essay
Problem Memo: The task here is to define a problem that has become an issue in your workplace. This may involve something or someone within your work unit or another division of the company. In the memo (three double-spaced pages in memo format, which I will give you) explain and define your problem for your audience
In 3-4 pages I’d like you to define a problem for a specific professional audience. You might, for example, define a problem that exists at the place where you work, where you believe the problem deserves the attention of a certain audience, such as a superior or a group of co-workers. In such a case you would write a memo to make your audience aware of the problem.
I’m asking you to draw on your experience and choose the topic (problem) you will write about. This means you are the expert on your audience. As the memo writer you will have to consider a number of issues. First, evaluate how well you really understand the problem yourself. Second, you will also have to use the NEEDS, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE audience formula. To what extent will you have to persuade your audience that a problem exists? What are the attitudes of your audience toward the issue? To what extent will you have to adjust your writing style to accommodate your audience.
Depending on your chosen problem, you may or may not wish to present a solution. You may not have to. Perhaps the solution is something you want to work out with your reading audience. We can discuss this issue through the rough draft process. I will not however, require your paper to include a solution for the problem.
Whatever your audience, memo writing requires tightness and clarity.
TWO POSSIBLE EXAMPLES:
1. Your team is not working well together on a particular project. The purpose of your Problem Definition Memo would be to expose the problem and evaluate it causes. The audience would be the other team members.
2. You have discovered a flaw in the project you are working on. You have to bring the flaw to the attention of your superiors and prove to them that the flaw is worth their concern.