32 hours

Directions: You may choose any of the topics below for your Course Project—a formal recommendation report or proposal. In general, you may vary some of the details for each scenario, but please ask first. If you have another topic in mind, you must get instructor approval before using it. Keep in mind that the topic must fit the requirements for a proposal or recommendation report (see textbook Chapters 10, 11, and 12).

1. The company that you work for does not have a website and is not taking advantage of the many Internet marketing opportunities that are available today (the use of social media sites for companies, pay-per-click advertising on search engines, article marketing, etc.). You decide to do some research about the importance of using the Internet to maximize your company’s exposure and marketing plan, and then write a proposal to the CEO outlining the benefits and the specific strategies you recommend based on your research.

2. Write a proposal to your CEO proposing that your company implements a “going green” program. This proposal should include the benefits for the environment in general and the company itself in terms of corporate image and citizenship. Provide a list of strategies and the costs that might be incurred or saved for each green concept you recommend implementing. Note that there are many green ideas now, from recycling bins to allowing employees to work from home. It’s up to you to decide which works for the organization (imagined or real).

3. Your company is considering hiring a full-time technical writer. There is opposition from some management folks who feel that a technical writer is not needed…everyone can write, right? It’s your job to research and write a proposal outlining the benefits of hiring a professional to write documents for your company, rather than leaving it up to “just anyone.” Beyond writing documentation, reports, and proposals, make sure to cover the tasks that many technical writers are capable of as well: website management, training programs, marketing and advertising, and so on.

4. Your company has recently expanded and the old accounting software in place is no longer capable of handling the tasks at hand. It’s your job to research the various accounting software programs currently on the market (at least two) and make a recommendation. Variation: Whatever type of software your company might need…just make it business-related. For example, software for graphic design, website development, content management, etc.

5. Employee turnover rates are high for many organizations, and you have noticed that the company you work for is no different. Research what other organizations are doing to hire and retain good employees in order to combat the high employee turnover rate. Use this research to make recommendations to the management of your organization.