Businesses use reports to help solve problems. Some problems are unique and call for information on a one-time basis. Other problems require a steady flow of information because they are recurring. Understanding the problem-solving process will help you prepare better reports and better solutions.

Reports can be used to solve various problems. Research used in a report can be used to prove or disprove a _____(problem statement/ hypothesis)____ .

Read the scenario about developing a hypothesis, and then answer the question.

The Bernini Brothers Foundation runs a home for retired circus performers. They have always relied on donations from circus personnel, but now they want to start a public fundraising campaign in Miami. The money will be used to build a new wing at the foundations home community. They hire your consulting firm to evaluate the fundraising opportunities in Miami.

Which of the following statements is the hypothesis to be proved or disproved for this study?

Miami residents are generous contributors to homeless shelters.

Senior citizens will take jobs with the circus to qualify to live in the home.

The population in the greater Miami area will contribute to the foundations cause.

Read the scenario about limiting the scope of the problem, and then answer the question.

Ms. Wallender, your boss, wants to hire a new information technology (IT) worker to redesign the company website. She asks you to prepare a report on IT salaries, so she will know what wages to offer the new IT employee.

How should you limit the scope of the problem you are trying to solve? Check all that apply.

Conduct a review of IT salaries nationwide.

Look at IT salaries in your local area.

Avoid defining salary because it is a hot-button issue.

Review the salaries of similar jobs at competing companies.

Words often have more than one meaning. Defining terms clearly will increase the accuracy of your report and your readers comprehension. Which of the following terms is the clearest and most likely to be understood by the reader of a report?

Duties

Clerical duties

Filing and reception duties

A major shortcoming that often occurs in research planning is the failure to establish or to recognize desirable limits.

When determining the scope of research, asking___(what/why)______will help the researcher zero in on the problem.