The textbook talks about the many different types of reports used in regular work scenarios. We will focus on two of these, the informational report and the recommendation report (a form of the analytical report).
In this project, you will choose a prompt and produce one of these two types of reports, based on what the situation requires. Pay very close attention to whether you are being asked to create an informational report or a recommendation report.
This project helps you practice writing formal business reports that integrate credible research, visuals, and analysis to meet real-world workplace needs.
Reminder: You will complete a peer review of your draft in before submitting the final version of this project. Your draft will be reviewed by a classmate, and their feedback will help you revise your report.
Instructions
Step 1: Download and Review the Template
First, review the Short Report Format
you'll use as a template to ensure you follow the correct headings and formatting.Step 2: Select Your Prompt
Then, you are to produce a well-researched report (about 1600 words, not including References page and the visuals), single-spaced, on one of the following scenarios. Select one of these prompts:
Prompt 1Your company has decided that following a natural disaster in your area, it needs to help workers with stress they are experiencing. You work in HR, and your boss has asked you to compile information on mindfulness techniques that work in white-collar companies. She has specifically asked for information concerning:
- Benefits of mindfulness
- Challenges workers face related to mindfulness practices
- Types of mindfulness practice that workers are most likely to be willing to try
Prompt 2 Your company has decided that it needs to be more proactive in retaining Gen Z workers. Your boss has asked for a summary of research that identifies what office workers in their 20s want, and what helps to retain them. Based on this research, your boss also wants five recommendations the company can enact to help encourage Gen Z workers to stay at your company.
Step 3: Conduct Your Research and Write Your Report
Your research should incorporate:
- At least two sources from specialized articles found in databases available to ASU students (not just internet sources)
- At least two sources from more general or widely read business journals, such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, or Harvard Business Review
Your report, like the textbook examples, should also include at least two examples of visual data (charts, tables, etc.) that enhance the report and are interpreted within the text.
Requirements
- Length: About 1600 words, single-spaced, not including References and visuals.
- Research: Minimum of four credible sources (two from academic databases, two from business publications)
- Visuals: At least two examples of visual data, with labels and in-text interpretation
Submit your completed report as a single file (.doc, .docx, or .pdf) using the Canvas submission link. Double-check your upload to ensure it displays properly.