Project GTEE 1113 rem 21314

GTEE 1113- Technical Writing

Project Work

PROJECT TASK

As a group, you are required to research, write and submit a formal report.
In your report, present a specific problem or need that your group has identified and
how this problem or need can be resolved realistically.



WORKSHEET 1
CLASS DISCUSSION 1

1. In your respective groups, discuss problems or needs that you feel need to be
addressed in the university or your faculty or the centre where you are
studying. In solving the problem or need, you can make the university
environment more conducive for learning.
After your discussion, identify one specific problem or need that you all
agree must be dealt with by decision makers; for example, the Vice Chancellor,
Deputy Vice Chancellors, the Heads of Departments or Centres or anyone in an
authoritative position. You have to make sure the problem is specific and
authentic (see Appendix A for problems which are banned). Below is an
example.


Example:

I. Problem: Facilities not good enough (Too general and not clear)
What facilities are referred to in this statement?
What is meant by not good enough (not good enough is very
subjective)

II. Problem: There are facilities in our faculty that are either not functioning or
in need of maintenance. (Not specific enough)
What facilities exactly are not functioning?
Which facilities need maintenance only?
Are these the same facilities?


III. Specific Problem:
There are many facilities in our faculty that are in need of maintenance. One of them
is the air-conditioning unit in BT 2 at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics which
is leaking and the floor below it is always wet with a puddle of water.






Project GTEE 1113 rem 21314



PROBLEM STATEMENT

The air conditioning unit in BT2 at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics leaks
badly every time it is on.
(Your problem statement should answer some or all of these questions: Who, Why,
When, What, Where, How)

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

You believe this is a real problem and that something should be done to correct the
situation. Otherwise, someone may slip and injure him/herself.

Reference: Textbook - p 310

2. Brainstorm and identify

a. the background to the problem or need
- clearly support your statement/s with documentation
and references that explain the problem in order for the
audience to understand the discussion
b. all possible causes/reasons for the problem or need
c. all possible consequences if the problem or need is not
corrected or resolved

3. Verification/Proof of the problem or need

You must first determine that the problem or need exists through data
collected. Decide on the data gathering method/s you need to use to
verify the problem and its main cause. You also need to support with
evidence/documentation to justify the need for the research (this would
be the background).

4. Carry out the selected method to verify the problem or need within 2
weeks.
All evidence of this research should be collated to be included and
used effectively in the final report.

5. You should also determine:
a. your primary audience and secondary audience

6. Work should be allocated fairly among the group members. Document
the work division.






Project GTEE 1113 rem 21314



Class Assignment (Initial Report)

Each group is required to submit a plan of the research after the discussion. The plan
should include:
a. primary(the decision maker/s) and secondary audience(those who will be
affected by the implementation of the solution)
b. purpose
c. a statement of the problem (which answers the Who, What, When, Why and
Where questions)
d. background information to the problem or need
e. possible causes/reasons for the problem or need
f. possible consequences if the problem or need is not corrected
g. explain the data gathering method/s to be used to verify the problem or need
(submit a copy of the details of the data gathering method/s you plan to use
by week 6)

Initial Report
Group Members:
Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________
Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________
Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________
Name:_________________________ Matric Number: ________________

1. Audience
2. Purpose
3. Statement of problem or need
4. Background to the problem or need
5. Possible Causes/Reasons
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
6. Possible consequence/s
7. Data Gathering Method and Reasons for selecting the method
7.1.
7.2.

8. Work Allocation
(State the division of work for each member of the group. Please make sure there is a
fair distribution of work)
a.______________________________
b._______________________________
c._______________________________




Project GTEE 1113 rem 21314



Appendix A
Banned Problems

Monkey Menace
Inefficient Bus Service
Inefficient Wi-Fi Service
Insufficient Parking

Students cannot do their research on any of the problems stated above. Think of other
problems you want to find solutions for that could improve your learning environment.