Analyze, sort, and interpret statistical data and other information using tables, measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode), and decision matrices.
Draw meaningful conclusions and make practical report recommendations after sound and valid analysis.
Organize report data logically, and provide reader cues to aid comprehension.
Write short informational reports that describe routine tasks.
Prepare short analytical reports that solve business problems.
Instructions
Informal Yardstick Report (Activity 12.19)
Course Project – Scenario
Your company is considering a major purchase of equipment and/or service (example: a new computer system, new fleet of trucks, new food vendor for the company cafeteria.) You have been assigned to research this product/service and present the findings and make a recommendation in the form of an analytical report, a yardstick report.
Your primary research will be in the form of interviews with individuals (users, owners, salespeople, technicians, etc.) in a position to comment on the attributes of the product/service. Your secondary research will be information in print form or electronic sources, such as Internet, magazine articles or owner manuals.
The report should include an analysis and discussion of at least three comparable models or versions of the targeted product/service as well as you conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis.
Formatting: single-spaced, 1″ margins, 12-point font size, and APA style of documenting sources of information. Use a memo format for this yardstick business report (as shown in the textbook.)
Length: A minimum of three pages of text.
Components: Introduction, body, conclusion, recommendations, and bibliography. The yardstick report must also include at least two meaningful visual component (graph, chart, image, etc.)
Information Sources: A minimum of three sources including at least one primary source and secondary source. A primary source would be a personal interview, a survey you conducted, a demonstration you observed, or trying the product or service yourself.
You must use APA formatting for citing your sources and reference page. Information on APA reference and a yardstick report format example please use your textbook, chapter 12.