As the capstone project for this course, you will write a comparative analytical report on a topic of interest to you and approved by me. The topic should be worthy of analysis: something a client would pay to know, something that can be debatedan analysis with two or more perspectives. Examples include a comparison of two or more products, services, people, groups, companies, institutions, events, etc. Use this opportunity to create a writing sample for your employment portfolio, which showcases your mastery of writing and critical thinking.
Your report must follow Chicago documentation stylesee the Harvard Business School Citation Guide 2014 15 Academic Year link in BBand include the following (check the boxes as you complete them):
Title Page
Introduction* Introduce the products, services, people, groups, companies, institutions, or events, etc.
(subject X vs. subject Y) you are going to compare. Give readers the background they need to understand the reason for the comparison. Use the indirect method by presenting your conclusion at the end of your report.
Body* Use the yardstick approach (BCT pgs. 396 & 397). Select at least three criteria to make your comparisons of subject X and subject Y. Give each criterion a sub-heading (e.g. Convenience, Cost, Environmental Footprint, etc.), then analyze how subject X and subject Y meet or do not meet the criterion. If you are making a comparison according to the effects it has on something or someone, be sure to provide details. Anticipate where readers might question either your criteria or how they apply to your subject. Also, address opposing viewpoints by acknowledging how their evaluations might differ and by showing why your evaluation is better.
Conclusion (and Recommendation, if appropriate)* After leading your readers by the hand through your
comparative analysis, they should be ready forand often in agreement withyour conclusion (and recommendation, if appropriate). Since the conclusion is what most readers are likely to retain, make it
interesting by including a compelling example or analogy.
Visuals You must have two (2) or more visuals, at least one (1) of which you createthough the information can be from an outside source. They should all be referred to in the preceding body paragraph and should be numbered, titled, and documented.
Secondary Sources Include three (3) or more credible secondary sources (journals, newspapers, business magazinesDo NOT rely on Google, Wikipedia, or other non-credible sources). Visit a librarian for help in searching our numerous databases. Your sources should be correctly integrated and cited (using footnotes).
Primary Source You need at least one (1) primary source. Examples are surveys, interviews and raw data, such as product specificationsthat have not been interpreted. So, if you use a manufacturers website for product specs, this is considered a primary source, not a secondary source.
Bibliography
* Minimum of 1,000 words for these combined sections.
This project requires you to rely on all of the skills you have gained so far and to learn some new ones. Work diligently. Refer to BCT Chapters 13, 14 and 15 for guidance. Go to the Writing Center and/or make an appointment with me to discuss any aspect of the report. Make yourself proud.
