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How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal aims
	Show your reader why your project is interesting, original, and important.
	Demonstrate your comfort and familiarity with your field. Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
	Make a case for your . Demonstrate that you have carefully thought about the data, tools, and procedures necessary to conduct your research.
	Confirm that your project is feasible within the timeline of your program or funding deadline.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

The proposed title of your project
Your supervisor’s name
Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

Introduce your topic
Give necessary background and context
Outline your problem statement and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
How much is already known about the topic
What is missing from this current knowledge
What new insights your research will contribute
Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

Building a research proposal methodology
	? or ? , , or research design?
	, )? ?
	, , , )?
	?

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

Improving best practices
Informing policymaking decisions
Strengthening a theory or model
Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

Example research schedule
Research phase	Objectives	Deadline
1. Background research and literature review		20th January
2. Research design planning	and data analysis methods	13th February
3. Data collection and preparation	with selected participants and code interviews	24th March
4. Data analysis	of interview transcripts	22nd April
5. Writing		17th June
6. Revision	final work	28th July

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

Sampling methods
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Likert scales
Reproducibility

Statistics

Null hypothesis
Statistical power
Probability distribution
Effect size
Poisson distribution

Research bias

Optimism bias
Cognitive bias
Implicit bias
Hawthorne effect
Anchoring bias
Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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How to Select Mechanical Engineering Research Topics?

Table of Contents

Selecting the right mechanical engineering research topics is crucial for driving impactful innovation and addressing pressing challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best research topics:

Identify Your Interests: Start by considering your passions and areas of expertise within mechanical engineering. What topics excite you the most? Choosing a subject that aligns with your interests will keep you motivated throughout the research process.
Assess Current Trends: Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in mechanical engineering. Look for emerging technologies, pressing industry challenges, and areas with significant research gaps. These trends can guide you towards relevant and timely research topics.
Conduct Literature Review: Dive into existing literature and research papers within your field of interest. Identify gaps in knowledge, unanswered questions, or areas that warrant further investigation. Building upon existing research can lead to more impactful contributions to the field.
Consider Practical Applications: Evaluate the practical implications of potential research topics. How will your research address real-world problems or benefit society? Choosing topics with tangible applications can increase the relevance and impact of your research outcomes.
Consult with Advisors and Peers: Seek guidance from experienced mentors, advisors, or peers in the field of mechanical engineering. Discuss your research interests and potential topics with them to gain valuable insights and feedback. Their expertise can help you refine your ideas and select the most promising topics.
Define Research Objectives: Clearly define the objectives and scope of your research. What specific questions do you aim to answer or problems do you intend to solve? Establishing clear research goals will guide your topic selection process and keep your project focused.
Consider Resources and Constraints: Take into account the resources, expertise, and time available for your research. Choose topics that are feasible within your constraints and align with your available resources. Balancing ambition with practicality is essential for successful research endeavors.
Brainstorm and Narrow Down Options: Generate a list of potential research topics through brainstorming and exploration. Narrow down your options based on criteria such as relevance, feasibility, and alignment with your interests and goals. Choose the most promising topics that offer ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Seek Feedback and Refinement: Once you’ve identified potential research topics, seek feedback from colleagues, advisors, or experts in the field. Refine your ideas based on their input and suggestions. Iteratively refining your topic selection process will lead to a more robust and well-defined research proposal.
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded: Remain open to new ideas and opportunities as you progress through the research process. Be willing to adjust your research topic or direction based on new insights, challenges, or discoveries. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities for successful research endeavors in mechanical engineering.

By following these steps and considering various factors, you can effectively select mechanical engineering research topics that align with your interests, goals, and the needs of the field.

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Written Thesis Proposal

Introduction

The goal of this article is to help you to streamline your writing process and help convey your ideas in a concise, coherent, and clear way. The purpose of your proposal is to introduce, motivate, and justify the need for your research contributions. You want to communicate to your audience what your research will do ( vision ), why it is needed ( motivation ), how you will do it ( feasibility ).

Return to ToC

Before you start writing your proposal

A thesis proposal is different than most documents you have written. In a journal article, your narrative can be post-constructed based on your final data, whereas in a thesis proposal, you are envisioning a scientific story and anticipating your impact and results. Because of this, it requires a different approach to unravel your narration. Before you begin your actual writing process, it is a good idea to have (a) a perspective of the background and significance of your research, (b) a set of aims that you want to explore, and (c) a plan to approach your aims. However, the formation of your thesis proposal is often a nonlinear process. Going back and forth to revise your ideas and plans is not uncommon. In fact, this is a segue to approaching your very own thesis proposal, although a lot of time it feels quite the opposite.

Refer to “Where do I begin” article when in doubt. If you have a vague or little idea of the purpose and motivation of your work, one way is to remind yourself the aspects of the project that got you excited initially. You could refer to the “Where do I begin?” article to explore other ways of identifying the significance of your project.

Begin with an outline. It might be daunting to think about finishing a complete and coherent thesis proposal. Alternatively, if you choose to start with an outline first, you are going to have a stronger strategic perspective of the structure and content of your thesis proposal. An outline can serve as the skeleton of your proposal, where you can express the vision of your work, goals that you set for yourself to accomplish your thesis, your current status, and your future plan to explore the rest. If you don’t like the idea of an outline, you could remind yourself what strategy worked best for you in the past and adapt it to fit your needs.

Structure Diagram

Structure your thesis proposal

While some variation is acceptable, don’t stray too far from the following structure (supported by the Graduate Student Handbook). See also the Structure Diagram above.

Cover Page. The cover page contains any relevant contact information for the committee and your project title. Try to make it look clean and professional.
Specific Aims . The specific aims are the overview of the problem(s) that you plan to solve. Consider this as your one-minute elevator pitch on your vision for your research. It should succinctly (< 1 page) state your vision (the What), emphasize the purpose of your work (the Why), and provide a high-level summary of your research plans (the How).
You don’t need to review everything! The point of the background is not to educate your audience, but rather to provide them with the tools needed to understand your proposal. A common pitfall is to explain all the research that you did to understand your topic and to demonstrate that you really know your information. Instead, provide enough evidence to show that you have done your reading. Cut out extraneous information. Be succinct.
Start by motivating your project. Your background begins by addressing the motivation for your project. If you are having a hard time brainstorming the beginning of your background, try to organize your thoughts by writing down a list of bullet points about your research visions and the gap between current literature and your vision. They do not need to be in any order as they only serve to your needs. If you are unsure of how to motivate your audience, you can refer to the introductions of the key literatures where your proposal is based on, and see how your proposal fits in or extends their envisioned pictures. Another exercise to consider is to imagine: “What might happen if your work is successful?” This will motivate your audience to understand your intent. Specifically, detailed contributions to help advance your field more manageable to undertake than vague high-level outcomes. For example, “Development of the proposed model will enable high-fidelity simulation of shear-induced crystallization” is a more specific and convincing motivation, compared to, “The field of crystallization modeling must be revolutionized in order to move forward.”

