1. REPORTS Writing Conclusions and Recommendations

2. Tips for Writing Conclusions Interpret and summarize the findings. Tell what your findings (collected data) mean. Relate the conclusions to the research questions. Focus only on conclusions that help solve the original challenge. Justify the conclusions with highlights from the findings

3. Tips for Writing Conclusions Limit the conclusions to the data presented (do not introduce new material) Be objective. Avoid exaggerating or manipulating data to prove your point Use consistent criteria for evaluating alternatives

4. Tips for Writing Conclusions Enumerate each conclusion. Number and list each item. Present items in parallel form. Challenge: Improving student satisfaction with the registration process. Conclusion: Survey results show that short registration lines are key to student satisfaction with the registration process.

5. Conclusion Writing Challenge: increasing volunteer retention/ recruitment Write a conclusion from the results of a survey conducted on volunteers for Agency X: –75% of the active volunteers stated that they volunteer because it feels good to help others –82% of the active volunteers stated that they enjoy the camaraderie of working with fellow volunteers –89% of the volunteers who resigned within 1 year stated that they did not feel appreciated –80% of the volunteers who resigned within 1 year stated that their skills were not utilized –Comments from volunteers who resigned included: “I felt bored”, “I felt the company was disorganized, I would make time to come in and then stand around”, “Nobody ever talked to me, I felt lost and out of place”.

6. Writing Recommendations Suggest actions. What specific procedures can help solve client concern? Focus on the practical/agreeable. Suggest feasible actions acceptable to this audience If requested, describe how the recommendations may be implemented

7. Tips for Writing Report Recommendations Present recommendations separately and begin with a verb. Challenge: Improving student satisfaction with the registration process. Conclusion: Survey results show that short registration lines are key to student satisfaction with the registration process. Recommendation: Implement a registration reservation system where students sign up for specific registration time slots.

8. Activity #1 Conclusion or recommendation? In times of recession, individuals spend less money on meals away from home. Concentrate Data Tech’s sales efforts on your largest accounts. Most of your business comes from your top 10 customers. Absenteeism among employees with families decreases when they have adequate child care.

9. Activity #2 Increasing eco-friendliness at the college bookstore (handout)