Alternative Analytical Report Assignment

Analytical Report Assignment

Optional assignment for those who completed the Proposal Assignment by November 19.

Access the Analytical Report Sample on Blackboard (which you may have already downloaded) entitled:

A Comparative Analysis of Two University Student Chairs Proposed for The University of Alaska Anchorage Eagle River Campus

Respond to the following questions about this analytical report:

1. Of the six possible analytical approaches, what approach does this analytical report use?

2. How could you change the title to make it a causal analysis related to a chair or chairs?  (Hint:  You need to change more than just a word or two.)

3. How could you change the title to make it an effects analysis related to a chair or chairs? (Hint:  You need to change more than just a word or two.)

4. Why is this analytical report being written?  (Hint:  See the introduction.)  What causes all analytical reports to be written?

5. What is the fundamental purpose of writing this report?

6. If this were a causal analysis, what would the fundamental purpose be?

7. If this were an effects analysis, what would the fundamental purpose be?

8. What do all analytical reports end with?  Why?

9. What methods of obtaining information were used in this report?

10. What methods of obtaining information were not used?

11. What does the Collected Data section describe?  Give at least two examples.

12. What is the difference between findings and interpretation of findings?  Give one example.

13. What is the difference between findings and conclusions?  Give one example.

14. Describe some ways in which information is presented visually.

15. Give an example of the type of appendix that might be part of this report.  What is different about the information contained in the appendix?

16. How would this report be useful?  What factor makes analytical reports useful?

Introduction: Technical Writing

This blog is established for certain technical writing classes. The classes are not specifically identified, so that others will not be able to ascertain personal information about the classes, instructor, or those attending. You have reached this site because you have been given information in class about how to access it. The site will keep you posted about class events, assignments, changes, and other information. It will also provide sample documents you can download for use in preparing your own documents. This is an experiment and a work in progress to determine if this means of electronic communication will be helpful in providing information. As days go forward, there will be improvements to the blog.

Course Outline: Spring 2010

 Technical Writing:   Course Outline  Spring 2010

Course Requirements:  Three written assignments, one midterm take-home quiz.  Details and templates for each written assignment will be provided.  Assignment information/samples are provided on Blackboard.

•Assignment 1:  Letters (2), Resume, Memo, Short Report, Instruction/Directions Exercise

•Assignment 2:  Proposal

•Assignment 3:  Analytical Report   

•Quiz:  Take-home (Major purpose - to assure you understand Technical Writing concepts)

Grades and Standards:  Technical writing is workplace (real world) writing.  In the workplace, it is expected that your work will be of the highest quality.  For this class, students must work on their documents (no matter how long it takes) until they produce an “A” quality product.  Individual writing conferences will be held to review, accept, and assist with the production of an “A” document.  No other grade is acceptable.  If, for some reason, you think you need to withdraw from the class, please check with the instructor to work out options.  Students who do not complete the work will be assigned grades according to University policy.

Attendance:  It is expected that you should attend class unless you have a serious reason for not attending.  If you need to miss a class on your regular night, you can attend the other night that week, since the materials covered will be approximately the same.   Note:  In the event of inclement (really bad) weather that make the roads unsafe for traveling, check with the university for official information, or call the instructor after 4:00 p.m.  If class is to be cancelled because of weather/driving conditions, a message will be left on his phone; otherwise, class will be held as usual.

Papers (Documents)/Technology:  All documents are to be prepared using a computer (the way workplace writing is done in the “real world.”)  Technical writing is very different from regular “classroom” writing; documents are to use the formats discussed in class.  Sample papers are available on Blackboard and can be downloaded.  Very little paper will be distributed in class, since materials and information are available electronically on Blackboard.  Due dates will be in the calendar which follows.  "Due date" means the date you should be ready for a writing conference.

Documents will be reviewed on your laptop computer or flash drive; they are not to be printed.

