English 235 Online CHECKLIST: FINAL REPORT P. Mesch

The Final Report combines the first two sections and the Bibliography of the Data Report with the three new sections for the Final Report: Analysis of Data, Conclusions, and Recommendations. Front and Back Matter are also added to complete the Final Report.

TITLE PAGE 5 POINTS

Title of Project is stated first (Comparative Study of…).

Type of Report is stated (Final Project Report).

Your reader’s name is stated (Prepared for…).

Your name is stated in the lower 1/3 of the page (Prepared by….).

The due date of the report is stated (March 17)

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2.5 points

List all elements and sections of the report with page numbers of first pages.

Number the front matter pages (everything before the Introduction) with small case

Roman numerals. The Title Page is considered “page i” but is not numbered. The Table of Contents is page ii.

After the front matter, the report is numbered using Arabic numerals from the Introduction through the final page of report.

Use a dotted or solid leader between elements and page numbers to guide the reader’s eyes.

List Appendixes in your Table of Contents but not graphics (figures).

LIST OF FIGURES 2.5 POINTS

List the graphics in your report with a number, title and page number.

You may number your graphics using a collective term (Figures) that covers all types of visual

elements, or more specific term (Table, Chart).

You may use sequential Arabic numbering (1, 2, 3, 4) or decimal style to indicate the specific

section or chapter where the graphic is found (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4).

It is easier for the reader if you present your graphics in one chronological list, rather than dividing

lists by types of graphics used

(Glossary of Terms) Optional

( List of Symbols) Optional

INTRODUCTION 5 POINTS

[= topic, purpose, scope of study, purpose of document, preview of contents]

The problem (topic) under investigation is explained clearly and specifically.

The reasons (purpose) for the research project are explained specifically.

The reader’s requirements (minimum specifications) are stated

The possible solutions (Options) to be studied are stated in sentence or list form.

The comparative aspects (Evaluative Criteria) are presented in a bulleted list.

The purpose of the Final Report is stated.

The contents of the report are “previewed” at the end of the Introduction.

RESEARCH DATA 15 POINTS

[= presentation of data]

Organize by Options

Present Options in the sequence listed in your Introduction

In the subsection for each Option, present all the research data for each criterion

Present data accurately and in an unbiased form

Present data for each criterion in sentence form. Support sentences with lists, graphics.

Cite the source of all data used in either footnotes or endnotes.

Do not compareOptions or Criteria data or language in this section.

RESULTS 20 POINTS

[= analysis of data]

Do compare the Project Options by each of the Evaluative Criteria.

Identify the best option choice (if there is one) for each criterion. Discuss the remaining options in order of ranking.

Explain the similarities and differences of the options for each criterion.

Introduce and explain the highlights of the graphic used to support, explain, and clarify the data.

In the graphic, present the option in order of placement for that criterion.

CONCLUSIONS 20 POINTS

[=statement of solution]

State which Option is the best choice and why: The number and names of criteria (of the total number) for which it

was first choice

State the number and names of criteria for which it was second choice, third choice, etc.

Or

Base the winner on total points calculated (first, second, third, etc.) if using a point system

Identify the second, third, etc. place winners by the number and name of criteria for which each was second, third

place, etc.

RECOMMENDATIONS 20 POINTS

[=action on solution]

Give reader suggestions about acting on the decision (deadlines, best places to buy the product, contact information, etc.)

Discuss discoveries you have made in the research about additional criteria that should be considered, very reliable

(or unreliable) sources, which aspects of the study will require further research.

Discuss a different outcome had certain criteria been considered more important than others.

Bring in your opinion and prior knowledge to either agree or disagree with the project conclusions.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (All sources compiled for research) 10 POINTS (Including footnotes/endnotes re: Data Report)

All sources (minimum 8 sources, including two interviews) used in Preliminary and Documented research are listed

alphabetically by author’s last name (or title, or company/ institution that “published” it).

Different pages of a web site are listed as separate sources.

Each source is listed in correct bibliographic form, using MLA documentation.

This Bibliography should present all of the sources you have researched for the Project.

(Appendixes/Appendices) Optional