Write a work plan for a report topic.
Following are some examples of report topics. If you are considering purchasing a new laptop computer, your report topic can be something as simple as comparing the features of three different laptop computers. After you have done the comparisons, you state which laptop computer you will be purchasing and why you chose that computer. However, you could investigate a business problem; for example, how to deal with the problem of absenteeism, or how to motivate employees. Another way of approaching your report project, could be to present an idea; for example, the idea of adding a Day Care Center for employees.
**My report topic is to compare the features of two video game consoles. In the process of purchasing a new video game console (Playstation 4 or Xbox One).**
After analyzing the problem, anticipating the audience, and factoring the problem, you are ready to prepare a work plan. A good work plan includes the following:
Preparing a plan encourages you to evaluate your resources, set priorities, outline a course of action, and establish a schedule. Having a plan keeps you on track and provides management a means of measuring your progress.
A work plan gives a complete picture of a project. Because the usefulness and quality of any report rest primarily on its data, you will want to develop a clear research strategy, which includes allocating plenty of time to locate sources of information. For firsthand information you might interview people, prepare a survey, or even conduct a scientific experiment. For secondary information you will probably search electronic materials on the Internet and printed materials such as books and magazines. Your work plan describes how you expect to generate or collect data. Because data collection is a major part of report writing, the next section of this chapter treats the topic more fully.
Although this tentative outline guides the investigation, it does not determine the content or order of the final report. You may, for example, study five possible solutions to a problem. If two prove to be useless, your report may discuss only the three winners. Moreover, you willorganize the report to accomplish your goal and satisfy the audience. A busy executive who is familiar with a topic may prefer to read the conclusions and recommendations before a discussion of the findings. If someone authorizes the report, be sure to review the work plan with that person (your manager, client, or professor, for example) before proceeding with the project.