Reference no: EM132686022

Instructions

For this assignment, you will submit a 4-6 page Recommendations Report which answers the following question:

How might Rize use digital communication strategies and/or technologies (eg. social media best practices, web design principles, mobile communications, analytics, etc.) to increase accessibility of its content and enhance community engagement?

For this report and the presentation slide deck, you may choose (not required) to work in pairs or groups of three. (Go to People > Groups > Project Groups where you can add yourself to a group. ) Note that groups are set so that members must be in the same section and there is a limit of three people in a group. When submitting a group assignment, just one person in the group needs to submit a file, and the submission will be attached to all group members in Speedgrader. With this group assignment, all group members will receive the same grade unless there are exceptional circumstances requiring individual grading.

Process and Writing Steps for Preparing Your Recommendations Report

Step 1: Problem and purpose

a. Process:

Use our virtual meeting with Rize's founder, along her submitted document (posted in Module 4) to answer the following questions:

• What communication challenges is Rize experiencing?
• What goals has Rize set for its digital communications?
• What are the missed communication or engagement opportunities identified by Rize?
• What are the expectations for the Recommendations Report, and how will it be used by the organization?

Identify data gathering methods and sources. b. Writing:
"Open with a clear, credible, and compelling description of the problem; persuasively establish that the problem is serious, significant, and in need of a solution; provide an overview of data collection methods" (p. 410)

Read "Problem Statements, Problem Questions, and Purpose Statements" (pp. 408 - 410) for help in describing the problem and the purpose of your report.

Also, use the sample recommendations report, "Baskerville Printing" for an example of an 'indirect writing plan' (saves recommendation for the end) which identifies the problem, includes a description of data gathering methods, and emphasizes the seriousness of the problem.

Step 2: Findings

a. Process

You are required to use at least four secondary research sources in your search for viable solutions:

• two online articles (eg. technology magazines, reports, or reviews)
• one website that you believe you can trust for information on your topic
• one other source of your choice b. Writing:
"Discuss alternative solutions strategically, from least to most effective. Weigh the pros and cons of each and provide cost comparisons when needed" (p.410). Refer again to the Baskerville Printing example for its discussion of two alternatives (pp. 413-415).

Each option should be discussed in its own paragraph. "Present the most viable alternative -- the option you intend to recommend -- last
(p.410). Describe how its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.

This section should include at least one table, graph, or chart. See "Using Graphics and Visuals" (pp.379-391) for guidance and excellent examples.

Step 3 - Summarize findings and announce recommendations

a. Process

Review your problem and purpose statements to ensure your selected recommendation addresses the identified problem and meets the expectations for your report.

b. Writing

Review the Baskerville Printing report's Conclusions and Recommendations (p.415). Note how the recommended solution is linked to the 'need for speed' which was set out in the problem statement. Provide a rationale for your choice, based on your research findings.

Format

Use APA Style for the title page, page numbers, headings, and references. Your final written recommendations report should be 4-6 pages in length and will include the following:

• Title page
• Page numbers
• TNR 12 pt font
• Headings
• References page which begins on its own page