1. Chapter 10 Understanding and Planning Reports and Proposals 10-1

2. After studying this chapter, you will be able to: Describe an effective process for conducting business research Explain how to evaluate the credibility of an information source Explain secondary research and describe the two major categories of online research tools Explain primary research and identify the two most common forms of primary research for business communication purposes What is the purpose of informational reports? Learning Objectives 10-2

3. 10-3 Applying the Three-Step Writing Process to Reports and Proposals Informational Analytical Proposals Analyzing the Situation... to inform... to identify... to analyze... to recommend

4. 10-4 Gathering Information Organizing Your Information

5. Supporting Your Messages with Reliable Information Plan Locate Process Apply Manage 10-5

6. Locating Data and Information Evaluating Information Sources 10-6

7. 10-7 Using Your Research Results Quoting Paraphrasing Summarizing Drawing conclusions Making recommendations

8. 10-8 Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing Information

9. 10-9 Drawing Conclusions Making Recommendations Must be logically sound Should be based on information provided or referred to in the report What to do about the information Must be practical and based on sound logical analysis Be sure you have described course of action adequately

10. Conducting Secondary Research 10-10

11. 10-11 Finding Information Online Online Search Tools

12. Documenting Your Sources 10-12

13. 10-13 Conducting Primary Research Conducting Surveys Conducting Interviews

14. Planning Informational Reports Monitor and control operations Implement policies and procedures Demonstrate compliance Document progress 10-14

15. Planning Analytical Reports Assess opportunities Solve problems Support decisions 10-15

16. Focusing on Conclusions Focusing on Recommendations 10-16

17. Focusing on Logical Arguments 10-17

18. 10-18 Learning Objectives: Check Your Progress Describe an effective process for conducting business research Explain how to evaluate the credibility of an information source Explain secondary research and describe the two major categories of online research tools Explain primary research and identify the two most common forms of primary research for business communication purposes What is the purpose of informational reports?