Purpose of This Assignment
- To critically engage with issues of diversity and access in professional situations and workplace environments in the United States
- To practice analyzing and synthesizing information
- To practice writing a clear and accurate summary and analysis, drawing on text-based evidence to support claims, and to offer a recommendation
- To continue practicing memo writing conventions
- To practice constructing effective sentences
- To practice revising for concision and clarity
Scenario
You have received an email from your boss (linked below) asking you to do some preliminary reading, perform additional research, and write a recommendation report. This is your chance to shine with members of the leadership team!
iNova Email Request
iNOVA Company Profile and Background
Instructions
Step 1: Understand Context and Background
Carefully read the attached email from your boss, including the provided links. You should also review the company's profile sheet.
Take careful notes; create an outline of the main points and key information contained in the articles your boss provided. Capture any specific quotes or information that stand out in the provided articles. Use the problem-solving approach outlined in Markel, "Writing Recommendation Reports " to guide your work.
Ask yourself: What is my boss asking me to address? What information do I need in order to successfully respond to this request? What gaps in understanding or questions do I have about diversity? What preconceptions or bias do I have related to this issue?
Step 2: Find Additional Information & Resources
Once you have developed an understanding of the context for your boss's request, spend about 20-30 minutes searching for answers to those questions or additional information that will help you form your recommendation.
HINT: If the articles provided by your boss cite outside sources, start there! As you go, take notes, and keep track of your sources. Your goal is to find two (2) additional sources of numerical or statistical data to enhance your understanding of the issue and develop and deepen your own analysis.
Step 3: Draft Recommendation Report
Now, draft your recommendation report in the form of a memo as directed by your boss. Consider this report a freestanding report. Remember to carefully support your recommendations based on your research from Step 2.
As you write, also think about employing writing strategies that support the purpose. You want the information to be easily accessible for your reader, easy to understand the first time through, and engaging. Check out Markel's "Effective Sentences " for help and Use the following formatting elements (as appropriate) to assist:
- Bulleted lists
- Short paragraphs (7-10 lines max)
- Clear, engaging topic sentences and transition statements
- Meaningful title and heading
REQUIREMENTS
- Write a 2-3 page memo, single-spaced, 11 point Calibri/12 point Times New Roman or comparable, 1" margins, left-aligned paragraphs, single space between paragraphs
- Follow appropriate memo conventions as discussed in class. Be sure to include the general headings with a specific, pertinent subject line ("Analysis Memo" is not a compelling subject) and a clear statement of purpose introducing the memo's content.
- Include headings appropriate to a recommendation report (summary, discussion, recommendation) and any additional subheadings necessary to increase your report's readability. See: OWL Purdue's discussion of the summary and discussion segments of a memo (Links to an external site.).
- Remember that in order to write a coherent summary you must understand the content of the original sources and be able to identify the main points and evidence for or illustrations of those points. Take careful notes as you read your articles.
- Use 1st person to clearly and professionally articulate your perspective
- Write well - use specific vocabulary, support your claims with (cited) evidence, be thoughtful in your analysis and discussion.
- Enhance your analysis with at least two additional sources of information - these sources should be numerical or statistical data.
- Clearly cite your sources using APA style citations, including quotations and paraphrased material. Be sure to include your references at the end of your memo.
- Draft the memo entirely before attending to formatting and editing. The final version should be a well-crafted document. Always double-check formatting and proofread documents before turning in for a grade. Reference: "Grading Criteria for Projects" in our course syllabus, the assignment rubric, and, as always, ask if you have questions.