1. Long Reports

2. Similarities to Short Report Assignment
Principles of effective page design
Type, margins, textual divisions (paragraphs and sections), headings, lists
One visual required

3. Differences from Short Report Assignment
Type: Recommendation
Length: 3-4 pages for text (including expanded Introduction and Conclusion)
Use of outside sources for information
Format and standard components
Transmittal, title page, abstract, table of contents, list of illustrations, glossary, appendixes, bibliography
At least 9 pages total, including visual

4. Importance of the Long Report
Worth 300 points
Will highlight your ability to do the following:
Solve problems
Organize and present ideas clearly
Design and format effectively
Find and use reliable, useful information
Take on additional responsibility in the workplace

5. Assignment and Links Course Schedule Long Report Assignment
Long Report Proposal
Long Report Sources
Long Report Outline

6. Recommendation Reports
“A recommendation report [1] assesses a troublesome or unsatisfactory situation, [2] identifies a solution to the problem, and [3] persuades decision- makers to pursue a particular course of action that will improve matters” (Searles 78).

7. Recommendation Report Components
Problem: includes causes and effects
Solution: includes how and why
See p. 74 for sample short recommendation report.
See the Long Report Outline on the course page

8. Sample Topic: Wayfinding at IVCC
Finding one’s way from one location to another without knowing the way ahead of time
Use of maps, signs, or other methods to help with wayfinding

9. Problem Questions to Ask
What are some specific problems/challenges at IVCC with wayfinding?
What are the negative effects of these problems/challenges, actual or even potential?

10. Solution Questions to Ask
What specific solutions might improve wayfinding at IVCC?
How could these solutions be implemented? What might the steps be? What would have to be considered?
What are the potential benefits of these solutions?

11. Other Key Planning Questions
What information in the report would benefit from a visual? What type?
Who should read the report? In other words, who is the executive reader(s)? Why?