Be the Critic $3$:

A report is a written document designed to communicate information about a particular subject. Reports are written objectively, though some can include analysis or recommendations. A report is usually written after some action has been taken. Some reports document the status of an activity or project as it occurs. Other reports are written at the conclusion of the activity or project. In your critique this week, you are asked to review an excerpt from a report written by Allison Browne. After reviewing her report, you must create an email to Browne that indicates what is wrong with the report and how it could be improved. Make specific suggestions for improvement. You will be graded on whether your critique demonstrates an understanding of the following criteria; however, remember to write your critique to Browne based on what is wrong$/$needs corrections and could be improved:

Is the report objective?

What does the report communicate? What is the main idea of the report?

Who is the audience of the report? What do they want to learn from reading the report? How are they likely to react?

Is the report informational? An informational report is appropriate when you want to provide a written summary of a subject for your reader. Opinions and recommendations are not included in an informational report.

Is the report analytical? Analytical reports typically present data, analysis, and a conclusion. Analytical reports often provide different options, identify pros and cons for alternatives, and include specific recommendations.

What evidence does the report provide?

Does the report answer questions and solve problems? Prepare recommendations and$/$or identify alternatives? Discuss or evaluate recommendations?

How could Browne make the information clearer and more understandable to her reader$($s$)?$

Does the report include any headings? If not, what do you suggest? If so$,$ are the headings clear? Are they meaningful?

Most reports include standard sections such as the introduction, background, current situation, facts, proposed solution, summary, conclusions, recommendations, pros and cons, reference list, and appendices. What sections currently serve the purpose of Browne$$s report? What sections need to be added, developed further, or deleted?

For help decoding reports and understanding what they should include, review Part $3$: Developing Reports and Proposals in our textbook.

Date: March $12,2011$

To: Ed Patterson

From: Allison Browne AB

Subject: Current State of Work from Home Program

Introduction

At your request, I prepared the following report on telecommuting.

Recommendations

$-$ Allow employees who have worked for the company at least two years to work from home.

$-$ Restrict telecommuting to two days per week.

Justifications

Telecommuting matches the company goal of flexible work options, such as flexible scheduling. Telecommuting seems to make employees more productive and efficient. This is especially true for salespeople. It also makes managing employees easier.

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the Work from Home program. By any criteria, it is quite successful.