{"id":30,"date":"2023-12-18T16:13:35","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T16:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/chapter\/problems\/"},"modified":"2024-01-16T20:01:20","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T20:01:20","slug":"problems","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/chapter\/problems\/","title":{"raw":"Problems","rendered":"Problems"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"problems\">\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><strong>Learning Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Recognize the types of problem\/solution documents.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Understand when to write about a problem and solution.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Understand how to respond to a problem\/solution document.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Understand how to structure a problem\/solution document.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Write a short problem\/solution document.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Write a longer problem\/solution document.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11590_1766606829\"><\/a><a id=\"X455b140a44ace343519b93999dd5423b1659951\"><\/a>Learn\u2014Problems<\/h2>\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11592_1766606829\"><\/a>Writing to Address Problems<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">As a professional, you will have to solve problems every day. Some problems you can solve with a quick conversation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Would you proofread this email for me?<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Other problems you\u2019ll need to discuss with your colleagues during a meeting:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Unless we hire another team member, we won\u2019t be able to complete all our projects on time.<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">And some problems you\u2019ll have to write about.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">For example, if you are a supervisor, you might need to write a letter documenting a problem with one of your employee\u2019s performances. Because personnel issues have to be documented, you would always put these types of problems in writing.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Or perhaps, as in the example above, you feel your department is understaffed, and you want to hire a new member for your team. Any request that involves significant cost\u2014another salary\u2014has to be written down because it has to be approved at multiple levels.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Perhaps your team works with your company\u2019s engineers to sell filtration systems to hospitals and care facilities. A hospital won\u2019t purchase your product unless you can convince them that not having it is a problem. Because a filtration system costs thousands of dollars, a hospital would want all the details in writing so they can make an educated decision.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Any writing you do involves a certain level of persuasion. Just getting someone to read what you write is an act of persuasion. But writing about problems is one of the most persuasive forms of writing, which makes it challenging.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">As with any writing challenge, if you understand the structure and the process, you can write the document. When you write to propose a solution to a problem, you should follow this process:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Identify the problem.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Convince your readers that your problem is their problem too.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide a solution.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Develop a plan of action.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide a plan for implementing the solution.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X0d55d3062a7cb3f78bc94abab9aa46a22ae1300\"><\/a>Let\u2019s look at each part of the process in more detail.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11594_1766606829\"><\/a>Identify the Problem<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">When you write about a problem, you have more information than your readers. After all, you are the one who identified the problem. However, that doesn\u2019t mean your readers have the same level of familiarity or that they agree that what you consider a problem actually <strong>is<\/strong> one.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Consider this scenario.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">You supervise a team of six employees. As the supervisor, it is your job to evaluate each of your team member\u2019s performance every six months. In these written evaluations, you are expected to identify any problematic performance issues and suggest a solution.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Unfortunately, one of your team members has been consistently late to work, late to complete tasks, and requesting more than the allowed number of personal days. You have spoken to them about this issue before, but their behavior hasn\u2019t changed. When you tried to explain that their behavior was creating problems for the rest of the team, who had to do the work that they weren\u2019t completing, they said, \"I can\u2019t help it. My life is complicated.\"<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Now it is your job to do the following:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockNumber\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;\">Write a review for this employee.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockNumber\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;\">Convince them their behavior is a problem that is affecting the entire team.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockNumber\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;\">Gain the cooperation of the employee to correct the issue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X46efce2a6f213e6049f72fcd9fd90e2efa0343d\"><\/a>You\u2019ve identified the problem, but how do you convince your employee to agree with you?<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11596_1766606829\"><\/a>Convince Your Readers the Problem Affects Them<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">If we want to convince someone that they have a problem, we must look at it from their perspective, not our own.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Let\u2019s go back to our scenario.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">From your employee\u2019s perspective, the problem isn\u2019t that they\u2019re late and don\u2019t get their work done and need days off. The problem is that their life is complicated, and they can\u2019t help it.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">This might be true, but as the supervisor, you also have to consider how this employee\u2019s behavior affects the company.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">When team members have to use their time to do the other person\u2019s work, they fall behind in their own work. This means the entire department falls behind, which reflects poorly on you. But how do you make this clear to the source of the problem?<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11598_1766606829\"><\/a>Show Empathy<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Acknowledge that you understand that outside issues are currently affecting them. Express concern and sympathy. For example, you might say this:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><strong>Three<\/strong> <strong>E<\/strong><strong>xamples <\/strong><strong>E<\/strong><strong>xpressing <\/strong><strong>C<\/strong><strong>oncern and <\/strong><strong>S<\/strong><strong>ympathy<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Sometimes I had trouble getting my kids to school on time too, which meant I couldn\u2019t get myself to work on time.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I talked to some of my kid\u2019s parents and found out they have the same problem.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">We organized a car pool, which really helped all of us.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xc5485a95658fe305a68c03364c3c38eb9397c51\"><\/a>This response shows that you understand because you\u2019ve had the same problem. You also offer a potential solution. Most importantly, you didn\u2019t shame or blame.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11600_1766606829\"><\/a>Explain Your Perspective<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">You can\u2019t just ignore the problem. Even though you are sympathetic, the person\u2019s behavior is affecting everyone negatively. If the problem isn\u2019t solved, the employee\u2019s job will be at risk, and it is only fair that they understand this. You could explain your perspective this way:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">You have always been a considerate member of this team, and I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t realize how your problems affect the rest of us.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">When you don\u2019t get your work done, someone else has to do it. Everyone else is as busy as you, so it\u2019s not fair to expect them to do more than they already do.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><a id=\"Xc1ea9b59aaf7ad5614379d8510ec5a912f46cbb\"><\/a>Also, if our team\u2019s productivity goes down, we will all be held accountable, so everyone has to do their best work.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11602_1766606829\"><\/a>Summarize the Problem<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">When you summarize the problem, you clearly state what is at stake for everyone:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><a id=\"X90130a36d59e9abacffdb31442453a4210d8bea\"><\/a><a id=\"Xe937aa4b250d38993062bccd5536e3266127344\"><\/a>We need to work together to develop a solution for improving your work performance so that you can keep your job and no one else is negatively affected.<\/div>\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11604_1766606829\"><\/a>Provide a Solution<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Once everyone agrees that a real problem exists, you can propose a solution to fix it. Your solution must<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Address the issue.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Be realistic.