Question

1. Describe the differences between a complex proposal and a simplified proposal.
2. Describe at least three criteria that a customer could use to evaluate a contractor's proposal.
3. What are the S.M.A.R.T. criteria for goal setting or defining success criteria in a project proposal?

Answer 1

Project proposal is considered as the initial framework for establishing the concept of the project. A complex proposal contains large number of pages, defined sections,Charts & Figures, Tables of Information. While a simplified proposal contains Statement of customers' need, assumptions, Project Scope, Deliverables, Resources, Schedule, Price, Risks and Expected Benefits.

Customer evaluate a contractor's proposal by the criteria i.e. prices of the various proposals and select the lowest priced proposals. Next, by the criteria of contractor experience and success with similar projects, customer evaluate a contractor's proposal. The third criteria is understanding of the customer's need or problem, when the contractor understands the need of the customer and represents a proposal according to it, then the customer can evaluate his proposal.

After planning the project, the next step is developing goals. Goals should be SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-based.SMART goal setting is one of the most effective tool for achieving goals and it also creates transparency throughout the company. The SMART criteria uses the following plans.

S: what exact goal you want to accomplish?

M: how to measure the progress of the goal?

A: what skills or help is needed to reach your goal?

R: Is the goal worthwhile?

T: What time is needed to complete the goal? When can it be completed?

SMART goals are a way to ensure the project outcomes are achieved in an organized and careful way. Hence SMART criteria is very helpful for goal setting and to bring successful project outcomes.