This reflection blog summarizes the work completed and the things I have learned in Unit 3. The following gives an overview of the topics in Unit 3 with hyperlinks to the web page from ENGL 301:
Lesson 3.1: Writing with the Right Attitude
Lesson 3.2: Drafting Formal Reports
Lesson 3.3: Review and Reflect: Reading your Formal Reports & planning for the future
The main focus of my final research study and formal report has been Bath and Body Works’ Metrotown location in Burnaby. The store currently does not have a formal recycling program, for which there is a potential for negative impacts on the environment, customer perceptions, and competitiveness in the marketplace. The entire process of organizing the outline for my research project, writing the initial questions to investigate, conducting the study, and figuring out the takeaways and key insights from the results has been a very interesting and rewarding experience. I’ve learned that it takes a lot of patience to collect the data and once received, the analysis portion is of the utmost importance; that is what will drive insights and recommendations. I’m still working through the secondary research analysis to help inform strategies that the store can consider employing, and I’ve also realized the limitations of the study. For instance, further research could be conducted should the store manager and employees wish to better understand current and potential customers’ points of view on the importance of a recycling program, possible future usage, storage in the store, policies, incentives, and so on through focus groups or other means. It would also be interesting to survey customers of other competing stores to ensure understanding about the reasons why they shop there, whether the environmental concerns have an impact on their choice of retailer, and any other factors that may prove useful for Bath and Body Works.
The Writing with You Attitude assignment and peer review really made me consider how to write with the audience’s point of view as top-of-mind. It also made me think deeply about how the way one writes will certainly have an impact on how the reader will interpret and respond to the writing. In reviewing Ruth’s memo to the student who was trying to register for a class, she had some really great ideas that I can take away and incorporate into my own writing. For example, the subject line of “Strategies for Writing to Professors” was clear and concise, and showed that Ruth wanted to assist the student, not criticize. She also offered a genuine willingness to help the student further if needed, which was a great way to end the memo.
I’ve definitely learned a lot by working my way through Unit 3, and I look forward to Unit 4!