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11606_1766606829\"><\/a>Address the Issue<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">In our scenario, you need to find a solution for your employee\u2019s lateness, missed deadlines, and excessive requests for personal days. Your proposed solution could be a simple \"You must stop,\" but that solution won\u2019t work. If they could just stop they probably would. You need to analyze the source of the problem and work from there:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">The employee is often late because they have to drop their child off at school.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Your employee misses deadlines because they lose time at the beginning of the day and can\u2019t work late because they must pick up their child.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Your employee has to request personal days because they have to stay home when school is closed or when their child is sick.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Based on these issues, what <strong>possible<\/strong> and <strong>realistic<\/strong> solutions can you suggest? Remember, possible and realistic are key. But what does possible mean? Your solution has to be fair, ethical, and approved by your company.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">It wouldn\u2019t be fair or ethical to tell the employee they can simply come in later and leave earlier than everyone else. And this would never be approved.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">A realistic solution is one that can be easily implemented. Would it be easy to implement a plan that allowed the employee to work on Saturday to make up hours they missed during the week? No. If your company has never let anyone work weekends, there is no structure in place for this to happen.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">These solutions are both possible and realistic:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Offer the employee the opportunity to work from home when necessary.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Offer the employee flex time so they can work outside normal business hours.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xd651d3a64b8dfe9f39c608bf59b590b72b2b142\"><\/a><a id=\"Xda410813ccc1c4bba05ec8718db6c99f7662575\"><\/a>Of course, every employee would have to be given the same opportunity, so again, you would need to get this plan approved.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11608_1766606829\"><\/a>Develop a Plan of Action<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Now that you\u2019ve developed a creative and reasonable solution, you have to develop a plan of action: When and how will this all take place?<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">A plan of action is very similar to a set of instructions, because you must provide a numbered list of the steps that must be completed to make the solution a reality:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">You and the employee will meet to create a flexible schedule. Two days a week the employee will work ten hours so that they can work six hours the other three days.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">The employee will learn how to use Teams to stay in touch with the other employees when working from home.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">The employee will meet with an HR member to formalize their new work schedule.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">You will create a timeline for the transition.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xc137deb194f0fe8348a7fe33f776ce2cb2c73e5\"><\/a>Once you have done the work of creating a solution, you need to put your findings into a short report so that your supervisor can approve it and you can move forward.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11610_1766606829\"><\/a>How to Structure a Problem\/Solution Document<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">When you write about a problem and solution, your document should include the following sections:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Introduction<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Problem<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Solution<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Plan of Action<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Conclusion<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Let\u2019s look at each of these sections more closely.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11612_1766606829\"><\/a>Introduction<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Every document begins with an introduction, and the same is true for documents that address problems. Your introduction should state your purpose for writing, provide any necessary background information, and include a road map and a transition.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><a id=\"X7510cb50c69f165c43a967402537c9928ff2c26\"><\/a>This is the same structure we looked at in the \u201cStructure\u201d module.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11614_1766606829\"><\/a>Problem<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">In this section, you need to do several things:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Provide any necessary background information. Remember, just because you are familiar with the causes of the problems and the people involved doesn\u2019t mean your reader is.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>State the problem<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">When you are writing about problems and solutions, you don\u2019t want to be subtle, and you don\u2019t want to be passive-aggressive. Just state the problem:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Do not do this<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>If we don\u2019t address the potential issue of what could happen if overtime remains the same, I\u2019m not sure what will happen.<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This statement suggests something dire might happen, but the writer is so vague no one would be able to respond with anything other than a question. No one wants to waste time on a string of unnecessary emails, so just say what you mean.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Try this instead<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>If we don\u2019t cut overtime by 25 percent, we will not meet payroll next quarter.<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This statement works because it quantifies the problem and states the result.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Do not do this<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I am so sorry to bother you when you are busy, but I really need to talk to you about an issue that is making it difficult for me to do my job.<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">If the writer really cared about not wasting the reader\u2019s time, they wouldn\u2019t have sent this cryptic message.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Try this instead<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I need to adjust my schedule because I no longer have a car, so I must take public transportation. The bus service from my neighborhood is unreliable, and I may no longer be able to get to work by 8:00 am.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Because this statement clearly identifies the writer\u2019s problem, the reader can consider an appropriate answer without the need for unnecessary questions.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><strong>Convince Your Reader the Problem Affects Them<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">If you decide to move to a new address that is farther from your workplace than your previous address, you will have to make adjustments.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">However, while having to get up an hour earlier to make the longer drive is a problem for you, it is not a problem that affects your coworkers, supervisors, or company, so you can\u2019t reasonably ask to be allowed to arrive an hour late each day.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">However, if someone you supervise is arriving late each day for that very reason, you do have a problem that is work related. That person\u2019s tardiness is affecting their ability to get their work done and is putting pressure on the other members of the team.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">You will have to convince that person that their tardiness is a problem for both the company and them. You might explain it this way:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">We all know that commuting to the office can be difficult. It is hard to predict traffic, and public transportation isn\u2019t always reliable.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">However, company policy requires all of us to be in the office by 8:00, so you will have to find a way to be sure that you are no longer late. Being five or ten minutes tardy might not seem like it matters, but those five minutes add up and put pressure on your coworkers, who have to cover for you.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Also, we regularly have meetings that begin at 8:00. When you are late for those meetings, you often miss valuable information that affects your work later. I want you to succeed, but until your lateness is addressed, that won\u2019t happen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xc7d00d736bc3355e4192e438c19c1885c3626b3\"><\/a>As the writer makes clear, the employee\u2019s actions not only negatively affect the team, but they also negatively affect the person and their success at their job. By demonstrating how the problem affects everyone, the writer is more likely to get cooperation from the person causing the problem. We are all the source of the problem sometime, whether we realize it or not. If we can\u2019t convince the other person that the problem is going to affect them negatively, they aren\u2019t likely to consider the problem worth solving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11616_1766606829\"><\/a>Solution<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Once you identify a problem, you need to offer a realistic solution that addresses the problem. This might sound simple, but it\u2019s easy to either offer a solution that doesn\u2019t address the problem or offer a solution that isn\u2019t reasonable.