Write a proposal for a research project that will constitute a major assignment in this course. Your instructor will tell you whether the proposal is to be written individually or collaboratively. Start by defining a technical subject that interests you. (This subject could be one that you are involved with at work or in another course.) Using abstract services and other bibliographic tools, compile a bibliography of articles and books on the subject. (See Chapter 5 for a discussion of finding information.) Create a reasonable real-world context. Here are three common scenarios from the business world:

• Our company uses Technology X to perform Task A. Should we instead be using Technology Y to perform Task A? For instance, our company uses traditional surveying tools in its contracting business. Should we be using GPS surveying tools instead?

• Our company has decided to purchase a tool to perform Task A. Which make and model of the tool should we purchase, and from which supplier should we buy or lease it? For instance, our company has decided to purchase 10 multimedia computers. Which brand and model should we buy, and from whom should we buy them?

• Our company does not currently perform Function X. Is it feasible to perform Function X? For instance, we do not currently offer daycare for our employees. Should we? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so? What forms can daycare take? How is it paid for? Following are some additional ideas for topics:

• the need to provide legal file-sharing access to students

• the value of using social media to form ties with a technical communication class on another campus

• the need for expanded opportunities for internships in your major

• the need to create an advisory board of industry professionals to provide expertise about your major

• the need to raise money to keep the college’s computer labs up-to-date

• the need to evaluate your major to ensure that it is responsive to students’ needs

• the advisability of starting a campus branch of a professional organization in your field

• the need to improve parking facilities on campus

• the need to create or improve organizations for minorities or women on campus These topics can be approached from different perspectives. For instance, the first one — on providing file-sharing access to students — could be approached in at least three ways:

• Our college currently purchases journals but does not provide legal file-sharing access for students. Should we consider reducing the library’s journal budget to subsidize legal file-sharing access?

• Our college has decided to provide legal file-sharing access for students. How should it do so? What vendors provide such services? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each vendor?

• Our college does not offer legal file-sharing access for students. Should we make it a goal to do so? What are the advantages of doing so? The disadvantages?