There are some basic features that all proposals are likely to contain, which are summarised in the table below (based on information in Björk, Björk & Räisänen, 1996). However, the information provided is only a guideline – you may need to adjust according to your document’s purpose and your discipline’s preferences.

Basic Features
1. A well-stated definition of the problem	a description of the problem the causes of the problem the consequences should the problem remain unsolved.
2. A clearly stated proposal to solve the problem	arguments in favour of your solution some hints as to how to implement the solution
3. Awareness of alternative proposals	alternative solutions for the problem acceptance or refutation each alternative solution
4. An evaluation of the benefits of your proposal	positive effects of your proposal, for example, cost benefits or sustainability
5. Possible counter arguments to your proposal	an awareness of possible objections to your proposal that you, in turn, argue against
6. A careful analysis of your audience	the needs, convictions and prejudices of the readers are taken into account the information selected is neither too basic nor too narrow for your audience’s knowledge base
7. A reasonable, sensible tone	irony and sarcasm are avoided (unless it is your specific purpose to be ironic) counterarguments are fairly and reasonably evaluated, without attacking those who disagree with you the appeal is to the intellect rather than to the emotions (although appealing to the emotions subtly is likely to be necessary at times as part of the persuasive tone – see persuasive writing).

Academic Proposals

An academic proposal, such as an application for PhD studies, usually looks a bit different from a business proposal. The following sections are commonly found in an academic proposal:

1. Introduction and Theoretical Framework
2. Statement of the Problem
3. Purpose of the Study
4. Review of the Literature
5. Research Questions and/or Hypotheses
6. The Design – Methods and Procedures
7. Limitations and Delimitations
8. Significance of the Study
9. References
10. Appendices

You will find information on all the sections here: The Elements of a Proposal by Frank Pajares

N.B. Information regarding features of other proposal types will be available here in the future.

Reference: Björk,L., Björk, M. & C. Räisänen (1996). Academic Writing, A University Writing Course. Studentlitteratur.