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Let\u2019s look at some solutions to a problem:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">A valued employee didn\u2019t get a promotion because they don\u2019t have the necessary experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Do not do this<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Offer them an extra week of vacation as a consolation.<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This solution doesn\u2019t address the issue. How will an extra week of vacation give the employee the training they need? This solution isn\u2019t reasonable. Are you going to offer everyone an extra week of vacation?<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Try this instead<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Offer to pay for a training course so that the employee can get the training they need to be prepared for the next opportunity.<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X5a5fac4b4266260fce97b740a7d34b6b244ec09\"><\/a>This solution addresses the issue\u2014lack of training\u2014and is reasonable because the company often approves training for qualified employees.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11618_1766606829\"><\/a>Plan of Action<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">A solution is only a good one if it can be made reality. Making a solution real requires a plan, and that plan must be specific. In this case, your best choice is a list of the steps that must be completed to make the solution happen. You also need to explain who is responsible for completing each step. When you tell your reader how a process will be completed, you want to use a numbered list:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meet with employee to create training schedule.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Pay for scheduled training.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meet with employee after each session for progress report.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X42b6ef266df7e5c80c3641f2dd6c482d293ec31\"><\/a>Even though your reader might not be part of the process, they will want to be sure you have a valid plan before they approve your proposed solution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11620_1766606829\"><\/a>Conclusion<\/em><\/h4>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Very rarely will you solve a problem without help from others, so use the conclusion to offer thanks and make it clear that you are part of the process and your door is open.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Let\u2019s look at an example. The following memo was written by an employee to their supervisor:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I am writing to you because I need your help solving a work-related issue.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">As you know, for the past three years I have directed a team of six. During this period, we have gone from working in the office to working at home due to COVID, and now we are shifting back to the workplace.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Despite these many changes and challenges, my team has worked hard and well, with one exception.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Lynn.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>The Problem<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Lynn\u2019s productivity dropped off while we were working from home. Initially, she was completing all of her assigned reports, though typically, she submitted 10 percent of them several days late.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">After we had been working at home for six months, she was no longer finishing all of her assigned reports and each of my other team members was having to add one to two of her reports to their own load. I met with her on multiple occasions to talk about strategies for staying on task, but though she responded positively to my advice when we met, her work habits did not improve. Compared to her five teammates, she finished approximately 20 percent fewer reports, and those she did finish had errors that had to be corrected by me or the other members of the team.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I had hoped her work habits would change when we were back in the office, but six weeks have passed since we returned, and her productivity has not improved.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I am hesitant to fire her because it will be very difficult to replace her, and my other team members are already overworked. I would like to give Lynn one more chance to improve. I recommend the following solution.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>The Solution<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Lynn has the knowledge to do her work well, as her past performance shows. However, she seems to have difficulty managing her time, and she is often off task. In order to help her with these issues, I recommend that she attend the four-week course on project management offered by the company. The course is online, so it will not interfere with her regular work schedule. I will also require her to meet with me regularly to hold her accountable. I outline my specific plan next.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Plan of Action<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Over the next four weeks, I will do the following:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Meet with Lynn to let her know that she is on probation for the four-week period.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">At this meeting we will discuss the following:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Her required completion of the project management course.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Required meetings at 8:00 am each Monday.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Required meetings at 4:30 pm each Friday.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Requirements for continued employment: completion of course, completion of assigned tasks each week, and attendance at each meeting.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Meet with Lynn each Monday at 8:00 am to outline her schedule for the week.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">I will provide her with an electronic copy of her assigned duties, which she will sign.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Meet with Lynn each Friday at 4:30 pm to review her week\u2019s work.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">If she has completed all of her assigned tasks, I will sign off on Monday\u2019s document. If she has not, I will write her up.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">At the end of the four weeks, I will meet with Lynn to discuss whether or not she will continue working for the company.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">During the time I have worked with you, I have been impressed by your willingness to give your employees every possible chance to succeed.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I hope that my plan will allow Lynn to do the same. If you have any questions about my proposed plan, please let me know. I would appreciate any advice you might have.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This example follows all of the best practices we have been discussing in this module. Use this as a model when doing your own writing.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><a id=\"Xb60a4aa80030d2d5f65522c6d0e9f7390bc0690\"><\/a><a id=\"Xc9d715941a24543c7e14eeed069ce259f40e7af\"><\/a>But what should you do if you have a problem but you haven\u2019t been able to find a solution? Do not worry. This happens a lot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11622_1766606829\"><\/a><a id=\"X14ccf2b7eb060bff06d387561921638669e3d51\"><\/a>What if I Do Not Have a Solution?<\/h3>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Sometimes you might face a problem you can\u2019t solve alone. In fact, your problem is that you have a problem you can\u2019t solve. In those cases, you need to ask for help. In many ways, this type of document is similar to a standard problem\/solution document with one major shift. Let\u2019s look at an example:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Hi Jake,<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Recently, several of my employees asked for my advice, and while I would like to help, I don\u2019t have an answer for them. I\u2019m hoping you might be able to help.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Three members of my team would like to learn more about project management. They took the initiative of finding a six-week course that they can take online outside of work hours. If they finish the course successfully, they will receive certificates verifying them as certified project managers. As I mentioned to you in a recent meeting, my team has been taking on many new projects, but we\u2019ve been slowed down by the fact that I am the only experienced project manager on the team, which means I have to lead every project. If my three team members took the course, they would each be able to begin taking on leadership roles, which would increase our productivity as a team.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">While I would like to tell my team members to sign up for the course, it will cost $600 per employee. They asked me if the company could reimburse them for the cost, but I don\u2019t have the authority to make that decision. As our department manager, could you help determine if funding for this course is available?<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I will provide you with a course description and information about the company offering the course. Also, if you would like to meet to discuss options, I will be happy to schedule a meeting. The course begins in four weeks, so, if possible, my employees would like an answer by May 26 so they can meet the deadline to enroll.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I appreciate your help. I think this course will benefit my team members, our department, and the company. I look forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Kathryn<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This email contains all the standard pieces of a problem\/solution document:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Recently, several of my employees asked for my advice, and while I would like to help, I don\u2019t have an answer for them.<br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I\u2019m hoping you might be able to help.