Page 88 - Writing Winning Business Proposals

Using Logic Trees to Construct Your Methodology 79

CHAPTER 5 REVIEW
Constructing a Logical Methodology

1. The proposal’s methodology consists of two kinds of tasks: actions and activities.
◉ Actions are tasks necessary for achieving the project’s objectives. Usually occurring
over a period of time, actions are necessary in the problem-solving process—that is,
for achieving the project’s objectives. Each action should express a result.
◉ Activities are tasks important for planning and communicating. Usually occurring
at a point in time, activities are important in the client-management process.
Examples include: confirming the project’s objectives, reporting interim results,
and delivering a final report. As much as possible, these tasks also should be
phrased to express results.
2. Constructing the proposal’s methodology requires four steps:
◉ Clearly identify the objective(s), based on the overriding question(s). An
Insight Project has only one objective—providing insight. A Planning Project has
only one objective—developing a plan. An Implementation Project has only one
objective—implementing a plan. A combined Insight and Planning Project has two
objectives. A combined Planning and Implementation Project has two objectives.
◉ After placing each objective at the top of the logic tree, order the
actions necessary to achieve it. Develop one logic tree for each objective.
Every box in the logic tree expresses an action implying a result. Every box on
one row is connected to at least two boxes on the next lower row. These lower-
row boxes are the set of actions necessary to achieve the result implied on the
row above. These lower-row actions, however, also imply results in the boxes
connected to them on even lower rows. Each box in every row implies a result
produced by the related actions on the row below. Therefore, each box is an action
implying a single result. The actions should be expressed as specifically as possible.
◉ Once the logic tree is constructed, list the actions in sequence. Use
indentations or standard outline form to indicate the hierarchical relationships. You
have now logically organized the actions.
◉ Identify and integrate the activities necessary for planning and
communicating your proposed actions. You have now constructed the
methodology.
3. Once the logic tree is completed, identify deliverables that do not exist on the Logics
Worksheet, add them to the Logics Worksheet, and align as necessary.