Break down aims into tractable goals. The goal of your research plan is to explain your plans to approach the problem that you have identified. Here, you are extending your specific aims into a set of actionable plans. You can break down your aims into smaller, more tractable goals whose union can answer the lager scientific question you proposed. These smaller aims, or sub-aims, can appear in the form of individual sub-sections under each of your research aims.
Reiterate your motivations. While you have already explained the purpose of your work in previous sections, it is still a good practice to reiterate them in the context of each sub-aim that you are proposing. This will inform your audience the motivation of each sub-aim and help them stay engaged.
Describe a timely, actionable plan. Sometimes you might be tempted to write down every area that needs improvement. It is great to identify them; at the same time, you also need to decide on what set of tasks can you complete timely to make a measurable impact during your PhD. A timely plan now can save a lot of work a few years down the road. Plan some specific reflection points when you’ll revisit the scope of your project and evaluate if changes are needed. Some pre-determined “off-ramps” and “retooling” ideas will be very helpful as well, e.g., “Development of the model will rely on the experimental data of Reynold’s, however, modifications of existing correlations based on the validated data of von Karman can be useful as well.”
Point your data to your plans. The preliminary data you have, data that others in your lab have collected, or even literature data can serve as initial steps you have taken. Your committee should not judge you based on how much or how perfect your data is. More important is to relate how your data have informed you to decide on your plans. Decide upon what data to include and point them towards your future plans.
Name your backup plans. Make sure to consider back-up plans if everything doesn’t go as planned, because often it won’t. Try to consider which part of your plans are likely to fail and its consequence on the project trajectory. In addition, think about what alternative plans you can consider to “retune” your project. It is unlikely to predict exactly what hurdles you will encounter; however, thinking about alternatives early on will help you feel much better when you do.
Safety. Provide a description of any relevant safety concerns with your project and how you will address them. This can include general and project-specific lab safety, PPE, and even workspace ergonomics and staying physical healthy if you are spending long days sitting at a desk or bending your back for a long time at your experimental workbench.
Create the details of your timeline. The timeline can be broken down in the units of semester. Think about your plans to distribute your time in each sub-aims, and balance your research with classes, TA, and practice school. A common way to construct a timeline is called the Gantt Chart. There are templates that are available online where you can tailor them to fit your needs.
References. This is a standard section listing references in the appropriate format, such as ACS format. The reference tool management software (e.g., Zotero, Endnote, Mendeley) that you are using should have prebuilt templates to convert any document you are citing to styles like ACS. If you do not already have a software tool, now is a good time to start.

Authentic, annotated, examples (AAEs)

These thesis proposals enabled the authors to successfully pass the qualifying exam during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Thesis proposal example 1, thesis proposal example 2.

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Research Proposal Guidelines

Doctor of Engineering applicants are required to submit a Research Proposal as part of their application. The research laid out in the proposal needs to be of importance to the applicant’s employer as it forms the basis for the collaboration between Johns Hopkins Engineering and your company/agency.

The research proposals are evaluated both by your prospective advisor (who will have expertise in your subject) as well as the Doctor of Engineering Oversight Committee (who have backgrounds spanning many different areas). You need to write a proposal that is appropriate for both audiences. That is, you need to provide an overview of your research goals that is broadly understandable to someone who is not knowledgeable in your field and also a deeper discussion for someone with the appropriate expertise.

Please use this Research Proposal Template for your application.

The project you propose should require depth and creativity. The results you plan to obtain should have impact beyond a narrowly focused problem. We recommend that you use the questions articulated in the Heilmeier Catechism as a guide to creating an engaging, successful proposal.

What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
What’s new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
If you’re successful, what difference will it make?
What are the risks and the payoffs?
How much will it cost?
How long will it take?
What are the midterm and final “exams” to check for success

Please note that you need not address all of these questions, but they provide a helpful framework for preparing your proposal.

Finally, we want to know about prior research experience and including that as an appendix to your proposal is most welcome.

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Postgraduate study

Writing a research proposal

The key feature of your PhD is that it is yours - the topic, planning, motivation, and thinking all come from you. It will be the most challenging type of academic work you have ever done, but also the most rewarding.

The Research Proposal – an outline

The research proposal constitutes the main way in which the department evaluates the potential quality of your PhD plans. The proposal should be approximately 1,500 words in length and include:

A provisional title

Question or hypothesis

Value of the phd, existing literature, methods of work.

The title indicates the ‘headline’ character of the PhD. It should include any key concepts, empirical focus, or lines of inquiry that you aim to pursue. For example: ‘ High entropy alloys (HEAs) for fusion: Exploration of novel processing routes and HEA stability in extreme environments’, or ‘Tailoring the Thermomechanical Properties of High Performance Aerospace & Automotive Composite Materials’.

You can negotiate changes in the title with your supervisor should you be successful, but it's important to devise a title that describes what you aspire to research – and which looks original and exciting.

You need a question or hypothesis to drive the research forward. The question/hypothesis will provide your motivation; to answer the question or prove/disprove the hypothesis.

The question/hypothesis will need to be something that has not been posed before - this may involve looking at something that nobody has looked at before, or taking a fresh approach to an existing topic or issue.

The aims of your research should be a short list of answers to the question - what will the PhD do? So, for example ‘this PhD will explore...’ or ‘by carrying out this research, I will contribute to debates about...’. The aims are broader than the questions/hypotheses; they give a prospective statement about the overall destination of the PhD and its potential impact.

The value of the PhD follows closely from the aims. Think about how the ways it might improve our understanding of materials - a new process or the generation of new materials? To whom might the PhD be interesting - scholars looking at particular challenges, or specific industries?

A short note of key existing literature situates the PhD in existing research. Literature reviews are not simply descriptive mapping exercises at PhD level - you should identify a small number of key texts and say something about how these books are important for your research, and whether they support, extend, or challenge existing work.

The resources you require can vary according to the nature of your research: access to a particular archive, specialist library, visits to specialised equipment and facilities, the use of analytical software, access to databases, training, workshop attendance and so on. It's important to list any of these resources and give a very brief account of how they will enhance the PhD.

The methods of work is a particularly important section - it's where you can discuss how you will answer your question or prove your hypothesis. It's relatively easy to ask a new question; it is more challenging to set out how you might come up with a convincing answer!

The research also needs a timetable . This should be set out over three years with clear indications of how long you will need to prepare for and carry out research (however defined) and allow time for writing up. Try to be as detailed as you can at this stage.

Each of these criteria helps the Department of Materials Science and Engineering selectors make a good judgement about your proposal. By following these criteria you will have your best chance of getting your proposal accepted.

Three more important points:

Try to be concise. Don't write too much – be as specific as you can but not wordy. It is a difficult balance to strike.
Bear in mind that the proposal is a starting point. If you are registered to read for a PhD you will be able to work the proposal through with your supervisor in more detail in the early months.
Take a look at the department’s staff profiles. Can you identify possible supervisors and intellectual support networks within the department? The better able the department is to support your research, the better it will be for your proposal.

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Mechanical Engineering

How to Write a Project Proposal

Contents of proposal.

A recommended template for an MS project or thesis proposal is provided at the following link, from which you can make a Google Docs copy or download a Microsoft Word file:

ME 295 and ME 299 Proposal Template

Proposal Approval Process

The project proposal must be written so that it provides a strong evidence of a student’s thorough understanding of the topic and the capabilities to carry out the work successfully. There are three levels of approvals and signatures required to ascertain that the student in fact has the understanding and capabilities to complete the project successfully. First, the proposal is reviewed, evaluated, and signed by the advisory committee. Next, the signed Proposal Evaluation Form is attached to the proposal, along with the completed Proposal Cover Sheet and submitted to the ME office for approval and signatures of the Graduate Advisor and the Department Chair. Refer to the Projects and Thesis tab for proposal deadline.

See our detailed instructions [pdf] for submitting the project proposal in DocuSign to help guide you through the process.

Proposal Deadline

The proposal must be approved by the advisory committee, the Graduate Advisor, and the Department Chair prior to the university deadline for adding a course, usually the second week of February for the Spring semester and the second week of September for the Fall semester. The add-code for the first term project is issued by the ME office only after the approved project proposal has been received. Failure to meet the deadlines can delay your graduation.

Sample Proposals

The following are some representative examples of project proposals. Your proposal may have additional requirements depending on your project committee chair.

Sample 1 (Bicycle brake)
Sample 2 (Collapsible cup)
Sample 3 (Object detection)
Sample 4 (Metamaterial)
Sample 5 (Battery)

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Home > Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment > Research > Research degrees > Preparing a proposal

How to prepare a research proposal

A crucial part of a research application is the research proposal. This page provides some guidance on writing a research proposal and includes some suggestions on what to include and what to avoid.