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Problem<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Three members of my team would like to learn more about project management. They took the initiative of finding a six-week course that they can take online outside of work hours. IF they finish the course successfully, they will receive certificates verifying them as certified project managers. As I mentioned to you in a recent meeting, my team has been taking on many new projects, but we\u2019ve been slowed down by the fact that I am the only experienced project manager on the team, which means I have to lead every project. If my three team members took the course, they would each be able to begin taking on leadership roles, which would increase our productivity as a team.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">While I would like to tell my team members to sign up for the course, it will cost $600 per employee. They asked me if the company could reimburse them for the cost, but I don\u2019t have the authority to make that decision. As our department manager, I would like your help determining if funding for this course is available.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Solution and Plan of Action<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I will provide you with a course description and information about the company offering the course. Also, if you would like to meet to discuss options, I will be happy to schedule a meeting. The course begins in four weeks, so if possible, my employees would like an answer by May 26 so they can meet the deadline to enroll.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I appreciate your help. I think this course will benefit my team members, our department, and the company. I look forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11624_1766606829\"><\/a>Assess\u2014Problems<\/h2>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Which of the following is <strong>NOT<\/strong> a problem you would address at work?\r\na. The need for a new employee\r\nb. The need for more office space\r\nc. Your need for a new car\r\nd. The need to update a billing process<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Which of the following are part of the process of addressing a problem in writing?\r\na. Identify the problem.\r\nb. Convince your readers that your problem is their problem too.\r\nc. Provide a solution.\r\nd. Develop a plan of action.\r\ne. All of the above<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">This is an effective statement of the problem:\r\nIf we don\u2019t address the potential issue of what could happen if overtime remains the same, I\u2019m not sure what will happen.\r\na. True\r\nb. False<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">This is an effective statement of the problem:\r\nI need to adjust my schedule because my childcare situation has changed, and I can no longer get to work by 8:00 am because I have to drop my son off at school each morning.\\\r\na. True\r\nb. False<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Which of the following is the better solution?\r\na. Offer them an extra week of vacation as a consolation.\r\nb. <a id=\"Xe98cc3cb23d50e8c9b125a5c4f3b9c80309e2f1\"><\/a>Offer to pay for a training course so that the employee can get the training they need to be prepared for the next opportunity.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11626_1766606829\"><\/a>Engage\u2014Solving Problems<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Problems are a regular part of work, and identifying and proposing solutions to those problems in writing is something you will be expected to do.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">For this activity, your problem is an upcoming deadline that you will not be able to meet. Your task is to write to the person who can grant you an extension. In your memo, you should<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Identify the problem.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Convince your readers that your problem is their problem.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide a solution.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Develop a plan of action.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Once your memo is complete<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Post it to the discussion board.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Respond to at least three of your classmates.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide feedback on the following.\r\nThe content of their memo\r\nThe structure and design of their memo<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11628_1766606829\"><\/a>Apply\u2014Writing about Professional Problems<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">For this assignment, you must write a memo in response to the following prompt:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">As with many departments, you and the members of your department have been working from home since the pandemic began. Now that business is beginning to return to normal, your company\u2019s CEO has announced that plans are being made to transition back to the workplace. To make the transition as seamless as possible, each department has been asked to submit a memo in which they address the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Employee concerns<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Employee needs<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">A plan for making the transition based on the following scenario:<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Your supervisor has asked you to talk to each of the seven members of your department and then draft a response to the CEO.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">To complete this assignment successfully, follow these steps:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Present your information in the form of a memo that includes the required parts of a proposal.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Use headings to create a visual hierarchy.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Follow the guidelines for creating an effective structure.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Use proper English grammar and spelling conventions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meet your audiences\u2019 needs.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">For this assignment, you may create material concerning employee concerns and needs; however, your material must be realistic and should be based on your professional experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11630_1766606829\"><\/a>Assignment Rubric<\/h3>\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\" style=\"height: 0;\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Superior<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Above Average<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Average<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Below Average<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; border: solid #000000 0.5pt;\">\r\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Failing<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Content<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes all of the required elements of the assignment.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes all of the required elements, though some are underdeveloped.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes most of the required elements.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes some of the required elements.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Does not include all of the required elements.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Style<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is clear and concise and avoids unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is clear and concise and generally avoids unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is mostly clear and concise and mostly avoids unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is occasionally clear and concise but does not avoid unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The style is inappropriate or unclear.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Design<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has a clear visual hierarchy and the writer uses appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has a clear visual hierarchy and the writer uses some appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has a basic visual hierarchy and the writer occasionally uses appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document\u2019s visual hierarchy is weak and the writer doesn\u2019t use appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has no visual hierarchy.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Structure<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The organization of the document is clear and logical and makes strong use of topic sentences and transitions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The organization of the document is generally clear and logical and makes some use of topic sentences and transitions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has an organization and occasionally uses topic sentences and transitions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The structure is weak and the writer rarely uses topic sentences or transitions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has no structure.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Correctness<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has no errors.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 2\u20133 errors.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 4\u20135 errors.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 6\u20137 errors.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><a id=\"X189066dd134d21f477695d12eb8551e02417dfb\"><\/a><a id=\"X9a6fc8c204bf32c08853a97d350e9ac0f0ffbfe\"><\/a>0 points<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 8 or more errors.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"problems\">\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><strong>Learning Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Recognize the types of problem\/solution documents.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Understand when to write about a problem and solution.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Understand how to respond to a problem\/solution document.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Understand how to structure a problem\/solution document.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Write a short problem\/solution document.