GTEE 1113- Technical WritingProject Work

PROJECT TASK

As a group, you are required to research, write and submit a formal report.In your report, present a specific problem or need that your group has identified and how this problem or need can be resolved realistically.

WORKSHEET 1CLASS DISCUSSION 1

1. In your respective groups, discuss problems or needs that you feel need to be addressed in the university or your faculty or the centre where you are studying. In solving the problem or need, you can make the university environment more conducive for learning. After your discussion, identify one specific problem or need that you all agree must be dealt with by decision makers; for example, the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, the Heads of Departments or Centres or anyone in an authoritative position. You have to make sure the problem is specific and authentic (see Appendix A for problems which are banned). Below is an example.

Example:

I. Problem: Facilities not good enough (Too general and not clear) What facilities are referred to in this statement?

What is meant by “not good enough” (‘not good enough’ is very subjective)

II. Problem: There are facilities in our faculty that are either not functioning or in need of maintenance. (Not specific enough)

What facilities exactly are not functioning? Which facilities need maintenance only? Are these the same facilities?

III. Specific Problem:There are many facilities in our faculty that are in need of maintenance. One of them is the air-conditioning unit in BT 2 at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics which is leaking and the floor below it is always wet with a puddle of water.

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PROBLEM STATEMENT

The air conditioning unit in BT2 at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics leaks badly every time it is on. (Your problem statement should answer some or all of these questions: Who, Why, When, What, Where, How)

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

You believe this is a real problem and that something should be done to correct the situation. Otherwise, someone may slip and injure him/herself.

Reference: Textbook - p 310

2. Brainstorm and identify

a. the background to the problem or need- clearly support your statement/s with documentation and references that explain the problem in order for the audience to understand the discussion

b. all possible causes/reasons for the problem or needc. all possible consequences if the problem or need is not

corrected or resolved

3. Verification/Proof of the problem or need

You must first determine that the problem or need exists through data collected. Decide on the data gathering method/s you need to use to verify the problem and its main cause. You also need to support with evidence/documentation to justify the need for the research (this would be the background).

4. Carry out the selected method to verify the problem or need within 2 weeks.All evidence of this research should be collated to be included and used effectively in the final report.

5. You should also determine:a. your primary audience and secondary audience

6. Work should be allocated fairly among the group members. Document the work division.

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Class Assignment (Initial Report)

Each group is required to submit a plan of the research after the discussion. The plan should include:

a. primary(the decision maker/s) and secondary audience(those who will be affected by the implementation of the solution)

b. purposec. a statement of the problem (which answers the Who, What, When, Why and

Where questions)d. background information to the problem or need e. possible causes/reasons for the problem or needf. possible consequences if the problem or need is not correctedg. explain the data gathering method/s to be used to verify the problem or need

(submit a copy of the details of the data gathering method/s you plan to use by week 6)

Initial ReportGroup Members:

Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________

1. Audience2. Purpose3. Statement of problem or need4. Background to the problem or need5. Possible Causes/Reasons

5.1.5.2.5.3.

6. Possible consequence/s7. Data Gathering Method and Reasons for selecting the method

7.1.7.2.

8. Work Allocation(State the division of work for each member of the group. Please make sure there is a fair distribution of work)a.______________________________b._______________________________c._______________________________

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Appendix ABanned Problems

Monkey Menace Inefficient Bus Service Inefficient Wi-Fi Service Insufficient Parking

Students cannot do their research on any of the problems stated above. Think of other problems you want to find solutions for that could improve your learning environment.

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