FINAL CAPSTONE PROJECT Business Correspondence (POFT)

You will produce a formal proposal based on the business of your choice.  This formal proposal can be for the creation of a new small business, a new line of business within an existing company, or suggesting an operational change within a business.  For the purposes of this project, we will use a streamlined version of a formal report that does not include every one of the components listed in the book.  See the outline below which can be used as a template for your paper.  Reference chapter 10 of the book for more information on writing a report.  Utilize MLA formatting for your works cited.  Prior to the COVID-19 changes, I highly recommend attending class to receive additional support on your project.  If assistance is required by any student, we can set up a video chat.  I am here to support you in your success.

Title Page (10-6a)  Page 1

Title pages often include the following elements:

• Name of the report, often in uppercase letters (no underscore and no quotation marks)
• Presented to (or Submitted to) followed by the name, title, and organization of the individual receiving the report
• Prepared by (or Submitted by) followed by the author’s name and title
• Date of submission

Table of Contents (10-6a) Page 2

The table of contents shows the main sections in the report and their page numbers. The proper title is Contents or Table of Contents. The table of contents includes front matter items, the body section’s main headings and subheadings, and back matter sections, such as the appendix.

Introduction (10-6b)  Use a concise paragraph to briefly explain each bullet.  You can even use a bulleted format for this section in your paper.

Formal reports begin with an introduction to announce the topic and to set the stage for the reader. A good report introduction typically covers the following elements, although not necessarily in this order:

• Background: Events leading up to the problem or need
• Problem or purpose: An explanation of the problem or need that motivated the report
• Significance: An account of the significance or importance of the report topic, which may include quotes from experts, journals, or Web resources
• Scope: Boundaries of the report, defining what will be included or excluded
• Organization: A road map or structure of the report

Body (10-6b)  This section may be 2 to 3 pages in length and should include some relevant illustrative graphics or tables in addition to text.

The body is the principal section in a formal report. It discusses, analyzes, interprets, and evaluates the research findings or solution to the initial problem. This is where you show the evidence that justifies your conclusions. Organize the body into main categories following your original outline.

The body section contains clear headings that explain each major section. Headings may be functional or talking. Functional heads (such as Results of the Survey, Analysis of Findings, or Discussion) help readers identify the general purpose of the section. Such headings are useful for routine reports or for sensitive topics that may upset readers. Talking heads (for example, Findings Reveal Revenue and Employment Benefits) are more descriptive and informative.

Conclusions & Recommendations (10-6b) One or two paragraphs.

Writers know that the conclusions and recommendations section is most important to a reader. This section tells what the findings mean, particularly in terms of solving the original problem. Most writers, though, present the conclusions after the body because readers expect this sequence. To improve readability, you may present the conclusions in a numbered or bulleted list.

References (10-6c)  List at least 4 sources.

Use the MLA (Modern Language Association) referencing format, list all sources of information alphabetically in a section titled Works Cited. Your listed sources must correspond to in-text citations in the report whenever you are borrowing words or ideas from published and unpublished resources.  Include the URLs for electronic references.