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Write a longer problem\/solution document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11590_1766606829\"><\/a><a id=\"X455b140a44ace343519b93999dd5423b1659951\"><\/a>Learn\u2014Problems<\/h2>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11592_1766606829\"><\/a>Writing to Address Problems<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">As a professional, you will have to solve problems every day. Some problems you can solve with a quick conversation:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Would you proofread this email for me?<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Other problems you\u2019ll need to discuss with your colleagues during a meeting:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Unless we hire another team member, we won\u2019t be able to complete all our projects on time.<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">And some problems you\u2019ll have to write about.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">For example, if you are a supervisor, you might need to write a letter documenting a problem with one of your employee\u2019s performances. Because personnel issues have to be documented, you would always put these types of problems in writing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Or perhaps, as in the example above, you feel your department is understaffed, and you want to hire a new member for your team. Any request that involves significant cost\u2014another salary\u2014has to be written down because it has to be approved at multiple levels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Perhaps your team works with your company\u2019s engineers to sell filtration systems to hospitals and care facilities. A hospital won\u2019t purchase your product unless you can convince them that not having it is a problem. Because a filtration system costs thousands of dollars, a hospital would want all the details in writing so they can make an educated decision.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Any writing you do involves a certain level of persuasion. Just getting someone to read what you write is an act of persuasion. But writing about problems is one of the most persuasive forms of writing, which makes it challenging.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">As with any writing challenge, if you understand the structure and the process, you can write the document. When you write to propose a solution to a problem, you should follow this process:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Identify the problem.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Convince your readers that your problem is their problem too.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide a solution.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Develop a plan of action.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide a plan for implementing the solution.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X0d55d3062a7cb3f78bc94abab9aa46a22ae1300\"><\/a>Let\u2019s look at each part of the process in more detail.<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11594_1766606829\"><\/a>Identify the Problem<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">When you write about a problem, you have more information than your readers. After all, you are the one who identified the problem. However, that doesn\u2019t mean your readers have the same level of familiarity or that they agree that what you consider a problem actually <strong>is<\/strong> one.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Consider this scenario.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">You supervise a team of six employees. As the supervisor, it is your job to evaluate each of your team member\u2019s performance every six months. In these written evaluations, you are expected to identify any problematic performance issues and suggest a solution.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Unfortunately, one of your team members has been consistently late to work, late to complete tasks, and requesting more than the allowed number of personal days. You have spoken to them about this issue before, but their behavior hasn\u2019t changed. When you tried to explain that their behavior was creating problems for the rest of the team, who had to do the work that they weren\u2019t completing, they said, \"I can\u2019t help it. My life is complicated.\"<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Now it is your job to do the following:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockNumber\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;\">Write a review for this employee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockNumber\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;\">Convince them their behavior is a problem that is affecting the entire team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockNumber\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;\">Gain the cooperation of the employee to correct the issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X46efce2a6f213e6049f72fcd9fd90e2efa0343d\"><\/a>You\u2019ve identified the problem, but how do you convince your employee to agree with you?<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11596_1766606829\"><\/a>Convince Your Readers the Problem Affects Them<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">If we want to convince someone that they have a problem, we must look at it from their perspective, not our own.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Let\u2019s go back to our scenario.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">From your employee\u2019s perspective, the problem isn\u2019t that they\u2019re late and don\u2019t get their work done and need days off. The problem is that their life is complicated, and they can\u2019t help it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">This might be true, but as the supervisor, you also have to consider how this employee\u2019s behavior affects the company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">When team members have to use their time to do the other person\u2019s work, they fall behind in their own work. This means the entire department falls behind, which reflects poorly on you. But how do you make this clear to the source of the problem?<\/p>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11598_1766606829\"><\/a>Show Empathy<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Acknowledge that you understand that outside issues are currently affecting them. Express concern and sympathy. For example, you might say this:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><strong>Three<\/strong> <strong>E<\/strong><strong>xamples <\/strong><strong>E<\/strong><strong>xpressing <\/strong><strong>C<\/strong><strong>oncern and <\/strong><strong>S<\/strong><strong>ympathy<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Sometimes I had trouble getting my kids to school on time too, which meant I couldn\u2019t get myself to work on time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I talked to some of my kid\u2019s parents and found out they have the same problem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">We organized a car pool, which really helped all of us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xc5485a95658fe305a68c03364c3c38eb9397c51\"><\/a>This response shows that you understand because you\u2019ve had the same problem. You also offer a potential solution. Most importantly, you didn\u2019t shame or blame.<\/p>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11600_1766606829\"><\/a>Explain Your Perspective<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">You can\u2019t just ignore the problem. Even though you are sympathetic, the person\u2019s behavior is affecting everyone negatively. If the problem isn\u2019t solved, the employee\u2019s job will be at risk, and it is only fair that they understand this. You could explain your perspective this way:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">You have always been a considerate member of this team, and I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t realize how your problems affect the rest of us.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">When you don\u2019t get your work done, someone else has to do it. Everyone else is as busy as you, so it\u2019s not fair to expect them to do more than they already do.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><a id=\"Xc1ea9b59aaf7ad5614379d8510ec5a912f46cbb\"><\/a>Also, if our team\u2019s productivity goes down, we will all be held accountable, so everyone has to do their best work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11602_1766606829\"><\/a>Summarize the Problem<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">When you summarize the problem, you clearly state what is at stake for everyone:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><a id=\"X90130a36d59e9abacffdb31442453a4210d8bea\"><\/a><a id=\"Xe937aa4b250d38993062bccd5536e3266127344\"><\/a>We need to work together to develop a solution for improving your work performance so that you can keep your job and no one else is negatively affected.<\/div>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11604_1766606829\"><\/a>Provide a Solution<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Once everyone agrees that a real problem exists, you can propose a solution to fix it. Your solution must<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Address the issue.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Be realistic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11606_1766606829\"><\/a>Address the Issue<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">In our scenario, you need to find a solution for your employee\u2019s lateness, missed deadlines, and excessive requests for personal days. Your proposed solution could be a simple \"You must stop,\" but that solution won\u2019t work. If they could just stop they probably would. You need to analyze the source of the problem and work from there:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">The employee is often late because they have to drop their child off at school.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Your employee misses deadlines because they lose time at the beginning of the day and can\u2019t work late because they must pick up their child.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Your employee has to request personal days because they have to stay home when school is closed or when their child is sick.