Normally a proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words and will include the following:

A working title of the topic area: This should do more than convey the key words associated with the proposed research, it should describe the content and direction of your project.
General overview of area: This should provide a brief overview of the wider background of the proposed research and identify the discipline(s) within which it falls. You might also refer to the way in which your own background gives you competences in your chosen area.
Identification of the relevant literature: In this section you should develop your proposal to demonstrate that you are aware of the debates and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature, and provide evidence for why you believe your research is needed, using an analysis of published work. References to key articles and texts should be made to show that you appreciate their relevance to your research area. You should demonstrate that your proposed area has not been studied before, so you need to identify your niche which will lead on to the thesis preparation.
Key research questions: Since you need to demonstrate that the topic can be completed within the normal time period allowed, you need to show that it is manageable, and so focus on key questions within your niche area.
Aims and objectives: State specific aims and objectives of the research to be undertaken, in a logical sequence.
Methodology: You need to show how you anticipate achieving your aims, and demonstrate an awareness of the methodological tools available to you and show some understanding of which would be suitable for your research. It may be that a qualitative method, including the analysis of interviews, is appropriate. Alternatively your approach may involve forecasting or statistical, financial or econometric modelling. In other cases you may be combining methodologies. You need to specify the approach you feel will be most appropriate. You should include a back-up plan or risk mitigation in case of unforeseen problems.
Timescale/research planning: You need to demonstrate an awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research. Your timescale should be realistic, taking into account the requirement for upgrade monitoring (PhD applicants) and timely thesis submission. The timeline should show which aspects of the project you will be completing in each year of registration and the anticipated time required for each, and time for writing up the thesis (by the end of month 36 for full-time or month 72 for part-time) should be included. Please note: use month 1, 2, 3 etc in the timeplan/Gantt chart, not calendar months.
Upgrade Monitoring Report (9-10M FT, 20-22 M PT)
2nd year Annual Monitoring Report (21-22M FT, 42-44M PT)
3rd year Annual Monitoring Report (33-34M FT, 66-68M PT)
PhD Thesis Submission or Application for Writing Up Extension (36M FT, 72M PT)
Apply for Research Ethics Approval (1-6M FT, 1-12M PT)
Discipline-specific Training (1-9M FT, 1-18M PT)
Complete Draft Literature Review (6-15M FT, 12-30M PT)
Data Collection/field work (3-18M FT, 6-36M PT)
Data Analysis / Experiments / Methodology (ongoing 6-36M FT, 12-72M PT)
1st year Internal (seminar/conference) presentation: (6-12M FT, 12-24M PT)
2nd year Internal/external (seminar/conference) presentation: (12-24M FT, 24-48M PT)
3rd year Internal (seminar/conference) presentation: (24-36M FT, 48-72M PT)
Bibliography: You should include a short list of references to key articles and texts included in the application.
Broad topic areas which would be unmanageable as research topics
Vague descriptions of research areas
Subject areas where your chosen school has no expertise.
Plagiarism (for more information, please see Policies and regulations )

Research degrees

How to apply

Preparing a proposal

Research FAQ

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Engineering Proposals

Consulting engineers aren't the only engineers who write proposals. For instance, in academia, engineers write proposals to receive funding for their research or even to initiate a project. Some engineers produce proposals to be read and approved by management while others send proposals to specific funding agencies or clients.

Definition of Proposals

A proposal is a description of the work you will complete on a project. The details included in a proposal depend on the project's scope and who will read the document. Typically, organizations advertise a need for proposalsand consulting engineers respond to the need. However, as an engineer, you may determine that a problem exists, and therefore, propose solutions to an organization. In this case, you must first convince the agency that the problem exists before proposing your solutions.

Types of Proposals

Different types of proposals are necessary for different projects. In academia, engineers produce grant proposals or research proposals in order to receive funding from government agencies and non-profit organizations. In industry, engineers, especially consultants, write proposals or "bids." Engineers produce these proposals for the company where they are working or for other organizations.

A proposal's audience is those supporting the proposed project. The details you provide in a proposal may change, depending on your audience. For instance, if you submit a Proposal to your company's management, you may not have to include project costs or other background information. On the other hand, if you produce a proposal for an organization outside your company, you may need to provide more details. These details might include a rationale for why they should fund your project, as well as the necessary materials and costs. Before writing a proposal, you should always research your audience's background. This way, you will have a better idea about what information to include in your proposal.

General Format

You can submit a proposal in several ways, depending on your audience. For example, proposing a project to your supervisor may require a phone call or a quick e-mail. Or, you may write a short memo, outlining your ideas. On the other hand, you may have to produce a lengthy proposal that provides project background and completely describes the proposed work. Typically, you will know which format to use based on the proposal's context.

When you write a lengthy proposal, you will have to spend time conducting research before you begin writing. This research might include locating other designs and theories to refer to as examples or to critique. A proposal might also include graphics to help an audience visualize your ideas. You might incorporate other data, such as dollar figures and time schedules, so your audience knows exactly how long the project will take to complete and much it will cost them To read more, choose any of the items below:

Introduction

In the proposal's Introduction, you should provide information about the need for a proposal. In other words, here is where you state why you are writing the proposal in the first place. You should also provide an overview of what the rest of the proposal includes.

Qualifications

In the Qualifications section, you should show that you and your organization (if applicable) are skilled and capable of completing the proposed work successfully. You should view this section as a "resume" since in it, you will depict your skills and experiences. If your audience is your supervisor or other managing decision-makers, then you may not need to include this section.

In the Background section, you should depict the problem/situation that lead to your writing a proposal. Here, you should show that you thoroughly understand the problem. If your audience already knows the Background, you may not need to include this section. For example, your supervisor or other managing decision-makers may already be familiar with the specific problem. Therefore, you don't need to tell them what they already know.

Work Schedule

The Work Schedule section does exactly what its name implies: It presents the time frame in which you will complete the proposed work. This section informs your audience of what to expect from you and when. It also helps to keep you organized. If, after you begin working, you are unable to keep this schedule, you should always communicate changes in deadlines to the appropriate people.

Proposal Statement

In the Proposal Statement section, you should inform your audience of exactly what you are proposing. You should also include what you aren't proposing. For example, if you are proposing partial work on a project, state this and then verify what your work will not include.

In the Cost section, you should present what costs you anticipate your project will involve. To do this, divide your expenses into categories and provide dollar figures. For example, labor costs for each worker, materials, etc. Then, you might provide a total cost.

In the Results section, you should discuss the outcome of your proposal. The types of outcomes resulting from a proposal cover a wide range. For example, you may be creating a design, building an actual construction, or even producing a lengthy report. Be sure to state exactly what the Results will be.

The Conclusion section is similar to the ending of a cover letter. Here, you should summarize why you should be considered and how you can be contacted. You might also reiterate why you are the best person or group for the project.

Methodology

In the Methodology section, you should present how you will complete the project's work. This is similar to a Lab Report's Procedures section in that you have to discuss the steps you will have taken to reach a final goal.

Perspectives on Proposals

Dave alciatore, mechanical engineering.

Internal Proposals

"You're likely to write internal proposals if you work with a product development group in a big company. For example, you might conduct research on possible new product lines. Then, you would write a proposal to communicate that you want to pursue this product, but that it will involve testing and development. In other words, it's going to cost money. In order to get financial support, you have to write a proposal that presents your plans. This includes the benefits of the product in terms of profit."

Tom Siller, Civil Engineering

Consulting Engineers

"If you are a consulting engineer, you will work in a very competitive environment because you have to sell your services. In order to get work on a project, you have to submit a proposal or give a presentation. To do this successfully, you have to know who your client is and what that client expects."

John Mahan, Electrical Engineering

Proposal Types

"Engineers write many different types of proposals. Sometimes, a proposal has to be powerful and business-oriented. Many companies don't want to look too far into the future, not even past two years. So, you have to be very specific and down to earth. You have to tell them when exactly you will complete the work. In Phase One, you'll do x. In Phase Two, you'll do y. You should also include the benefits gained during each phase."

