Q Freaky Slow Apparel Formal Proposal or Business Model Assignment: Defining, Explaining, and Presenting a Project (Option 2). 1. What do you propose to do, and where do you propose to do it? (Be as specific as possible.) 2. Why should others consider this project a priority? 3. Can you think of a brief example or story that illustrates the need for this project? 4. Who are the stakeholders (those with an interest or investment in) for this project, and what perspectives are they likely to have on it? 5. What kinds of resources will you need to carry the project out, and where can you get them? 6. What barriers might arise that limit this project, and how do you plan to address them? 7. Describe a scenario that illustrates the positive outcomes that will result from this project. 8. How should you best organize the proposal? Proposals are a unique form of argument. Most contain three parts: an introduction or summary, main body, and attachments or supporting material. Depending on the complexity of the project, proposals can vary in length from 1-2 pages to 400 or more, as did some of NASA’s early proposals for space exploration. For all grant applications, proposals are required. A distinguishing characteristic of a proposal is that it requires others to participate in the success of an idea. For example, an entrepreneur with a great idea for a product needs capital, designers, and production support. Or, a volunteer with a community organization finds a novel way to solve a local problem but needs a workforce to make it feasible. By combining the best elements of argument and research, a successful proposal defines a problem and seeks to solve it by promoting action. What all proposals have in common is that they are unique--they approach the problem from a new perspective, define an original solution, and are based on solid research. The more persuasive the reasoning behind the proposal, the more likely the project will receive approval, which may include funding or other resources. Formal reports and proposals use third person. Option 1: Project Proposal The questions your project proposal should address are the following: • What precisely is the problem/idea/issue? • Why did the problem/issue occur? –OR— • What’s the genesis of the idea? • What is the significance of the problem/issue/idea? • What risks/opportunities are in play? • What should be done [could have been done] to resolve the problem? • What are the consequences of following or not following the recommendations? • What is the specific action needed? • How much will the project cost? • What are the resources needed/available for successful implementation? Length and submission for both the Project Proposal and the Business Model: • Two (2) page, single-spaced minimum; three (3) page maximum. • Up to five (5) attachments or Appendices for support or illustration allowed. • Submit the assignment as a Word doc and appendices on the Discussion Board, labeled with your 1) last name and 2) the title of your proposal. General Formatting Requirements: • Attach a Cover Page that identifies you, your company or organization (if appropriate). audience, and date • Use headings to label sections of the Proposal • Present budgets in tables or attached Excel files; be specific with projections • 12-pt. font, Times New Roman or Helvetica • 1” margins on side and bottom; no more than 2” top margin; footers .5” • Page numbers upper right corner; no page number on cover or first page • When quoting sources within the text that are 4 lines or longer, indent .5” from the text, justified (set off from the text) • Be creative with design. Original logos or headings are encouraged. *Questions for completing the Business Model presentation are posted below. This option follows a specific format for the organization and text since it must address the questions posed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Option 2: Business Model Format/Questions The body of the plan must not exceed 3 single-spaced pages (minimum 2 single-spaced pages). This does not include financials or other appendices. These must not be more than 2 additional pages. Include 6-8 references. I. Business Overview • Describe your idea and business model: Who does what with whom how; who pays for it? • Financial value proposition: Why is this great idea from a monetary standpoint-for the people investing in the service or product; consumers? • Value proposition: What is your niche? Who are you selling to and why are they buying your product of service? • Vision: What is the ultimate objective of your plan? II. The Market • Customer Identification: who’s paying for goods or services; e.g. private consumer. • Market size, analysis and forecast: What is the need? • Industry analysis and forecast: Who else is delivering this service already? What is the outlook on this type of activity? SWOT analysis. • Your competitive advantage: What makes your business the best qualified/positioned to deliver the good or service you are proposing? III. Financial Analysis • Funding sources: Where will the money actually come from for the activity? What funding already exists or is committed? • Budget with detailed projections through Year 1. • Discuss assumptions and capital requirements. IV. Funding/next steps • How much funding/time does your plan require to get off the ground?