Making a Year book

ANALYTICAL REPORT GUIDELINES

This handout is a brief summary of Chapter 23 which covers aspects of this style of report. As you construct your report, refer to this chapter for guidance, details, and examples.

The analytical report traces your inquiry, your evidence, and your reasoning to show exactly how you arrived at your conclusions and recommendations. In other words, you will gather data (primary, secondary, and ORIGINAL research), present and interpret the data, and offer commentary or analysis of the data.

Topic: You can choose your own topic, with the exception of cars or other automotive-related subjects. This report, however, is not a personal narrative, so you may not be your own audience, nor is it a persuasive argument paper on political or controversial issues. Instead, the report should be similar to a report that you might be asked to complete in a workplace setting. In both content and style it should involve business and technical issues.

IMPORTANT TIPS ON CHOOSING A TOPIC
1. First consider your own interests. What do you like to think about and do? What could help you in future classes? What do you want to know more about? Professors in your major often are the best source for learning what issues are currently being debated.

2. Consider level of difficulty. Although you may submit a well-written report that compares three types of video games, for example, gathering data or specs for such a topic is much less challenging than if you were to write a feasibility analysis of an addition to the Kern Center or a causal analysis of high drop-out rates in the Milwaukee Public School System.

3. Consider originality. If you choose a popular topic, try to make your analysis unique—try to make it stand out from the others. For example, you could compare three types of backyard play equipment, which would be rather typical, but you could direct your analysis towards parents of children with special physical needs.

4. Consider your audience. A specific, limited audience is REQUIRED. You must choose an individual person, with whom you have made contact, and with whom you have communicated the focus of the report. You need to make specific recommendations at the end of the report that directly relate to your audience’s needs.

Three Types of Analysis: The textbook offers three different types of analytical reports. Although these may overlap, choose ONE for your report (see pp. 539-541).
1. Causal Analysis: “Why Does X Happen?” Note: This is NOT C-A-S-U-A-L, this is CAUSAL, as in CAUSE and EFFECT. (See pp.160-166)
2. Comparative Analysis: “Is X or Y Better for Our Purpose?” (See pp. 205)
3. Feasibility Analysis: “Is This a Good Idea?” (See pp. 526-27)
Format: Besides the introduction, data section, and conclusion, —also known as “the body”—the report must also have the following front matter and supplements: Title Page, Table of Contents, List of tables and figures (if necessary), Abstract, and Appendices (if necessary). The report will be typed, single spaced, with graphic specifications.

Length: 7-10 pages of TEXT, excluding supplements and visuals.
Supplements (9 points)
One point each if element is present; another point if it reflects directions + model

Title Page (2) The title page is considered page i, but it DOES NOT show its page number. Use p. 566 for your format.

Letter of transmittal (2) (p. ii) The goal is to clearly state main points, not a statement of the obvious. CLEAR: “There are three specific areas of genetic research that professionals at Froedert should be tracking professionally. OBVIOUS: “Genetic research is important in the medical field.” See the description on p. 561 for specific details that you can include. You don’t need all of them. Select those that will best fit your report and audience.

Table of Contents (2) (pg. iii) List front matter (transmittal letter, abstract, etc.) using Roman numerals. The title page is considered page i, but it DOES NOT show its page number. The material that appears after the report, (glossary, blank survey, interview transcript, etc.) continues in Arabic numbers (1,2,3 ) with no break from the numbering of the report itself.
All major headings and primary level subheadings must be listed in the T of C, using identical language. You may have lesser subheadings that run in the report that do not run in the T of C. Use different styles and/or indentation to differentiate main from subheadings.
Use leader lines (……..) to connect headings to page numbers.

Tables and Figures (1) If you have 4 or more visuals, use a separate page (pg. iv); fewer than 4, include this list on the Table of Contents page.
Abstract (2) (pg. iv or v) Make sure it stands alone. Write for a general audience. Add no new information. Use the sequence on p. 562.

OPTIONAL Appendices If you choose to include a glossary or another appendix, use the tips on pp. 562-563 to determine what would be relevant for your particular report. Some common appendices include complete interviews, laws or policies, sample questionnaires or surveys. An appendix is NOT part of the page number count. Glossaries may be particularly helpful for those of you who have an audience with a high level of technicality, and who will need to make sure that I can navigate the report as well.

Body (28 points)
Introduction
Topic and Type of Analysis Stated (2 points) Causal, Comparative, Feasible
Need or Problem Stated and Described (2 points)
Audience Identified (2 points) Full name of the individual, and any relevant descriptive title or role should be clearly mentioned.

Methods of Original Inquiry Described (4 points) Go beyond a simple mention of a method. “I conducted interviews” will not suffice. “I conducted three interviews with Professor Lennon who is an expert in the field of …” Make sure ALL methods are described.

Secondary Research Described (4 points) “I used books and articles” is NOT a description.” I used the XYZ Journal of Interesting Stuff,” Make sure ALL research is described.

Main Points Clearly Stated (2 point)

Body/Data Section
Secondary Research Detailed (4 points) Go beyond the description of the introduction and DETAIL the use of our research, allowing the audience/user to understand the way the research affected your progress.

Original Findings Explained (4 points) Apply the same level of detail as above in explaining the original research that you conducted, so the audience understands its importance.

Conclusion
Recommendations (4 points) Make at least one clear, developed recommendation, making sure you explain how you arrived at this judgment.

Overall Requirements (17 Points)

Length (2 point) Seven (7) pages SINGLE-SPACED, for the BODY.
Mechanics (4 points) Most common problem is WORD CHOICE, especially clichés and informal expressions, also a misdirected level of technicality.

Graphics (8 Points)
Size and Consistency of Headings

Balanced Use of White Space

Minimum of 3 Different Graphics Every graphic should have a caption and a credit. Every graphic should be mentioned in the text, ideally with some explanation.

MY TOPIC IS : CREATING A YEAR BOOK AT MSOE(MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING)

Audience: Nicholas M. Seidler (Assistant Director AT MSOE
)

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