What is the problem and what are the best approaches for solving it?
Report
Understand and apply the conventions of a report
Address a specific problem and develop realistic potential solutions to that problem
Integrate evidence gathered from research to support an argument
Use data visualizations to integrate data in support of an argument
Apply the stylistic conventions of professional writing to craft an effective argument
Apply principles of document design to create a visually appealing document designed for readability
Presentation
Use visual design principles to develop appealing and appropriate slides
Practice effective presentation skills
Collaboration
Work as a team to collaboratively produce a successful formal report
In completing the Feasibility Report assignment, you will be reporting on local problem and complete the following activities:
Research the problem, to include
○ Background and context
○ Quantitative data (e.g., statistics, demographics, etc.)
○ Qualitative data (e.g., interviews or surveys, etc.)
Develop explicit decision criteria (at least three) used to assess the feasibility of potential solutions
○ Decision criteria: Variables or characteristics that are important to the organization making the decision. (i.e., human resources, budget, real property issues, environmental issues, usability, etc.)
Generate solutions (at least three) that significantly that work to improve, if not fix the problem
Write a feasibility report presenting your work that synthesizes your research with their decision criteria to evidence the feasibility of all solutions provided, and also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each solution
○ Your feasibility report will include data visualizations where appropriate
Note that you are not picking your favorite solution in the feasibility report. The job of the feasibility report is to present the problem in context and supply three well-researched solutions with a discussion of feasibility and relative costs/benefits of each. What you are doing is preparing information that would enable the recipient of the report to make an informed decision regarding what to do about the problem.
ASSIGNMENT: THE FEASIBILITY REPORT
Working in teams, you will write a formal feasibility report about a specific issue on campus, in the workplace, or in our community. The report will analyze the issue, present at least three possible actions/solutions that address the situation, and assess the feasibility of each solution using decision criteria relevant to the problem and supported by research.
Feasibility reports are used to assess whether an idea or plan is practical. The feasibility report presents possible solutions and assesses their feasibility. It does not select a solution and recommend or propose its implementation. Feasibility reports answer questions such as:
What is the problem and what are the best approaches for solving it?
Is a particular course of action likely to succeed?
Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
What are the pros and cons?
What are the alternative courses of action?
Should anything be done at all?
Is the timing right for action?
Research underpins the analysis of the situation, the grounds for identifying specific decision criteria, and the feasibility analysis of your solutions. Also, solutions must be realistic (i.e., sorry, no flying cars).
Presentation
A persuasive presentation is key to making a successful report that would result in action. Presentations can be given in the final week of the semester. Student teams should create and present a final presentation that outlines your report, including a description of the problem, decision criteria, and potential solutions. The presentation format would follow the format of the written report with rhetorical choices to edit content and facilitate maximum audience impact.
Collaboration
Successful collaborative writing is a major objective of the project. You will be asked to consider your work habits and the implications of those habits when working collaboratively. In teamwork, leverage team member strengths in the workflow and in assigning duties–i.e., math skills, attention to detail, writing skills, visual design skills, strong organizational skills. Also build into your workflow ways to negotiate work habits like procrastination or perfectionism to ensure that all team members complete work on time and up to the teams specifications. The initial memo deliverable includes a Team Charter that asks you to be both critically reflexive and honest with the team about your work habits, and to think through how the team will work together. Collaborative skills are further developed through regular Team Progress Reports. The efficacy of the team’s collaborative efforts is reflected in the Individual Team Evaluations submitted at the end of the semester.
FEASIBILITY REPORT DELIVERABLES
You will have several components to the team project:
Memo to the Instructor
○ explains the team’s planned course of action for the project
○ Includes Team Charter and Work Plan
Formal Feasibility Report
Presentation
Team Progress Reports
Self and Team Evaluations
SAMPLE FORMAT FOR FEASIBILITY REPORT
Overview
Abstract
Purpose of Report
Background/Analysis of Problem
List of decision criteria (with justification) used to judge the solutions’ feasibility
Solution 1
Description
Whether/how/how well it satisfies the decision criteria
Research proving whether or it is feasible
Solution 2
Description
Whether/how/how well it satisfies the decision criteria
Research proving whether or it is feasible
Solution 3
Description
Whether/how/how well it satisfies the decision criteria
Research proving whether or it is feasible
Call to Action
Is/Is not taking action to address the problem feasible?
Why/Why not
When/How (Now/later; Need this/that)
References
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