Your team's target document is a collaboratively written recommendation report which comments upon the potential for either the construction and maintenance of a Web site (feasibility study) or revisions to an already existing page (usability study). This document should effectively mediate between the client's needs and the course's goals for this project. Your team's work should reflect consideration of both the client's desires and resources and the class's criteria for the research and production of a professional recommendation report.
In preparation for writing the report, your team will deliver
its well-coordinated and scripted, 15 minute presentation of the general findings
that will be in the written report on Wednesday, November 20 and Friday,
November 22.
Purposes
The purpose of the oral recommendation report is to orally communicate--using
both visual and verbal elements--feasible steps that the organization could
take in order to better utilize the potentials of the Web for promotion, ecommerce,
archiving information, or client relations. Your recommendations should focus
upon a few well-researched options that the client could implement immediately.
These options, however, also must enhance the client's long-term Web communications
plans. Although you may need to pay some attention to logistical issues, such
as ISPs, software programs, and the like, your oral report should not
simply consist of a how-to manual for creating basic Web pages. Focus instead
on recommendations espcially suited to the client's goals and rhetorical context.
Report format
Your formal, 15 minute report should:
1. Provide a general analysis of the client's needs and the team's proposed responses to those needs
2. Recap your field research
3. Highlight a few manageable options that the client can implement in order to meet its long-term Web communication goals. Whether you are conducting a feasibility or usability study, each of your recommendations should include the following 3 components:
a description should explain to the client the steps or actions that you are advocating.
a rationale should explain the why of your support of this particular action; explain to the client both why your team sees this action as feasible and how this action will benefit the client both immediately and in the long term.
a plan should describe to the client the specific steps necessary for the implementation and maintenance of this recommended action.
You should use a powerpoint presentation to present your report. Remember that each team member should participate. You might review the Oral Report and Considerations for OR documents that we have already reviewed.