To be successful on this project you will need to review the textbook, the handouts, and these assignment instructions closely

SUMMARY: WHAT AM I DOING?

1) Review and analyze the recipe posted in the Module for Project 04.

▪ “Recipe for Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich”

2) Assignment: Write and organize a memo that achieves two goals:

1) Provides an analysis of the recipe’s weaknesses.

2) Includes recommendations on how to improve the recipe.

3) Use at least 3 transitional phrases from the Transitions List posted in modules.

1) Underline the transitional word or phrase that you chose.

MEMO ANALYSIS

▪ Length: 1-2 pages

▪ (You can use part of the second page if you need it)

Premise for Writing Your Memo.

You work for a company that publishes online recipes. Write your memo as if you were assigned this project by your manager (Me, Mr. Tangeman), and I have requested that you analyze an early version of the recipe, “PB&J Sandwich.” Now I am requesting that you evaluate the usability of the recipe (its weaknesses) and want you to make specific recommendations to improve it.

MEMO PARTS:

A typical memo includes an introduction (that establishes the subject, relevant context, and purpose), the body (which is your analysis and recommendations), and a conclusion (a brief and polite ending).

COMPANY NAME

(make one up)

MEMORANDUM

To: Mr. Tangeman

From: Your Name

Date: ???

Subject: See handout—”Memo Format Guide”

INTRODUCTION:

a. Indicate what motivated you to write the memo.

– You could suggest that your staff editors have received complaints regarding the effectiveness of the PB and J recipe.

– You could also write the memo as if you are responding to a report from QA testers (quality assurance).

– Or maybe our company received complaints from visitors (users) to our website.

b. Identify the broad problems you found with the recipe. You might also add some relevant context about the subject of your instructions.

c. Your introduction should end with a purpose statement.

(See the introduction from the Memo Format Guide and the Trans Globe Airline Memo as a general guide for your introduction).

BODY: The content (body) of the memo will have two parts. *Do not write the word “Body”

a. Write a persuasive analysis of the weak points of the instructions. This section should be the most developed (longest) part of the memo. It should include specific evidence and examples.

b. Write a specific list of Recommendations for Improvement.

 Create a bullet point list and detail the precise changes you are recommending.

CONCLUSION Brief, closing remarks are an opportunity to restate your observations and

analysis, make recommendations, and propose solutions. You’ve put it in writing; now make a call action.

Transitional phrases: Remember to include and underline 3 transitional words or phrases in your memo—use the “Transitional Phrase List” posted in modules.

MEMO DESIGN AND ORGANIZATION: You have creative flexibility with the memo format—however, you must use topics headings to organize the content for the reader.

▪ Review Chapter 13 (Designing Pages and Documents), but only focus on the following: (pages 281- 292 & 296 – 300)

Please use as reference the Memo Format Guide as a sample of the style of memo that you are designing. I also included memos from Chapter 20 (Informal Reports): Trans Globe Airlines (486-487) and (488), State Pension Fund (page 484). You will find them in the Module.

▪ Use whatever graphical or formatting elements that are most relevant and logical to your purpose: topic headers, sub headers, bullet points, boldface or numbers.

WHAT DO I MEAN BY ANALYSIS?

Definition: ANALYSIS is the breaking down or examination of the parts of an object, idea, or process.

Caution: The following statement “The recipe lacks visuals” is not a fully analytical statement, but merely an observation. For it to be “analytical” you also need to explain the consequences and/or weakness related to what is missing, or unclear, or ineffective about the missing visual. If a warning or caution or note is missing from the recipe, why is that problematic or weak?

Note: To effectively make your analytic statement, you must include examples and evidence from the instructions to support your claims.

VOCABULARY FOR THE ANALYSIS

You may find it helpful to reference the Usability Checklist that I posted in the Worksheets. The terms from that checklist could help you build your analysis.

Here are some of the design elements from the Usability Checklist:

▪ Visual design elements (images, color, font type, contrast)

▪ Appropriate detail, logically ordered sections.

▪ Organization

▪ Clearly labeled steps

▪ Appropriate language and tone

▪ Clear topic headers

▪ Content that is informed and accurate

▪ Use of tips, warnings, notes, cautions, definitions, examples.

▪ Direct and clear steps that are parallel in length.

▪ A clear and limiting title.

▪ Effective introduction

A Successful Instructions Memo will:

● Display a logical organization and attractive page design.

● Use correct memo format: Brief Introduction, Organizing Headers, Company Name (make it up) and clear Sections that separate the different parts of the memo.

● Offer an accurate analysis of the weak points of the original instructions using the guidelines set out in Chapter 19, and then makes recommendations for improvement.

● Provides an analysis that references some of the terms from the “Usability Checklist.”

● Displays proper grammar and mechanics.

● Use at least 3 transitional words or phrases that are underlined.

● Present material with concision, clarity, and fluency.