Analytical Report

DIRECTIONS

Your manager has assigned you to develop a research-based business report which the company will use to consider making changes in employee policy. Several topics are being considered and you get first choice in choosing ONE of the following topics:

(1) The company should provide “free perks” instead of regular raises

(2) Experience should be valued higher than qualifications when hiring or promoting

(3) The company should require all employees to participate in corporate-sponsored sports and/or art classes outside of company time to enhance creativity and a healthy work environment during company time

(4) “Management-by-wandering-around,” a popular management technique, should be used by the company to assist employees in completing their job responsibilities

As required by one of the course outcomes (listed in the syllabus), this report must contain the following:

Cover Letter – a Letter of Transmittal to introduce the report to the manager
Title page (as required by APA format)
3 to 5 pages discussion (body) including an introduction, discussion/body paragraphs, conclusion. An abstract is not required.
Visual (Figure/graph) - must be significant to the discussion and thoroughly explained. Tell readers how this visual enhances the discussion. Be detailed and specific. Do not require readers to interpret the information, so point out areas for them to focus when viewing the visual. Place the visual in the text discussion and not at the end of the document. Refer to the visual with an appropriate title in the discussion such as Figure 1. IMPORTANT NOTE: Place the full source citation in APA format immediately below the visual. This citation is not included on the References list at the end of the report.
Two (2) additional sources in APA format both in-text and on the References page. The visual does not count as one of these two references.
A total of three different sources: one for the visual and two others for the discussion

Format for the report – all in ONE document :

(a) Single-space the Letter of Transmittal (examples online) and start APA formatted running page header (placed on the top left side of each page) and page numbering (placed on the top right side of each page) starting with 1 on this page. Address the letter to a management representative to introduce the report.

(b) For the rest of the report starting with the title page numbered 2 and consecutive numbering to the References page: Standard APA format, double-spacing from this title page throughout including the References page at the end

(d) At least two sources (secondary and/or primary) must be cited

Analytical Report Grading Rubric

Use this rubric as a guide when working on the first complete draft due Week 6. This grading will be used for the final edited copy due Week 7.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The report will earn less than ½ credit if the visual is missing as well as if the sources are not incorporated in correct APA throughout the report. Use of any other format such as MLA will be cause for less than ½ credit also.

Content and Development - 75 points possible

The Letter of Transmittal is appropriately addressed and thoroughly introduces the report

An introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points

Discussion/body paragraphs cover all key elements as determined by the research regarding one of the four topics listed in the assignment directions

A conclusion is reviews the major points and provides a logical ending to the report

Two credible sources are discussed and cited

One effective visual is included with proper explanation for the audience and cited

Organization and Format - 35 points possible

The Letter of Transmittal is single-spaced and placed first in the document with the APA formatted running page header and page numbering starting here
Standard APA format for the rest of the report after the letter includes a title page and double-spacing throughout

The visual (graph/figure) is cited in correct APA format immediately below the visual and not on the References page

Two additional sources are cited in correct APA format in-text and on the References page at the end of the report

Readability/Grammar/Mechanics - 15 points possible

The report does not contain any glaring sentence, grammar, or spelling errors

Sentences are well constructed and varied as well as complete, clear, and concise

Transitions are logical to maintain the flow of reading throughout the report

The tone of the discussion is appropriate to the content and assignment
Second person (you, your) pronoun is not used – use general terms such as employees

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