Proposal Example
Desktop Publishing Software Recommendation

 

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Brian Gastle

TO: A. F., Manager

FROM: V. C., Assistant Manager

SUBJECT: In-House Publication of Selected Public Relations Materials

DATE: October 26, 1998

Proposal

I believe that it may be more efficient to produce some or all of AG Inn's publicity materials on the premises, instead of using an outside firm, because it will reduce--and possibly eliminate--the problem of shortages during peak seasons. This study will determine whether it is more cost-effective to produce selected publication materials in-house or to contract them to an outside company. If in-house desktop publishing proves more efficient, the most popular desktop publishing programs will be researched and a software package will be recommended that will meet AG's needs

Statement of Problem

It is expensive to pay an outside source to produce publicity materials such as brochures and newsletters. Additionally, there is always the risk of being caught without enough publications to meet the demand of the public; this possibility became reality one day when a family requested a brochure that we could not give them. Because of a delivery delay, the only promotional material on hand was a brochure dealing with the entire town of Dillsboro that devoted about 1.5 square inches of text to AG Inn and did not include any pictures.

Procedure

1. Interview the manager at AG Inn to determine specific needs and desires that should be met by the software package. These include but are not limited to:

    • Price
    • Ease of use
    • Time saving devices (templates, wizards, etc.)
    • Capability/Versatility

2. Determine the current amount spent on publication and middleman fees.

3. Evaluate the day-to-day cost of on-site publication. The criteria for this evaluation includes:

    • Labor costs
    • Time required
    • Cost of supplies

4. Examine popular desktop publishing packages based on the established criteria.

5. Reduce the choices to 3 candidates based upon initial essential criteria.

6. Submit an interim report outlining the findings to date and detailing the methods that will be used to complete the second half of the project.

7. Compare the 3 candidates based on their functionality and performance as described by:

    • Consumer group information
    • Manufacturer's Product Information
    • Magazine reviews in computer magazines such as:
      • PC Magazine
      • PC Week
      • Computer Shopper

8. Compile a database itemizing the results of this research.

9. Use each product to produce a brochure for AG Inn in order to gauge first-hand how well it suits the business' needs.

10. Submit a final report, including the test brochures, explaining the outcome of the research and recommending the most suitable publishing software

Schedule

TASK

10/26-10/31

11/1-11/7

11/8-11/14

11/15-11/21

11/22-11/28

11/29-12/5

12/6-12/12

Initial Interview

******

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside printing costs

 

******

 

 

 

 

 

In-house printing costs

 

******

 

 

 

 

 

Software Examination

 

 

******

 

 

 

 

Interim Report

 

 

 

******

 

 

 

Reviews

 

 

 

 

******

 

 

Analysis of Research

 

 

 

 

 

******

 

Product Tests

 

 

 

 

 

******

 

Final Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

******

 

Budget

EXPENSES

UNIT COST

QUANTITY

TOTAL

Travel

$0.20/mile

10

$ 2.00

Magazines/Reports

$4.00

3

$12.00

Long-Distance Calls

$0.20/minute

30

$ 6.00

 

TASK

SALARY/HOUR

HOURS

TOTAL

Initial Interview

$20.00

1

$ 20.00

Printing Evaluation

$20.00

4

$ 80.00

Software Examination

$20.00

7

$140.00

Interim Report

$20.00

5

$100.00

Reviews

$20.00

3

$ 60.00

Research Analysis

$20.00

10

$200.00

Product 1 Test

$20.00

5

$100.00

Product 2 Test

$20.00

5

$100.00

Product 3 Test

$20.00

5

$100.00

Final Report

$20.00

10

$200.00

 

 

Total Estimated Expenses

$1,120.00

 

Contact Information

I look forward to working with you on this project and hope that you will contact me if you have any questions or suggestions. You can reach me during normal business hours at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or by email at bgastle@wcu.edu. Thank you for your time.

 

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Contact Me
 

Department Head & Associate Professor English, 305 Coulter Hall
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28722

Office: 828-227-7264
Fax: 828-227-7266
email: bgastle@wcu.edu