Proposal Engineering For Non-engineers Training Course

Proposal Engineering For Non-engineers Training Course

Proposal Engineering For Non-engineers Training Course Description

Proposal engineering for non-engineers training course will give you an overview of the proposal process. If you are a senior manager or a member of the financial section of an engineer firm who is not familiar with engineering concepts yet involved in writing the proposals, this training course is perfect for you.

Through the proposal engineering for non-engineers training course, we give you a perspective of how an engineering proposal would look like, what are the steps, what type of material you would need to include, and how you can write one.

As you may already know, some of the proposals are submitted internally to win an internal organizational budget or to get the management approval, while others are to submit to external funding agencies or clients. Even though each of these proposals would have their own unique content written specifically to persuade their audience, they all have some general contents in common. During the proposal engineering for non-engineers training course, we will help you to first learn how to write an engineering proposal in general and then teach you how to tailor it based on your needs.

Audience

Proposal engineering for non-engineers training is a 1-day course suitable for all individuals involved in engineering fields, but with a non-engineering background, who seek funding sources. It is ideal for:

• Senior managements at engineering firms
• Executive managers of academic institutes
• CEOs, CFOs, controllers, accountants of engineering organizations
• Scientists involved in interdisciplinary projects who have to write joined proposals with engineers
• All non-technical individuals interested in writing technical proposals

Training Objectives

Upon the completion of the proposal engineering for non-engineers training course, attendees are able to:

• Understand engineering proposals
• Explain the engineering proposals’ processes
• Prepare right material for the proposal
• Explain why a good CV can impact the proposal’s valuators
• Differentiate a good proposal from a bad one
• Collaborate with the engineers and technical people of the team to gather useful material for the proposal
• Make the technical material easy to read by non-technical audience
• Choose what type of graphics should be included in the proposal
• Get a good feedback
• Identify the weak points of their proposals
• Identify and understand different types of proposals
• Follow the proposal writing process
• Understand how to use the client’s jargon
• Choose which materials should be included in the proposal and which not
• Follow up on the proposal

Course Outline

Overview Of Engineering Proposal In A Non-technical Language

• Definition of proposal
• What is the difference between proposal and report?
• How to spot the funders that are right for you and your organization?

Understanding The Proposal

• Different types of engineering proposals
• What is RFP?
• What is the purpose of RFP?
• How to read an RFP?
• How to ask proper questions
• Time is precious
• How to use charts to convey your message?
• Know how your readers think

Internal vs. External Proposals

• Internal solicited
• Internal unsolicited
• External solicited
• External unsolicited

How To Respond To An RFP

• Simply follow the proposal writing process
• Using a direct approach
• Connecting the dots
• Offering even more

Elements Of Proposal

• Contents
• Narrative
• Packaging

Proposal Contents

• Title and table of contents
• Executive summary
• Goal statement
• Project description
• Organization information
• Budget
• Appendices and supporting materials

Proposal Narrative

• Generate an outline
• Choose a meaningful and interesting name for the project
• Use simple and clear language
• Apply action words and active verbs
• Avoid acronyms as much as possible
• Revise and edit

Statement of Need

• Address issues and problems
• Audience/client
• Supporting facts and statistics

Project Description

• Goals
• Objectives
• Methodologies
• Human resource
• Collaboration
• Evaluation
• Sustainability

Budgeting And Costs

• Expenses
• Incomes
• Budget narrative

Organization Information

• Mission and vision
• Background of the institute
• Programs and departments
• Board of staff and executives

Executive Summary

• Where in the proposal
• What to include

Appendices And Supporting Materials

• Technical and engineering data
• Historical logs if they exist
• IRS information
• Financial documents
• Staff related information
• Other supporting materials

Packaging The Proposal

• Include a cover letter
• Proposal
• References
• Attachments
  • Resumes
  • Bibliographies
  • Letters of Support/Endorsement
  • Relevant Publications (if allowed).

Writing Tips

• Spelling and grammar check
• Words
• Creating paragraphs
• Use strong transition words
• Building towards conclusions

Readability Check

• Check if it is clear and easy to understand for your audience
• Use readability index

General Hints

• Educate your audience
• Ghost the competition
• Use visual illustrations

Proofreading And Editing

• How to proofread effectively
• Editing techniques
• Checking the accuracy of the facts
• Peer review

Post Proposal Writing

• Follow up
• Make phone calls, build relationships
• Update your information
• If you win;
• Send a thank you letter/email
• Keep the funder(s) in the loop, make sure they are always updated
• Build your network with the funder(s) for renewal requests
• If you lose;
  • Find out why, if it’s possible
  • Ask about the future funding opportunities
  • Look for other funding resources

Proposal Engineering For Non-engineers Training Course