2.3 Formal Research Progress report

Memorandum – Progress Report

To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 Instructor

From: Brian Wong, ENGL 301 Student

Date: March 15, 2023

Subject: ENGL 301 Progress Report: Addressing Overcrowding of Study Spots at Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKB) and the Nest

As outlined in Lesson Two Unit Three, I have submitted my formal report outline on my team writing forum. Please see the progress report of my formal report below:

Intended Audience

Peter Meiszner, a Senior Media Analyst of the UBC Media Team and Mehak Bhourji, the Alma Mater Society (AMS) Student Services Market and Administrative Coordinator.

Purpose and Significance of Report

The purpose of this report is to increase awareness of study locations aside from IKB and the Nest to decrease overcrowding in those areas. In addition, suggestions for future action will be proposed to the AMS and UBC media team in order to effectively advertise and promote awareness of the findings among UBC students.

As the university continues to expand and more students attend, it is important for students to be aware of the resources available, such as study spaces. Decreasing overcrowding of study spaces will result in increased student efficiency, increased focus, and may potentially lead to increased academic performance. Therefore, it will be of benefit for the AMS and UBC Media team to advertise the findings of this report to all UBC students in order to prevent the negative effects of overcrowding.

Report Objectives

The objectives of this report are:

• To determine the level of overcrowdedness at IKB and the Nest
• To identify the reason(s) behind the popularity of IKB and the Nest
• To identify alternate study locations aside from IKB and the Nest
• To determine whether UBC students would move locations if overcrowdedness was a factor
• To determine student’s awareness on alternate study spaces 
• To provide recommendations on how to decrease overcrowdedness

Methods

Primary data collection will be done via an online survey targeted to UBC students. Attached is the link to the questions being used: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9YquGpNFM0qR6E6

Secondary research will include popular social media platforms such as the UBC reddit page to research student’s opinions on study spaces. Additionally, information from the UBC site and blogs will be used to identify alternative study locations.

Formal Report Outline

Attached is the link to the outline for the formal report: https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl30199c2022w2/2023/03/14/formal-report-outline-brian-wong/

Research Plan

• Identify the level of overcrowdedness at the IKB and the Nest
• Identify primary data sources, such as UBC students
• Create online survey questions distribute survey to UBC students
• Conduct research with secondary sources such as Reddit, UBC Blogs, UBC website 
• Analyze data collected from surveys
• Produce visuals detailing the results from primary data analysis
• Provide recommendations as to the optimal method of sharing the results from this report 

Writing Schedule

• March 15: Submit Formal Report Progress Report
• March 18 – 20: Incorporate revisions according to feedback
• March 20 – 25: Distribute surveys and begin collecting survey responses, conduct secondary research
• March 26: Conclude surveys and begin analyzing data
• March 27: Complete Introduction section of draft formal report and data analysis 
• March 28: Complete Data section of draft formal report
• March 27: Complete Conclusion section of draft formal report
• March 28: Finalize Formal Report draft and conduct a final check
• March 29: Submit Formal Report Draft
• April 3: Complete Peer Reviews 
• April 10: Incorporate feedback from peer reviews and instructor into draft
• April 12: Submit finalized Formal Report 

Thank you for taking the time to review this progress report. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.