Citation Information

Dawn Kowalski. (1994-2024). Engineering Proposals. The WAC Clearinghouse. Colorado State University. Available at https://wac.colostate.edu/repository/writing/guides/.

Copyright Information

Engineering Proposals: Free Template + 12 Proposal Writing Tips

Digital Asset Management
Marketing Technology

Posted by: Cinthya Soto

An engineering service proposal is a standardized document pivotal in guiding the selection of consultants. The engineering proposal is more than just a document; it’s your opportunity to showcase expertise, understanding, and value among the piles of proposals.

Whether you’re a seasoned engineering consultant or a firm stepping into the arena of important projects, your ability to craft a compelling proposal can make all the difference in placing your business ahead of the competition. After all, in 2023 alone companies sourced 39% of their revenue from RFPs .

However, mastering the creation of such a proposal is a complex task. For those wanting to successfully navigate this process, you must be ready to grasp the fundamental concepts of engineering proposals. But what exactly does that include?

In this blog, we’re covering everything there is to know about writing engineering proposals. From what to include in your engineering proposal and writing tips to engineering project proposal examples and a free engineering proposal template, we aim to help you create winning proposals .

How to Write an Engineering Proposal: What to Include

Engineering proposals serve as the critical document on which selections of engineering consultants are based. For consulting firms in the engineering sector, these proposals are the principal tool for winning new contracts. For clients or project owners, they are an invaluable resource to help them choose the best consultants. But what should be included in an engineering proposal format?

Here are the different sections you should include in your engineering proposal:

Cover Page

The cover page of your engineering proposal sets the first impression. It should include the project title, the name of the organization or individual presenting the proposal, the date, and any relevant project identification details. Make sure to keep it professional and clean to reflect the seriousness of your intentions.

Cover Letter

The cover letter personalizes your engineering proposal. It should briefly introduce your organization, express your enthusiasm for the project, and highlight the key points that make your proposal stand out. This is your opportunity to establish a connection with the reader and encourage them to read further.

Introduction

The proposal introduction serves as the executive summary of your proposal. It should include an overview of your organization, the purpose of the proposal, and a summary of what the proposal will cover.

Make sure to clearly define the problem or opportunity your proposal addresses. Essentially, the introduction clarifies the purpose of crafting the proposal. It should lay out the foundation for why the proposal is necessary.

Additionally, the introduction should provide a concise overview of the proposal’s content. This summary needs to be engaging and offer a glimpse of the detailed descriptions to follow. It reveals your core idea and outlines the strategy you intend to use in delivering your services. Here’s an example of what a successful proposal introduction looks like:

Project Background

This section delves into the details of the project. Describe the current situation, the specific problem or opportunity, and the objectives of the project. Providing a concise but thorough background helps the reader understand the context and the necessity of the proposed work.

You should illustrate the issue or situation that led to the creation of your proposal. In this section, it’s important to show a thorough comprehension of the problem at hand.

Qualifications

In this section, highlight your qualifications and experience relevant to the project. Detail your technical expertise, prior successful projects, and any unique skills or resources that make you stand out. This section reassures the client that you are capable of handling the project.

When writing this section, make sure to accurately highlight your skill set to emphasize your suitability for the project at hand. Consider this section as the part of your resume where you detail your skills and experiences.

While you should showcase your expertise, It’s also important to showcase, if relevant, your company’s proficiency and ability to successfully carry out the proposed task.

Project Team

Typically, an engineering proposal requires including details about each team member, their specific roles, and their professional backgrounds. The collective expertise of the project team often plays a critical role in the selection of a qualified engineering consultant, which is why the “Project Team” section is extremely important.

In this section, showcase the team that will work on the project. Ensure that every team member’s relevant experience is detailed in the proposal. Make sure to include brief employee bios in your RFP resumes that highlight each member’s qualifications and relevant experience. Just a few well-crafted sentences on such skills can make a significant difference.

Proposal example of "our team & how we work"

The right tools can help in creating and formatting these bios to present a professional image. With a robust digital asset management (DAM) solution like OpenAsset , you can cut down on the hours spent creating resumes and employee bios for engineering proposals.

A notable feature for employee bios is Content Assist , powered by OpenAsset’s Generative AI. It’s designed to assist users in creating project descriptions and employee bios within OpenAsset. In simple terms, Content Assist will analyze the existing data in your OpenAsset system to create original project descriptions and employee bios.

OpenAsset and the Employee Module enhance productivity within your organization by automating the creation of employee resume documents . This helps you present your team in the best light possible and quickest way possible.

Remember, the strength of your team and how you present your team can be a significant deciding factor in winning the proposal.

Scope of Work

In the scope of work , you’ll want to detail the specific activities, deliverables, and timelines involved in the project. It’s crucial for an engineering proposal to precisely outline the project scope. Given that misunderstandings about project scope are a primary cause of project issues or failures, defining the scope with as much clarity is essential to prevent and more easily resolve problems.

Clearly outline the work that will be done, the methodologies used, and the expected outcomes. This section should align expectations and minimize misunderstandings about the project’s scope. When the scope is clearly defined, everyone involved understands the extent of work expected within the project’s framework.

Work Schedule

The work schedule section of the proposal does precisely what its name suggests: it monitors your work schedule.

Provide a detailed schedule of the project, including key milestones, deadlines, and dependencies. This section maps out the timeline for completing the project and is crucial as it informs your audience about the expected timelines and milestones.

The work schedule should be realistic and allow for some flexibility. You can enhance clarity by incorporating well-organized tables and specific time allocations. It’s also crucial to demonstrate your understanding of project management and your ability to complete the project on time.

Including a work schedule provides a professional touch to your proposal. Should you find yourself unable to stick to this schedule once the project has begun, it’s crucial to communicate any changes as soon as possible with the relevant parties.

Project Cost

Undoubtedly, the cost of engineering services holds significant weight in the decision-making process. The potential consultant is expected to define costs for each team member based on suitable hourly rates and the estimated hours needed for each stage of the project, along with a summary. While engineering associations recommend choosing consultants based on qualifications above cost, the reality is that pricing remains a key determinant.

Project fees and schedule example in proposal

In this section, detail the expected expenses for your project by itemizing them and assigning monetary values to each category. Break down the costs into distinct groups, such as individual labor charges per employee, material costs, and so on. Summing up these figures will provide the total cost, offering the reader a clear financial overview.

This facilitates an informed decision-making process, allowing for a thorough assessment of different factors before committing funds.

Write a Strong Proposal Conclusion

The conclusion of the proposal mirrors the concluding section of a cover letter. Here, you should explain the reasons for considering you or your team as the ideal choice for the project and provide your contact information. It’s also an opportunity to reaffirm why you or your team is the most suitable candidate for the project.

Conclude your proposal by summarizing the main points, reiterating the benefits of choosing your organization, and expressing your eagerness to work on the project. End on a positive note, inviting further discussion or questions. You want to write a compelling conclusion that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

now.

Expert Engineering Project Proposal Tips

To maximize your chances of winning projects with your engineering proposals, here are 12 proposal writing tips to keep in mind when crafting your next engineering proposal:

1. Read the RFP Multiple Times

Simply reading the Request for Proposal (RFP) is not enough; a deep understanding of the evaluation criteria is crucial. It’s essential to review the RFP carefully, taking in every detail beyond the basic requirements such as submission dates, formatting guidelines, and required signatures.

This thorough examination ensures you are aligned with all the requirements, conditions, and expectations outlined in the RFP. Such attentiveness not only aids in crafting a tailored response that aligns with the issuer’s needs but also minimizes the risk of non-compliance with the RFP’s requirements.

Moreover, upon reading a new RFP, it’s smart to draft a checklist detailing all essential criteria. This approach allows a good amount of time for you to make sure everything is included in your RFP response and allows you to request any necessary clarifications well in advance of the deadline.

