Exam 13: Writing Recommendation Reports

What fundamental question does the results section of a recommendation report answer?

Which of these is a limitation of a decision matrix?

Which of these is an example of documentation in a report?

According to Chapter 13, decision criteria fall into two categories: necessary and imperative.

Which of the following recommendation statements is NOT effective?

According to Chapter 13, you must establish your decision criteria before you determine your options for addressing the problem.

What fundamental question does the methods section of a recommendation report answer?

What is the name for a table or spreadsheet used to systematically evaluate options according to specific criteria?

The air-conditioning system of Marcus Department Store has not been adequately cooling the store's first-floor office pod. At this point, the problem is not serious because three large shade trees overhang this portion of the building and ceiling fans provide air circulation. Although slumping sales prohibit any large expenditures at this time, the store's owner still wants to find out the reasons for the cooling failure. Consequently, his staff should conduct a study that would provide which of the following?

According to Chapter 13, the conclusions section of a typical recommendation report provides a summary of the report.

According to Chapter 13, which of the following is NOT an acceptable way to present your conclusions in a recommendation report?

Into what two categories can criteria be classified?

In a decision matrix, which factor demonstrates a criterion's importance?

What is the purpose of providing front matter in a report?

A consulting company hired by Best Builders has just completed a study to determine the best fencing for a condominium complex Best Builders will construct. The technical writer preparing a recommendation report of the feasibility study has compiled the following information to be used in the report: Because the complex will be located in an environmentally sensitive area, the fence must visually enhance the property while blending in with its surroundings, yet at the same time adding a measure of safety. In order to keep monthly condominium dues as low as possible, the fence must not require a high degree of maintenance. Its minimum life should be 25 years, and it should cost under $70,000. The options researched were stone, vinyl, vinyl-coated iron, and wood. Both types of vinyl fencing will last up to 25 years, stone up to 50 years, and wood up to 15 years. Wood fencing must be painted or stained periodically. Maintenance for vinyl and stone fencing consists of occasionally washing with water. Based on two bids for each type of fencing, all types fall within the maximum allowable cost. Wood was cheapest, followed closely by vinyl. Stone and vinyl-coated iron were the most expensive. We think the best course of action is to have a stone wall built by Masonry Builders, Inc., to enclose the new condominium complex. What additional information is needed for the recommendation report?

What is the difference between the conclusions section and the recommendations section of a report?

Which of these questions does NOT need to be answered in the footnotes or discussion following a decision matrix?

What fundamental question does the conclusions section of a recommendation report answer?

According to Chapter 13, a report does not need a letter of transmittal if the writer and the reader work in the same organization.

According to Chapter 13, the methods section of a recommendation report answers the question "What equipment did you use in conducting this investigation?"