Directions for Part 3 of 4: Final Project Report (8-12 pages) of content compone
Directions for Part 3 of 4: Final Project Report (8-12 pages) of content components
Purpose of the Course Project: Solving a business problem for someone who is receptive to your recommendations is an excellent way to improve your professional effectiveness and get ahead. Learning how to identify problems and propose solutions will benefit you now and in the future.
Part 3 of 4: The Final Project Report.
Use headings; use each main topic as heading
Write clearly and concisely using business language
Do not use first person: I, me, my
Avoid cliches. (first and foremost, goes with out saying, more and more, each and every)
Avoid unnecessary words: very, great, really.
Avoid superlatives which are rarely true and difficult to prove: all, always, every, never, perfect
Avoid unnecessary phrases: as well as, in order, due to the fact that,
Directions for Part 3: Be sure all components are included
Consider how best to present your findings on this opportunity for the organization, the viable alternatives, the benefits and risks, and your strategic recommendations.
Follow this basic outline for the Formal Project Report. Use requirements as headings; do not make up your own
1. Title Page (be sure you use page numbers)
2. Table of Contents (include page numbers)
3. Executive Summary: consider it the only thing executives will read
Write last
Establish need, problem, business issue
Convince executives problem is worth solving
Recommend solution and its value
Keep it clear and to the point
Do not include tables or figures
Make sure it can stand along
Keep it to 1-2 pages
Do not include background information on company; assume executive knows it
4. Introduction: background information on company or industry or problem
5. Opportunity
Current Situation (internally and/or externally)
Key Success Factors (measures or directional words of success, be sure you include this requirement, it is most frequently left out) Should be based on desired results and recommendations, not what has made company successful or suggested activities
6. Benefits and Risks of Strategic Solution Option (minimum of 2 each)
Benefits (not the same as success factors)
Risks
Final Recommendation; have at least 2; include implementation plan; have 1 that is innovative, creative, not expected. Do not recommend status quo or implementation plan or hiring consultant, studying problem, training or forming committees, maintaining status quo; do not recommend changing leadership or management
8. References (textbook and one business journal article; company website can be used
but does not count toward reference requirement.
9. Appendix (move all charts, graphs, pictures to appendix) optional
Transcripts of Interview (optional)
Other supporting materials (optional)
Charts and graphs
Use each main topical area requirement as a heading. If you make up your own headings, you are more likely to leave out a requirement. Please submit your paper as an attachment to the drop box. Sample papers to be used as formatting guide will be provided.
Remember, this is not a report on an organization. Problem should not be solved. The recommendations should be for a recent unresolved issue.
Do not use number or outline format. Use headings.
Parts 1 and 2 are attached. Please Use the project outline (attached below) and sample papers provided. APA Style Guide.
