Both research and business proposals include basic structural components that clearly define them as a proposal document. The document's introduction section provides background info on the problem, while the problem statement section explains the need to address that problem. The objectives section outlines the proposals goals. The solution section articulates the way in which the proposal's authors are suggesting to solve the problem. Additionally, sections such as budget, schedule, resources, management and qualifications demonstrate the authors' ability to identify all the materials and time necessary to implement the solution and solve the business or research problem.
Neither research nor business proposals are composed without prompting. Consequently, all proposals are formal, written responses to a call for proposals (CFP). CFPs are requests for individuals or teams of research or business professionals to submit proposals that either address a very specific problem or generally relate to a field-specific topic. Consequently, both research and business proposals are limited in scope by the topic or problem articulated in the CFP to which the documents respond.
Anderson maintains that the primary difference between successful proposals and unsuccessful proposals is the degree to which the document specifically addresses the concerns and position of the people that will read the document. In his textbook, "Technical Writing: A Reader-Centered Approach," considered a model teaching text in technical writing by the National Council of Teachers of English, Anderson outlines a reader-centered approach to writing in which authors constantly reflect back on what they believe to be the reader's needs and desires in reading a technical document. For both research and business proposals, employing a reader-centered approach ensures that the focus of the document is the specific and detailed address of the concerns expressed in the CFP to which the proposal responds.
In addition to their ability to adequately respond to the concerns of the readers, both research and business proposals must pass a feasibility test. A feasibility test ensures that the proposed solution of a given proposal can be easily, cheaply and accurately enacted.