Question 1

Which of the following recommendation statements is NOT effective?
A) NerveCenter software shows excellent potential in helping us increase our productivity.
B) We should buy NerveCenter software because other companies have successfully used it to address problems similar to ours.
C) We should buy NerveCenter software to address our productivity problem.
D) We should buy new software to fix our productivity problem.

Accepted Answer

Option D is not an effective recommendation statement because it does not provide specific details about what software to buy, leading to confusion and uncertainty. The other options provide more specific information about the software and how it can benefit the company.

Question 2

The results section of a recommendation report is most likely to contain which of the following kinds of information?
A) analyses
B) data
C) suggestions
D) summaries

Accepted Answer

The results section of a recommendation report typically contains data that was collected and analyzed in order to make the recommendations. This data may include statistics, survey results, or other quantitative information that supports the recommendations being made. The other choices (analyses, suggestions, summaries) may be included in other sections of the report, but are not usually the focus of the results section.

Question 3

Which of these questions does NOT need to be answered in the footnotes or discussion following a decision matrix?
A) Why did you assign that particular weight to each criterion?
B) What are the most significant findings?
C) Why did you choose each criterion-or omit one the reader might have expected to see?
D) Why did you assign that particular rating to each option?

Accepted Answer

The most significant findings should be included in the main body of the decision matrix, not just in the footnotes or discussion. The other questions are important to address in the discussion following the decision matrix to provide transparency and clarity on the decision-making process.

Question 4

Which of these would be included in the front matter for a report?
A) the introduction
B) the glossary
C) the executive summary
D) the recommendations

Accepted Answer

The executive summary is typically included in the front matter of a report, providing a concise overview of the report's contents for quick reference.

Question 5

The essential questions answered in the introduction of a recommendation report are similar to those answered when introducing what other kind of document?
A) a proposal
B) an incident report
C) meeting minutes
D) a job-application letter

Accepted Answer

The introduction of a recommendation report typically includes an overview of the problem or issue that the report addresses, the goals and objectives of the report, and a preview of the recommendations that will be presented. Similarly, an introduction to a proposal would typically provide an overview of the project or initiative being proposed, along with the goals and objectives of the proposal. In contrast, an incident report would typically include an overview of the incident itself and the actions taken in response, while meeting minutes would provide a summary of the discussions and decisions made at a meeting. A job-application letter would introduce the applicant and express their interest in a particular position, rather than answering essential questions about a problem or issue.

Question 6

What is the name for a table or spreadsheet used to systematically evaluate options according to specific criteria?
A) problem-solving model
B) recommendation generator
C) decision matrix
D) flowchart

Accepted Answer

A decision matrix is a tool used to evaluate options based on specific criteria. It allows for a systematic and objective approach to decision making, and can be helpful in complex situations where there are multiple factors to consider.

Question 7

You are writing a recommendation report about how to improve the quality of your hotel's customer service. You believe that an online system called Star Service will make your hotel's customer service better. Employees log onto Star Service for 15 minutes every two weeks to watch videos and answer quiz questions. Where should you mention your recommendation to purchase access to Star Service?
A) in the executive summary
B) in an appendix
C) in the back matter
D) None of the responses are correct.

Accepted Answer

The recommendation to purchase access to Star Service is a key part of the report and should be included in the executive summary, which is the first section of the report and provides an overview of the report's contents. This will ensure that the recommendation is prominently featured and clearly communicated to the reader. Including it in an appendix or back matter may not ensure that the recommendation is noticed or given sufficient attention.

Question 8

What is the purpose of providing front matter in a report?
A) to help readers understand the whole report and find the information they seek
B) to give readers answers to questions that the body of the report does not cover
C) to help readers know what sources to consult for additional information
D) All responses are correct.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the purpose of providing front...

Question 9

The excerpt below is the beginning of the results section of a recommendation report about exercise equipment for a new fitness center. What is wrong with the excerpt?
RESULTS
In this section, we describe our research into the best exercise equipment for your new fitness center. We consulted Consumer Reports and Health Fitness and interviewed Dr. Hilda Candlish, exercise physiologist, to evaluate the type and quality of equipment that will best meet your needs.
Treadmills
Treadmills are essential equipment for your fitness center, especially with the limited number of outdoor running trails available in your neighborhood. Johnsung Cardio Trainer, TreadTrainer SJ928, and the Pacer Elite 1100 are the most popular models ("Treadmills," Consumer, p. 102). Studies have shown these models to be the most effective for cardio health (Candlish). We also researched the ProTread 44 and Precision Treader models 24 and 28. We found that the SJ928 had the best overall performance ratings ("Treadmills," Consumer, p. 103) and is priced very competitively locally (Sportshoppe, GymTastic). We conclude that your center should purchase a dozen of these treadmills for zone C of our floor diagram, shown below.
Stationary Bicycles
Both types of stationary bicycles, recumbent and upright, should be available at every fitness center (Candlish). Though the TrueFitness 356 has the best fitness rating (Health), it has received low ratings for durability and reliability ("Latest," Consumer), and . . .
A) Conclusions should not be integrated into the results section.
B) The advance organizer is not needed because each section begins with a subhead.
C) Because this is a recommendation report, text citations are not needed.
D) Task lists describing the methodology used should introduce each section.

