Scenario:

The CEO of your company, Rebecca Clary, is considering more flexible work practices.  Choose one of the following options currently under consideration:

1) Telecommuting one or two days per week or

2) A modified work schedule, such as four ten-hour days per week, nine nine-hour days per two week period, or flexible start and end times

The Human Resources Department conducted a survey to collect primary data from employees regarding their flexible work practice preferences for both option 1 and option 2.  The results of the surveys for both option 1 and option 2 are provided within the Module.

Ms. Clary asked you to evaluate the survey data (primary data) and supplement these data with outside research (secondary sources) that would help her determine if switching schedules is a good business decision.  The secondary sources should include credible data from third party researchers or from companies that have implemented work schedule changes.

Well-thought out arguments for and against the option you choose to research are required.  Ms. Clary also expects your recommendations to reflect the research and data presented in the report. Personal opinions are irrelevant.

Your final deliverable is a well-researched, unbiased analytical report evaluating the feasibility of one of the two listed options above.

You must use the Final Analytical Business Report template provided as a Word document in the Module.  Not only is the template a good example of a technical business report writing format, it also contains suggestions on how to organize your final analytical report.

Required elements of your Final Analytical Business Report:

1. Cover Page – You are welcome to design an attractive cover page layout, but be sure to include the report title, the sponsor name (your CEO), the sponsor’s organization, and the date of completion.  There is no page number on the cover page.
2. Contents Page – The headings and sub-headings should be exactly what is written in the report.  Be sure to use informative headings.
3. Table of Figures Page
4.  Executive Summary – The executive summary is an essential part of the report. The reader should have enough information from this summary to make an informed decision without reading the rest of the report.
5. Body of Report, including
   • introductory paragraph
   • problem statement
   • purpose statement
   • research questions
   • methodology
   • discussion of findings/research
   • a minimum of two graphs/figures
   • conclusions
   • recommendations
6. Sources in APA style
7. Appendix (at least 1) – Use the file “Primary Data – Telecommuting” or “Primary Data – Flex” for your Appendix A. An in-body citation for the appendix is required. Most students cite the appendix in the methodology section.  Others prefer to reference the appendix when they discuss the survey data in the discussion of findings section.