Unit Two Reflection Blog
LinkedIn Memo and Formal Report Proposal/Outline/Progress
1. Overview
The second unit of ENGL 301 explored formal report preparation, peer reviews, and networking using social media. The first assignment was a Formal Report proposal addressed to the ENGL 301 professor, Dr. Erika Paterson. The proposal introduced the problem to be addressed, its significance, and potential solutions. Furthermore, it detailed the analysis type, research methods, audience, and scope. After submitting the Formal Report proposal, students reviewed the work of their peers. In the next assignment, students leant about best practices for professional networking online by writing a brief memo with ten best practices for using LinkedIn. Unit two concluded with the submission of a memorandum addressed to Dr. Paterson detailing the students’ progress on the Formal Report, including an outline, research plan, and writing schedule.
2. Formal Report Proposal
a. Proposal
For assignment 2:1, students were required to submit a research proposal for the Formal Report. To complete the assignment, they brainstormed problems they have encountered in a public setting and assessed their impacts. Once selecting a problem, they had to propose methods of analyzing it and recommend solutions.
My involvement with the sustainability-focused student group Innovate, Design, Sustain (IDS) at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) helped focus the brainstorming process. As the co-leader of the IDS Campus Waste Initiatives team for the Winter 2022 Semester, I am knowledgeable about waste management on campus. Thus, it was a natural decision to choose ‘Improving the Understanding of Waste Sorting at the University of British Columbia Okanagan’ as the topic for my Formal Report. The UBCO campus experiences a significant amount of contamination in diversion waste streams, which can be in part attributed to a lack of awareness. The proposal established the methods for assessing the problem and analyzing the feasibility and efficacy of potential solutions. I look forward to analyzing the causes of and solutions to the lack of understanding of proper waste sorting practices at UBCO in the Formal Report.
b. Peer Review Process
The peer review was an excellent opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of writing proposals for formal reports. During the peer-review process, students assessed the strengths and weaknesses of a teammate’s proposal giving them insight on how to improve their writing. Reviewing Jeemin Kim’s proposal helped me to reflect on the importance of tone and language. Jeemin’s proposal had a fascinating topic and a professional tone. However, parts of the document lacked persuasive language, understating the problem’s significance and the merit of the solution. I frequently struggle with incorporating persuasive language in my writing. Thus, it was beneficial to see its importance from another perspective. The peer-review process clarified the importance of using a professional tone and incorporating persuasive language when writing a proposal.
c. Revision Process
The feedback given in the peer review by Jeemin helped me identify strengths, errors, and omissions that were missed in the self-editing process. Jeemin commended the organization, tone, and language used. However, they noted the lack of clarity in identifying the audience and their authority to act on the Formal Report recommendations. I have revised the proposal to clearly indicate the audience of the Formal Report as the Campus Waste Initiatives (CWI) team of the student organization Innovate, Design, Sustain. The CWI team works closely with the UBCO Facilities Management department to implement waste management improvements on campus. Therefore, they can use the recommendations in the formal report to inform their current and future projects to improve the understanding of waste sorting on campus. In addition, Jeemin recommended adding details to the ‘My Qualifications’ section of the proposal to clarify why my background as a civil engineering student is beneficial to the analysis. This feedback reminded me of the importance of writing for an audience. I have edited this section of the proposal to be more clear for readers who do not have an engineering background by eliminating jargon. Finally, the peer review pointed out some minor spelling, grammar, and wording errors. The errors identified are typical in my writing and are a reminder to be more diligent in future assignments. Overall, the feedback from Jeemin identified the strengths and weaknesses of the Formal Report Proposal, helping me to improve the document and future works.
3. LinkedIn Memorandum
LinkedIn is a social media platform that helps professionals connect with people in their field. To successfully network using LinkedIn you must be confident, polite, and create an eye-catching profile. Professional networking is crucial at the start of a career; however, many students struggle with it, me included. This assignment was an excellent chance for students to research how to use LinkedIn effectively and share their findings with their writing team. To write the memorandum, students had to identify the best practices for professional networking and communication on social media. After completing this assignment, I feel more confident using LinkedIn for professional networking and to connect with people in my industry. I incorporated my findings and the suggestions of my peers in my profile and will review them before future job searches to maximize my efforts.
4. Formal Report Outline and Progress
a. Outline
The Formal Report Outline is a short document, and the example provided in the course textbook was convenient and easy to understand. Writing the outline helped me plan the content and format of the report. Furthermore, it clarified the areas that are the most important and those that require additional work. Overall, the outline is an excellent starting point for the Formal Report Draft due in late July.
b. Progress Report
One of the final assignments of Unit Two was a memorandum detailing the Formal Report progress. The submission included a research plan, survey draft, and a writing schedule. Writing these documents helped me reflect on the outstanding tasks for the Formal Report and create a plan to complete them. The comprehensive Progress Report instructions on the course website and the example on the Instructor’s Blog made the writing process straightforward.
I have made good progress on the formal report thus far, and have done the following:
- Completed the informational Interview and reviewed the responses collected.
- Identified and reviewed the waste contamination standards and regulations that UBCO must follow.
- Found relevant case studies and journal papers for the literature review.
- Created an outline and began compiling the information for the sections of the report.
- Finalized the survey for UBCO students and received approval from the course instructor.
To meet the deadlines outlined in the writing schedule I will have to remain diligent and work on the report regularly. Following this schedule will help me to write an informative Formal Report with meaningful recommendations for Improving the Understanding of Waste Management at UBCO.
5. Links