Memo

Fall 2017

· Due Wednesday by 11:00am

 

· Points 80

 

· Submitting a file upload

Scenario:

The operations manager at Overbridge LLC, Stacey Clapper, has asked you to analyze the results of a recently implemented schedule change. Three months ago, your company switched from a typical five-day work week to a four-day work week. The change was made to save money on gas and electric expenses. Under the new arrangement, employees at Overbridge work 10 hour days, Monday through Thursday. With the current schedule, the plant and surrounding buildings are completely closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

The operations manager wants to know the following:

1) Have utility expenses actually decreased?

2) What do employees think about the schedule change?

You ask the accounting department to send you the gas and electric bills for the previous year. The data they send you is shown below:

 Overbridge's Gas and Electric Expenses (2016-2017)

Month	Total Expense
August 2016	$41,028
September 2016	$47,896
October 2016	$50,723
November 2016	$28,848
December 2016	$25,656
January 2017	$24,121
February 2017	$23,489
March 2017	$29,984
April 2017	$28,483
May 2017	$24,473
June 2017	$27,678
July 2017	$31,637
August 2017	$36,537
September 2017	$42,328
October 2017	$45,468

You also start to analyze the data from an employee opinion survey your supervisor recently sent to all 2,000 employees at Overbridge LLC.  A total of 921 employees responded to the survey.  Because the survey was a general opinion survey, your first step is to compile the relevant data for your project.  The three key questions you analyze are as follows:

1.  Do you like the new four-day work week?  The breakdown in responses was as follows: 375 "Strongly Agree," 151 "Agree," 157 "Neutral," 138 "Disagree," and 100 "Strongly Disagree."

2.  Do you think that the new four-day wek week has made you more  productive?  The breakdown in responses was as follows: 153 "Strongly Agree," 175 "Agree," 211 "Neutral," 199 "Disagree," and 183 "Strongly Disagree."

3.  Do you recommend that Overbridge LLC continue with the four-day work week?  The breakdown in responses was as follows: 247 "Strongly Agree," 202 "Agree," 236 "Neutral," 163 "Disagree," and 73 "Strongly Disagree."

The raw data tables from accounting and your compiled survey data are a great start, but you know you will need to present the data in a more visually pleasing format with appropriate headings for the final report.  

Your task is to write a succinct (2-3 page) memo report to your supervisor, Stacey Clapper, discussing the impact of the schedule change on overall gas and electric costs, as well as the employees' perception of the schedule.  

Hint: Use the survey data to construct at least one original graph (effective visual) in Excel.  Then insert the Excel graph(s) into your memo to supplement your text.  You should also ensure that the financial table is visually appealing (consider wrapping text around the table in the final report).  Be sure to use appropriate memo headings, include relevant discussion of the graph(s) and tables in the memo, and cite the sources.  Your supervisor will want to know that your data is credible and citing data sources (i.e. other departments) is a key step to establishing your credibility. 

Use standard business memo format - a memo template is provided in this module. 

Rubric

Short Analytical Memo Report Rubric

Short Analytical Memo Report Rubric
Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCorrect memo format is used. Subject line previews the contents. Topic headings use parallel construction		10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroductory sentences/paragraph provides a succinct overview of the report.		15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMethodology section explains how data was collected; sources identified		10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVisuals (at least 1) are effective, properly labeled and referenced in the report; corresponding text accurately describes the figure; sources identified		12.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReport flows well; data interpreted logically; headings and paragraph length (short) assist with "readability" of the report		12.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of "I" and "we" is avoided; Action verbs and concrete nouns predominate		10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics - grammar, spelling and punctuation are perfect		11.0 pts
Total Points: 80.0