2. Do Your Research

Undertaking comprehensive research is a cornerstone in the development of a compelling engineering proposal. This process involves gathering data, understanding industry standards, exploring the project’s context, and analyzing the potential impact of your work.

Research allows you to approach the project with a depth of knowledge that will reflect the feasibility, innovation, and planning of your proposal. It also provides a foundation for making informed decisions, identifying potential risks, and proposing effective solutions.

In essence, the research you conduct forms the backbone of a proposal that’s both convincing and achievable.

3. Create a Clear Proposal Format

If you’re wondering how to draft a proposal, starting with a clear format is a great start. Maintaining a clear engineering proposal format is fundamental to creating a structured and professional document. A standardized format ensures that the information is presented in an organized manner, making it easy for the reviewers to follow and evaluate. The format typically includes a well-defined table of contents, sections with clear headings, and a logical flow of information.

This structured approach helps display your message with precision and prevents critical elements from being overlooked. Consistency in format across various sections, such as the project background, scope, schedule, and qualifications, reinforces the overall flow of the proposal.

A well-formatted proposal not only reflects your professionalism but also helps in communicating the seriousness and preparedness of your team for the project.

4. Introduce Your Company’s Background

Introducing your company with a concise background in your engineering proposal is a critical step in setting the stage for a strong pitch. This section should provide a snapshot of your company’s history, core competencies, successes, and mission as they relate to the project in question. It’s an opportunity to establish credibility and build trust with the proposal’s reviewers.

This introduction should show the essence of your company’s identity, values, and the journey that has led to its current standing in the industry. Highlighting notable achievements, experience in similar projects, and the overarching vision can create a compelling narrative that resonates with the potential client.

A well-articulated company background serves as the foundation upon which the rest of the proposal is built, underlining why your firm is uniquely suited for the project.

5. Feature Your Team’s Talent

In an engineering proposal, it’s important to select the best employees for your RFP response . Make sure to illustrate the unique skill sets, qualifications, and experiences that each member brings to the table. You can use this section to delve into the specific talents that differentiate your team from competitors.

Detailing individual roles and how they will contribute to the success of the project not only showcases the depth of your collective proficiency but also helps build confidence in your team’s ability to deliver results. Remember to align these talents with the project requirements, demonstrating a perfect fit between your team’s capabilities and the project’s needs.

If you’re looking to generate employee resumes in minutes that demonstrate your team’s talent, a robust DAM can help you store and manage employee profiles. A DAM for engineering like OpenAsset saves you time and resources in managing your resumes. Through the use of Generative AI, you can create project descriptions and employee RFP bios.

6. Include Images and Graphics

Incorporating images and proposal graphics into your engineering proposal can significantly enhance its impact. Civil engineering projects typically require various diagrams, illustrations, and maps. This is because the essence of designs is best conveyed through visual representation for complete clarity. The same principle applies to proposals, where visual elements are crucial for demonstrating complex information clearly and effectively.

Moreover, using images to communicate visually will save reading time for the client. The reader will also appreciate the amount of effort put into preparing the engineering proposal.

Six images listing the types of proposal graphics to include in proposals

Use tools like OpenAsset to seamlessly find and present visuals of projects that align closely with the prospective client’s needs or showcase your team’s qualifications. This tailored visual approach not only shows your past successes but also provides a compelling, concrete visual narrative of what you can deliver.

Moreover, AI in DAM saves you time and resources in managing your images through AI-suggested keywords, image similarity search, AI Content Assist, and more. These features:

Reduce the time it takes to manually tag images
Helps you build and expand taxonomies
Gives you additional images to select from and use.
Enables you to leverage Generative AI for project descriptions and employee RFP bios

Images are not just embellishments; they can be powerful testimonials of your work’s relevance and quality, speaking volumes more than words alone.

7. Use Clear Language

Using clear and concise language is crucial when crafting an engineering proposal. The ability to demonstrate complex ideas effectively without resorting to overly technical jargon or unnecessarily complicated explanations is a skill that cannot be overstated.

Likewise, it’s important not to assume that the readers will be familiar with the specialized jargon of your field. Take time to research the client and the reviewing committee to grasp their expertise and knowledge base. When delving into detailed technical matters, ensure you offer sufficient background to maintain inclusivity and prevent any misunderstandings.

Proposals should be accessible, ensuring that stakeholders, regardless of their technical background, can grasp the proposed concepts and see the value in them.

Your team might possess attributes such as “remarkable efficiency, strong motivation, and outstanding qualifications,” yet, it’s likely that your competitors claim the same. Such language is often so overused in proposals that they become clichéd and lose their impact.

Rather than relying on generic adjectives, prove your capabilities with concrete examples of past projects or situations that illustrate your skills in action. Even more compelling would be citing testimonials or endorsements from previous clients who can vouch for your expertise. Here’s what that could look like in your proposal:

Past projects and testimonials example page in proposal

Additionally, avoiding excessive language not only helps in maintaining the reader’s attention but also demonstrates your ability to communicate efficiently. The proposal should be as concise as possible without sacrificing completeness. Every sentence should serve a purpose, whether it’s to inform, persuade, or clarify.

8. Keep It Short

Coming across an RFP with a large page limit or no page limit might give you the impression that you should create a significantly lengthy proposal. However, it’s best to resist this urge to write a 200-page proposal.

Keep in mind, your potential client will be comparing your proposal with several others. A concise submission allows them to quickly discern the essential details. Overloading your proposal with text increases the likelihood of them skimming over key points — steer clear of dense paragraphs.

A concise proposal not only respects the reviewer’s time but also enhances readability and comprehension. It’s essential to spread your message and value proposition without unnecessary elaboration. Precision in language, clarity in presenting solutions, and conciseness in your descriptions can make a powerful impact.

Moreover, a proposal that is straight to the point is often a sign of a well-thought-out project plan and a capable, organized team that knows how to communicate. A compact and well-structured proposal often speaks volumes about your project management skills and your respect for the client’s resources and time constraints.

9. Practice Teamwork

A collaborative approach ensures that diverse expertise and perspectives contribute to a more robust and comprehensive document. It’s the teamwork among team members, with their unique skill sets and experiences, that can elevate the quality of a proposal.

Working together with your team in the proposal process can lead to innovative solutions that might not surface in a siloed work environment. Teamwork facilitates thorough cross-checking, brainstorming, and problem-solving, which are essential to addressing the complex challenges typically presented in engineering projects.

Remember, surrounding yourself with an effective team is the key to success. A collaborative culture could be what makes you stand out from the competition.

Moreover, highlighting the collaborative nature of your team within the proposal can also serve as a testament to your capability to work together, a quality often wanted by clients. It’s not just about the final product but also about demonstrating the process of how your team works together to achieve excellence.

10. Proofread and Double-Check

Proofreading and carefully double-checking your proposal is as essential as the content itself. This step ensures that your document is free from errors, which could otherwise affect the credibility of your proposal. It’s not only about catching typos or grammatical mistakes; it’s about ensuring that every figure, fact, and statement aligns with the RFP requirements and your research findings.

A proposal that is well-edited and error-free communicates attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. It’s recommended to have multiple team members review the proposal to provide fresh perspectives and catch issues that you might have overlooked.

Remember, a single mistake could raise doubts about the professionalism of your work and the quality of the project delivery. Therefore, rigorous proofreading and double-checking are necessary to validate the integrity and professionalism of your engineering proposal.

11. Meet Deadlines

Meeting deadlines is important in the context of engineering proposals. The ability to deliver on time reflects your professionalism and reliability. It’s a non-negotiable element of project management that sets the stage for how potential clients view your commitment to the project’s success.

Planning is essential to ensure deadlines are not just met, but comfortably, allowing planning for any unexpected circumstances that might arise. Missing a deadline can have significant repercussions, from damaging your reputation to disqualification from the bidding process.

