Compare and contrast the three classic paragraph plans discussed ...

[savannahhooper]

Compare and contrast the three classic paragraph plans discussed in your book. When would each be used?

Question 2

SCENARIO BASED QUESTIONS Analysis of an executive summary of a report Read and analyze the following executive summary of a report written on the implementation of a secure intranet. Executive Summary Braden Inc, a small but growing manufacturing business, has been operating in Indianapolis, Indiana, for ten years. Darren Russell, the president, considered the implementation of a website for the company. He had concerns about the cost to create and maintain an effective site. Russell established a team to study the possibility of setting-up a company website at an affordable cost. The team conducted research using primary and secondary research methods. Current literature was examined, and a survey was conducted through a Chamber of Commerce membership list of 50 small business owners of various companies in the metropolitan area that had a company website. The report discussed the following topics related to the initiation of a company website: (1 ) benefits to be gained, (2 ) challenges in development and maintenance, (3 ) projected costs, and (4 ) guidelines for getting started. Detailed conclusions of the study can be found in the full report. The study concluded that intranets have become extremely popular because of the various benefits they offer. Potential problems of intranets can be addressed with recommended security measures. Braden Inc should proceed with plans to establish a secure intranet. Required: Write a critical analysis of this executive summary and discuss the content as well as the writing style.

[nickk12214]

Answer to Question 1



Direct Plan: Paragraphs arranged in the direct plan begin with the main sentence, followed by supporting sentences. Most business messages use this paragraph plan because it clarifies the subject immediately. This plan is useful whenever you must define (a new product or procedure), classify (parts of a whole), illustrate (an idea), or describe (a process). Simply start with the main sentence; then strengthen and amplify that idea with supporting ideas.



Pivoting Plan: Paragraphs arranged in the pivoting plan start with a limiting sentence that offers a contrasting or negative idea before delivering the main sentence. The pivoting plan is especially useful for comparing and contrasting ideas. In using the pivoting plan, be sure you emphasize the turn in direction with an obvious but or however.



Indirect Plan: Paragraphs arranged in the indirect plan start with the supporting sentences and conclude with the main sentence. This useful plan enables you to build a rationale, a foundation of reasons, before hitting the audience with a big ideapossibly one that is bad news. It enables you to explain your reasons and then, in the final sentence, draw a conclusion from them. This indirect plan works well for describing causes followed by an effect.

Answer to Question 2

The executive summary provides a background and explains the problem leading to the need for the study. It presents the purpose of the study and identifies the person authorizing it. The methods used to solve the problem are described, but more could be said about the types of secondary sources used. Major sections of the report are mentioned, but the findings are very brief. The conclusions and recommendations should have been included more specifically. The writing style is succinct and appropriate for the purpose.

[savannahhooper]

TYSM

[ghepp]

Excellent