Task 1
Part One
A research strategy is a plan of action that gives direction to your efforts enabling you to conduct your research systemically rather than haphazardly.
You need to submit your plan. In the plan you should
• define of your topic,
• identify the key questions you want to ask,
• identify the information sources you think you might use,
• identify the key-words to use in your searches, and
• include a timetable that shows each step of the writing process, the length of time you think it will take and the actual time when you are going to do this step.
Part Two
After you have written your report, you need to comment on the above items to evaluate how well your plan worked. What needed to change as you went along: what worked and what didn't? With hindsight, what would you do differently next time?
Task 2 - Technical Report Structure:
1. You will use Microsoft Word 2010 or another word processor and a technical writing style to produce a professional report. Use suitable headings to guide the reader through your report. To help you, the following structure must be used:
• Title page
• Executive summary
• Table of contents
• Introduction
• Discussion
• Conclusion and Recommendations
• References
• Appendices
2. There is a report length minimum requirement of 1,700 words and maximum restriction of 2,000 words. (Use the word count feature to check!)
• Items not included in the word count requirement/restriction:
i. Title pages
ii. Executive Summary
iii. References
iv. Appendices
v. Wording in graphics and or diagrams.
3. The inclusion of diagrams within the document is essential but they must:
• Complement the discussion
• Be referred to in the text to show applicability and appropriateness.
4. The use of automated and manual functions in MSWord is assessed. You need to use headers/footers, automated TOC, styles and text formatting appropriately etc.
5. You need to have at least four (4) references. These will be from different sources
• A book (including an e-book)
• A good quality journal article
• A trade publication (magazine, newspaper)
• A website
6. Referencing must use the APA6 referencing system.
Task 3
Prepare and present a 5 minute presentation on the main findings of your topic. An additional two minutes will be allowed for responding to questions.