M2 – Business Problem Memo Research Proposal
Business Communication
Assignment Requirements
Students will write a proposal for a memo in which they request authorization to research a problem at
their current, or past workplace- a problem with which they have first-hand experience. This might involve
adopting a new organizational structure, policy, procedure, product line/piece of equipment; or pursuing a
new mission, market, or line or research. Students should be able to write about the problem from a firsthand perspective that does not require research or citations. However, if you insist on choosing a topic
that necessitates research, you must use APA citations.
First, demonstrate that there is a problem (i.e., providing evidence of its existence and its impact on the
company) and then summarize how you would study-- and eventually solve-- the problem if authorized to
proceed.
Be sure to meet the following requirements:
1. Background and evidence that a problem or need for change exists
2. A research plan and timeline, including an indication of how and when you will present your
findings
3. Some indication of what you will need (e.g., release time; support staff; budget; access to
sensitive data) to complete research to find the best solution
4. Request permission to work on finding a solution to the outlined problem or need for change
This memo proposal should be under 250 words, double-spaced, using APA (if needed, but research is not
required), and addressed to someone in a position to act on it.
Please note, this proposal will be assumed approved and turned in to a complete memo in the M3 Business
Memo that includes research-based solutions to the problem addressed herein. There should be no solutions
listed in this proposal. Students do not actually have to conduct research and collect data for this assignment.
The required research will be literary research where you find similar organizations that discuss how they
solved similar issues or literature from academics or experts in the area. Please consult the M3 Business
Problem Memo assignment document for more information about the next phase of this project.
Module
Deliverable
Module 1
Nothing physical due, but identify your topic, meet with your partnership, and begin writing your
memo.
Module 2
Students will share their proposal in their partnership thread and then schedule a meeting to provide
feedback to each other.
Due Thursday, 11:59 pm: Proposal is due on Canvas both under Assignments and on the discussion
board – Note: Please notify your TA if you have not heard from your partner by Thursday 11:59 PM.
Due Sunday, 11:59 pm: Summary of the feedback conversation between partners (each person must
individually summarize the feedback that they gave and received during the meeting). *This item
factors into your Class Discussion grade rather than the Memo grade
M2 – Business Problem Memo Research Proposal
Business Communication
You will be assessed according to the following rubric.
Criteria
Purpose: makes the purpose clear at the onset with a strong
thesis/purpose statement
Problem: defines a problem with clear evidence of its existence
Persuasion: addresses audience concerns, objections, and
counterarguments
Organization: uses unified, coherent, well-developed sections
with effective introduction, transitions, timeline, and conclusion
Scope: uses appropriate scope (not too much or too little
information); provides enough context for those unfamiliar with
the topic; meets the length requirement
Permission: requests permission to study and eventually solve
the problem
Argument: provides sound reasons, rationale, and evidence to
establish the need for change (using APA references, if needed)
Format and Document Design: uses headings, indents, and white
space for high skim value; follows prescribed format
Style and Tone: uses varied and sophisticated language and
syntax with appropriate tone for the given audience
Mechanics: uses proper grammar, spelling and punctuation; uses
clear, concise, and varied sentences
Deficient
0< score <7
Adequate
7< score <8
Good
8< score <9
Excellent
9< score <10