However, it’s not just about avoiding the negative. Following deadlines can also enhance your standing with clients, as it demonstrates respect for their time and trust in your ability to manage the project effectively from the start.

12. Submit the Proposal on Time

Part of meeting deadlines includes submitting your proposal on time. Every RFP specifies a submission deadline that must be met. Contrary to project deadlines, which may be subject to change during a project, the cut-off date for proposal submission is non-negotiable.

Physical submissions of hard copy proposals are often marked with an actual time stamp upon receipt. If that timestamp shows your submission arrived even one second past the deadline, it will unfortunately be too late.

With the rise in digital submissions, the strict adherence to deadlines continues. Considering potential issues like slow upload speeds or internet disruptions, it’s wise to plan additional time when submitting proposals electronically.

Make sure it’s clear how the proposal will be submitted so there are no surprises. You should also ask for help when it’s needed, especially if you are facing roadblocks and don’t have much time left.

Moreover, building buffer time for reviews and potential revisions is a wise strategy. Proposal writing often shows that tasks tend to extend beyond anticipated time frames. Whether you run out of printing paper or a team member makes a last-minute change, you need to be prepared. Therefore, allowing yourself a generous timeline for the preparation and submission of the final documents can mitigate the risk of missing the deadline.

Meeting deadlines reflect your professionalism and reliability, which are critical factors in the selection process. It demonstrates your commitment to the project timeline and sets the stage for the timely execution of the work ahead. Engineering proposals are also an investment of time and money and if you miss the deadline, this investment is wasted.

Additionally, a punctual proposal suggests that your project management and organizational skills are well-tuned, giving potential clients confidence in your ability to deliver results within the specified timeframe.

Free Engineering Proposal Template

At OpenAsset, we want to provide you with valuable resources to help pave the way toward success. That’s why we’re providing a free engineering project proposal template to inspire your proposal writing journey.

Use OpenAsset for Your Engineering Services Proposal

Leveraging a robust DAM, like OpenAsset , in your engineering proposals is a game-changer. OpenAsset streamlines the process of incorporating high-quality images and project data that represent your team’s past achievements and expertise.

By using OpenAsset, you can create a visually impactful and content-rich proposal that stands out. It not only saves valuable time by organizing your assets efficiently but also ensures that you present a polished, professional, and tailored proposal to your potential clients.

OpenAsset’s DAM solution makes AEC proposals simpler, faster, and more successful. That’s why 99% of customers renew. Leverage OpenAsset to elevate your proposals and effectively demonstrate why your team is the ideal choice for any AEC project.

Ready to start creating engineering proposals that will set you apart?

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How to Write an Engineering Proposal

November 29, 2012 by Bernie Roseke, P.Eng., PMP 7 Comments

Engineering proposals are the industry standard document for which engineering consultant selection decisions are made. For engineering consulting firms, they are the primary method of securing new work. For the owners they are indispensible as a means to differentiate between consultants. But what are the major parts of an engineering proposal?

Project Comprehension

A typical engineering proposal will need to document superb technical comprehension of the project. In this section, the technical issues are listed and some of the alternatives discussed. This section was always the most difficult to wrap my head around, because where I came from the industry was “small enough” that they should know our qualifications. So maybe we could miss something and someone much less experienced could “out-write” us to better score in this category. From the recipient’s point of view though, it is very important that a show of technical competence be a part of the proposal, and it is not likely that any one small detail will swing the proposal in one direction.

There isn’t alot of guidance I can give you here for writing this section because this is where your technical know-how has to shine. I always write the section once, and look at it multiple times from different perspectives. Imagine each phase of the project as it would be carried out and think about what all of the relevant technical issues are.

Project Scope

An engineering proposal needs to accurately define the project scope. Because confusion related to the project scope is the leading cause of project failure (or problems), it is imperative that the scope be defined as accurately as possible so that issues do not arise. And when they do, they can be dealt with much more easily when everyone knew what work was supposed to be performed within the boundaries of the project.

Generally the stakeholders of the project interpret grey areas of the project scope in their favor. For example, if the purchase of adjacent land was not mentioned in the proposal for an interchange construction project, the owner is likely to interpret that it was included, but the engineer is likely to interpret that it was not. To the owner, it appears to be “a part of the job.” To the engineer, it appears to be overlooked and therefore not part of the project as defined.

Project Team

Normally an engineering proposal will require a description of each project member, their role on the team, and a professional resume. Naturally the strength of the project team is a factor in the selection of a qualified engineering consultant, and there isn’t much you can do about this if your competitors have more relevant experience than you.

But make sure all of the relevant experience of the team members are present. You would be surprised how good the smallest things can sound, for example an engineer spending 10 years in the field interpreting contracts may not be glamorous, but it doesn’t sound that bad on a proposal if you throw in a sentence or two on contract expertise.

Project Budget

Of course, the price of the engineering services is an important consideration. The prospective consultant should price out each member according to an appropriate charge out rate and the number of hours required for each phase, and provide a summary. Engineering associations advocate for a consultant selection based on merits rather than price, but price will always be a factor.

About Bernie Roseke, P.Eng., PMP

Bernie Roseke, P.Eng., PMP, is the president of Roseke Engineering . As a bridge engineer and project manager, he manages projects ranging from small, local bridges to multi-million dollar projects. He is also the technical brains behind ProjectEngineer , the online project management system for engineers. He is a licensed professional engineer, certified project manager, and six sigma black belt. He lives in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, with his wife and two kids.

I found this article extremely informative as a reference material for an essay on engineering writing. Iam a 58 year old engineering major at Eastern Arizona College. This just goes to show you are never too old to learn a new profession. Thank you. Sincerely Jacob Boer

Thanks Jacob,

Glad I could help. Good luck in your studies.

I am planning to do PhD in civil engineer and have been so lost how to write a proposal on the idea that I have in mind. but this seems to be really helpful. thank you.

Glad it helped!

I am writing a proposal for a masters scholarship studies and my topic is “Design specifications for Highway bridges and structures in low income and Developing countries’ But am still finding its difficult to get technical information or points to make my proposal solid or arguable .

please email to me i will give to you some document in order to do your proposal my email, [email protected]

Writing engineering proposals seems like it would be so complicated. I liked that you explained that you need to cover the scope of the project and what to do if something goes wrong. That does seem like it would be really intense. It seems like you should get someone with a lot of experience to help you out.

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and corresponding that respond to that request (a accompanies this scenario). Notice that the request for proposals included here discusses the format that the proposals should follow. This discussion of format occurs often in proposal requests because requesters of proposals have to evaluate the proposals. If submitted proposals follow the same format, particularly in regards to length and order of information, then the evaluation process is simplified.

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Guide for Writing Research Proposals

This guide is for candidates who are enrolled in a higher degree research program (PhD, Masters by Research or Master of Philosophy) and who have been asked to submit a research proposal as part of their Research Progress Review or Confirmation of Candidature.

The aim of the research proposal is to convince your school that:

there is a need for the research; it is significant and important.
you are contributing something original to the field.
the topic is feasible in terms of availability of funding, equipment, supervisors, and data.
the research can be completed in the expected time period(3-4 years full time for a PhD or 1.5 – 2 years full time for a research Masters).
ethical issues have been considered and approval has been given for the research by the University Ethics Committee.
the topic matches your interests and capabilities.

What is the difference between a Masters and a Doctoral research proposal?

As research Masters degrees are shorter than PhDs, the main goals and complexity of your proposed research should align with this shorter timeframe. If you are unsure of what is required, you should seek advice from your supervisor or your School’s Postgraduate Coordinator.

Who is my audience?

Your research proposal is normally assessed during your Research Progress Review by the Review Panel. If you are a PhD candidate, your research proposal will normally be submitted as part of your Confirmation of Candidature Review. Most candidates need to submit a written report and present their proposal during their Review. If you are not sure of the requirements within your School or Faculty, contact your supervisor or your School’s Postgraduate Coordinator.

