Write a position paper using business report format described below. A position paper identifies a problem, analyzes the problem providing facts and support for your position, and then offers recommendations for solving the problem. The problem could relate to poor public service, image problems, or public expectations. The solutions should show how marketing and customer relations in the public service can help to resolve the problem you have identified.

The paper must have at least 3 references (in addition to the textbook) from your research. Use the APA style guide for references and in-text citations. Do not use encyclopedias or dictionaries as your three main references. Support your claims with in-text citations and provide specific examples from emergency services.  After the paper is graded, you may revise it and resubmit it (if you choose).

Refer to helpful links here and in course syllabus.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ (Links to an external site.)
http://citationmachine.net/ (Links to an external site.)

FORMAT The paper should be in business report format (double spaced, 1” margins) and 3-5 pages. A number of good descriptions of business report writing exist on the internet. Use APA format for references and in-text links. See APA link at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/, if necessary.

Your report should include the following:

Title Section. The title section should include the title, your name, course title, and date. In this report this may be included at the top of the first page. The title should appear centered on the first page above the Executive Summary.

Executive Summary. Give clear and concise summary of the main points, main conclusions and main recommendations from the report. Keep it short: under 100 words. Many people, especially senior managers, will only read the executive summary so it should read as a stand-alone document. Write it last, but do not copy and paste from the report. The Executive Summary replaces an abstract.

Introduction. States the problem and provides background information. Shows how the problem impacts the reader. Explains how the details that follow in the report are arranged in a sentence that lists the main points (sub-topics) in the paper.

Main Body. Use descriptive sub-heads that are the same as the sub-topics mentioned in your introduction. This section includes the facts in your report. It will describe what you discovered about ‘the problem’ you introduce in your introduction. You can use jargon (and acronyms) where appropriate, but be sure they are defined. Use sub-heads to designate each section. Use numbers or bullets for lists.

You may include a separate Discussion that explains the significance of your findings.

Conclusions. The conclusion may include a discussion of findings. It should summarize the key points of your report by presenting the logical conclusions from your examination of ‘the problem.’ After reading the executive summary, many people will read the conclusion. The executive summary should not parrot your conclusion.

Recommendations. Recommendations suggest what should be done to resolve the problem. Use point form if you have a list of recommendations. This is a separate section from the conclusions.

Appendices. Put the details that only specialists want to read in the appendices. If detail is essential to your argument, include it in the main body; if it only supports the argument, then put it in an appendix. the appendices are not included in your word count.

References. Use APA style guides for the references and in-text citations. For example, the reference for this material is: Atherton, T. (2005). How to format a business report. Ezine Articles. Retrieved from http://EzineArticles.com/96650 (Links to an external site.)