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Based on these issues, what <strong>possible<\/strong> and <strong>realistic<\/strong> solutions can you suggest? Remember, possible and realistic are key. But what does possible mean? Your solution has to be fair, ethical, and approved by your company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">It wouldn\u2019t be fair or ethical to tell the employee they can simply come in later and leave earlier than everyone else. And this would never be approved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">A realistic solution is one that can be easily implemented. Would it be easy to implement a plan that allowed the employee to work on Saturday to make up hours they missed during the week? No. If your company has never let anyone work weekends, there is no structure in place for this to happen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">These solutions are both possible and realistic:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Offer the employee the opportunity to work from home when necessary.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Offer the employee flex time so they can work outside normal business hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xd651d3a64b8dfe9f39c608bf59b590b72b2b142\"><\/a><a id=\"Xda410813ccc1c4bba05ec8718db6c99f7662575\"><\/a>Of course, every employee would have to be given the same opportunity, so again, you would need to get this plan approved.<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11608_1766606829\"><\/a>Develop a Plan of Action<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Now that you\u2019ve developed a creative and reasonable solution, you have to develop a plan of action: When and how will this all take place?<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">A plan of action is very similar to a set of instructions, because you must provide a numbered list of the steps that must be completed to make the solution a reality:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">You and the employee will meet to create a flexible schedule. Two days a week the employee will work ten hours so that they can work six hours the other three days.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">The employee will learn how to use Teams to stay in touch with the other employees when working from home.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">The employee will meet with an HR member to formalize their new work schedule.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">You will create a timeline for the transition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xc137deb194f0fe8348a7fe33f776ce2cb2c73e5\"><\/a>Once you have done the work of creating a solution, you need to put your findings into a short report so that your supervisor can approve it and you can move forward.<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11610_1766606829\"><\/a>How to Structure a Problem\/Solution Document<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">When you write about a problem and solution, your document should include the following sections:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Introduction<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Problem<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Solution<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Plan of Action<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Conclusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Let\u2019s look at each of these sections more closely.<\/p>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11612_1766606829\"><\/a>Introduction<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Every document begins with an introduction, and the same is true for documents that address problems. Your introduction should state your purpose for writing, provide any necessary background information, and include a road map and a transition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><a id=\"X7510cb50c69f165c43a967402537c9928ff2c26\"><\/a>This is the same structure we looked at in the \u201cStructure\u201d module.<\/p>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11614_1766606829\"><\/a>Problem<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">In this section, you need to do several things:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Provide any necessary background information. Remember, just because you are familiar with the causes of the problems and the people involved doesn\u2019t mean your reader is.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-DefinitionTerm\"><strong>State the problem<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Definition\">When you are writing about problems and solutions, you don\u2019t want to be subtle, and you don\u2019t want to be passive-aggressive. Just state the problem:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Do not do this<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>If we don\u2019t address the potential issue of what could happen if overtime remains the same, I\u2019m not sure what will happen.<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This statement suggests something dire might happen, but the writer is so vague no one would be able to respond with anything other than a question. No one wants to waste time on a string of unnecessary emails, so just say what you mean.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Try this instead<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>If we don\u2019t cut overtime by 25 percent, we will not meet payroll next quarter.<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This statement works because it quantifies the problem and states the result.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Do not do this<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I am so sorry to bother you when you are busy, but I really need to talk to you about an issue that is making it difficult for me to do my job.<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">If the writer really cared about not wasting the reader\u2019s time, they wouldn\u2019t have sent this cryptic message.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Try this instead<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I need to adjust my schedule because I no longer have a car, so I must take public transportation. The bus service from my neighborhood is unreliable, and I may no longer be able to get to work by 8:00 am.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Because this statement clearly identifies the writer\u2019s problem, the reader can consider an appropriate answer without the need for unnecessary questions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><strong>Convince Your Reader the Problem Affects Them<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">If you decide to move to a new address that is farther from your workplace than your previous address, you will have to make adjustments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">However, while having to get up an hour earlier to make the longer drive is a problem for you, it is not a problem that affects your coworkers, supervisors, or company, so you can\u2019t reasonably ask to be allowed to arrive an hour late each day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">However, if someone you supervise is arriving late each day for that very reason, you do have a problem that is work related. That person\u2019s tardiness is affecting their ability to get their work done and is putting pressure on the other members of the team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">You will have to convince that person that their tardiness is a problem for both the company and them. You might explain it this way:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">We all know that commuting to the office can be difficult. It is hard to predict traffic, and public transportation isn\u2019t always reliable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">However, company policy requires all of us to be in the office by 8:00, so you will have to find a way to be sure that you are no longer late. Being five or ten minutes tardy might not seem like it matters, but those five minutes add up and put pressure on your coworkers, who have to cover for you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Also, we regularly have meetings that begin at 8:00. When you are late for those meetings, you often miss valuable information that affects your work later. I want you to succeed, but until your lateness is addressed, that won\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"Xc7d00d736bc3355e4192e438c19c1885c3626b3\"><\/a>As the writer makes clear, the employee\u2019s actions not only negatively affect the team, but they also negatively affect the person and their success at their job. By demonstrating how the problem affects everyone, the writer is more likely to get cooperation from the person causing the problem. We are all the source of the problem sometime, whether we realize it or not. If we can\u2019t convince the other person that the problem is going to affect them negatively, they aren\u2019t likely to consider the problem worth solving.<\/p>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11616_1766606829\"><\/a>Solution<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Once you identify a problem, you need to offer a realistic solution that addresses the problem. This might sound simple, but it\u2019s easy to either offer a solution that doesn\u2019t address the problem or offer a solution that isn\u2019t reasonable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Let\u2019s look at some solutions to a problem:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">A valued employee didn\u2019t get a promotion because they don\u2019t have the necessary experience.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Do not do this<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Offer them an extra week of vacation as a consolation.<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This solution doesn\u2019t address the issue. How will an extra week of vacation give the employee the training they need? This solution isn\u2019t reasonable. Are you going to offer everyone an extra week of vacation?<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>Try this instead<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Offer to pay for a training course so that the employee can get the training they need to be prepared for the next opportunity.<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X5a5fac4b4266260fce97b740a7d34b6b244ec09\"><\/a>This solution addresses the issue\u2014lack of training\u2014and is reasonable because the company often approves training for qualified employees.