The research proposal helps you focus your research aims, clarify its importance and the need, describe the methods, predict problems and outcomes, and plan alternatives and interventions.

Getting it done

Preparing your proposal will be an iterative process. You will most likely need to prepare a number of drafts, improving each one with feedback from your supervisors. You should be writing regularly to have your proposal completed by the due date.

Demonstrating originality

Your work will make a worthwhile contribution to your field if it fulfils one or more of the following:

it provides evidence to support or disprove a concept, theory, or model;
it contributes new data/information, new or improved solution, analysis procedure or a new improved research methodology;
it results in a new or improved concept, theory or model.

See next: Structuring the proposal

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Engineering Research Toolkit

Proposal Elements

Common Proposal Elements

Cover page or “face page:” Project title, project period, funding requested, PI name and title, authorizing signatures. See institutional data for frequently requested information.
Abstract or project summary: Succinct and accurate description of the proposal application
Table of contents: List of all application elements
Budget: Typically divided into two sections: direct costs and Facilities and Administrative cost (also referred to as “F&A” or indirect costs). Please follow the sponsoring agency’s guidelines for format and budget justification. PIs and DAs should ensure compliance and “allowability” with agency guidelines and cost principles (see WashU’s Unallowable Costs on Sponsored Projects, OMB Uniform Guidance ). Note: NSF normally limits salary compensation for senior project personnel on awards to no more than two months of their regular salary in any one year.
Budget justification: Categorical justification for the budget request. Consult WUSTL and agency guidelines regarding specifically stated unallowable costs.
Cost sharing: Funds or “in kind” contributions committed to a project by Engineering, which may include cash, effort, supplies and/or equipment. Note: Unless required or specified in the solicitation guidelines, cost sharing is not required or recommended on most proposals to federal agencies. All cost sharing requests included in a proposal need ADVANCE approval from the Engineering Dean’s Office. Please see Policies & Guidelines .
Biographical sketch (biosketch) and/or curriculum vitae (CV) : A chronological and comprehensive detailing of the professional accomplishments of the PI. Curriculum vita(e) of all key personnel involved in the project should be included if specifically requested; often a biosketch of the key personnel is sufficient. Learn more about biosketches .
Current and pending/other support: List of current and pending grant support of all key personnel. NSF requires that the currently proposed project be listed as well Also see: Calculation of person months
Proposal Narrative: Objectives of the project and work to be accomplished (see solicitation guidelines).
Bibliography/references: List of references cited in the Proposal Narrative.
Other elements, as required: Human subject’s approval Animal subject’s protocol Other compliance approvals (recombinant DNA, radioactive materials, and embryonic stem cells)

Note: WU indirect costs are only included on the first $25,000 of each subaward

Budget Budget justification Biographical Sketch(es) Scope of work Facilities Statement/Resources (if necessary) Letter of Intent ( Template ) Signature of institutional official on letter of intent, which includes: PI name Project title Agency name Performance period Cumulative budget total Scope of work

For Incoming Subawards (where WUSTL is the subrecipient): Complete all required information as you would for a normal proposal OSRS completes the letter of intent
Additional Resources: DOE Office of Science Grants Policy and Guidance NSF Grant Proposal Guide What to Submit to the OSRS Grant Team (.pdf) SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for NIH and other PHS Agencies Note: DOD has several sub-agencies (e.g., ONR, ARO, AFOSR, etc.) that have their own proposal guidelines. Please consult the sub-agency’s specific requirements.
NSF CAREER Award
Funding Opportunities
Biosketches
Current and Pending/Other Support Documents
Corporation & Foundation Proposal Development
Best Practices in Grant Preparation
Data Management Plans
Broader Impacts & PIER Plans
Plans for Safe and Inclusive Work Environment for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research
Submission Resources
WU Facts & Statistics
Compliance for Proposals
Grants Library
Funding Opportunities Newsletters

On the road to 41st IAHR World Congress, Singapore, 22-27 June 2025!

Themes Brochure Keydates Contact us Keep Updated Website

The 41st edition of the IAHR World Congress will take place in Singapore 22-27 June 2025!

The International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) World Congress is a biennial event that brings together the latest technical and scientific knowledge, practice, trends, and innovations of the global hydro-environment community.

Themed "Innovative Water Engineering for Sustainable Development" , the 41st IAHR World Congress in Singapore will focus on the importance of innovative water engineering towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets related to water resources.

Held amid the International Decade for Action on “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028, by the UN, the Congress will showcase the role of expert knowledge by the water engineering community to the implementation of innovation solutions to meet the SDGs, and share insights on research, technology and innovations that will create significant impact to tackle global challenges such as climate change and sea level rise.

Discover the themes, prepare your abstract and submit your proposal for a special session and/or workshop!

Themes

Main theme: Innovative Water Engineering for Suistainable Development

Congress topics

Theme A: Water Engineering and Technological Innovations

A.1 Climate Change Mitigation

A.2 Improving Resilience against Water Hazards and Natural Disasters

A.3 Water Engineering and Society

A.4 Water Engineering for Energy Transition and Food Security

A.5 Digital Transformation

A.6 Experimental and Field Methods

Theme B: Water Engineering and Socio-Economic Considerations

B.1 Climate Change Adaptation

B.2 Water and Nature

B.3 Hydro-Environment Engineering Culture

Call for extended abstracts

We are pleased to announce that the online extended abstract submission process opens on 1st of July 2024. All extended abstracts will be peer-reviewed, and the Congress International Scientific Committee (ISC) will inform contributors if their abstract has been selected by the beginning of January 2025. Authors who would like to write a full paper for proceedings (not necessary for participating at the conference if not wished by the author) will then have an 8-week period to submit their full paper, after which they will be reviewed for final acceptance. You can read the detailed instructions in the corresponding section.

The 41st IAHR World Congress organizers look forward to your contributions and meeting you all in June 2025 in Singapore.

Submit your abstract at https://2025.iahr.org/Home/Submissions

Call for special sessions

The IAHR World Congress is the main biennial dissemination forum in this field. For this reason, the different Committees involved in the organisation of the next congress to be held in 2025 have proposed to open a call for proposals for Special Sessions that fit within the general topic of the Congress and its different themes.

A special session is a special type of parallel session with a particular title and content, under the responsibility of a particular institution, consortium of institutions or convener(s). A Special Session is fully integrated into the Congress programme and is open to every registered Congress participant. It does not require special funding from the Congress. Participants in the session, including convener(s) and speakers, must be fully registered for the Congress. The convener(s) has the right to invite participants to the session at his/her own expense, possibly with a specific sponsor. Special sessions will take place within the normal time schedule of the congress, whilst trying to avoid an overlap with similarly themed sessions.

More info at https://2025.iahr.org/Home/SpecialSessions

Call for workshops

We invite proposals for workshops to be held as part of the pre-conference programme during the day before the congress starts. Proposals from all congress themes and subthemes and organisers of all levels of seniority are welcome.

The typical duration for a workshop is one full day (6 to 8 h) half-day workshops can also be accommodated.

More info at https://2025.iahr.org/Home/Workshops

Keydates

1 July – Special Sessions & Workshops / Masterclasses Submission Opens

1 August – Abstract Submission Opens

30 September – Special Sessions & Workshops / Masterclasses Submission Closes

31 October – Abstract Submission Closes

1 December – Notification of Acceptance (Special Sessions & Workshops / Masterclasses)

15 January – Notification to Authors

15 February – Acceptance by Authors

15 February – Early Bird Registration Opens

1 March – Release of Advance Programme

15 March – Full Paper Submission Deadline

15 March – Early Bird Registration Closes

31 March – Deadline for Author Registration

31 March – Finalisation of Special Sessions & Workshops / Masterclasses

1 May – Release of Final Programme

1 June – Submission of Presentation Slides and Electronic Posters

22-27 June – 41st IAHR World Congress Singapore

Contact us!

