Research Report Assignment
Instructions: You are required to submit an informational, analytical or proposal-style report on one of the topics below. Report type will vary by topic. See Chapters 9-11 for guidance on planning, researching, and report writing. This assignment is worth 200 points
Requirements
- 8-12 pages total, SINGLE-SPACED, this is business format. (Your title page and reference pages count toward the total pages).
- The report should consist of a title page, introduction, body, close, and reference page (APA format for reference page only).You do not need a table of contents or any other preliminary parts (See Figure 11.1 on pg. 192). Within the body of your report, you should include clear, descriptive sub-headings so it is easy for the reader to find specific sections of your report. Look at the report examples presented in Chapter 11 for formatting. You must include at least four references (do NOT use Wikipedia, personal blogs or other user-generated or opinion-oriented sources).
- You are required to conduct secondary research, however, primary research is also recommended (through an online survey, observation, interview or method of your choice). For example, if you choose option 1, you might consider interviewing an owner or manager of the company and/or conducting observational research by sitting in one of their location and documenting your findings.
- The use of graphs, charts and other visual aids are required, but they should not replace text (don’t use as fillers), instead they should provide a visual representation of what is explained in th body of your report.
- You will be graded based on completion, demonstration of knowledge of report organization and writing, quality of content, presentation/format, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Topics (Choose One):
-
- Assume you’ve been hired by an entrepreneur who is interested in opening a fast-casual sandwich shop. The entrepreneur is contemplating purchasing a franchise or opening their own shop and starting from scratch. In your report, present the pros and cons of purchasing a franchise versus starting from scratch. Also present on overview of the top three sandwich franchises in the country and the profile (or characteristics) of an entrepreneur that are best suited for each avenue – meaning, some types of people will be more successful opening a franchise while others will be better off starting on their own.
- Assume you work as an office manager for a hair salon or barber. Your boss is “old school†and has kept customer records through hand-written notepads. You recognize a strong need to move to a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. You are looking for something that would track customers’ appointments and send reminders, keep customer profile records such as the type of cut/color they had in the past and basic personal information (address, phone number, birthday, etc.), plus any other features that would help your salon market to customers such as email or text notifications about promotions and specials. Research CRM software brands for salons or similar types of businesses and present 2-3 options to your boss with your personal recommendation. Hint: think about key information your boss would want – comparison of features, pricing, functionality, and anything else you think would be important.
- Assume you work for a vegan restaurant. The owner has a successful restaurant in North Park and he is considering expanding and taking his business mobile by adding a food truck. Based on your research of the mobile food truck industry, present pros and cons of entering this market. Include information such as permit requirements, operations-related considerations, all costs including specific permitting costs in San Diego, marketing, opportunities, challenges and anything else you think would be important to present to your boss.
Student Sample Papers
Here are a few examples of sample reports from previous semesters. Some are similar to the topics above and others are previously-used topics. Keep in mind these are not necessarily “perfect,” but they are considered high “Bs” to “A” reports. There are good attributes from each and they make for a good starting point but use your own judgement, style and organization.
Barrel Republic Student Sample.pdf
BUSE 119 Barrel Republic Project.pdf
Meal Kit Delivery Student Sample.pdf
Report-Philantropy Spring 2016 – Cengage.pdf
Rubric
Research Report Rubric
Research Report Rubric
Criteria |
Ratings |
Pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCompletion
|
20.0 to >16.0 pts
Excellent
All required section are present and thorough.
|
16.0 to >13.0 pts
Good
All or most required sections are present. Some sections may need more development.
|
13.0 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
All required sections are not present and some or most need more development.
|
|
20.0 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization of Topics
|
30.0 to >25.0 pts
Excellent
Report is organized correctly and efficiently based on the topic chosen. The organization helps contribute to the understanding of the report.
|
25.0 to >20.0 pts
Good
Report is organized adequately based on the topic chosen. The organization mostly helps contribute to the understanding of the report. Some clarity may be needed.
|
20.0 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Report organization is lacking. It may be confusing or difficult to following thought process.
|
|
30.0 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuality of Content
|
60.0 to >50.0 pts
Excellent
Report addresses main topic, provides analysis and research. Report demonstrates understanding of purpose and provide relevant information to the problem at hand.
|
50.0 to >45.0 pts
Good
Report mostly addresses main topic, research and analysis is adequate. Some areas may need more detail or explanation but overall purpose is clear and answers the problem at hand.
|
45.0 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Report attempts to address main topic but more analysis and research is needed. Report does not adequately demonstrates understanding of purpose or provide relevant information to the problem at hand. Overall, content is lacking.
|
|
60.0 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWord Choice & Tone
|
30.0 to >25.0 pts
Excellent
Choice of words is clear, descriptive, and accurate. Tone is appropriate and professional throughout.
|
25.0 to >20.0 pts
Good
Adequate choice of words that are clear and descriptive. Demonstrates appropriate tone throughout most of the report. May be too casual in some areas.
|
20.0 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Language and tone are unclear, lack descriptive language and/or may be too casual or unprofessional.
|
|
30.0 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics & Grammar
|
30.0 to >25.0 pts
Excellent
Contains few, if any punctuation, spelling or grammatical errors.
|
25.0 to >20.0 pts
Good
Mostly correct, may contain some errors in punctuation, spelling or grammar but does not drastically interfere with purpose.
|
20.0 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Contains several errors in punctuation, spelling or grammar which interfere with the purpose.
|
|
30.0 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat, including References
|
20.0 to >16.0 pts
Excellent
Format is correct including business-style, single spaced, headings are clear. Reference page is properly in APA format.
|
16.0 to >13.0 pts
Good
Format is mostly correct including business-style, single spacing is used, some formatting may be lacking or inconsistent (headings, font style, color, etc.). Reference page is present but may not be in appropriate APA format.
|
13.0 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Format is not in business-style, single spacing may not be used, other styles such as font, color or headings may be lacking, inconsistent or distracting. Reference page is missing or not in APA format.
|
|
20.0 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of visuals – images, photos, graphs, etc.
|
10.0 to >8.0 pts
Excellent
Visuals are used accurately and contribute to the report content. In comparison reports, the same criteria is represented visually and consistently for each option.
|
8.0 to >6.0 pts
Good
Visuals are present. More may be needed or clarity or consistency could be improved.
|
6.0 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Very few, if any, visuals are present.
|
|
10.0 pts
|
Total Points: 200.0
|
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