Getting our tests back today. Got a 93. Not disappointed with that. Also getting a lot of other assignment materials.For the final report and several of the assignments leading to it:
We’ll be choosing an actual Fortune 500 company. For next week, I’ll be turning in an analysis of a strength, weakness, opportunity, or threat to the company I select. I am not supposed to generate the SWOT analysis myself; I need to get that elsewhere, and expand on something it contains. 2-3 page memo format paper, plus a works cited page and photocopies of all cited works. 3-4 sources needed, including the SWOT analysis itself. SWOT should probably be pulled from Datamonitor Research Reports in the Business Source Complete database.
The memo is informational. Not expected to generate conclusions.
There are two other projects due next week. Both are oriented toward teaching research skills. They require stepping through some computer-based tutorials, and then answering some questions. The actual work which can be done ties into the research project.
Chapter 9
Report Writing Conventions
- Text is single-spaced with an extra line space between paragraphs
- Paragraphs are not indented
- Pages are numbered, starting with the second page
- Left margin is 1.25 inches. All other margins are 1 inch.
Reports are written for many reasons. Reports create permanent records of decisions and processes, they allow reuse of data, and they allow the reader to control the speed and timing of data receipt.
Institutional Reports present data without analysis or recommendations. Writers collect and organize facts for the reader.Analytical Reports provide data, analysis, and conclusions. Many analytical reports are persuasive.
Most informational reports are used for internal purpses and take an informal tone. Informational reports should always take a direct approach. The general pattern of organization is:
- Introduction to the Report — Establish purpose and background
- Facts/Findings — Provide details of topic
- Summary — Review major findings, suggest significance for reader
The Blueprint of a report is an overview that tells the reader what to expect in the section or entire report.
Research and Documentation
Two types of research
- Primary research
- Secondary research
Use marginal comments and highlighting when researching. Helps you find information later. Marginal comments are generally more valuable and powerful devices than highlighting.
Summarizing is useful. Summaries should accurately reflect the source’s key facts or ideas. Should be shorter, but complete enough to stand on its own. Summaries need to have correct citations and attributions.