Project Description
Think about the audience for the report. Distinguish between civic responsibility and corporate responsibility. A corporate responsibility program is one formulated and proposed by employees within a corporation and/or by a corporation (although that “corporation” could be a for-profit, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO), governmental organization, or academic).
Cover page: Includes a title, date, names and contacts of receivers and senders
Executive Summary: Summarizes the report/proposal, including the problem, key highlights, the bottom line, and call for action. (The exec summary is NOT an introduction. See “Introduction” below and make sure to read about executive summaries in Alred.)
introduction: Clearly identifies a problem, defines the purpose of the report, and identify the audience that the report is directed to.
Problem statement. Clearly explains the background of the problem/need to be addressed by the proposed activity or project. Include some data pertinent to the problem (for example, how many people are affected, what the costs are to businesses, other pertinent data
Rationale. Explains how the proposed project or activity is appropriate/effective in helping solve the problem/need.
Solutions. Explains how the project/activity may be conducted/implemented, including how other organizations have done similar things.
Benefits. Explains how the project can benefit people, organizations, the environment, or other impacted group or context.
Sufficient level of supporting details. Includes facts about the problems and the groups involved/impacted; possibly statistics about the impact of the problem on a particular group or on society as a whole. Use examples as necessary to persuade the audience of the need to address the problem and the appropriateness of various solutions to help solve the problem.
Sources. Indicate in a reference page the sources you used to gather any information you used to present your recommendation.
Formatting: Include page numbers in a header or footer; descriptive headings; effective numbered or bulleted lists, graphic displays of information, and appendices as appropriate
Depending upon the audience, length, and complexity, reports and proposals may be in the form of memos or more formal documents. For the current document, organize your document as described above. Add a list of sources that you use and appendices for additional information. Make sure to label your appendices, if you use any, and refer to them in the text where appropriate. The first page of your document should be the executive summary–a high level summary of the document that includes the “bottom line” benefits to company and/or community.
Your text should be 1,500 to 2,000 words. Be sure to use appropriate formatting –for example, headings and subheadings to organize sections of your attachment, tables or lists to organize data, and page numbers in a header or footer (very important).
