Chapter 9 Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods
Learning Objectives -
Identify the characteristics of a report and the various classifications of business reports.
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Apply steps in the problem-solving process and methods for solving a problem.
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Use appropriate printed, electronic, and primary sources of information.
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Demonstrate appropriate methods of collecting, organizing, and referencing information.
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Explain techniques for the logical analysis and interpretation of data.
After having studied informal communications including letters, memos, and electronic communication, students seem to understand the objective and formal nature of reports simply because of the contrast. Chapter 9 follows a sequence that begins with report characteristics and then covers the four steps in problem solving. Methods of research are presented, with considerable attention given to sampling and designing survey instruments used in normative surveys. Information is included for locating both printed and electronic sources of information.
Chapter Outline
CHARACTERISTICS OF REPORTS 140
Types of Reports 141
Proposals 143
BASIS FOR REPORTS: THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS 143
Recognizing and Defining the Problem 143
Selecting a Method of Solution 145
Collecting and Organizing the Data 149
Arriving at an Answer 155
Key Terms
Analytical report 142
Experimental research 148
External report 142
Formal report 142
Functional report 144
Hypothesis 144
Informal report 142
Informational report 142
Internal report 142
Lateral report 142
Longitudinal studies 145
Normative survey research 148
Observational studies 147
Periodic report 142
Plagiarism 150
Primary research 147
Problem statement 144
Procedures (or methodology) 145
Proposal 143
Reliability 149
Sampling 148
Secondary research 145
Statement of purpose 144
Validity 149
Vertical report 142
PowerPoint Slides -
Lecture Slides — Students can review key chapter concepts on the Lecture Slides (found on the companion website (Student’s Resources)). Slides can be downloaded for convenient printing of handouts for taking class notes.
Slide Number and Title
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Chapter 9 Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods
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Learning Objectives
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Formal-Informal Report Continuum
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The Problem-Solving Process
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Questions for Limiting the Problem
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Conducting Research
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Objectives of Secondary Research
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Types of Sources
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Common Errors in Data Collection
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Reasons for Accurate, Complete Documentation
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Common Errors in Data Interpretation
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E-lectures — Slides with engaging narration of key concepts—useful as reinforcement of lectures and exam reviews—are available through the WebTutor product.
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Resource Slides — A larger deck of slides for instructors for displaying in the classroom; these slides for class enrichment and solutions to activities and applications are also available at the companion website (Instructor’s Resources) and on the Instructor’s CD.
Slide Number and Title
1. Chapter 9 Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods
2. Learning Objectives
3. Learning Objective 1 Identify the characteristics of a report and the various classifications of business reports.
4. Characteristics of Reports
5. Types of Reports
6. Formal-Informal Report Continuum
7. Proposals Are . . .
8. Learning Objective 2 Apply steps in the problem-solving process and methods for solving a problem.
9. The Problem-Solving Process
10. Questions for Limiting the Problem
11. Learning Objective 3 Use appropriate printed, electronic, and primary sources of information.
12. Conducting Research
13. Objectives of Secondary Research
14. Types of Sources
15. Using the Internet Effectively
16. Types of Primary Research
17. Indicators of Effective Research
18. Sampling: Help for the Overwhelmed Researcher
19. Learning Objective 4 Demonstrate appropriate methods of collecting, organizing, and referencing information.
20. Guidelines for Designing Effective Questionnaires
21. Guidelines for Designing Effective Questionnaires (cont.)
22. Common Item Types for Questionnaires
23. Common Errors in Data Collection
24. Reasons for Accurate, Complete Documentation
25. Elements in an Electronic Citation
26. Learning Objective 5 Explain techniques for the logical analysis and interpretation of data.
27. Common Errors in Data Interpretation
Teaching Suggestions Learning Objective 1
Identify the characteristics of a report and the various classifications of business reports.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF REPORTS -
Show the visual or refer students to Figure 9-1 on page 142 in the textbook as you contrast the purpose and style of informal communication, with which students are already familiar, with formal communication that is best used in reports.
Resource slide 6: Formal-Informal Report Continuum
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As you introduce report characteristics and the various terms used in report classifications, you may want to display a complete report such as the one found in Chapter 11. You will be able to give students a better idea of what the characteristics mean and the role of research in gathering data. Students can then refer to this report in handling the remainder of the report chapters.
Resource slide 4: Characteristics of Reports
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