The follow-up questions must be a minimum of 100 words and must either add to the
argument or present an alternate point of view. Follow-ups will be graded on whether the
required number was posted (questions and responses to questions); the substance of the
response; and the depth of insight included in the response.

Your First Things Fast text and additional readings describe a number of assessment methods to gather data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, process mapping, and workplace observations. In your post of this paper section draft:

1)  Identify the problem you are investigating for your project in a one-sentence statement.

2)  Identify at least two research methods to gather data to complete your needs assessment/human performance analysis. Explain your rationale for selecting the specific research methodologies.

3)  Describe the advantages and disadvantages of your selected research methodologies. Explain how your research methodologies will be implemented.

4)  Explain the design, implementation, and purpose of data collection instruments that support your selected research methodologies (describe tools and how they will be used, and include questions you will ask).

Note: Do not select document review, data mining, or observation of data as a research method, because those methods will be covered in a future assignment. Also, note that the kick-off interview was part of the problem definition activity and is not a substitute for one of your research methods for this assignment.

Draft and integrate the information listed above into the Research Methods section of the Final Paper Template. Post your Final Paper Template with the completed narrative and data collection instruments as an attachment in this discussion. Please make sure to update the Table of Contents and References pages each time you add an assignment to the cumulative paper. Integrate course readings to support HPI-related points and to strengthen the narrative.

Whether you are new to Excel or you have some experience there are always new things that can be learned, especially when using Excel for decision-making in your personal life or business. How could you use Excel in your personal, educational or professional lives to improve decision-making?
Provide an example of where you did or could have used a spreadsheet to aid your decision-making.  Describe the scenario and the types of questions you could answer with the spreadsheet.

Quality Control
For this assignment, you will take a look at two different communications that need improving.

Read through both communications carefully, looking for areas that may need improvement. Using concepts you have learned from both the textbook and videos, you will then create an assessment of both communications, identifying what needs improving or changing and why. You will then rewrite the communication based on your written assessment.

Communication 1: Routine Business Email
To: David Lynch
From: Susan Spellman

Subject: Need $17,000 for New Copier

Hi David,

Our office is running out of place to file the physical copies of the new cases we are receiving. As of now, these cases are stacked on desks throughout the office. Because of the increasing workload, we are running behind on getting them copied and scanned into the computer. Recently, I saw a copy machine that has a scanner that scans documents twice as fast as the scanner we are currently using. It is compatible with our computer system. With it, we can create folders on our computers and scan the documents right into their appropriate folders. This will save our staff time, help us to organize the files better, and locate them faster to assist our clients more speedily. I checked around and found our top competitors have purchased it. I think you should purchase it too.

The cost is $17,000, which is a little pricier than others like it on the market. However, considering that we spend over $300.00 every month repairing the outdated one we currently have, the investment in this one will pay off. The company will deliver it, set it up, and train our staff to use it.

We would love to be able to clean up our office space, so the staff can work more efficiently.

Thanks,
Susan

Communication 2: Persuasive Email
To: All Employees
From: Pat Jones

Subject: Company Annual Fund Drive

Hello Everyone,

Each year, our company holds a fund drive to benefit our local children’s hospital. Participation has declined annually since the first year, and we have not been able to reach our goal. This is a major concern because many people benefit from the services our charitable donation helps the hospital to provide. This year, our goal is to increase the donation to the hospital. While we understand your participation is a personal choice, with your involvement, you can help the company to finally achieve its goal.

You may contact me for more information.

Thank you in advance.

Pat Jones, Annual Fund Drive Coordinator

Your submission should be in a Word document and contain four parts:

Describe improvements that could be made to the routine business communication and explain your rationale using examples.
Describe improvements that could be made to the persuasive business communication and explain your rationale using examples.
Rewrite Communication 1 implementing the improvements you suggested.
Rewrite Communication 2 implementing the improvements you suggested.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

Assess routine, persuasive, and bad-news business messages for quality and effectiveness.