This assignment asks you to demonstrate your understanding of a common type of business writing: the policy or procedure document.  You will work either from your own experience or from a case your instructor will supply.
 

WORK DUE:

1. A GRACE analysis memo (1-2 pages) in which you analyze the writing situation and explain your choices regarding the content, format, organization, and style of your document.
2. A Policy or Procedure document (1-2 pages).

 
ASSIGNMENT FOR DOCUMENT BASED ON WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE:

Drawing on your own experience, design a policy or procedure that your workplace or organization could use.  For example, you might select an "unwritten" policy that is currently followed within your organization and write it down.  Or, you might develop an new policy that is needed.  Or, you might select a task that is routinely performed in your organization and write a document that could be used to train a new employee to perform it.  Demonstrate your understanding of GRACE principles and pages 156-79 by creating a 1-2 page memo (or other appropriate document, as the situation warrants) that explains the policy or procedure.  Write a GRACE analysis memo so that I can follow your thinking and understand your choices for the document regarding content, format, organization, and style.
 

ASSIGNMENT FOR DOCUMENT BASED ON A CASE:

Your instructor may supply a case for you to work from.  This case will describe a business or organizational context in which there is a need for a policy or procedure document.  Demonstrate your understanding of GRACE principles and pages 156-79 by creating a 1-2 page memo (or other appropriate document, as the situation warrants) that explains the policy or procedure.  Write a GRACE analysis memo so that I can follow your thinking and understand your choices for the document regarding content, format, organization, and style.
 

EVALUATIVE CRITERIA:

The policy or procedure document

• Achieves its primary goal of "damage control": preventing employees from hurting themselves or others, from damaging equipment, or from committing the company to something that is harmful to the company's mission.
• Clarifies the organizational goals that the policy or procedure serves, the context in which these goals exist, and the means of accomplishing these goals.
• Establishes a positive tone and orientation to the reader by focusing on "Do" rather than "Don't."
• Provides positive alternatives along with guidelines that prohibit something.
• Includes appeals to utility, authority, and delimitations where appropriate.
• Organized and formatted according to who needs what information.
• Uses directional signals--page numbering, numbering within sections, indexes, etc.--where appropriate.
• Uses topic and/or keyword headings and places visual emphasis on risks or concerns.
• Follows any agreed upon institutional format.
• Makes the sequence of steps in a procedure clear and provides necessary contextual information.
• Uses clear and concise language
• Uses active voice verbs and (where appropriate) commands.
• Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation

• CONTENT:   The analysis highlights and explains major assertions, decisions, and assumptions.  Each section conveys its purpose clearly.  Each section provides enough detail  and evidence to be convincing.
• ORGANIZATION:  The organization  is well-suited to purpose and audience.  Categories are logical and, if the writer uses headings, headings are descriptive.
•  FORMAT: The  memo shows familiarity with the conventions of standard memo format.

STYLE AND MECHANICS:  Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are all correct.  Prose style is clear and concise. Writer uses strong active verbs whenever possible.  Tone and  language are well-suited to audience and purpose.