Author: Matt

 

For WP3, I found group 1’s schema to be most useful as a checklist. I walked through their example document and replaced the contents of each element with corresponding information specific to my background and goals. I found this schema to fit very well regarding personal background; however, there were areas with which it fell short. I believe a section regarding how a person views the field could be beneficial. For example, why I believe solar is important or why someone else believes the world needs computer scientists. A lot can be inferred from the things people put the most importance on in life.

 

The experience section of the schema was very well laid out. Between, “personal”, “work”, and “school”, one could supply information on any part of their life. I expect some people may argue that the personal section can be broken down further, as I initially thought, but I would now argue that it is not necessary and that the three existing sections are specific enough to fit most cover letters.

 

After reading Sam’s cover letter to SOM, I was able to see how to more smoothly depict the relationship between my background, long term goals, and how working at the proposed company would eventually play into that.

 

Using another group’s schema was not too different from using my own. When using a schema that I helped to put together, I had unique insight into certain elements regardless of their definition. I can see how in a complex schema with similar, more specific elements, one may find advantages to having provided input into the schema construction, however, the cover letter elements are very well laid out and clearly defined to the point where I do not notice any hindrances associated with not having helped design this schema.

 

In order to revise this genre model, I may want to bring up the topic of field importance. The ability to show passion and a drive for your work stems from seeing the importance of the work the company does as a whole.

For the individual composition of WP2, I felt that my group’s schema helped to structure my argument. There are many more points that could have been addressed so the only hindrance I found was in the simplistic nature of public initiative proposals.

 

Writing in XML took some getting used to but now it is pretty simple to follow a schema in word and insert the appropriate sections into XML upon completion. This makes editing your work a little more complicated but not to an extreme degree.

 

I thought that the group research we did was very effective. One of the most important questions we would ask ourselves when dealing with the persuasive nature of a proposal was “What is the intended uptake?” or “What is this the uptake to?” I think these two questions helped us make a relatively linear guideline.

 

I think my group worked well together. The class time we were able to dedicate to this project was very helpful, especially when frequent syncs to the website were needed to check the formatted version of a file. I would not change how this project was laid out. The end of WP2 transitions very well into WP3.

I found each presentation for WP2 to have its own areas that were unique and interesting. However, I thought that a feasibility report almost had too much in common with my group’s focus of public initiative proposals. Group 1 was, in my opinion, the most unique subject with little in common with the other three groups.

 

Group 4’s focus of a Cover Page stood out to me the most. As I will be graduating in under a year, I need to start to compose cover letters for some of the jobs I plan to apply to. My top choice of BlueWave Capital requires all applicants to submit a cover page with their resume and I think this class would be a good environment to put together a first draft. I will also be submitting my resume to some other solar developers that I think may be a better audience for this exercise considering I do not have previous experience with them. The intended uptake to these letters would be offers to come in for an interview.

 

In order to compose my own cover letter I would need to do research into the specific company’s mission statement and address the ways in which my skills are compatible with their goals. I think this will go well with the relatively professional tone found in group 4’s cover letters.

I thought our initial schema for WP2 fit my proposal well. However, I would like to give the ability to have multiple sections with the same major theme but different sub headings, this may be easier to do if we just make ass sub-headings entities rather than types. Also, there are a few sections I believe that could benefit from having the ability to include multiple paragraphs.

 

The schema we wrote acted as a step-by-step process for persuading the reader to see my side of the argument in an attempt to receive approval. Our schema almost felt constraining considering the type of writing I’m doing. Since there is a lot of different direction to take the argument of going solar in Boston, there are many times I’d like to switch back and forth between background and steps forward. This is the standard way of writing about societal improvements but I may have to tweak my thought process to formalize the argument into a more proposal-like layout.

 

Working in a small group really allowed us to hash out different design options and debate the usefulness of each aspect of the schema. This was better than working as an entire class because we were able to talk on a less formal level and instead of almost giving up and just making things general enough to please everyone, we were able to draw up multiple optional entities that allowed people to get more specific.

 

The overall level of repetitiveness/ specificity within entities and broad sections needs to be revisited.

