Compare medtronic, pfizer and siemens as career choices atafter graduation.
Overview:
You will continue with the same topic you researched for your proposal and write a formal recommendation report that compares different options and recommends the best choice. If you worked with a partner on the previous project, you will need to continue to work with them on this. If you work with a partner, you need to compare at least three options rather than two. You also need to turn in a description of what each group member contributed to the report in your Appendix.
Why Are We Doing This:
Report writing is a common business writing task. As covered in the textbook, there are a variety of different reports you may need to write at work. This assignment is designed to give you a choice in a topic that interests you while also giving experience writing a formal report and helping you learn how to format a document with appropriate page numbers, table of contents, abstract, etc. This also gives you practice researching and organizing a longer document. While you may not write this exact kind of report in the workplace, the skills you use should be transferable to a variety of workplace writing situations, and writing this report may help you make the decision you are focusing on.
Type of Report:
Content-wise this will be a recommendation report. Guidelines on it are covered in chapter 20 in Howdy or Hello?and there are some student examples of past reports posted on Canvas. You can use the book for general guidelines on report writing but be sure you include all the below sections.
REQUIRED Elements (Organize in the order listed below):
Front Matter:
The front matter uses Roman numerals for page numbers, follow the number guidelines below:
The front matter will include:
A Letter of Transmittal written to me. This can be formatted as either a memo or letter – just follow the correct conventions for whatever format you choose. This should be one page at the most and should very briefly introduce the report – you don’t need this to be as detailed as the letter example in the book – three brief paragraphs will work. This doesn’t have a page number shown on it and doesn’t count as the first page. It’s like an attachment to the report.
A Title Page: Listing report title, author(s), person or people prepared for, and the date. This counts as Roman numeral i but the page does not show the number on it.
A Table of Contents: Lists the sections (typically the headings) of your report and corresponding page numbers. This is the first page to actually show a page number on it – Roman numeral ii.
List of Illustrations (or List of Figures): A table of contents to the illustrations or visuals in the report (do not include the actual visuals in this – just their titles and corresponding page numbers). Continue Roman numeral page numbering in this section if this is on its own page.
Executive Summary (one-page max): This is a short summary of the key facts of the entire report including a summary of the topic, research, options compared, and which one you are recommending. Continue Roman numeral page numbering.
Report Body:
The below elements are the main body of the report – use normal page numbers starting with “1” for the rest of the report. This should all be one section – don’t start each section on its own page:
Introduction: Your intro should orient your reader to your report. You can draw on some of the same info/wording that you used in your proposal for this, but this intro should be a little more detailed and should be written as if the research has already been done rather than something you are proposing to do. The intro section should include the following sections (actually list the below names out as different subheadings to organize your intro section, similar to the example in the book — but your intro section can be shorter length-wise than that example):
Background – Briefly introduce the report topic and supply any necessary background information your audience may need.
Problem and Purpose – Explain the purpose and problem you focused on (and be sure to identify the two or more options you compared against each other to solve the problem).
Scope – Answer the following questions in paragraph form: What are the limits of your topic – what did you not focus on because of limits on your time, money, or other things that are outside your control/you are unable to know? What audience is the focus for the report (there might be two audiences – the primary audience is me since it is written to me but what other secondary audiences might also find the content useful? Is it just a personal decision or does the decision potentially apply to a bigger group?).
Research Methods: This section should overview the research that you did for the report. Answer the following questions in paragraph form: What did you do to look for sources (e.g. where did you begin your research? Where did you find the most useful research?) Who did you survey or interview for your required primary source? Were there any sources you had trouble finding or that you didn’t include for any reason
Options Discussion: This section should compare the options you looked at (e.g. studying abroad in Spain vs Australia) against each other using the relevant criteria (e.g. costs of the trip, personal interest).
You can organize the elements of this section in whatever method seems logical, as long as you include the required info. For example, you might choose to go through each criteria point (e.g. costs/timeline/reliability) and discuss the positives and negatives for each option.
You should also break up the organization of this section with subheadings and integrate visuals and research in a logical manner throughout the body of the report.
Include your decision matrix either at the end of this section or somewhere near the beginning of the next section.
Recommendation and Conclusion:
Discuss which option you are recommending and why given everything that was discussed in the previous sections. Talk about why any advantages outweighed the disadvantages.
Discuss steps needed to pursue this option. (e.g. saving money, further research, etc.)
