexample of a project proposal right from the start. Having a model towork from can save a lot of mistakes and grief later on.

Thefollowing project proposal template is set in a generic format so it canbe applied to several kinds of circumstances and projects. As you sitdown to write your own document keep in mind that although some detailswill necessarily change to accommodate your particular project type, scope,and industry, the general structure is more or less the same for anykind of project proposal. Included in each section are also a few tipsand examples to help you produce a proposal that is clear, accurate, andfocused.

Project Information

Thissection is meant to provide a overall picture of the project that canbe seen at a glance as well as convey important project details.

Name of the Organization: XYZ, Inc

Project Title: New Widget Development

Project Summary: Write a 2-4 sentence summary of the project scope

Project Time-frame: January,1 2010 - September, 30 2010

Prepared by:

Attached Documentation:

Project Contacts:

Listthose individuals who are involved with the project and can becontacted. Be sure to include their name, title, role in the project, aswell as phone numbers and email addresses

Project Summary

Thegoal of this section is to present the reasons for doing this projectas well as stating all of the project's objectives. In this section inparticular it is very important to write concisely and clearly. Someproject professionals even suggest writing the project summary last.Before you begin writing you should be able to answer the followingquestions:

• Why are you doing this project?
• What will you be doing?
• How will you be doing it?
• Who will be doing it?
• Where will it be done?
• How long will it take?
• How much will it cost?

1.) Project Background

Explainwhat needs/problems you are trying to solve, and why theseneeds/problems are worth solving. You should also provide a briefsetting and history behind the project. This section should be no morethan a page. Include references to supporting documentation, such asresearch papers and articles. This information can be placed in theindex at the end.

2.) Project Objectives

State explicity what goals the project is aiming to achieve.

• Objective 1
• Objective 2
• Objective 3

Project Methodology

Thissections details the plan for how the project objectives will beachieved. It usually starts with a description of the overall approach.Then it provides details on methodology, the population being addressed,and how anticipated problems will be managed.

1.) The Project Approach Summary

Writea few short paragraphs or bullet points on your overall approach to theproject. Include how the project team will be organized, whatdevelopment and collaboration tools will be used, and how the plan willbe updated along the way.

2.) Work Breakdown and Task Time Estimates

In this section you should create a detailed project schedule.Make a list of tasks that will be performed for this project, make surethe list is detailed enough and the tasks broken down enough to exposerisks and make reasonable estimates in man hours required. You may wantto include a milestone chart in this section.

For a great example of a project schedule, go here.

3.) Project Deliverables

Makea list of project "deliverables." (These are the products, information,reports, etc that will be delivered to the client at the end andthroughout the duration of the project). Make sure to include adescription of the deliverable and an estimated delivery date.

Project Risk Management

Thissection details the major project risks and delineates the plans toalleviate or control them. Make sure to address each risk's likelihoodof occurring as well as its impact on the project and the organization.

1.) Risk Management Plan

This is the detailed plan of action to minimize and contain any risk factors that may come up as the project progresses.

2.) Risk Register

Be sure to include this line-item list of risks and counter efforts.

Project Costs

In this section you will need to estimate the overall cost of the project.

1.) Project Budget

A detailed, line-item budgetshould be divided into categories such as salaries, fringe benefits,travel, supplies, and equipment. Make sure to also include any overheadcosts (called "indirect costs") that will be associated with theproject.

2.) Budget Narrative

The budget narrative is basically a list of commentary needed to clarify and justify the figures on your budget.

3.) Additional Financial Statements

Someproject proposals may require additional financial statements, such as aprofit and loss statement, a recent tax return, an annual report, or alist of funding sources.

Conclusion

Inthis section you should try to tie up all the above information in ashort summary that explains the potential value of the project andemphasizes its feasibility.

Appendix

Thisis where you should put additional charts, graphs, reports, etc. thatwere cited in the proposal, but were not appropriate to place in themain body of the document.