Research portfolio cm2300 4 fatima al sowaidi6006284

Research Portfolio
CM2300-4
Fatima Al Sowaidi
60062842
Retrieved from: http://www.fin-el.com/services-doc.htm
APA Title Page
Report Outline
Source 1 – COLLEGE ONLINE LIBRARY
URL: https://search-proquest-com.connect.cna-
qatar.edu.qa/docview/2348166500?pq-origsite=summon
Explanation:
This article will help me explain one of the latest marketing
strategies done by coca cola and see how much it is effective.
I will use this in the discussion part to discuss the previous
marketing campaigns of coca cola.
The author raised the concern of coca cola in their marketing
campaigns that are raising awareness of unhealthy foods and
obesity rates in kids.

Summary: Source 1
Put text here:
This article is a journal article from the British medical journal
which is by the author Mahase Elisabeth in the year 2019. This
article focuses on the Coca cola public relation marketing
campaign in which the are focusing on the exposure of children
to the unhealthy foods and increasing in the children obesity
rates. The paper mentions as well that the majority of the
market is children below 12 years old which makes an amount
of 35 % of the market. Therefore, their exposure to such
advertising would make a huge impact as the advertisement
focused on the exposure of items that are unhealthy and high in
fat, salt and sugar.
Source 2 – Online Article
URL:
https://innismaggiore.com/newsroom/positionistview/new -coke-
failure-why-decision-was-too-far-out-to-swallow/
Explanation:
This article speaks about the famous failure marketing campaign
of coca cola and the reasons behind the failure.
The information in this article is helpful because it will help me
give an information about this campaign and the reasons it
failed.
This could go in the background of the research as the main
research is regarding this campaign and developing a new one.

Summary: Source 2
Put text here:
This article is an online article in the year 2017 by the author
Dick Maggiore. The author explained the reason for the decision
of coca cola introducing a new coke which was due to the
increasing competition between them and Pepsi. The main
reason was that Pepsi has done a blind test for their drink
compared with coca cola and people have chosen Pepsi due to
their sweeter taste. Therefore, the main idea of coca cola was to
remove the old coke and introduce a brand new flavour and
drink. However, this move had been the worst thing ever taken
by coca cola as it caused it to lose a lot of customers due to
them not preferring the new one over the old one. The main
failure of Coca cola was because the toke the decision of taking
off the old coke they had off the market and introduce a new
one which made a lot of their loyal customers angry.
Source 3 – Online News Article
URL: https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/05/23/coca-cola-
ads-8-its-most-memorable-campaigns
Explanation:
This is an online news article that shows the eight most
memorable campaigns and explains the reasons further.
This would be helpful in the recommendation, background and
discussion part.
I would include examples in my research from the campaigns
mentioned in this news article.

Summary: Source 3
Put text here:
This is a news article from the drum website which explains the
top 8 advertisements that is unforgettable for coca cola. The
article started by bringing old advertisements from the year
1971 till the year of 2017. each campaign has the video to it
with an explanation about each one of them and the reasons
behind their success. The most successful campaign in the
authors opinion is the campaign of the year 2011 with the name
of “Share a coke which was one of the good advertisement that
helped coca cola a recognizable brand with international drives.
Source 4 – Online Blog
URL: https://econsultancy.com/digital-marketing-campaigns-
coca-cola/
Explanation:
This blog discusses 10 digital campaign of coca cola which have
been successful.
I would consider this information in the discussion and
recommendation as the online marketing campaign are
increasing comparing to old marketing campaigns.
This information could also be included in the recommendation
in case of recommending an online marketing campaign for coca
cola.
Summary: Source 4

Put text here:
This is a blog from a website called the EConsultancy and they
have brough coca cola top 10 digital marketing campaigns. The
author has ranked the campaign ascendingly and have described
and emphasized on each of the advertisement and the reasons
for their success. The author has supported most of the thoughts
and opinions with proves from the public and customers. In
summary, this blog has gathered a lot of information about
successful coca cola marketing campaigns.
APA References
APA Title Page
Global Aging Workforce
Salman Albrashadi - 60093500
School of General Education, College of North Atlantic-Qatar
CM 2300
Instructor: Antle, Leo
Source 1: Website
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2018/11/19/why-
our-world-is-aging/?sh=11c0f0a320db
In this source, the reasons of aging are determine. The author
indicates that the change in demographic has introduced

