Analytical Report

Writing Assignment will be an analytical report that addresses a problem or issue within an organization. For this assignment, you will write a report of 2,000–3,000 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 accomplish the following in the report:

1. Define the problem persuasively and accurately
2. Propose a solution or solutions to the problem or issue
3. Present that solution to a decision-maker or group of decision-makers who can implement the recommendation.

The report will include the following components:

1. Title Page
2. Letter of Transmittal
3. Table of Contents
4. Informative Abstract
5. Body of Report (similar to below)
   1. Introduction
   2. Methods/Research
   3. Discussion
   4. References

Your report must also include the following:

1. At least one graphic in the text.
2. A minimum of five sources cited within the report.
3. At least one source must be a scholarly source.
4. APA style should be used in citing and listing the sources.

The complete report should be 2,000–3,000 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 professional communications.

 The complete report, as stated above, should 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.

 An Excellent Resource on Analytical Reports:

• The Academic Language Learning and Success Program at Charles Darwin University has an excellent guide to writing analytical reports.

Other Helpful Guides on Report Writing:

• Victoria University of Wellington has a thorough outline and review of the components of this type of business report.
• Queen Margaret University has an excellent guide for this type of report.
• Murdoch University has an outstanding guide on writing this type of report.
• Colorado State University presents excellent tips in organizing the report.
• Monash University has a sample case study report that you might find helpful.

Examples of Analytical Reports:

• For an example of on analytical report a transportation problem
• For an example of analytical report on a topic related to economics
• For an example of an analytical report on a technical topic

 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.

The following topics are specific to UMUC:

• the effects of the move from WebTycho to LEO for UMUC students
• the effects of the move from WebTycho to LEO for UMUC instructors
• methods for helping UMUC instructors become acclimated to LEO
• methods for helping UMUC students become acclimated to LEO
• methods for improving online instruction at UMUC
• the feasibility of UMUC’s offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
• the feasibility of UMUC’s offering credit to students who complete a MOOC

The following topics have been borrowed from

Lannon, J. M, L. J. Gurak, and D. Daemon, (2011). Instructor’s Resource Manual to Accompany Technical Communication, 12th ed. Boston: Longman:

• the long-term effects of a vegetarian diet
• comparison of two or more brands of equipment
• the adequacy of veterans’ benefits
• the influence of a stadium or civic center in your city or community
• the best computer to buy for a specific need
• the best type of computer (desktop, laptop, Chromebook, tablet) for a specific need
• the best location for a new business
• the effects of budget cuts in public education in your area
• the effects of legalized gambling in your state
• the causes of low morale in your workplace
• Methods of improving productivity in your workplace
• analysis of benefits from organic farming practices
• methods of dealing with discarded computers and other types of electronic waste
• the pros and cons of taking writing classes online
• the pros and cons of taking classes online in ____ (fill in the blank with a field of study of your choice)
• the adequacy of police protection in your town or city

 The following topics are ideas that have been used in previous classes:

• 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:

• getting additional lighting in the neighborhood
• changing traffic patterns around 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 or local library or recreation center
• increasing participation in a military family support group

Length: 2,000–3,000 words, not including the list of references or front matter. In other words, the body of the paper from introduction to conclusion should be 2,000–3,000 words. The sources should be cited and listed in APA or MLA style.