Defining a Problem and Offering a Solution: Formal Report Project Assignment

1. Write in full, complete sentences (not point form/fragments) for each question.  The more explicit the detail, the more likely your topic will be approved the first time.  

2. Where is the location of the problem (business OR public institution name, address) – it must be familiar to you.  Fill in a complete name and address.

3. Who is your primary audience? (full name/title) – this is the head of the public place, organization, or someone specific.  This about who you would have to send your report to for your idea to gain traction.

4.  What is the problem (define it 2 or 3 explicit, detailed sentences)? Do not mention the solution here.  Clearly define the problem (the what) and why it’s a problem (the why).

5.  What type of problem is it?  Fill in the applicable area below in full sentences.

 a. Is it a technical(equipment/innovation) problem – how so? Select only this

 b. Is it a financial problem (costs/loses money) – how so?

 c. Is it an environmental problem (toxins, energy inefficiencies, pollution) – how so?

 d. Is it a social problem (community, culture, health and wellness) – how so?

6. How will you solve the issue?  What is your idea?  

(It must improve upon the problem in the area you identified above).  The purpose of the report project is to provide research that supports the potential solution as relevant and feasible (and fit within the $100,000 grant money budget)

 For example, if you identified outdated (2009) accounting software at your office (where you work) as a problem because it has limited data storage capabilities, cannot be accessed on smartphones, and no one but the 75-year-old accountant knows how to work it, that would be a technical problem.   You hope to solve the issue by doing a feature/function/benefit analysis (research) of the latest trends in accounting software, compare several of the best-selling accounting software programs for technical capabilities, seek information (research) about what other companies in your industry use, and then recommend the best one. Remove this when you type your answer – but your answer should be this level of detail.

Final tip:  Notice the solution is detailed and based on ONE topic area (technical).  THINK CRITICALLY.  You cannot simply say, “I will provide a study on new software.” What kind of study?  For the purpose of what?  The more detailed you are in your first submission, the more likely you will get approved – and save us both a lot of time.

Assignment Requirements

Report Portion (25%)

Background

Students in come from either a technology, engineering, or business program. Staying in line with

your program area/specialization, what innovative idea would you contribute to your local community or place of work if given the opportunity? (Note – BCIT will not be permitted as a location or problem space as we worked on proposals that pitched new and improved course changes).

To go from concept to completion on an idea, you will need to focus on ONE SPECIFIC problem and pitch an

idea/solution that would improve the status quo financially, socially, environmentally, or technically at a specific

The problem and solution must fall within one of the four perspectives above.

 For example, in my community the local, public indoor pool is chlorinated. That’s a problem environmentally due to the evaporation of pool chemicals that contribute to greenhouse gases; and there is a risk of contamination in the local water system if not maintained properly. My idea would be to proposal a salt-water pool replacement due to its proven environmental benefits. After reading the assignment, I know I would be able to find credible evidence to support BOTH the environmental problem and related solution – and write a successful report that meets the requirements and purpose. If I was a business student, I might want to solve a morale problem at my place of business because due to COVID everyone is working from home and there is a lack of team spirit. That is a social problem. I might research management practices that would improve teamwork, social cohesion, and a sense of community for my organization.

 You get the idea. This is your chance to make a difference and contribute an idea that is your own to make your

area of specialization, your community, your workplace a little bit better than you found it – but it must be

relevant to your program and be feasible and realistic. Stay away from sweeping claims that a small report like this could not solve (it can’t solve global warming, as an example).

Background The primary stakeholder is Dr. Desmond Franklin – Head of Research and Innovation at BCIT. He wants to offer UP TO a $100,000.00 grant to fund your innovative idea. The secondary stakeholders you will also need to consider will be anyone affected by your idea (coworkers, the public). Be mindful that you choose something reasonable and within that price-range.

 you will need to perform some preliminary research on your own to ensure your idea fits within the parameters of this assignment before you submit the first sub -assignment which is a topic request. Students need to gain approval before they get started. This is an insurance step to ensure you choose something that is feasible and in line with the purpose of this report (more on that in the following pages).