business

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ASSIGNMENT: THE PRIORITY 1 PROJECT

BACKGROUND

A key Learning Objective for the ENG 30061 course requires that you:

1. Address a problem-solving scenario* for a “client” business or organization, by

2. Devising a research plan and gathering multiple types of data and information, and

3. Synthesizing and analyzing collected information, leading to

4. Considering and evaluating possible strategies and actions, then

5. Choosing and developing a thoughtful and appropriate course of action, and

6. Creating a formal document to present your recommended strategies to the client.

*A project that addresses a way for a client to take advantage of an opportunity is also acceptable.

The typical form of transmitting your recommendations/solutions to the client is a formal 5- to 6-page proposal or report. Other document types may possibly be more appropriate, but must be of the same general depth and length. In its final form, the Priority 1 Project is a perfected, formal document that demonstrates both your critical thinking abilities and your skill in communicating your ideas in a persuasive and professional manner.

The Priority 1 Project contains a collection of key elements we will study and learn to develop throughout the semester. The remainder of this document provides an overview of this collection of assignments. More detailed descriptions will be provided as we move through the process.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

Your project should be similar to a project one would find in a professional setting. It should address a specific problem or opportunity from your experience as a participant (employee in a company, volunteer or employee for a nonprofit organization, member of a club or team, or as a student at Kent State). It must be narrow enough in its scope to permit it to be fully completed by the final week of classes this semester. It must involve your own personal experience. The project does NOT need to be accepted or implemented by the client (although many times clients do act on some or all recommendations, thus proving your critical thinking and communication abilities).

Your Priority 1 Project cannot be based on work you previously submitted or are currently working on for a different course. Please ask for my approval before considering any scenario related to such work.

The problem/opportunity must be one that you can define in such a way that it will require planning, multiple types of research, analysis, drafting, page layout, and revising, and result in a polished document suitable for presenting to a decision-maker. In other words, it can’t be too simple. I’ll help you make sure it’s not too complex.

To brainstorm ideas, refer to the descriptions of past successful projects (see separate document).

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GOLD ROCKET Professional Business Communications

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PROJECT COMPONENTS AND DEADLINES

1. PRE-PROPOSAL: DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

The purpose of this 1-page document is to provide me with an overview of the project you are considering that will allow me to give you approval to move forward to step 2. The Pre-Proposal is professional but INFORMAL, written to me as your audience, and in the format of an internal memo (see your Handbook for examples). In a few concise paragraphs, you will present the scenario you wish to pursue: the problem or opportunity your project will address. This should include a description of the company or organization your work will be designed to benefit, a description of the problem or opportunity you wish to pursue for them, and what specific benefits the organization might gain.

2. FORMAL PROJECT PROPOSAL: DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

In this document, you will present a detailed description of the problem or opportunity your project (research report, proposal or manual) will propose for the organization of your choice. It will describe the audience who will read it, the project purpose and scope, potential benefits and risks, and provide an outline of required research methods (primary and secondary) and ways you may choose to analyze this data. Follow the Proposal Template document (it will help you prepare and guide the rest of your work).

3. RESEARCH PROGRESS MEMO: DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

This internal memo to me will outline the current status of your project research. It will include a description of both the primary and the secondary research you are conducting. For secondary research, you should include a very brief summary of your findings from each credible published source, and capture all publication information you will need to properly cite your sources. Include the status of each piece of research has been completed (including interviews, surveys, and/or field research), what remains to be completed, problems encountered or anticipated, a timeline for next steps, and the expected date of completion of your research phase of the project.

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

This first draft of your tentative conclusions and recommendations is based on completed research and analysis. This is a crucial part of your project, and submission of the draft is required to assure your project remains focused and on track for timely completion.

4. PROJECT PROGRESS MEMO: DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25

This internal memo to me will outline the current status of all aspects of your project. It will include a description of the feedback you have received from your client up to this point and what effect this feedback may have on your progress. Include sections for what remains to be completed, problems encountered or anticipated and how they will be solved, a timeline for next steps, and the expected date of completion of your first and second drafts.

5. FIRST DRAFT OF FULL PROJECT: DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

This draft should include all required elements EXCEPT the Executive Summary. Drafts in progress will be workshopped in class; submission of all listed drafts is required on the date due.

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6. FIRST DRAFT OF 1-PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: DEADLINE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13

The Executive Summary is one of the most important elements in your project. It allows your audience to see the key elements of the project condensed into a single page, which always appears as the first page of your document. This first draft should be based on the first draft of your full project. Drafts will be workshopped in class and are required.

7. REVISED SECOND DRAFT OF PROJECT: DEADLINE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20

This draft should include all required elements INCLUDING a newly revised version of your Executive Summary that incorporates all revisions you have made to the project. All revised drafts must demonstrate thoughtful work on revision, and may include new material. Revised drafts will be workshopped in class; submission is required on the date due.

FINAL PRIORITY 1 DOCUMENT: DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 4

Your final document will be suitable for presentation to an executive or other decision-maker. It must also fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be no more than 6 pages of content, single-spaced, with all formal elements of a proposal or report present and correctly used (headers, subheads, spacing, margins, numbering, etc.)

2. Address a specific problem, provide analysis, draw conclusions, and make recommendations

3. Include both primary and secondary research

4. Include at least one graphic, table, chart, or illustration

5. Include a cover page identifying the organization and yourself as the person submitting the report (not included in the 6 page count)

6. Include an Executive Summary that provides a 1-page summation of the entire project, suitable for presentation to a decision-maker who wants only an overview (included in the 6 page count)

7. All appropriate documentation for research, including a Works Cited list (not included in 6 page count)

8. Optional: Appendix showing documentation of primary research (not included in 6 page count)

We will take plenty of time to discuss all aspects of these assignments in greater detail in class. You are welcome to ask me questions related to your own project at any time via direct message in Slack.

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