English Co mposition -131

1. English Composition -131 Recommendation Reports Purpose: To present a carefully created, well-supported proposal for application of the research in relation to a specific target audience. The report will propose ways to apply findings to the problem being investigated.

2. English Composition -131 Recommendation Reports Acceptance can lead to improved working and or learning conditions, a more efficient and economical businesses or educational experiences, additional jobs or business for a company, or a safer environment.

3. English Composition -131 Recommendation Report Audiences Solicited: supervisor /instructor initially asked the team to solve a problem that the company or organization recognizes. In this case, the audience is receptive to ideas and suggestions proposed. Audience is waiting to make a decision, initiate changes, begin a new program, or to create a policy based on findings of report.

4. English Composition -131 • Recommendation Report Audiences • Unsolicited: Individual or group in an organization determines there is a problem that needs solving. The individual or team investigates • internal – employee interviews or questionnaires • external – customer interviews or questionnaires • Team members analyze field research, conduct library research, draft a plan to address the problem and agreed to present recommendations to company executives once completed.

5. English Composition -131 Recommendation Report Audiences Conducting and Presenting Unsolicited: Recommendation reports can be tricky. Although directed specifically to the decision-maker or person with the authority to act on team’s suggestions and recommendations, a recommendation report can potentially have multiple readers (varying degrees of familiarity w/ issue)

6. English Composition -131 Recommendation Report Audiences Experts -validate scope of the study, data collected, methodology, and practicality of solutions Managers - consider significance of problem identified, practicality of solutions (cost, duration, effect on operations), and judgment of experts Managers - other units of the company to validate results from their perspectives (solution conforms to environmental or tax law and/or personnel requirements). .

7. English Composition -131 Recommendation Report Format Format: Use report format, not memo or letter format. Be sure to use headings and number the pages of the report. Length: The length will vary based on the number of headings, the size and number of visuals, and other design features.

8. English Composition -131 • Recommendation Report Section Headings • Introduction • Methodology • Summary of Secondary Research • Analysis of Survey Findings • Conclusion • Recommendations • Closing • Appendices

9. English Composition -131 • Introduction: • Interesting to catch reader's interest • Comprehensive • Explain the problem as it is occurring at target organization. • - Widespread or frequent occurrence statistics / data or specific examples • - Reasons action needed • Conclude with purpose/scope or forecasting statement: • Previews body of report and content organization • Gives reader initial sense of report meaning / content

10. English Composition -131 • Methodology: • Explain methods used to gather information except for target audience interview, since its primary purpose was to understand the background of the problem, not to get solutions. • Do not narrate procedures. • Explain methods concisely(who, what, how, and how many) A few sentences is sufficient (Be clear and brief)

11. English Composition -131 Summary Secondary Research (Library) Findings: Team summarizes literature reviewed, relating to strategies and solutions relevant to situation at target organization. At the beginning, write a paragraph summarizing types of information reviewed; then refer to Appendix B (Work Cited) Follow with brief explanation of material most pertinent and applicable to the problem. Evidence / details supporting each recommendation

12. English Composition -131 • Analysis of Survey Findings: • Present survey results (or other primary research methods), then interpret and analyze the findings. • Identify groups (demographics) • (duration of employment) • Refer to tabulated survey results: “See Appendix C for the survey tabulations.”

13. English Composition -131 • Analysis of Survey Findings • Summarize responses • Present only essential facts • Provide readers with context for the numbers cited by using signal phrases such as • "The survey showed that..." • "The survey respondents agreed on the idea of..." • "The survey results indicate that most ____ appreciate ....." • "Those surveyed disagree on whether ....." • "Only a small number of those surveyed believe that....."

14. English Composition -131 • Analysis of Survey Findings • Usually includes visuals based on significant survey findings • charts • tables • graphs • Refer readers to visuals: “See Figure 1”. Or “As shown in Figure 1

15. English Composition -131 Conclusion Based on ALL the findings (literature and primary research,) draw conclusions about how information applies to the problem investigated.

16. English Composition -131 • Recommendations • Based on all data, what can be recommended? • What actions should be taken by organization (instructor)? • Each recommendation must be supported by information and evidence provided in report. Show reader how to transform findings into specific action. Rather than “Use the internet in classroom instruction” give explicit web sites and suggestions for integrating content in topic area. • Focus on ways instructor can accomplish team’s plan • Make sure recommendations can actually implemented

17. English Composition -131 • Closing • Use tone of goodwill for final comments about benefits of proposed solutions • Appendices to report: • Appendix A: literature review • Appendix B: references page • Appendix C: copy of survey or other research tool with the tabulations

18. English Composition -131 Link: Formal recommendation report instructions & sample pages. http://www.slideshare.net/profsantoy/recommendation-report