We began our study by constructing a list of all the types of proposals we have been exposed to. In doing so, we were able to gain an understanding of where our experiences overlapped. By focusing in on public initiative proposals for this project we were able to narrow down the scope of our genre to make finding examples and creating a sample schema slightly simpler. Given that these proposals have been made public or use public funds, finding samples was fairly straightforward as cities are required to maintain lists of different proposals and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that they had published or received on their websites. Some of the samples that we examined for our analysis included a new community library proposal, a design-build proposal for building conservation to the town of Newtown and a sustainable art proposal submitted to Duke University. When selecting these examples, we tried to collect a variety of formats and situations. Many of the samples we analyzed were fully developed written proposals, following a somewhat standard format that focuses on a specific issue and suggests a solution, going on to discuss the benefits the proposal could provide.  The first sample is a power point developed by the city of Stoughton, Massachusetts for a town hall meeting to present to the public on this possible city improvement project. The second sample is a concise proposal from a private construction firm to the city of Newtown, Connecticut for the mothballing of a series of abandoned public buildings. The third sample moves away from the general theme of construction and focuses on a smaller community improvement project, sustainable art installations on the campus of Duke University. In addition to these finished examples of proposals we have been looking into different examples of RFPs and calling city council and public board members such as the director of the Stoughton public library board of trustees, Pat Basler.

In addition to studying the finished product of a proposal, we looked at the events and genres that occurred prior to the creation of a proposal and what genres the creation of a proposal resulted in. We found that in the case of public initiatives a problem was often discussed in a Town Committee meeting and then debated for some time before the proposal was created. Committee members would agree to a basic solution to fix a problem and would then notify the public of the issue and ask for feedback about their proposed solution. After taking account of public opinion, their solution could be modified to better suit the town’s needs and then the official proposal would be created and submitted to all required parties for consideration.

In some cases, a city may identify a problem, but lack the resources to develop a solution.  To solve the problem, a city may publish a RFP (request for proposals) to inform the community and relevant parties of an opportunity to develop the city in some way and seeks suggestions on how to best achieve their goal. Because the project and proposals will all affect the community as a whole, much of the information being distributed on each level will be made public for people to read and ask questions about and are therefore meant for wider consumption by anyone who is interested. No part of this proposal process is internal to any particular organization. There may be associated internal communications within the companies or groups creating proposals to be submitted, but their final proposal is meant to be submitted to the city (or a group working on behalf of the community) to become public record.
Analyzed marketing campaigns that go alongside a proposal (accepted or otherwise) that highlight the potential benefits of the project. While not strictly part of the genre of a proposal, the marketing campaign works alongside and after the initial proposal, and was created by the same authors who were responsible for implementing the project. The marketing campaign is used to shape the opinions and expectations of the audience concerning the outcomes of the project, and attempts to define the possible uptakes of the situation.

In an attempt to better understand the situation involving public project proposals, final products of proposals were observed to gain an understanding of the general format. We also studied how RFPs are constructed, modeling after an accepted proposal. To gain a better understanding of the process before a proposal is submitted, we have contacted the Director of the Stoughton Public Library board of trustees. Her input has helped us to see how the initial recognition of a problem interacts with the final proposed solution that we have already studied. In addition to studying the proposals and RFPs, we analyzed a marketing campaign the town of Franklin, MA produced that went alongside the proposal to change the traffic pattern of the downtown area.

Structurally we found that proposals were straightforward compared to other genres found in the world. Sections and elements that may be found in a proposal are usually titled and are strictly designed to fulfill the specific purpose set by that element. The language throughout these proposals are formal and to the point. It is written to give the intended audience the problem at hand, possible solutions, and how to go out and execute or list what it necessary to get this done. The language or types of words found within these proposals are general and simple enough to be understood by the general public. The pattern and structure of these proposals are usually started off by a title element where anything associated with that material is found under the title. The sentences found in these sections are shorter and contain all necessary information to make its point in that section. In these proposals there aren’t many, if any, sections where you’ll find excess writing that sets up another section or for instances uses writing tools to develop tone or forms of imagery. Instead the sentences are purely informative and are design to make one point after another.

By studying this genre we are able to gain insight into the ways that groups or organizations communicate with each other in a formal and primarily persuasive format. By using the Spinuzzi article on ways to examine different assemblages of text we looked at both the linear and progressive steps involved in the situation surrounding a public initiative project as well as the overlap in conversation and exchange of information throughout the proposal writing process. With public projects there are a number of different stakeholders involved at different levels at different points of the project. Because of this, it is very important to keep track of any decisions or steps made in a formal and publicly published format. The ability to communicate your ideas or goals to a large audience with varying levels of involvement and expertise is vital to achieve the changes that you hope to make. In addition, we were able to observe how the author(s) of a proposal sought to control the uptake of the genre by including various sections in the proposal. The author(s)’s goal is for their intended audience to agree with their proposed solution method, and will attempt to construct their argument to lead the reader to conclusion that the author’s suggestion will be beneficial for the town and is worth pursuing.   

Our final genre model is a direct result of the examples that we examined and the people that we talked to. Based on the persuasive nature of the genre, we chose to develop a very structured model for how the document should be formatted. Generally whether you are writing a persuasive essay or project proposal there are a set of agreed upon steps that should be followed to lead your audience towards your desired uptake. This is why our schema is first broken down into levels of structural separation for clarity and ease of understanding. Within each section we break it down further indicating necessary content to include or discuss.

