Writing Recommendation Reports

Addresses Questions Like

• What should we do about problem X?
• Should we do Function X?
• Should we use Technology A or Technology B to do Function X?
• We currently use Methods A to do Function X. Should we be using Method B?

Chain of documents: proposal to progress reports to final recommendation report

Problem-Solving Model

• Identify problem
• Establish criteria for response: any solution to our problem must reduce the number of manufacturing defects by 50% and cannot cost more than $75,000
• List possible courses of action
• Study each option according to criteria
• Draw conclusion about each option
• Formulate recommendation

Front Matter

• Purpose: orient reader,provide summaries for technical and managerial readers, help readers navigate the report, help readers decide whether to read the document
• Elements: cover, title page, abstract, table of contents, list of illustrations, executive summary

Body

• Purpose: provide the most comprehensive account of the project, from the problem or opportunity that motivated it to the methods and the most important findings
• Elements: introduction, recommendations, implementation plan, evaluation plan

Back Matter

• Purpose: to present supplementary info
• Elements: glossary, list of symbols, references, appendixes

Executive Summary

• Overview of entire project, major information and outcomes
• Least technical jargon

Introduction

• What is the subject of the report?
• What is the purpose of the report?
• What is the background of your report?
• What is the scope of your report?
• What are the most significant findings?
• What are your recommendations?
• What key terms are you using?

Introduction

• Short history of technology in your field
• Problem statement
• Summary of research report

Recommendations

• ADD: Some information presented in this section has come directly from an unpublished report submitted to the supervisor on [date the research report was due].
• Statement of which app you chose
• In depth evaluation of why this app works the best
• Persuasive arguments

Implementation Plan

• Explanation of how to integrate into the workplace
• Should include reasons for timeline, budget, and steps

Evaluation Plan

• Brief plan for evaluating whether the plan is working as hoped
• How would you test for this?