Assignment writing reports and case studies

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Assignment writing reports and case studies

• Communications Learning Centre
• Ground Floor, Building 32, Rockhampton

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• http//www.bus.cqu.edu.au/CSTUDENT/Guide/default.h
  tm
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  http//infocom.cqu.edu.au/Students/FIB/
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  .edu.au/clc/home.html

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  ing/
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  u.edu.au/
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  ntre/
• Library
• http//www.library.cqu.edu.au/

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Types of assignments

• Essays
• Reports
• Case studies
• Oral presentations

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Why have assignments?

• Teachers have feedback on whether course learning
  outcomes are being achieved
• Students interact with course content and
  demonstrate their understanding
• Students develop research skills
• Assessment and grading of students

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Points to look for

• Length of assignment
• Due date of assignment
• Type of assignment essay, report, case study
• Special requirements in the assignment details
• Type of referencing required

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Steps in essay writing

• Examine the topic. If you are given a choice,
  choose the topic you feel most knowledgeable and
  confident about.
• Analyse the question
• Construct a plan
• Locate and evaluate resources
• Research and organise notes
• Prepare a draft
• Edit the draft
• Prepare the final draft.

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Essays analyse the question

• Look for key content words what are the facts,
  places, people, theories that are mentioned in
  the assignment details?
• Look for key operational words what are you
  being asked to do?
• Analyse, argue, compare, describe, discuss,
  evaluate, examine, explain, illustrate,
  interpret, outline, review, summarise (see
  handout for definitions)

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Parts of an essay

• Introduction approximately 10 of total number
  of words interpret terms, statement of
  position, outline what you will write about
• Body approximately 80 of total number of words
  main ideas and supporting information
  headings and subheadings sometimes (not always)
  used
• Conclusion approximately 10 of total number of
  words summarise discussion and restate your
  position
• Reference list

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Report writing

• Different types of reports scientific reports,
  proposals, progress reports, information reports,
  feasibility studies
• In business world, often a set format for
  reports, especially short ones
• In academic writing, certain standard features of
  reports

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Steps in planning a report

• Define the purpose. What is it about?
• Consider the reader or audience. Who is it for?
• Determine what issues are involved. Time, place,
  money context
• Collect information.
• Sort and evaluate the information
• Prepare the outline.

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Parts of formal report

• Front (or preliminary) section
• Title page
• Letter of transmittal
• Executive summary (abstract or synopsis)
• Table of contents
• List of tables, figures
• Acknowledgements

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Parts of report

• Body of report
• Introduction about 10 of total number of words
  purpose, scope (limits), and sometimes
  methodology
• Discussion analyse and interpret information
• Conclusion and recommendations

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Parts of report

• End matter
• Reference list or bibliography publication
  details of sources of information
• Appendices extra information that supports
  ideas in main body of report may include
  glossary, an alphabetical list of important terms

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Section numbering in reports

• 1.0 Introduction
• 2.0 Main heading
• 2.1 Sub-heading
• 2.1.1 Sub-sub heading
• 2.1.2 Sub-sub heading
• 2.2 Sub-heading
• 2.2.1 Sub-sub heading
• 3.0 Main heading
• 3.1 Sub-heading
• 3.2 Sub-heading
• 3.2.1 Sub-sub heading
• ..
• 6.0 Conclusion and recommendations
• Reference list
• Appendices

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Case studies

• Factual description of a practical situation
  real-life scenario
• Analyse the situation and identify and solve a
  problem(s)
• Provide discussion, based on course content, of
  appropriate decision(s) in the circumstances
  described in the case study
• Display your knowledge of course content

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Steps in responding to case studies

• Read case study details at least twice once to
  get an overview and second to note main points
• Consider position of individuals involved put
  yourself in their place
• Identify the major underlying problems which have
  led to the situation

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Steps in responding to case studies

• 4. What alternatives are available?
• Are they realistic in terms of time, money,
  human resources?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each
  alternative?
• What are the risks and benefits of each
  alternative?

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Steps in responding to case studies

• 5. Select the most satisfactory solution,
  decision or explanation (based on your analysis
  of the case and on the concepts in the course
  material)
• 6. Describe how the solution should be
  implemented. What should the decision-maker in
  the case do to make the solution successful? Make
  specific recommendations if the case calls for
  them.

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Questions to ask while analysing case studies

• What kind of condition is this organisation in
  good, bad, neutral?
• What is likely to happen if no action is taken?
• Which circumstances can be controlled and which
  cannot?
• Who are the key people and why is their role
  important?

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• Are these key people capable of dealing with the
  problem?
• What actions are necessary to reverse any
  negative trends?
• What are the central issues facing the
  organisation?
• Do any assumptions made in the description fit in
  with the facts? Will the individuals and
  organisation be able to cope with the solutions
  you propose?
• Will outside assistance (consultants, training or
  equipment) be required?

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Writing the case study

• Introduction
• Identify, discuss and interpret the problem,
  based on theory and models in course content.
• Discuss alternatives and how they might affect
  the people involved.
• Select the best alternative(s), giving reasons
  based on theory.
• Make practical and specific recommendations for
  implementing the selected solution.

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Remember

• There is usually no one correct answer. Consider
  all sides of the case and discuss opposing
  arguments as well as putting forward your
  preferred solution.
• Read widely. Research. Go beyond the textbook and
  provided study materials.
• Give references for the sources of your ideas.
• (Source Faculty of Business and Law 2004, Guide
  for students, Central Queensland University,
  Rockhampton.)

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Language and academic writing

• Do not use colloqualisms (slang, swearing).
• Use impersonal language. Do not use I and
  you.
• Explain abbreviations and acronyms when you first
  use them.
• Use terms consistently meaning and
  capitalisation
• Use spell check or consult a dictionary. Use
  spelling consistently.
• Avoid contractions. Write do not not dont.
• Use inclusive, non-discriminatory language.