Accepted Answer

The excerpt combines the results and conclusions sections, which should be separated in a report. The results section should only present the findings of the research without making any recommendations or conclusions.

Question 10

The R&D division of Nickelburg Steel has just completed testing to determine the best high-strength, low-alloy steel to use for a project. Of the five steel samples, labeled A, B, C, D, and E, steel samples A and B satisfy the minimum requirements, while samples C and D are just barely acceptable. Steel sample E failed the tests. How should the recommendation section of the formal report to the CEO be written?
A) We conclude that samples A and B should be used to complete the project.
B) We are confident that the following recommendations will correct the failures of the procedures already developed by the company:
1. Samples A and B should be used to fill all future orders.
2. Samples C and D should be used only if A and B are out of stock.
3. Sample E should not be used.
C) We recommend that samples A and B be used to fill all future orders, C and D be used only if A and B are out of stock, and E rejected.
D) We recommend the following action:
1. Use samples A and B to fill all future orders.
2. Use samples C and D only if A and B are out of stock.
3. Do not use sample E.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The R&D division of Nickelburg Steel has...

Question 11

The air-conditioning system of Marcus Department Store has not been adequately cooling the store's first-floor office pod. At this point, the problem is not serious because three large shade trees overhang this portion of the building and ceiling fans provide air circulation. Although slumping sales prohibit any large expenditures at this time, the store's owner still wants to find out the reasons for the cooling failure. Consequently, his staff should conduct a study that would provide which of the following?
A) a proposal
B) an informational report
C) a recommendation report
D) an incident report

Accepted Answer

An informational report would provide the owner with the reasons for the cooling failure without making specific recommendations for action. This report would help the owner make an informed decision on how to proceed with the air-conditioning system without necessarily requiring an immediate expenditure.

Question 12

Which of these is a limitation of a decision matrix?
A) It is less effective with decision criteria that are primarily qualitative and not quantitative.
B) It is less effective with decision criteria that are primarily quantitative and not qualitative.
C) Some readers may resist the bottom-line presentation of scores.
D) None of the responses are correct.

Accepted Answer

A decision matrix relies on assigning numerical values to different criteria and options, which may be difficult or impractical for qualitative criteria that cannot be easily measured or represented in numbers. Therefore, it is less effective with decision criteria that are primarily qualitative and not quantitative.

Question 13

What is the difference between the conclusions section and the recommendations section of a report?
A) The two sections are interchangeable.
B) Conclusions explain what the collected data mean, whereas recommendations list specific actions to take.
C) Recommendations explain what the collected data mean, whereas conclusions list specific actions to take.
D) Conclusions are directed toward your internal audience, whereas recommendations are directed toward your external audience.

Accepted Answer

The conclusions section provides a summary of what the collected data mean and what conclusions can be drawn from it, while the recommendations section outlines specific actions that should be taken based on those conclusions. These two sections are not interchangeable, as they serve different purposes in the report.

Question 14

Which of these is an example of documentation in a report?
A) a citation for an article that gave you information for the report
B) a title for a table you created
C) a list of symbols you use throughout the report
D) an appendix

Accepted Answer

A citation is a clear example of documentation in a report, as it provides a way for the reader to access and verify the information used in the report. B, C, and D may be elements of a report, but they do not necessarily serve as documentation of sources or information.

Question 15

What is the purpose of providing back matter in a report?
A) to provide information that elaborates on details in the body of the report
B) to help readers know where to go for additional information
C) to give readers answers to questions that the body of the report does not cover
D) All responses are correct.

Accepted Answer

All responses are correct. Back matter serves multiple purposes, including providing additional information, guiding readers to additional resources, and answering any questions that may not have been addressed in the body of the report. It can include appendices, bibliographies, indexes, and other materials that support the content of the report.

Question 16

According to Chapter 13, which of the following is NOT an acceptable way to present your conclusions in a recommendation report?
A) Rank all of the options.
B) Refer the reader to an appendix.
C) Present a compound conclusion.
D) Classify the options as either acceptable or unacceptable.

