WRIT 200: Workplace Writing Skills
Research Report (15%)

Course Learning Outcomes Addressed:

· Research and synthesize information from a variety of sources regarding workplace-related situations

· Determine effective solutions to workplace-related problems.

· Produce and re-purpose workplace documents and presentations

Description of the Assignment

The concept of the project is for groups to identify a problem that might affect those in the workplace. The selected problem can be social, economic, environmental, educational, health-related, etc. Groups should be
very interested in their problem, and as such, groups should be creating a possible solution for the designated problem. Research should be conducted to confirm that the solution of choice is a both a possible solution and a beneficial solution to the problem. All findings will be put into a
Final Research Report.

Additionally, groups should have a selected
audience
to present these findings to. Groups should also decide which
role they ‘play’
within this problem/scenario.

The
Final Report
is a formal written analysis of the research that has been completed in response to the workplace problem.
Please review the document “Reports and Proposals” (Week #10/Week #12) to review report formats (In-direct vs Direct and letter vs Memo).
Much of the format will depend on who the specific audience may be (this person/group should be made up along with contact information etc.).

Purpose

The
purpose
of the Final Report is to:

- Identify and explain that context of the workplace problem of choice.

- Explain who/what/where/when/how of the workplace problem

- Identify the plausible solution that your group has decided upon.

- State the key findings that your group has found. Why is your solution the best option for this problem? Identify why the workplace needs this problem solved.

- Communicate your research findings and conclusions in a business report format, following the conventions of this genre.

Format

The research report should be approximately
three - five pages
(plus a References page).

Your final report will include the following sections. Make sure that each section is clearly labelled with the appropriate heading.

•
Research Problem:State the Problem that your project is addressing. Be specific as this (along with the solution) will be the main focus of this report.

•
Background:
Write a paragraph or multiple paragraphs that provide any relevant background information about the workplace problem. In other words, answer the following questions:

• What exactly is the problem that you are addressing?

• Why are you addressing this problem?

• Who does the problem include/harm?

• Why is this problem urgent?

•
Solution/
Findings:
Divide your findings section into
at least
(3) three subsections to introduce and explain the solution. Subsections can created however the group would like. These subsections should reflect the research that was conducted. Some possible examples are;

• Time Line (to implement the Solution).

• Cost (of the solution)

• Benefits (of the solution)

• Solution Outcome while used in other Workplaces

• Below each heading, write a paragraph or multiple paragraphs that explain the insight, and provide evidence to support your ideas. Each insight subsection will be supported with well-integrated material (either paraphrased or quoted) and with proper citations. (Note: you can reuse sources for different insights)

•
Discussion:
Write a paragraph or paragraphs that finalize the following:

• Summarize the insights from your findings.

• How did your understanding of the problem change as you completed your research?

• What are some limitations of your research? In other words, if you had more time, what else would you have looked at?

• What are some areas that could help address your problem that need to be explored more deeply by scientists/thinkers/the world?

• NOTE: You should not be citing new ideas here.

•
Conclusions:
Write a paragraph stating the final conclusion or recommendation that you are wanting to make. Why is this problem important?

•
References Page:
Attach an APA References Page for all of the sources cited in your report. Do not include items from the annotated bibliography that were not used in the final research report. Your Final Report should provide at least
(5) five pieces of well-integrated material
(either paraphrased or quoted) and with proper citations; therefore, your References page should contain the same number of sources. (Please do not include the Annotated Bibliography summaries).

Context, Audience and Tone

The context for the report is a graded group project for WRIT 200: Workplace Writing Skills at Humber College. Aim for an objective and professional tone in this report. Try to be as clear, specific, and concise in your writing; aim for readability. Your writing will be evaluated for its tone, word choice, grammar, and spelling, so proofread your work carefully.

The failure to properly attribute your ideas and cite responsibly is considered a breach of academic dishonesty and will result in a grade of zero on the assignment. Please ask if you have any questions or concerns about this.

/ 25 MARKS