The next writing assignment will be a research-based report that addresses a problem or
issue within an organization. For this assignment, you will write a report of 2000-3000 words on
a problem or issue within your workplace or community.
You will identify a problem or issue within your organization. This may be a current place of
employment or a community group, such as a church, school, homeowner’s association, daycare,
recreation center, soccer team, or other group.
You will then include the following in the report:
define the problem persuasively and accurately
propose a solution or solutions to the problem or issue
present that solution to a decision-maker or group of decision-makers who can implement
the recommendation.
The report will include the following components:
executive summary
transmittal letter or memo
table of contents
introduction
body of the report to include headings and subheadings
conclusion stated as a recommendation for implementation of the solution
References page, with references listed in APA format
The complete report should be 2000-3000 words, not including the list of references. The
purpose of establishing a word count is to ensure the topic chosen is neither too big nor too
small.
Also, writing within parameters is a common requirement in business communications.
The complete report should also cite at least five sources. At least one of them should come from
peer-reviewed, scholarly journals. Your sources can also include interviews. The sources will be
integrated into the paper to explain the problem, provide evidence of the problem, and support
the solution. If you are having trouble locating scholarly sources for your topic, you can let me
know during the weeks leading up to the due date for the report. I can try to help you or work
with you on integrating sources.
Strategies to Consider for this Assignment:
Victoria University of Wellington has a thorough outline and review of the components of
this type of business report. Click here to access it.
Queen Margaret University has an excellent guide for this type of report. Click here to
access it.
Murdoch University has an outstanding guide on writing this type of report. Click here to
access it.
Colorado State University presents excellent tips in organizing the report. Click here to
access its site.
Monash University has a sample case study report that you might find helpful. Click here
to access it.
You may want to include a graphic or some graphics in your report. Graphics should be
presented in a way that displays the information desired in an effective manner. Graphics should
not be integrated simply for the purpose of integrating a graphic.
Topics to Help You Come Up with Ideas on this Assignment:
Some possible workplace research topics are the following. These are just examples to help you
get started. Please do not feel that you have to select one of these topics.
Going to a wireless network
Going to a paperless office
Switching from Windows to Linux (or other similar switch)
Installing/upgrading company firewall
Establishing a drug policy
Establishing an employee leave donation program
Establishing an equipment donation program for used computers, etc.
Establishing a company recycling program (paper, etc.)
Education/retraining for your employees
Establishing a program for millennial workers (e.g., training on certain aspects of
etiquette, on understanding other generations, etc.)
Designing a training program for workplace safety issues
Redesigning employee performance evaluations
Developing a work-at-home (telecommuting) policy
Developing a flex-time policy
Establishing on-site day care or providing other child care benefits
Providing gym membership or creating an on-site workout facility
Creating or revising a charitable contribution policy
Creating or improving a tuition assistance program
Accommodations needed for employee/s with specific health issues (for example,
migraines)
Establishing a Habitat for Humanity (or other group) chapter at your organization
Some students have chosen topics outside of their workplaces, such as the following:
Starting a neighborhood watch program
Starting a mentor program at your place of worship
Getting additional lighting in the neighborhood
Changing traffic patterns around your child’s school
Starting a PTA website for your child’s school
Installing a tot lot in your neighborhood
Constructing a crying baby room at your place of worship
Offering ESL courses at your church
Increasing participation in a military Family Support Group
Introducing a youth sports program to a school or community
Length:
2000-3000 words, not including the list of references. In other words, the text of the paper should
be 2000-3000 words. The sources should be cited and listed in APA style.