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.