Instructions       

WRTG 394 students,

 

Writing assignment #7 will be a research-based report that addresses a problem or issue within an organization.  For this assignment, you will write a report of 2000-3000 words on a problem or issue within your workplace or community.

 

You will identify a problem or issue within your organization. This may be a current place of employment or a community group, such as a church, school, homeowner's association, daycare, recreation center, soccer team, or other group.

 

You will then include the following in the report:

 

define the problem persuasively and accurately

propose a solution or solutions to the problem or issue

present that solution to a decision-maker or group of decision-makers who can implement the recommendation.

 

The report will include the following components:

 

executive summary

transmittal letter or memo

table of contents

introduction

body of the report to include headings and subheadings

conclusion stated as a recommendation for implementation of the solution

    References page, with references listed in APA format

 

The complete report should be 2000-3000 words, not including the list of references. The purpose of establishing a word count is to ensure the topic chosen is neither too big nor too small. Also, writing within parameters is a common requirement in business communications.

 

The complete report should also cite at least five sources. At least one of them should come from peer-reviewed, scholarly journals. Your sources can also include interviews. The sources will be integrated into the paper to explain the problem, provide evidence of the problem, and support the solution. If you are having trouble locating scholarly sources for your topic, you can let me know during the weeks leading up to the due date for the report. I can try to help you or work with you on integrating sources.

 

 

 

Strategies to Consider for this Assignment:

 

-Victoria University of Wellington has a thorough outline and review of the components of this type of business report. Click hereto access it.

 

-The University of Sydney has an excellent explanation and guide for this type of report. Click here to access it.

 

-Newcastle Business School has a fine example of a report. Click here to access it.

 

You may want to include a graphic or some graphics in your report. Graphics should be presented in a way that displays the information desired in an effective manner. Graphics should not be integrated simply for the purpose of integrating a graphic.

 

 

 

Topics to Help You Come Up with Ideas on this Assignment:

 

Some possible workplace research topics are the following.  These are just examples to help you get started.  Please do not feel that you have to select one of these topics.

 

    Going to a wireless network

    Going to a paperless office

    Switching from Windows to Linux (or other similar switch)

    Installing/upgrading company firewall

    Establishing a drug policy

    Establishing an employee leave donation program

    Establishing an equipment donation program for used computers, etc.

Establishing a company recycling program (paper, etc.)

    Education/retraining for your employees

    Establishing a program for millennial workers (e.g., training on certain aspects of etiquette, on understanding other generations, etc.)

    Designing a training program for workplace safety issues

    Redesigning employee performance evaluations

    Developing a work-at-home (telecommuting) policy

    Developing a flex-time policy

    Establishing on-site day care or providing other child care benefits

    Providing gym membership or creating an on-site workout facility

    Creating or revising a charitable contribution policy

    Creating or improving a tuition assistance program

    Accommodations needed for employee/s with specific health issues (for example, migraines)

    Establishing a Habitat for Humanity (or other group) chapter at your organization

 

Some students have chosen topics outside of their workplaces, such as the following:

 

    Starting a neighborhood watch program

    Starting a mentor program at your place of worship

    Getting additional lighting in the neighborhood

    Changing traffic patterns around your child’s school

    Starting a PTA website for your child’s school

    Installing a tot lot in your neighborhood

    Constructing a crying baby room at your place of worship

    Offering ESL courses at your church

    Increasing participation in a military Family Support Group

    Introducing a youth sports program to a school or community

 

Length: 2000-3000 words, not including the list of references. In other words, the text of the paper should be 2000-3000 words.The sources should be cited and listed in APA style.