Since there are so many different methods of persuasion and such different levels of professionalism, many sections needed to include overlapping optional sections. A Letter of Intent, Executive Summary, and Abstract all get across the same information with different levels of formality and at different points in the study. Sections such as these require one or more of the listed attributes to be included.

Each proposal we studied had its own methods to attempt to persuade the audience. There were many sub-sections that could have been included to reflect all of these strategies, but we decided to keep our sections broad enough to be all-encompassing with the understanding that it could be altered or added upon when the situation called for it.

**Addition**

After our first attempt at using our schema, a few shortcoming became evident. Firstly, we decided that it was necessary to incorporate multiple paragraphs into each of our sections. This allowed us to change some of our types/ sub-headings into their own entity. For example, instead of incorporating economic details as a type of feasibility, we are now able to write multiple paragraphs under feasibility that can include economic, social, and environmental arguments.

Due to the persuasive nature of our texts, we found it necessary to allow for visual backup. The insertion of an image or chart allows one to reference data during their argument.

 

The genre of public initiative proposal can be the uptake of several situations but can also be sparked by something as simple as an individual desire for change. If one person sees a problem they wish to have addressed, they have the power to write a proposal with the intended uptake of public action to address their area of concern. That being said, public initiative proposals can also be the uptake of a public discussion at a town meeting or of formal complaints to the local government. The intended uptake to a complaint would be an apology or a solution but proposals are the first step associated with improvements. Although they may not be the intention of the person issuing the complaint, they are necessary to achieve their final goal.

 

Typically the intended uptake to a proposal is acceptance at a public hearing and an RFP to aid in the process of hiring contractors to do the work laid out in the initial proposal.

 

The genre model that we have put together follows the general thought process we observed when one might be referencing a previous document. For example, we have an objective portion that lays out the intended impact we would like made. This can be followed by the goal, which is a more concrete desired output that will have an effect that leads to the objective completion. Lets say someone complains that the library is not handicap friendly. The objective of a project could be to make the library handicap friendly, however the goal would be to install a wheelchair ramp and handicap parking spaces.

 

Many points in this process are influenced by uptake. When some company is responding to a RFP, they would not only check off all that the RFP asks for, they may also check against the initial proposal to gain situational context as outlined in the reading earlier this week.

My group has decided to focus on public works proposals. We were all interested in the methods by which someone can go about persuading an audience that their goal is worth investing in. Proposals are common among any field that requires funding, action, or permission. Since proposals can be constructed by such a wide variety of people, it is interesting to see how different areas of society put different levels of importance on the same features.

 

Public works proposals are often the first step in an assemblage of texts that will complete a goal. Once a problem/ area of improvement is identified, a public works proposal will be submitted to a governing body, usually a town or state, that will then decide if the proposed improvement is worth pursuing. If the proposal is accepted, there will then be a RFP, request for proposals, sent out to the public that allows contractors to bid on the job. Once a contractor is selected, a contract is drawn up which will then lead to job completion. This entire process is kicked off by one’s ability to convince others that their proposal is worth investing in. Public works proposals have so much power because although they can be rejected, they also are unrestricted and do not require any preceding documents.

 

There are many types of proposals but I tend to look at public works proposals as parts of genre sets. They can be submitted from one person to another and are the start to a sequential set of actions. That being said, there is definitely some overlap when a group is constructing a RFP, they must refer back to the proposal to ensure that the original goal is properly explained. Similarly, all responses to a RFP will be going down a list, making sure all features of the RFP are addressed at some point.

I spent my third coop working at a solar developer based in Boston. The company was broken down into Site Acquisitions, Project Management, Finance, Accounting, Construction, and Public Relations. During my coop, I spent almost all of my time working with the Project Management team, we oversaw all aspects of our projects including landowner and abutter relations, permitting, contracting, utility management and a wide variety of other project-related issues that could pop up on any given day. There were a wide variety of degrees that the people on the Project Management team held. The fact that one team was made up of -and heavily relied on – engineering, law, real estate majors and a variety of other specialists, helped me to realize how multi-disciplinary this role would be. Since each project passed between every group in the office at one point, communication was of extreme importance. Knowing how certain planning board interactions could reflect on the company, for example, would be a great time for the Project Management and Public Relations groups to have a meeting and chose the best course of action. In a company of roughly 40 people, keeping everyone on the same page can be a full-time job. However, maintaining enough communication for everyone to work effectively and draw information from all sides of the company is vital to the company’s survival.

