Concept Proposal Template (SDLC)

Use these Concept Proposal templates to create the first documents in the Software Development Life Cycle.

The Concept Proposal identifies the need or opportunity to improve a business function by highlighting where strategic goals are not being met or performance can be improved. The Concept Proposal should demonstrate that this is a worthwhile investment and identify potential impacts on systems, staff, and operations. This document forms part of the Initiation Phase.

Use this template to:

• Persuade stakeholders to invest in the proposed solution
• Highlight where strategic goals can be realized
• Justify why this proposal should be endorsed
• Explain the rationale behind the nominated products/services
• Show how the proposal aligns with the Strategic Plan

Here’s are seven steps to help you build your Concept Proposal.

1. Context – Discuss the business drivers that triggered this document.
2. Investment – Identify the type, timing and source of investment required for this proposal.
3. Impact – Describe the potential impact the proposed solution may have on a technical, operations, and human resource level.
4. Needs – Highlight the appetite that exists for the proposed solution. Identify who requested the solution and what they have to gain from its implementation.
5. Performance – Identify specific areas where performance does not meet expectations.
6. Resources – Identify the sum total number of resources needed for the project, broken out by phase.
7. Strategy – Describe strategic and operational benefits. Show how benefits are linked to key objectives.