Writing Conferences/Submitting Documents:  After the first few weeks, about half the class time will be devoted to individual writing conferences.  These will occur at the end of the class sessions for the first and middle parts of the class and will occupy the entire class period during the last two weeks of class.  The purposes of the individual writing conference are:

•       To review papers, make corrections, get suggestions if document is not yet highest quality

•       To accept papers for grades; immediately when document is of the highest quality

•       To discuss any other concerns or issues

Calendar/Scheduling:  The schedule on the back of this sheet is a guide.  Time will be spent as necessary to make sure that concepts are well understood.  The calendar can or may be changed if conditions require changes.

Calendar:

Spring Semester English 212, Sections 195, 193

Week	Tues Class Section	Thurs Class Section	Topic	Document Due
1	Jan. 11	Jan. 14	Introduction; Class Requirements; Schedule, etc.
2	Jan. 19	Jan. 21	Technical Communication Overview
3	Jan. 26	Jan. 28	Letters; Memos, Resumes; Short Reports
4	Feb. 2	Feb. 4	Letters; Memos, Resumes; Short Reports (continued)	Assignment 1: Application Letter; Resume; Thank You Letter
5	Feb. 9	Feb. 11	Structure, Style, Graphics, and Page Design	Assignment 1: Memorandum; Short Report
6	Feb. 16	Feb. 17	Structure, Style, Graphics, and Page Design; Instructions and Procedures
7	Feb. 23	Feb. 25	Proposals	Assignment 1: Instructions/Directions Exercise
8	Mar. 2	Mar. 4	Analytical Reports; Take Home Quiz Review	Assignment 2: Proposal Topic
9	Mar. 9	Mar. 11	No Class --- Spring Break	-
10	Mar. 16	Mar. 18	Front Matter and End Matter:  Technical Documents	Assignment 2: Introduction
11	Mar. 23	Mar. 25	Technical Definitions, Descriptions, and Specifications	Assignment 2: Proposed Plan
12	Mar. 30	Apr. 1	Finalizing/Formatting/Proofing Documents	Assignment 2:  Conclusion; Front and End Matter
13	Apr.6	Apr. 8	Writing Conferences	Assignment #3: Report Topic; Quiz
14	Apr. 13	Apr. 15	Writing Conferences	Assignment 3: Introduction
15	Apr. 20	Apr. 22	Writing Conferences	Assignment 3: Collected Data
16	Apr. 27	Apr. 29	Writing Conferences End of Semester	Assignment 3: Conclusions and Recommendations; Front and End Matter

*Note:  Assignments can be completed earlier than these dates, but  are not by the dates above.

Sample Application Letter

                                                                                     17000 Loopde Loop

                                                                                     Anchorage, Alaska  99502

January 15, 2010

Mr. Slade McIntosh

Vice President for Smooth Operations

Cemented and Demented Consultants, Ltd.

1202 Concrete Drive

Anchorage, Alaska  99502

Re:  Application – Troweler IV Position

Dear Mr. McIntosh:

Please consider my application for the Troweler IV position with your organization.  I have been involved in troweling various materials for nearly twenty years, both in this country and in foreign areas.  I have always worked closely with ODTAA (Organization and Development of Trowelers Activities Association) and have served as the liaison from Alaska to the national organization.  Bill Clinton, a former employee with your organization, recommended that I apply for this position.

I hold a journeyman Class A troweler’s license and have worked for a number of prestigious organizations.  My most recent employer was an unusual Alaskan company, Troweling, Trawling, and Toweling, that specialized in catching, drying, and cementing fish.  Additionally, I have a degree from a highly respected finishing school.  I am also a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, which has given me particular experience with small, cushioned sidewalks.

I understand the need to work hard, to smooth out the rough edges, and to work in a concrete sequential fashion.  I am dependable, punctual, and work efficiently from start to finish.  My skills in international relations, fish filleting, and arctic air conditioning should be useful in this position.

I am confident that with my motivation, charm, chutzpah and winning smile, I would be a valuable asset to your team.  I have attached a professional resume that provides an overview of my education and work experience and would look forward to the opportunity for an interview.  I will be happy to provide any additional information that you require.  I can be contacted at (907) 868-1000; also, I will contact your office to follow up on this application.  Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Hermione Herkimer

Attachment:  Professional Resume