Formal report addressing a topic or concern for an organization

Create a 6-8 page (double-spaced, not including front & back matter) formal report that seeks to address a specific problem or concern in/for an organization of your choice. This is a relatively open-ended assignment that encourages you to define your own context and work within it. The report will be on a topic of your choosing (from your career fields or other interests). Whatever issue you choose to address, you must recommend an action and plan its implementation. Your report can function as a feasibility study, annual report, investigative report (you can do research or set up a survey), analytical report, etc.—but it is not limited to any of these. See p. 3 of this prompt for possible topics. **Use Chapter 10 in Writing that Works for help developing the content and structure of your report** DEADLINES: This project has two parts (both submitted to D2L Assignments): 1. Project Proposal: Due Fri., Nov. 13th 50 points (see assignment prompt) 2. Completed Formal Report: Due Mon., Dec. 14th 200 points • The proposal is explained in a separate assignment prompt in the “Final Report” folder. • As a whole, the entire project is worth 250 points, equivalent to 25% of your final grade COMPONENTS/REQUIREMENTS: A report is “formal” because it has elements that follow specific formats. The final report must include the following components: • Transmittal Memo (cover letter) • Front Matter: Title Page and Table of Contents • Body: Executive Summary (less than one page), Introduction, Text/Body, Conclusions, Recommendations, References/Works Cited (APA or MLA) • Back Matter: Bibliography (relevant sources (i.e. further reading) that extend beyond the works explicitly cited in the report) • At least one graphic representation: Use a minimum of one visual (charts, graphs, photos, etc.) in the body of your essay. You can develop your own visual or cite an existing graphic. Additional front and back matter (index, appendices, etc.) are to be used at your discretion. Employing readerfriendly organization and presentation is critical. Use lucid and appropriate headings and clearly delineated sections and sub-sections. Your report should demonstrate conciseness, clarity, and audience awareness. àRefer to Writing that Works as the primary source for format and style. RESEARCH: Your report must: • Utilize at least 4 sources (this means at least 4 in-text citations) • Consistently follow a particular documentation style (APA or MLA recommended) SLOAN OCC You must include explicit in-text citations and a Works Cited/References page. You are encouraged to research a topic related to your field of interest (see p. 3 for possible topics). For example, if you are studying computers, you might research the most cost-effective personal computer(s) for a local business; if you are a Nursing major, you might explore trends or issues in patient care via incident reports. You can do both primary and secondary research (see Ch. 4). Your research can include (but is not limited to) any of the following sources: • Direct observation of a process, system, or business (primary) • Interviews or surveys with relevant individuals on- or off-campus (primary) • Trade journal articles • Academic/Peer-reviewed journals • Internet sources (be selective – you want credible sources) • Books or publications from a college, university, or public library • Publications from local government agencies • Government documents • Other public documents (e.g. maps, the Yellow Pages, or special dictionaries) • Annual reports, manuals, or brochures • Professional publications related to your project (e.g., Forbes magazine, Science magazine) • Popular newspapers or magazines (use sparingly) • Your own knowledge of the subject For more on what/how to research, closely review Ch. 4 in Writing that Works. ASSESSMENT: Your report will be graded across three holistic areas of concern: 1. Research/content: Information gathered, synthesized, and applied logically to the stated issues 2. Formatting/arrangement: Professional appearance, reader-friendly structure, and adherence to assignment instructions and required formats 3. Writing: Clarity, concision, coherence, and correctness HELP: • As you research, write, and organize your report, refer to Ch. 10 in Writing that Works to be sure you are following the correct guidelines • You may find the checklist on pp. 369-370 particularly useful • See also the checklists, samples, and other links in the “Reports” folder NOT SURE WHAT TO STUDY? These are just suggestions; you may choose any relevant topic for your particular project. Use these not as rigid templates, but as starting points—expect to narrow these topics to determine your own specific focus. You are encouraged to consider a topic that intersects with your own career interests. Ultimately, try to choose topics that will hold your interest and keep you engaged for the remainder of the semester! The topics highlighted in yellow are relevant to the current pandemic, and may prove especially timely/interesting to explore. SLOAN OCC Possible Formal Report Topics • A report on the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on local businesses • A report on the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on education (narrow your focus to a specific level, e.g. post-secondary/college, elementary school, pre-K/young children, high school, etc.) • An analysis of technical training facilities (such as colleges, trade schools, and private agencies) that would support a “high-tech” company planning to relocate to the area • A report on the best ways to • The effects of a vegetarian (or other) diet on physiological energy • The feasibility of establishing a new professional sports team in your area. Use primary and secondary sources for research • An analysis of the job opportunities in a specific field (such as engineering, botany, architecture, software development, social work, human services, education, etc.) • The effects of physical or mental health on job performance (be specific in your context and recommendations) • The effect(s) of international trade agreements on employment in a particular field or specific organization • The costs and benefits of paid sick leave, with recommendations for employers • How to collaborate effectively, perhaps with respect to a particular field or profession • How to narrow the gap between the skills required by industry (think in terms of a particular field) and those possessed by recent college graduates • How to collaborate on the job in the era of social distancing (you may focus on a specific field or discuss collaboration more generally) • The relationship between sleep and employee attitude, productivity, and/or performance • How digital marketing and social media can promote a particular organization and/or grow its customer base • The costs and benefits of working from home, with recommendations for employers • The challenges and benefits of an open-concept office space (e.g. Google) • The role of professional communication in a particular field (e.g. nursing, law enforcement, engineering, social work, etc.) • An analysis of the hiring practices in a particular organization or field and recommendations for improvement • The challenges and benefits of opening a new office/branch in a different country • A report on recent Illinois taxes (beverage, bag, etc.) on consumer behavior for a local business • The effects of self-esteem/self-efficacy on worker productivity and/or performance • The role of Automatic Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in the job application process. Consider ATS in a specific field or more broadly, from the perspective of employers and/or job-seekers • The effects of pre-employment drug testing and recommendations for implementation • The effect(s) of globalization on employment in a particular field or sector • The cost and usage of water (in a particular geographic area or globally) and/or technologies used to address shortages and/or problems of water purity • The constraints and affordances (in terms of cost) of “green” technology (e.g. hybrid automobiles, etc.) for a particular company or sphere of business SLOAN OCC • A report recommending the most useful type of computer(s) for a local business or organization • An analysis of the most desirable place in the country to relocate a business. Compare locations? • A cost/benefit and needs analysis of setting up a fitness center for a business with X (number) of employees • An analysis of the value of establishing an on-site day-care facility for working parents at a local company • The role of various digital media in a particular field or profession (we are all more reliant on these technologies in the era social distancing) • A feasibility study on raising the minimum wage (at the national, state, or municipal level) • A report on campus cultural and entertainment activities, with recommendations on what activities to eliminate or add • CEO compensation and ethics of CEO salary relative to workers, stockholders, profits, etc. • An analysis of the cost effectiveness of an experimental medical treatment • A report, with recommendations, of accounting methods appropriate for a small business • An evaluation of the impact of state lotteries on property taxes • Report on internet service providers available for a particular organization. Consider pros/cons and make informed recommendations • Business plan for a startup in our area. Possibly include several employment policies for that business and/or a set of instructions for tasks that an employee would have to perform for that business • Research report on software options available for purchase and use, i.e. feasibility study of purchasing Microsoft Word (or other programs) and their benefits/disadvantages • Revising a company ethics statement or correspondence policy (related to handbook below) • A revision of an ineffective or outdated employee handbook