Task: You write a report that does the following:
o defines a problem persuasively and accurately
o proposes a solution or solutions to the problem or issue
o presents that solution to a decision-maker or group of decision-makers who can implement the recommendation
Components of the report:
o title page
o letter to the decision maker (this can be a business letter OR a memo)
o executive summary
o table of contents
o introduction
o body of the report to include headings and subheadings
o conclusion stated as a recommendation for implementation of the solution
o References page, with references listed in APA format
o Any appendix (or appendices if there are multiples)
The report must incorporate the results of your own primary research. When integrating primary research, you must explain the method(s) you used to gather that research and insert a copy in your reports appendices of any collection instrument you used. For example, if you interviewed some people for the report, you would put the list of interview questions you asked in the appendix. If you arranged for a group of people to take a survey, you would put the survey in the appendix.
The complete report should also cite at least seven secondary sources. At least three of these secondary sources should come from peer-reviewed, scholarly journals.
Students who cannot conduct primary research for safety or other valid reasons are required to provide TEN secondary sources. Of these FOUR should be from peer-reviewed, scholarly journals.
As noted above, your primary and secondary sources will be integrated into the paper to explain the problem, to provide evidence of the problem, and to support the solution.
Please note that, if you interview people for your research, you must cite the interviews in your paper. In the paper, you cannot simply write that you spoke with employees. A URL that shows how to cite an interview in APA citation style is provided in the list of components for the report.
Graphics
Your report might benefit from graphics. As mentioned above, pictures of your workplace or community situation might help illustrate the problem you are trying to address. Graphs, tables, or charts might help show trends that will persuade your decision-maker that the problem exists.
Please do not incorporate a graphic for the sake of incorporating a graphic. Include a graphic only if it helps communicate a message in your report.
