Chapter 18: Writing Recommendation Reports ✓ Solved

Chapter 18 Writing Recommendation Reports 2015 By

Recommendation reports address four kinds of questions: What should we do about Problem X? Should we do Function X? Should we use Technology A or Technology B to do Function X? We currently use Method A to do Function X. Should we be using Method B?

Feasibility reports answer three kinds of questions: questions of possibility, questions of economic wisdom, and questions of perception.

Identify the problem or opportunity. Establish criteria for responding to the problem or opportunity. Determine the options. Study each option according to the criteria. Draw conclusions about each option. Formulate recommendations based on the conclusions.

Use a problem-solving method when preparing a recommendation report. Use logic boxes to plot a series of options. Use a matrix to compare and contrast options. Explain your decision matrix: Explain why you chose each criterion—or didn’t choose a criterion readers might have expected. Explain why you assigned a particular weight to each criterion. Explain why you assigned a particular rating to each option.

You can present your conclusions in one of three ways: Rank all the options. Classify all the options in one of two categories: acceptable and unacceptable. Present a compound conclusion.

Most recommendation reports have three major sections: the front matter, the body of the report, and the back matter.

A typical recommendation report has five body elements: introduction, methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations.

A report introduction typically answers nine questions: What is the subject of the report? What is the purpose of the report? What is the background of the report? What are your sources of information? What is the scope of the report? What are the most significant findings? What are your recommendations? What is the organization of the report? What key terms are you using in the report?

Address the following four questions when writing the body of your report: Methods. What did you do? Results. What did you see or determine? Conclusions. What does it mean? Recommendations. What should we do?

Consider these four factors when writing your recommendations: content, tone, form, and location.

A typical recommendation report contains seven elements in the front matter: letter of transmittal, cover, title page, abstract, table of contents, list of illustrations, and executive summary.

Understand the difference between a descriptive and an informative abstract: A descriptive abstract describes the kinds of information contained in the report. An informative abstract presents the major findings.

Follow these five guidelines when writing an executive summary: Use specific evidence in describing the background. Be specific in describing research. Describe the methods briefly. Describe the findings according to your readers’ needs. Ask an outside reader to review your draft.

A typical recommendation report includes three elements in the back matter: glossary and list of symbols, references, and appendixes.

Paper For Above Instructions

Recommendation reports are crucial tools for decision-making in various organizational contexts. These reports methodically analyze issues, evaluate alternatives, and provide actionable recommendations based on findings. This essay outlines the key components of effective recommendation reports and emphasizes the importance of a problem-solving approach in their creation.

Understanding Recommendation Reports

Recommendation reports serve four essential functions: addressing a problem or opportunity, determining the suitability of a function, comparing technologies, and evaluating methods. Each report should begin with a clear identification of the problem, followed by establishing criteria for addressing it. This process ensures that the recommendations presented are relevant and based on a thoughtful analysis.

Problem-Solving Model

A systematic approach is paramount in preparing a recommendation report. A problem-solving model can guide the report's structure. Firstly, one must identify the issue or opportunity at hand. Next, relevant criteria for evaluating options should be established. After determining the available options, each option should be scrutinized against the established criteria. Conclusions can then be drawn, culminating in a set of recommendations.

Decision Matrices and Logic Boxes

Utilizing tools like decision matrices and logic boxes can greatly enhance the clarity of a recommendation report. A decision matrix allows the comparison of various options based on defined criteria and assigned weights. These tools help to visualize the decision-making process and contribute to a more informed conclusion. Each criterion must be clearly defined, and rationale for chosen weights and ratings should be transparently explained.

Presenting Conclusions

Once the evaluation process is complete, conclusions can be presented in various formats. Options may be ranked, classified as acceptable or unacceptable, or a compound conclusion may be given. The choice of presentation format depends on the audience and the complexity of the information.

Structure of Recommendation Reports

Most recommendation reports follow a structured format, usually including three main sections: front matter, body, and back matter. The body typically contains five elements: introduction, methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations. The introduction lays the groundwork by answering fundamental questions about the report, including its purpose, background, and significant findings.

Writing Effective Recommendations

When crafting recommendations, four elements must be considered: content, tone, form, and location. Recommendations should be actionable, clear, and presented in a suitable tone based on the report's audience and purpose.

Final Components

The front matter of a recommendation report typically consists of several key elements, such as the letter of transmittal, cover, title page, abstract, table of contents, list of illustrations, and executive summary. The back matter includes a glossary, reference list, and appendices. Understanding the function of each component is essential for ensuring the report is comprehensive and effective.

Conclusion

In summary, writing effective recommendation reports requires a systematic approach grounded in problem-solving principles. By utilizing decision matrices and clear structures, the reports can address complex issues strategically and facilitate informed decision-making. The process not only enhances organizational efficiency but also ensures that the concerns of stakeholders are adequately addressed.

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