Aspects of Successful Proposals

The parts Text & design transition from problem ID Causal analysis Detailed description of logistics Feasibility demonstration, with precedent Obstacle concession & removal Desirability pitch

Transition between identifying the problem and proposing a solution Let Teenagers Try Adulthood Secondary education must be rethought.

Ticket to the Top We propose a more electronic system for handling

tickets at RPI.

Fire and Rescue A similar system [consolidation of services], if

employed in Rensselaer County, could revolutionize the way in which Emergency Services are provided.

Causal analysis orHow can you solve the problem if you don’t know the causes?

Causal analysis

Viable solutions must

Take into account causes (in ID section) if they are to be seen as realistic and feasible.

Establish consequences (of status quo) and sell the benefits (of changing) if they are to be

considered

affordable and desirable.                           

Consider the Case of the Tazmanian Devil

Detailed description of logisticsLet Teenagers Try Adulthood

                   No junior high/middle school                   High school from 7th to 10th grade only                16 yr olds enter work, service, college, apprenticeship

Ticket to the Top                    The database

                    The tools (bar code scanners)                    Estimated costs                    Ticketmaster

Fire and Rescue                    Combine small departments                    Create a unified system to standardize equipment, staff, care

Feasibility demonstration, with precedent

Link solutions to identified causes Describe precedents (See “Fire and Rescue”

for best example) Compare focus problem with precedents Admit contrastsand explain applicabaility

nevertheless

Obstacle concessionFrom “Fire and Rescue” “It’s a good idea on paper, however, the question is

how is this going to translate to real life.  I don’t oppose the idea, I think it would be extremely beneficial to the citizens but it will be heavily opposed by current volunteers” (Mason). Why?

LoyaltyTerritorialityFear of losing positions

Obstacle removal

One of the biggest obstacles that might be faced is the current volunteer firefighter.  The solution to this obstacle is simple: involve and employ the current volunteers within the new fire and EMS system.  A similar idea was utilized when establishing Eastside Fire and Rescue.  By employing these individuals as administrators, firefighters (either paid full staffing, or paid per call), or just allowing  them to continue to volunteer on secondary apparatus we’d be allowing them to continue their passion of helping others.

Concession Many would argue that this would actually increase

response times

Removal … however, by staffing the fire stations and not

relying solely on volunteers responding from  their residence, response times will actually drop, while professionalism and quality of service will increase. (Campbell)

Desirability pitch: what is

Existing and/or other proposed solutions are undesirable or less desirable because

Logistics are not feasible (now or later) Causes have been misconstrued Consequences will be undesirable (dangerous,

shameful, illegal, costly, deadly, really really really really bad)

Desirability pitch: what will be

The proposed solution is desirable because

it’s feasible (restate what’s been shown) it addresses actual causes (link solution to causal

analysis) the consequences are beneficial

DescriptionNarration ImagesRhetoric

We will really like it