<\/p>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11618_1766606829\"><\/a>Plan of Action<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">A solution is only a good one if it can be made reality. Making a solution real requires a plan, and that plan must be specific. In this case, your best choice is a list of the steps that must be completed to make the solution happen. You also need to explain who is responsible for completing each step. When you tell your reader how a process will be completed, you want to use a numbered list:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meet with employee to create training schedule.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Pay for scheduled training.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meet with employee after each session for progress report.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\"><a id=\"X42b6ef266df7e5c80c3641f2dd6c482d293ec31\"><\/a>Even though your reader might not be part of the process, they will want to be sure you have a valid plan before they approve your proposed solution.<\/p>\n<h4><em><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11620_1766606829\"><\/a>Conclusion<\/em><\/h4>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Very rarely will you solve a problem without help from others, so use the conclusion to offer thanks and make it clear that you are part of the process and your door is open.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">Let\u2019s look at an example. The following memo was written by an employee to their supervisor:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I am writing to you because I need your help solving a work-related issue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">As you know, for the past three years I have directed a team of six. During this period, we have gone from working in the office to working at home due to COVID, and now we are shifting back to the workplace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Despite these many changes and challenges, my team has worked hard and well, with one exception.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Lynn.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>The Problem<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Lynn\u2019s productivity dropped off while we were working from home. Initially, she was completing all of her assigned reports, though typically, she submitted 10 percent of them several days late.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">After we had been working at home for six months, she was no longer finishing all of her assigned reports and each of my other team members was having to add one to two of her reports to their own load. I met with her on multiple occasions to talk about strategies for staying on task, but though she responded positively to my advice when we met, her work habits did not improve. Compared to her five teammates, she finished approximately 20 percent fewer reports, and those she did finish had errors that had to be corrected by me or the other members of the team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I had hoped her work habits would change when we were back in the office, but six weeks have passed since we returned, and her productivity has not improved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I am hesitant to fire her because it will be very difficult to replace her, and my other team members are already overworked. I would like to give Lynn one more chance to improve. I recommend the following solution.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>The Solution<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Lynn has the knowledge to do her work well, as her past performance shows. However, she seems to have difficulty managing her time, and she is often off task. In order to help her with these issues, I recommend that she attend the four-week course on project management offered by the company. The course is online, so it will not interfere with her regular work schedule. I will also require her to meet with me regularly to hold her accountable. I outline my specific plan next.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Plan of Action<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Over the next four weeks, I will do the following:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Meet with Lynn to let her know that she is on probation for the four-week period.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">At this meeting we will discuss the following:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Her required completion of the project management course.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Required meetings at 8:00 am each Monday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Required meetings at 4:30 pm each Friday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Requirements for continued employment: completion of course, completion of assigned tasks each week, and attendance at each meeting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Meet with Lynn each Monday at 8:00 am to outline her schedule for the week.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">I will provide her with an electronic copy of her assigned duties, which she will sign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">Meet with Lynn each Friday at 4:30 pm to review her week\u2019s work.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">If she has completed all of her assigned tasks, I will sign off on Monday\u2019s document. If she has not, I will write her up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">At the end of the four weeks, I will meet with Lynn to discuss whether or not she will continue working for the company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 24pt;\">During the time I have worked with you, I have been impressed by your willingness to give your employees every possible chance to succeed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I hope that my plan will allow Lynn to do the same. If you have any questions about my proposed plan, please let me know. I would appreciate any advice you might have.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This example follows all of the best practices we have been discussing in this module. Use this as a model when doing your own writing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\"><a id=\"Xb60a4aa80030d2d5f65522c6d0e9f7390bc0690\"><\/a><a id=\"Xc9d715941a24543c7e14eeed069ce259f40e7af\"><\/a>But what should you do if you have a problem but you haven\u2019t been able to find a solution? Do not worry. This happens a lot.<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11622_1766606829\"><\/a><a id=\"X14ccf2b7eb060bff06d387561921638669e3d51\"><\/a>What if I Do Not Have a Solution?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Sometimes you might face a problem you can\u2019t solve alone. In fact, your problem is that you have a problem you can\u2019t solve. In those cases, you need to ask for help. In many ways, this type of document is similar to a standard problem\/solution document with one major shift. Let\u2019s look at an example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Hi Jake,<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Recently, several of my employees asked for my advice, and while I would like to help, I don\u2019t have an answer for them. I\u2019m hoping you might be able to help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Three members of my team would like to learn more about project management. They took the initiative of finding a six-week course that they can take online outside of work hours. If they finish the course successfully, they will receive certificates verifying them as certified project managers. As I mentioned to you in a recent meeting, my team has been taking on many new projects, but we\u2019ve been slowed down by the fact that I am the only experienced project manager on the team, which means I have to lead every project. If my three team members took the course, they would each be able to begin taking on leadership roles, which would increase our productivity as a team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">While I would like to tell my team members to sign up for the course, it will cost $600 per employee. They asked me if the company could reimburse them for the cost, but I don\u2019t have the authority to make that decision. As our department manager, could you help determine if funding for this course is available?<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I will provide you with a course description and information about the company offering the course. Also, if you would like to meet to discuss options, I will be happy to schedule a meeting. The course begins in four weeks, so, if possible, my employees would like an answer by May 26 so they can meet the deadline to enroll.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">I appreciate your help. I think this course will benefit my team members, our department, and the company. I look forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">Kathryn<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">This email contains all the standard pieces of a problem\/solution document:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Recently, several of my employees asked for my advice, and while I would like to help, I don\u2019t have an answer for them.<br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I\u2019m hoping you might be able to help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Problem<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>Three members of my team would like to learn more about project management. They took the initiative of finding a six-week course that they can take online outside of work hours. IF they finish the course successfully, they will receive certificates verifying them as certified project managers. As I mentioned to you in a recent meeting, my team has been taking on many new projects, but we\u2019ve been slowed down by the fact that I am the only experienced project manager on the team, which means I have to lead every project. If my three team members took the course, they would each be able to begin taking on leadership roles, which would increase our productivity as a team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\">While I would like to tell my team members to sign up for the course, it will cost $600 per employee. They asked me if the company could reimburse them for the cost, but I don\u2019t have the authority to make that decision. As our department manager, I would like your help determining if funding for this course is available.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Solution and Plan of Action<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I will provide you with a course description and information about the company offering the course. Also, if you would like to meet to discuss options, I will be happy to schedule a meeting. The course begins in four weeks, so if possible, my employees would like an answer by May 26 so they can meet the deadline to enroll.