The major project for this class is a full-scale,formal analytical business research report.This week we are introducing the assignment.On Sunday you will be required to submit thework plan for your business report. The work plan is an outline of your report.We will be building on the report weekly so you are prepared to submit in Week 6.

For this discussion,you will determine the topic you want to research for your final report. You have three options to choose from for writing your report:

1. A career exploration report Example:You have always enjoyed studying math, so you'd like to explore careers in engineering.If you choose the career report, explore a careeryou are studying for or are interestedin for your own future.
2. A report detailing a real problem inyourcurrent job/industry that you would like to help solve. Example:You believe that your company can save money by switching office suppliesvendors.If you choose the problem/solution report, choose a real-life issue fromwhere you work or workedand provide what you think is a plausible solution.
3. A general, consumer or business-related topic that applies to industry. You believe that maternity leave should be extended in American business.If you choose a consumeror business-related topic, make sure the topic is one thatyou are interestedinand is relevant.

Writing an effective business report is a necessary skill for communicating ideas in the business environment. Reports usually address a specific issue or problem and are often commissioned when a decision needs to be made. They present the author's findings in relation to the issue or problem and then recommend a course of action for the organization to take.

The key to a good report is in-depth analysis. Good writers will show their reader how they have interpreted their findings. The reader will understand the basis on which the conclusions are drawn as well as the rationale for the recommendations. Report writing uses some of the writing skills you have likely already acquired. You will structure your paragraphs and reference your ideas just as you have been doing in your essays and other assignments within your high school and college studies.

For this discussion post your initial response to the questions below. Remember, in addition to your initial post due Tuesday at 11:59pm you will need to respond to 4 classmates by Friday at 11:59pm.Your initial posting should:

• State the topic and provides a definition and/ or description if necessary to clarify topic
• Explain why topic was chosen
• Be clear and easy for readers to understand
• Contain no grammatical errors