FINAL REPORT.E [PERFECTO]
The Final Report Project
This is a 4-part process:
Research Proposal Memo
Progress Report
Blog post
Final Report
Research Proposal Memo.
First you will submit the research memo and audience profile (see p. 30), requesting approval for your final report topic.
This memo should include an introduction, the statement of the problem, proposed solutions, the scope (your research questions), and the methods (interview experts, do a survey, use a questionnaire, research newspapers, books, journals and other publications.
An example of this research memo can be found on p. 543-544.
The Progress Report
The progress report is due a few weeks after the final draft of the research proposal. (See syllabus for exact date.)
This report lets me know how far along you are in the work for your final report. Have you completed most of your research? Completed your interviews, if you are using interviews as a source ? Have your completed your survey, if you are doing a survey?
An example of a progress report can be found on p. 476. Use this format when writing your report.
The Purpose of the Final Report
The purpose of the final report is NOT to write an informative report.
It is NOT to write a “should or should not” argument essay.
Its purpose is to present a problem, and write a Causal Analysis (Why does X happen?), a Comparative Analysis (Is X or Y better?), or a Feasibility Analysis (Is this a good idea?).
The goal of analysis is to reach valid conclusion and make recommendations.
The Final Report MUST include:
Title page (does not count for page count)
Letter of transmittal (see. P. 515. Example on p. 519.)
Table of Contents
Executive Abstract (Summary) (see p. 178-179)
Body- must be at least 6 pages single-spaced.
Works Cited –All sources listed in works cited must be cited in your report. You must also use in-text citations.
Appendix or Glossary if needed
The Final Report Is an Analytical Report
You will be writing an analytical report. In the analytical report, you have a problem for which you analyze several solutions and make recommendations.
Read Chap. 21 in Technical Communication carefully to be sure you understand the analytical report.
The Analytical Report Format
For analytical reports, identify your focus (examine, evaluate, and compare).
Clearly and briefly explain the problem.
Analyze your possible solutions in depth.
You must make recommendations!
An outline for an analytical report appears on p. 503.
An example of an analytical report can be found on pp. 519-530.
Sources
Use balanced, varied, and reputable sources.
Have a works cited page.
Follow APA guidelines for your report and your Works Cited page.
Address Counterargument
Include counter arguments. Be sure to address the other side.
Why might people disagree with your findings?
How would you answer their concerns, especially concerns about cost and feasibility?
Visuals
Use appropriate visuals such as graphs, charts, or diagrams.
Be sure to cite your visuals.
Visual don’t count towards the 6 page body minimum.
Final Report Rubric
The written report is 15% of your final grade.
The Problem is significant and clearly stated. Recommendations are detailed and well-documented.
Audience has been carefully considered and the report is tailored to their level of technicality
Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings.
All sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented in APA format.
Report includes letter of transmittal, complete table of contents, executive abstract, a minimum of 6 body pages, APA-formatted Works Cited Page and appendices if appropriate.
Few to no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Format is 12 pt type. Body is single-spaced.
To recycle or not to Recycle?
Students sometimes try to recycle a paper written for another class.
Recycling or slightly modifying a paper written for another class might save you time but it will not fit the final report format.
Any recycled papers, i.e. essays written for other classes, will receive a grade of “F”.