Back Matter:
A works cited page
A reflective letter outlining:
An explanation of any generative AI or other materials you used to create the report. Explain which tools you use and how you used them in different parts of the assignment. If you didn’t use any AI, then say that.
A brief explanation of what your process was for writing the report
If you worked with a partner, a section describing the different tasks each person performed.
Anything else you want me to know about the assignment while I’m grading it.
Optional Appendix items – e.g. surveys, glossary, additional charts, etc.
Additional Details:
Format and Design: The total page count (which includes the front matter and report body but not the back matter) will be about 12-15 pages. You can go one page over or under this page count as long as you are meeting the assignment requirements. It should be single-spaced with one line space between paragraphs (no indentations for paragraphs). The report should be typed in a professional font in 11 or 12pt size. The report will be submitted on Canvas and needs to be submitted as one document instead of multiple ones.
Research: You are required to use at least six credible sources and at least one of these needs to be a primary source (either a survey or interview). You should have some of these from the proposal, and you can add additional research too. Cite your source materials using in-text citations and a works cited list according to either MLA or APA style (only use source citation style for this – you don’t need to follow other requirements like double spacing or listing your name, class, etc. on the first page).
Visuals and Graphic Highlights: Use visuals (graphs, tables, etc.) to help your reader process the nuts and bolts of your report. (AT LEAST THREE ARE REQUIRED – at least one needs to be a decision matrix, and at least one needs to be an original chart or graphic that you created and aren’t just copying from a source). ALL figures should be introduced prior and followed by explanatory text and should include a caption that notes the source (if you created a chart or took a picture, list your own name). These should not be sloppily copied and pasted from a source. You’ll also want to organize the information so it’s easy to read using headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
Audience: I will be the audience for this report. You should address it to me and include any details that I would need to know on your topic. Be sure to maintain a professional tone throughout it.
Due Dates:
Check the weekly overviews for peer review details.
Submit the final report as one file to this assignment by the due date. (I will post a video in the Week 15 overview that shows how to get the page numbering correct so you can submit this as one file). NO LATE FINALS ACCEPTED unless you’ve arranged for a specific exception ahead of time with me. It’s also okay to turn this in early.
Rubric
Spring 2024: Final Report Rubric
Spring 2024: Final Report Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
20 pts
Report includes all required sections outlined in assignment description and sections are fully developed. List of figures and table of contents page numbers lead to appropriate pages. There are no unnecessary sections.
17 pts
Very minor content errors.
12 pts
Some content errors.
8 pts
Several or more major content errors.
2 pts
Content is completely lacking.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
20 pts
Report sections follow organization outlined in assignment description. Ideas are logically organized and transitions between paragraphs are smooth. Visuals are well placed and introduced.
18 pts
Very minor organizational errors
15 pts
Some organizational errors.
13 pts
Several or more major organizational errors.
2 pts
Materials are severely disorganized.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar and Style
20 pts
Materials are free from grammatical and spelling errors. Materials employ an engaging, concise, and professional voice. Report reads smoothly with no confusing points and avoids unnecessary repetition.
17 pts
Very minor grammar or style errors. e.g. a couple missing hyphens, capitalizations, or apostrophes. A couple small style issues.
12 pts
Some grammatical or style errors. E.g. spelling errors that could have been caught by spellcheck; sentences that are confusing; several more minor errors; multiple style issues.
8 pts
Several or more major grammatical or style errors.
2 pts
Severe problems with grammar and style.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting
20 pts
Report is single spaced with one space between paragraphs. Font is 11 or 12 point and professional. Report contains headings that are uniform and professional. Page numbers follow the directions outlined in the assignment description.
18 pts
Very minor formatting errors.
15 pts
Some formatting errors.
13 pts
Several or more major formatting errors.
2 pts
Severe formatting problems.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVisuals
10 pts
At least three visuals are included. A decision matrix and at least one additional original chart or graphic is included. Visuals formatted clearly, logically placed and introduced, and easy to understand.
8 pts
Minor visual edits needed.
6 pts
Some visual edits needed.
4 pts
Several visual edits needed.
2 pts
Visuals have severe problems.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources and Citation
10 pts
At least 6 sources are included and at least one primary source (interview or survey) is included. Sources and visuals are correctly cited with in-text citations and a works cited entries and consistently formatted in MLA or APA citation.
8 pts
Minor source or citation edits.
6 pts
Some source or citation edits.
4 pts
Several source or citation edits
2 pts
Significant source or citation problems.
10 pts
Total Points: 100