Accepted Answer

Referring the reader to an appendix is not an acceptable way to present conclusions in a recommendation report. Conclusions should be clearly stated within the report, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the recommended course of action.

Question 17

You are writing a recommendation report on which vendor of audio-visual services to hire for your company's annual conference. The three vendors you considered are Adams, MicMasters, and Zenith. You concluded that Zenith was by far the best option, followed by Adams and then MicMasters, both of which were barely satisfactory. However, you have just learned that the top two managers at Zenith, with whom you met, have left the company. The personal service provided by these managers was a big factor in your positive assessment of the company. What recommendation should you make now?
A) Recommend Zenith anyway.
B) Recommend the next best company, Adams.
C) Recommend postponing a decision until you know more about the new management at Zenith.
D) Recommend starting over on the report.

Accepted Answer

Since the personal service provided by the top two managers at Zenith was a big factor in the positive assessment, it is important to know more about the new management before making a decision. Recommending Zenith without knowing the capabilities of the new management may lead to an unsatisfactory experience. It would be better to wait and get more information before making a decision on which vendor to hire.

Question 18

Which of the following questions would be answered in a feasibility report?
A) Which university has the most prestigious business school?
B) Which truck has more of the options we want, the Ford or the Chevrolet?
C) Is it ethical to pursue this course of action?
D) Is it practical to pursue this course of action?

Accepted Answer

Feasibility reports are conducted to determine whether a course of action is practical or feasible, so the question that would be answered in a feasibility report is "Is it practical to pursue this course of action?"

Question 19

Jan is a technical writer for Endco, Inc., a company that has just completed a study to determine whether to convert to a more advanced type of server software. Jan is now compiling information for a report that will document the study and will be presented to Endco's CEO, budget director, and operations manager. Jan made a table showing the pros and cons of each of the three brands of software under consideration, along with costs. Endco's Computer Services director also gave Jan his conclusions about each brand and suggestions for what the company ought to do next. Which of the following statements is correct?
A) Jan should prepare an informational report.
B) Jan should include the problems that initiated the study.
C) Jan should not include the computer services director's recommendations because the CEO is the final decision maker.
D) Jan's report should not include the table about software because her most important readers are not knowledgeable about server software.

Accepted Answer

Including the problems that initiated the study provides context and justification for the study, helping decision-makers understand the need for the evaluation and potential change.

Question 20

A consulting company hired by Best Builders has just completed a study to determine the best fencing for a condominium complex Best Builders will construct. The technical writer preparing a recommendation report of the feasibility study has compiled the following information to be used in the report:
Because the complex will be located in an environmentally sensitive area, the fence must visually enhance the property while blending in with its surroundings, yet at the same time adding a measure of safety. In order to keep monthly condominium dues as low as possible, the fence must not require a high degree of maintenance. Its minimum life should be 25 years, and it should cost under $70,000.
The options researched were stone, vinyl, vinyl-coated iron, and wood.
Both types of vinyl fencing will last up to 25 years, stone up to 50 years, and wood up to 15 years. Wood fencing must be painted or stained periodically. Maintenance for vinyl and stone fencing consists of occasionally washing with water. Based on two bids for each type of fencing, all types fall within the maximum allowable cost. Wood was cheapest, followed closely by vinyl. Stone and vinyl-coated iron were the most expensive.
We think the best course of action is to have a stone wall built by Masonry Builders, Inc., to enclose the new condominium complex.
What additional information is needed for the recommendation report?
A) recommendations for each type of fencing
B) conclusions about each option studied
C) a budget
D) a task schedule

Accepted Answer

The answer of A consulting company hired by Best Builders...

Quiz 13: Writing Recommendation Reports

Which of the following recommendation statements is NOT effective?

The results section of a recommendation report is most likely to contain which of the following kinds of information?

Which of these questions does NOT need to be answered in the footnotes or discussion following a decision matrix?

Which of these would be included in the front matter for a report?

The essential questions answered in the introduction of a recommendation report are similar to those answered when introducing what other kind of document?

What is the name for a table or spreadsheet used to systematically evaluate options according to specific criteria?

What is the purpose of providing front matter in a report?

Which of these is a limitation of a decision matrix?

What is the difference between the conclusions section and the recommendations section of a report?

Which of these is an example of documentation in a report?

What is the purpose of providing back matter in a report?

According to Chapter 13, which of the following is NOT an acceptable way to present your conclusions in a recommendation report?

Which of the following questions would be answered in a feasibility report?