Exam 18: Writing Recommendation Reports

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 based on 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?

Which of these would be included in the front matter for a report?

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

Jan is a technical writer for Endco, Inc., a company that has just completed a study to determine whether to convert to a more advanced type of server software. Jan is now compiling information for a report that will document the study and will be presented to Endco's CEO, budget director, and operations manager. Jan made a table showing the pros and cons of each of the three brands of software under consideration, along with costs. And Endco's Computer Services director gave Jan his conclusions about each brand and suggestions for what the company ought to do next. Which of the following statements is correct?

In the recommendations section of a recommendation report, you should avoid recommending that the organization take no action or no action at this time.

What three decisions do you need to explain in the discussion or footnotes that accompany a decision matrix?

A feasibility report is an argument that answers three kinds of questions. One kind is questions that concern possibility. What is one other kind of question?

What is the term for a report section that functions as a brief condensation of the report addressed to managers?

According to Chapter 18, a report does not need a letter of transmittal if the writer and the reader work in the same organization.

Which is NOT a function of back matter in a report?

Which of these is a limitation of a decision matrix?

According to Chapter 18, which of the following is NOT an acceptable way to present your conclusions in a recommendation report?

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

You are writing a recommendation report about how to improve the quality of your hotel's customer service. You believe that an online employee training system called Star Service would be helpful. Employees would log on to Star Service for 15 minutes every two weeks to watch videos and answer quiz questions. Where in your report should you mention your recommendation to purchase access to Star Service?

Into what two categories can criteria be classified?

The essential questions answered in the introduction of a recommendation report are similar to those answered in the introduction to what other kind of document?

You should always avoid recommending a course of action that is inconsistent with the conclusions you derived.

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 determine the reasons for the cooling failure. Consequently, his staff should conduct a study that will result in which of the following?

According to Chapter 18, the conclusions section of a typical recommendation report provides a summary of the report.