 

I can absolutely see myself working as a developer for a renewable energy based company in the future. The engineering background is incredibly useful for talking with contractors and members of the constructions department, but is not absolutely required to be a developer. The main source of interest is the fast-paced environment that always allows for improvements in efficiencies. Since renewable energy is such a new field, there are no set rules of conduct laid out and this allows for people to work within their tams to find the best way to complete their goals.

Tammy Huynh used her annotated bibliography to research the newest virtual reality (VR) developments as well as their potential applications. Both of our bibliographies address ways in which certain groups can have their lives improved by a development related to our major. However, Tammy’s ability to address motor disorders through computer science clearly shows how one’s understanding of their major combined with unique personal experience can open up incredible technological uses that non-specialists may have never thought of.

Regarding the use of XML editor, Tammy displayed an impressive ability to retain document fluidity by having sentences broken up in the middle by the appropriate tags. There are several instances of the background of a source transitioning seamlessly into the source summary. This layout reduced repetitiveness and increases readability in a way I wish I had thought to incorporate in my bibliography.

Tammy and I used the tags relatively similarly. The largest difference in our use of tags was that Tammy would often write the majority of her posts within the general summary or application summary section. I feel as though this better explained the aspects of her focus that the reader may not be familiar with. This strategy worked well for Tammy, however, I believe my argument was served properly with a more relevance-focused annotation.

During writing project one, I found the schema we developed to be a useful tool for staying in track. The general flow that was considered during the schema development was applicable to all of my sources and allowed for the construction of a legitimate argument. There were a few notes I omitted to allow the overall annotations to fit the schema layout, but overall, I felt more guided than hindered in my writing. Although the layout takes some time to get used to, I now see how proper utilization of Oxygen will allow for less restricted writing in the future.

 

Regarding technical difficulties, XML is relatively intuitive. The only major point of concern is that using a track pad to highlight portions for editing can be difficult considering the sensitivity of Oxygen. This can be remedied using keyboard shortcuts. The other primarily technical concern was that we were not sure when we would be able to check our work. I propose that moving forward we have set times we can expect our work to be uploaded so that we will know when we can check it. This is only an area of concern since we have other classes that require us to prioritize our time. As it stands, I don’t think I can effectively read my work in XML to ensure quality. I really appreciated the example file to check my work against.

 

Our schema was sufficient for the first project considering how concrete annotated bibliographies normally are. Moving forward, I would like to add more optional fields that can be used when most appropriate without forcing all entries to look incredibly similar. I see the value of breaking down our writing in this manor. Breaking down professional pieces and then rebuilding with their framework is a good method to reduce the amount of content lost in translation between class and homework.

 

Generally, I struggled to keep ideas flowing rather than have each section obviously outlined. I think if we consider of the order of our fields while constructing our next schema, we will all be able to write much more fluid pieces that contain all required aspects we define without sacrificing the readability of the document.

People who strive to impact the lives of others naturally gravitate toward the field that has made the biggest difference in their life. Nobody is going to be inspired to pursue a career in art without having been moved by a piece of art just as nobody would go into teaching without having their lives strongly changed by a teacher. Many of my fondest memories are, in some way, related to nature. For this reason, I am focusing my career options in the field of sustainability. To do something sustainably is to achieve the goal of the action without reducing its ability to be done again. The way our country has developed is not sustainable. It is saddening to imagine future generations without access to the environment we have due to the damage we inflict on it resulting from fossil fuel usage. My goal of working towards renewable energy generation is a result of the problems I see that I hope to help solve.

 

The permitting process associated with a coal-fired power station is long and arduous. For this reason, coal-fired plants are most often installed in low-income areas that have a large working population with minimal community involvement in the local government. Meanwhile, all wealthier areas, with a higher retired, or otherwise available during business hours, population can combat any power plant that tries to enter their town at a community hearing. We cannot continue to reap the benefits of this power while sending all the pollution and heath issues associated with burning coal to less wealthy communities. It is because they do not have to bear the major effects of the coal plants, that the higher educated, wealthier populations do not participate more strongly in the transition toward renewable energy. These are exactly the people that could have the greatest effect on this movement

 

Northeastern University, as an establishment of higher education, has a responsibility to exhibit the behavior to which all should strive. There are many areas in Boston that could be improved to increase sustainability; Northeastern could set an example as a producer of clean energy. Considering it’s dense building layout, Northeastern has a structure that is conducive to the utilization of rooftop solar. Although there is not enough on-campus rooftop area to cover all of Northeastern’s energy requirements, the implementation of rooftop solar would send a statement to surrounding communities. By advertising the economic benefits of solar to the rest of Boston, Northeastern could lead the way for the entire city to reap the environmental, social, and economic benefits as well.