Team Project Guidelines: Steps to Writing the Final Team Report

Sci/Tech Communication

Once you have completed your proposal, your next step is to conduct research and prepare your report. The following is a guide to help you follow through on your project proposal. Following is a checklist of items to include in your final report:

Step 1: Conduct research and collect data.

Data collection includes the use of primary and secondary sources:

Secondary Sources (for background and general information)

· Peer-reviewed, scholarly journals

· Journals/trade publications for educated lay

· Databases (e.g., government statistics)

· DO NOT use Wikipedia as a source

Primary Sources

· Surveys

· Interviews

· Original documents (government documents, reports, budgets)

· Observation (with documentation)

Step 2: Analyze and synthesize the data and document the need by providing supporting evidence.

Your paper requires substantial background research and documentation. Using the data you have collected, include a literature review, an overview of research that is related to the topic. This “lit review” indicates the need (or significance) in that it shows the context for your research, how it contributes to existing work, and points to any gaps in other studies. This literature review often precedes your statement of purpose.

In your team projects, you can document the need in the following ways: surveys and/or interviews, journal articles, and systematic/methodical observation.

Step 3: Propose a solution.

Recommend a course of action. What are possible methods of resolving the problem? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a particular course of action? Is the solution feasible? Is it practical?

Step 4: Draft the report.

Papers should include the following three specific elements:

· What? (clear definition of topic and purpose)

· Why? (need, answers the “so what” question and )

· How? (materials and methods)

Step 5: Proofread/Revise/Edit.

Each member of your group should proofread and make necessary revisions and editions to the document before submission.

Team Project Checklist

Submit your report with the names of all team members printed on the title page or in the heading. Submit the paper to Canvas and in hard copy form.

Format:

Body: Use headings in the body, double space the text, and indent paragraphs. Place no extra spaces between paragraphs; the exception is three spaces when followed by a heading. Page numbers should be in the upper right header. Do not include tables and graphs in the text; all visuals should be placed in the appendix.

Citations: APA Style or MLA style.

When possible, avoid direct quotes, instead, use a paraphrase and citation. However, when quotes are necessary, use a “lead” to a direct quote: For example, NOT: “By providing the journalistic value of objectivity and balance, the media actually create a biased view of climate change” (Smith & Jones, 1989, p. 34). YES: According to communication researchers, “By providing the journalistic . . .” (Smith & Jones, p. 34). That is, use transitions to lead into your quoted material.

Front matter: (See formal report guidelines for more specific instructions and examples.)

· Letter of Transmittal (LETTER FORMAT)

– Introduces the topic to the readers

– Provides an overview of the subject and purpose, introduces main points to be covered, and gives

a brief descriptions of methods, recommendations, and budget

– Ends with polite close

· Cover

· Title page–includes the title, authors, date of preparation, and to whom submitted

· Table of Contents—in parallel structure, includes appendices

· List of Illustrations

· Executive Summary (one page)—a brief condensation of the report, single spaced, should include background and major findings and implications

Text of report:

· Introduction

· Explain the subject of the report.

· Explain the purpose of the report.

· Provide background.

· Describe sources of information.

· Indicate scope of the report.

· Summarize the most significant findings.

· Briefly summarize your recommendations.

· Explain the organization of the report.

· Define key terms.

· Methods

· What tools did you use to conduct your research? Here, talk about your primary research. For example: “To investigate Florida Tech students’ knowledge about ____, we conducted a survey of (#) students, asking questions such as ______. (For the complete survey, see Appendix A.) Interviews with _____, ____, and _____ gave us insight into _______.”

· Be specific about what was accomplished.

· Justify your methodological choices.

· Findings/Results: What did you learn from your primary research that informs your summary of recommendations?

· Discussion and Recommendations (implications of what you learned and changes that need to be implemented). Address any limitations (small sample size, lack of response by county/school officials).

· Conclusion: final paragraph summarizing your recommendation and providing a call to action.

End matter:

· References (Works Cited)

· Appendices (interview questions, surveys, supporting materials)

· Detailed budget (if appropriate)

· Glossary (if needed)

Group Presentation Guidelines

Sci/Tech Communication

Your assignment is to give a 15 minute oral report based on your final project. Each member of your group is expected to participate equally in the presentation.

Format:

Introduction (Abstract)

· Capture attention.

· Define purpose.

· Give main points.

Provide an overview of your project. Be brief and remember the tenets of speech-making).

Body

· Provide background on the topic (facts, statistics, etc.).

· Briefly explain your research (what you did and what you found).

· What does it mean? What are your recommendations?

Convince your audience through the evidence of your research that your recommendations are appropriate.

Conclusion

· Briefly review your main points and recommendation/conclusion.

· Tie your research to broader implications.

· End with a strong call to action.

Control the tone and focus of your message so the audience focuses on the important aspects of the report.

Technological constraints:

Your presentation should include some audio/visual component. You may use PowerPoint, but it is not required. If you need access to the DVD/VHS machine, let me know in advance. Bring a jump/flash drive, but be sure to provide a backup/contingency plan (e.g., save slides on your “U” drive and send them to your email account as an attachment).

Things to remember for presenters:

1. Be professional and courteous.

2. Dress appropriately. (Attire to avoid: jeans, shorts, sneakers, flip-flops, t-shirts. Appropriate: slacks, skirts, collared shirts. Use an iron if necessary!)

3. Be attentive – when you are not speaking, pay attention to the speaker; do not be a distraction to the audience.

4. Be prepared.

5. Be clear. Speak up and speak clearly.

6. Be yourself. Relax. We all want you to do well.

Things to remember for audience members:

1. Be there! Attendance is important. An absence on a day you are not presenting (or inattention to the presenter) will reflect (negatively) on your presentation grade.

2. Let the speakers know if you cannot hear/understand them.

3. Ask questions. Show interest in your fellow students’ presentations.

4. Treat all presenters with respect.