[email protected]

IMAGES

FREE 8+ Engineering Proposal Templates in MS Word
Engineering Proposal Template
Engineering Proposal Template
FREE 11+ Engineering Project Proposal Samples in PDF
Engineering Project Proposal
FIVE STEPS FOR CRAFTING A DOCTORAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL IN ENGINEERING

VIDEO

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I Passed My Proposal!!! + Life Updates: NSBE, ATL, BDay Photoshoot, Upcoming Trips and Conferences
how to write a research proposal or synopsis
Research Proposal & paper Writing
Approaches to writing a research proposal

COMMENTS

Thesis Proposal : Mechanical Engineering Communication Lab
Purpose. The purpose of your thesis proposal is to introduce your research plan to your thesis committee. You want the committee members to come away understanding what your research will accomplish, why it is needed (motivation), how you will do it (feasibility & approach), and most importantly, why it is worthy of a PhD (significance).
Sample Proposals
Sample Proposals. Before an article, report, or brief is accepted into the Undergraduate Engineering Review, the author must first submit a proposal that specifies the importance of the research, the scope and limitations of the research, and the methods for the research. Submitters should read the journal's Request for Proposals before submitting.
PDF Example_Guidelines_F18 1.pdf
Writing a Research Proposal A guide for Science and Engineering students A Research Proposal has several inter-related purposes: Writing an effective research proposal also trains you in a valuable skill required to operate effectively in both 1.
How to Write a Research Proposal
Research proposal purpose Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application, or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation.
Top 150 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics [Updated]
Explore 150 mechanical engineering research topics from thermodynamics to robotics, driving innovation and tackling global challenges.
Written Thesis Proposal : Chemical Engineering Communication Lab
A thesis proposal is different than most documents you have written. In a journal article, your narrative can be post-constructed based on your final data, whereas in a thesis proposal, you are envisioning a scientific story and anticipating your impact and results.
Writing a Competitive Preliminary Research Proposal for an Engineering
A research proposal is an obvious and essential part of a Ph.D. application in most parts of the world. It is an outline of your proposed project, whose aim is to present and justify your research idea and explain the practical ways in which you think this research should be implemented. It is often the first opportunity for you to communicate your ideas to attract interest from faculty ...
PDF SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Describe current state of the art. Why is this research needed? Outline previous work in this field (i.e. literature search). How would the results of the proposed research fill this need and be beneficial?
Research Proposal Guidelines
Research Proposal Guidelines Doctor of Engineering applicants are required to submit a Research Proposal as part of their application. The research laid out in the proposal needs to be of importance to the applicant's employer as it forms the basis for the collaboration between Johns Hopkins Engineering and your company/agency.
Writing a research proposal
The Research Proposal - an outline. The research proposal constitutes the main way in which the department evaluates the potential quality of your PhD plans. The proposal should be approximately 1,500 words in length and include: A provisional title. Question or hypothesis.
PDF Research Proposals
Present your proposal clearly, effectively, and persuasively. The specific requirements for a proposal vary depending on the grant, program, or degree you are writing it for—make sure to always cross reference your proposal with its provided guidelines. However, most research proposals tend to include the same key parts.
How to Write a Project Proposal
First, the proposal is reviewed, evaluated, and signed by the advisory committee. Next, the signed Proposal Evaluation Form is attached to the proposal, along with the completed Proposal Cover Sheet and submitted to the ME office for approval and signatures of the Graduate Advisor and the Department Chair. Refer to the Projects and Thesis tab ...
Preparing a research proposal
A good research proposal is crucial to any research application. We provide guidance on writing a proposal with suggestions on what to include and what to avoid.
Engineering Proposals
In academia, engineers produce grant proposals or research proposals in order to receive funding from government agencies and non-profit organizations. In industry, engineers, especially consultants, write proposals or "bids." Engineers produce these proposals for the company where they are working or for other organizations.
Engineering Proposals: Free Template + 12 Proposal Writing Tips
Master the art of writing engineering proposals with tips for beginners and pros, complete with proposal examples and a free template.
How to Write an Engineering Proposal
Engineering proposals are the industry standard document for which engineering consultant selection decisions are made. For engineering consulting firms, they are the primary method of securing new work. For the owners they are indispensible as a means to differentiate between consultants. But what are the major parts of an engineering proposal?
(Pdf) Sample Research Proposal
PDF | On Jan 31, 2023, Precious Eberechi Azubuike - Zubi published SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate
Proposals
Proposals. A proposal is a plan for solving a problem. Engineers and scientists write proposals to do such things as research turbulent boundary layers, design turbine blades, and construct jet aircraft engines. The audience for a proposal usually includes both managers and engineers. These audiences view proposals in different ways.
Guide: Engineering Proposals
In academia, engineers produce grant proposals or research proposals in order to receive funding from government agencies and non-profit organizations. In industry, engineers, especially consultants, write proposals or "bids." Engineers produce these proposals for the company where they are working or for other organizations.
Guide for Writing Research Proposals
Guide for Writing Research Proposals. This guide is for candidates who are enrolled in a higher degree research program (PhD, Masters by Research or Master of Philosophy) and who have been asked to submit a research proposal as part of their Research Progress Review or Confirmation of Candidature.
Proposal Elements
Abstract or project summary: Succinct and accurate description of the proposal application. Table of contents: List of all application elements. Budget: Typically divided into two sections: direct costs and Facilities and Administrative cost (also referred to as "F&A" or indirect costs). Please follow the sponsoring agency's guidelines ...
PDF Engineering Project Proposal
The research also showed results for improved vertical alignment for all three of the plasma generation methods. Finally, two strategies were identified for the PECVD design based on the background research and benchmarked designs: local and remote.
On the road to 41st IAHR World Congress, Singapore, 22-27 June 2025!
The International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) World Congress is a biennial event that brings together the latest technical and scientific knowledge, practice, trends, and innovations of the global hydro-environment community. ... Proposals from all congress themes and subthemes and organisers of all levels ...
PDF Engineering Proposals
Engineering Proposals Consulting engineers aren't the only engineers who write proposals. For instance, in academia, engineers write proposals to receive funding for their research or even to initiate a project. Some engineers produce proposals to be read and approved by management while others send proposals to specific funding agencies or clients.

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How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Introduction

Reference list

Table of contents

Research proposal length

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Top 150 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics [Updated]

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Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Beginners

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Intermediate

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Advanced

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Written Thesis Proposal

Introduction

Before you start writing your proposal

Structure Diagram

Structure your thesis proposal

Authentic, annotated, examples (AAEs)

Resources and Annotated Examples

IEEE Account

Purchase Details

Profile Information

Research Proposal Guidelines

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Writing a research proposal

The Research Proposal – an outline

Question or hypothesis

Three more important points:

How to Write a Project Proposal

Proposal Approval Process

Proposal Deadline

Sample Proposals

How to prepare a research proposal

Research degrees

Engineering Proposals

Definition of Proposals

Types of Proposals

General Format

Introduction

Qualifications

Work Schedule

Proposal Statement

Methodology

Perspectives on Proposals

Tom Siller, Civil Engineering

John Mahan, Electrical Engineering

Citation Information

Copyright Information

Engineering Proposals: Free Template + 12 Proposal Writing Tips

How to Write an Engineering Proposal: What to Include

Cover Page

Cover Letter

Introduction

Project Background

Qualifications

Project Team

Scope of Work

Work Schedule

Project Cost

Write a Strong Proposal Conclusion

Expert Engineering Project Proposal Tips

1. Read the RFP Multiple Times

2. Do Your Research

3. Create a Clear Proposal Format

4. Introduce Your Company’s Background

5. Feature Your Team’s Talent

6. Include Images and Graphics

7. Use Clear Language

8. Keep It Short

9. Practice Teamwork

10. Proofread and Double-Check

11. Meet Deadlines

12. Submit the Proposal on Time