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BlockText\" style=\"margin-left: 23.75pt; margin-right: 23.75pt;\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><br style=\"clear: both;\" \/>I appreciate your help. I think this course will benefit my team members, our department, and the company. I look forward to hearing from you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11624_1766606829\"><\/a>Assess\u2014Problems<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Which of the following is <strong>NOT<\/strong> a problem you would address at work?<br \/>\na. The need for a new employee<br \/>\nb. The need for more office space<br \/>\nc. Your need for a new car<br \/>\nd. The need to update a billing process<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Which of the following are part of the process of addressing a problem in writing?<br \/>\na. Identify the problem.<br \/>\nb. Convince your readers that your problem is their problem too.<br \/>\nc. Provide a solution.<br \/>\nd. Develop a plan of action.<br \/>\ne. All of the above<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">This is an effective statement of the problem:<br \/>\nIf we don\u2019t address the potential issue of what could happen if overtime remains the same, I\u2019m not sure what will happen.<br \/>\na. True<br \/>\nb. False<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">This is an effective statement of the problem:<br \/>\nI need to adjust my schedule because my childcare situation has changed, and I can no longer get to work by 8:00 am because I have to drop my son off at school each morning.\\<br \/>\na. True<br \/>\nb. False<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Which of the following is the better solution?<br \/>\na. Offer them an extra week of vacation as a consolation.<br \/>\nb. <a id=\"Xe98cc3cb23d50e8c9b125a5c4f3b9c80309e2f1\"><\/a>Offer to pay for a training course so that the employee can get the training they need to be prepared for the next opportunity.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11626_1766606829\"><\/a>Engage\u2014Solving Problems<\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Problems are a regular part of work, and identifying and proposing solutions to those problems in writing is something you will be expected to do.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">For this activity, your problem is an upcoming deadline that you will not be able to meet. Your task is to write to the person who can grant you an extension. In your memo, you should<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Identify the problem.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Convince your readers that your problem is their problem.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide a solution.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Develop a plan of action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Once your memo is complete<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Post it to the discussion board.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Respond to at least three of your classmates.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Provide feedback on the following.<br \/>\nThe content of their memo<br \/>\nThe structure and design of their memo<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11628_1766606829\"><\/a>Apply\u2014Writing about Professional Problems<\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">For this assignment, you must write a memo in response to the following prompt:<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">As with many departments, you and the members of your department have been working from home since the pandemic began. Now that business is beginning to return to normal, your company\u2019s CEO has announced that plans are being made to transition back to the workplace. To make the transition as seamless as possible, each department has been asked to submit a memo in which they address the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Employee concerns<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Employee needs<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">A plan for making the transition based on the following scenario:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">Your supervisor has asked you to talk to each of the seven members of your department and then draft a response to the CEO.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-BodyText\">To complete this assignment successfully, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Present your information in the form of a memo that includes the required parts of a proposal.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Use headings to create a visual hierarchy.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Follow the guidelines for creating an effective structure.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Use proper English grammar and spelling conventions.<\/li>\n<li class=\"import-Normal\">Meet your audiences\u2019 needs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"import-FirstParagraph\">For this assignment, you may create material concerning employee concerns and needs; however, your material must be realistic and should be based on your professional experience.<\/p>\n<h3><a id=\"__RefHeading___Toc11630_1766606829\"><\/a>Assignment Rubric<\/h3>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\" style=\"height: 0;\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\n<p class=\"import-Compact\">\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Superior<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Above Average<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Average<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; border-top: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Below Average<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"vertical-align: bottom; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt; border: solid #000000 0.5pt;\">\n<div class=\"Table-firstRow\">\n<p class=\"import-Compact\"><strong>Failing<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Content<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes all of the required elements of the assignment.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes all of the required elements, though some are underdeveloped.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes most of the required elements.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Includes some of the required elements.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Does not include all of the required elements.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Style<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is clear and concise and avoids unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is clear and concise and generally avoids unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is mostly clear and concise and mostly avoids unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The writing is occasionally clear and concise but does not avoid unnecessary use of passive constructions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The style is inappropriate or unclear.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Design<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has a clear visual hierarchy and the writer uses appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has a clear visual hierarchy and the writer uses some appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has a basic visual hierarchy and the writer occasionally uses appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document\u2019s visual hierarchy is weak and the writer doesn\u2019t use appropriate methods of presentation such as lists and tables.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has no visual hierarchy.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Structure<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The organization of the document is clear and logical and makes strong use of topic sentences and transitions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The organization of the document is generally clear and logical and makes some use of topic sentences and transitions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has an organization and occasionally uses topic sentences and transitions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The structure is weak and the writer rarely uses topic sentences or transitions.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">0 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has no structure.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"Table-R\">\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Correctness<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">20 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has no errors.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">15 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 2\u20133 errors.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">10 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 4\u20135 errors.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">5 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 6\u20137 errors.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"Table-C\" style=\"border-right: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-bottom: solid #000000 0.5pt; border-left: solid #000000 0.5pt; padding: 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt 2.75pt;\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\"><a id=\"X189066dd134d21f477695d12eb8551e02417dfb\"><\/a><a id=\"X9a6fc8c204bf32c08853a97d350e9ac0f0ffbfe\"><\/a>0 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The document has 8 or more errors.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"menu_order":6,"template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-30","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/30","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/30\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":118,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/30\/revisions\/118"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/30\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=30"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=30"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openbooks.library.unt.edu\/writeandcommunicate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=30"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}