1. Mark Dixon 1 Tech040 02 – Proposal

2. Mark Dixon 2 Proposal: Why? “I’m interested in writing code, why do I need to do this?” Simulate: –Industry: Apply for a job Persuade management / investors to support project Investigate feasibility of undertaking project –Academia: Applying for grant

3. Mark Dixon 3 Assessment 1: Proposal Deadline 3 rd Feb Electronic submission, Proposal Document –500 words maximum –Must Describe Title: Background: Application domain (subject area), why is it needed – what problem(s) will it solve?) Aims & Objectives: what will it do (for the end user), functional specification, how will it solve the above mentioned problems, what will it not do (scope, boundaries) Plan: –Selected technologies –Timescale References: –Much will be uncertain – this is normal

4. Mark Dixon 4 3 Writing Stages Ideas (Brainstorming) –Generate as many ideas as possible –Write down notes / phrases (not full sentences) –Write down everything that comes to mind –Don’t delete anything Structure –Decide what to keep and what to remove –Rearrange into a logical order –Merge / remove repetition Finishing –Expand notes / phrases into grammatical sentences

5. Mark Dixon 5 Writing Style Formal, avoid: –1 st Person (i.e. use of I and me) –slang Grammatical Succinct Clarity

6. Mark Dixon 6 Example There once was a man of Australia, Who painted his arse like a dahlia, The drawing was fine, The colours divine, But the scent – alas – was a failure. There once was a man from Australia, Who painted his arse like a dahlia, The drawing was fine, The colours divine, But alas, the scent was a failure. Easier to read

7. Mark Dixon 7 First Person: Example I am going to use the Java programming language. This project will use the Java programming language. 9 words 8 words Easier to read

8. Mark Dixon 8 Succinct: Example The software should allow the pilot to plot a course. It should also allow the distances to be calculated. The pilot should also be able to determine fuel requirements. The software should allow the pilot to: plot a course, calculate distances, and determine fuel requirements. 29 words 16 words Easier to read

9. Mark Dixon 9 Succinct: Example The focus of previous publications has been completely on summative evaluation. Previous publications have focused completely on summative evaluation. 11 words 8 words Easier to read

10. Mark Dixon 10 Bibliography Seely J (1998) The Oxford Guide to Writing and Speaking. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-863144-8 Cordwell S (1996) Very Rude Limericks. Grange Books. ISBN 1-85627-504-3