challenges for healthcare systems while decrease the ability for
younger people to work.
I will use this source in making introduction and research
finding because it is providing relevant graphs related to aging
workforce.
Summary: Why Our World is Ageing
According to Haseltine (2018), the world population is
aging more quickly, which is creating challenges fro healthcare
systems and governments. Particularly, it has become crucial to
manage the increasing demands of aging population while
creating opportunities for young people to work. The major
factor behind aging is increase in life expectancies. Duri ng
1900s, it has started to increase in industrialized countries,
however remained stagnant in other countries. Currently, the
average life expectancy in estimated as seventy two years of
age. Medical and technology has played a huge role in reducing
the number of deaths. Along with that, a dramatic change to
fertility rates worldwide is also considered as a prominent
reason behind global aging. In this regard, it can be noticed that
woman in 1960 had more that five children, whereas today,
woman had fewer children. Additionally, this research indicate
that youth and fertility is considered as prosperity and economic
growth.
Based on this article, aging and shrink population
represent shrink economy and missing of opportunities, this our
world needs to control ageing population.
Source 2: News Article
https://search-proquest-com.connect.cna-

qatar.edu.qa/docview/2447303091?pq-origsite=summon
In this source, the drop in the aging workforce is estimated due
to the height of the pandemic. It has become a sign of worrying
for the full economic impact to come for those over 50.
I will use this source in research findings and discussion
because it include statistical data related to a global aging
workforce.
Summary: Growth in Ageing Workforce
According to Claire (2020), due to the height of the
pandemic, the employment level among people aged 50 to 60
has been dropped for the first time in a decade. In this regard,
the Department fro Work and Pensions evaluated that from
April to June 2020, the employment rate for 50 to 64 years
workers was 72.7%. Whereas, in January to March, it dropped
down from 72.8%, although it was 72.5% in 2019. Identically,
it can be noticed that this rate of employment increased rapidly
since the mid of 1990s. The chair of the Age Leadership Team,
Andy Briggs at the charity set up stated that” The fact is that
the rate of employment for 40 to 64 workers has already gone
into reverse direction. The decline in this year is slight, but is
worrying sign for economies that come from aged people.
Additionally, he declared that people above 50s find it more
struggling to get job, otherwise they face a lifetime poverty.
The average age for men to leave job is 65.2 years old, which
fell from 64.3 to 64.2 for women employees.
In conclusion, it can be said that external and
uncontrollable factors such as Panademic has forced aged
people to stay up for work.

Source 3: News Article
https://https://go-gale-com.connect.cna-
qatar.edu.qa/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=cna&id=GALE|A534037168&
v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon
This article is representing that aging workforce will turned out
to be a global crisis. Therefore, immigration and deter
retirement is needed to deal.
I will use this source in discussion and recommendation to
highlight the factors that global aging population can impact.
Summary: Ageing Workforce and Global Crisis
According to Byline (2018), the International
Monetary Fund has declared the need to establish policies to
encourage immigration and deter retirement to deal with the
looming barriers of an aging population. A shrinking workforce
is leading towards higher taxes and lower benefits. Aging
workforce can slow growth while threatening the sustainability
of social security systems. The dependency ratio that evaluate
the number of people over 65 as a proportion of aged between
20 and 64 has increased from 27% to 34% in 2008. However, it
is possible that by 2050 for ever pensioner on current trends
there will be just two workers. As a result, it is important for
governments to reframe migration policies in order to increase
the labor supply. Along with that, the balance between working
and retired people can be strikes by rising pensions ages while
providing greater incentives. According to IMF, incentive for
retirements produced a powerful effect, which seems to
encourage early retirement.
It is concluded that if ageing workforce remains
active, the world will see global level crisis soon. (Note: Please

grade this summary.)
Source 4: Report
https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/people-
organisation/workforce-of-the-future/workforce-of-the-future-
the-competing-forces-shaping-2030-pwc.pdf
This report is providing a better understanding of the future
workforce. The fundamental transformation of the demographic
changes are being elaborated in this source.
I will use this report in research findings and discussion to draw
a logical conclusion of the study.
Summary: Workforce in Future
According to PWC (2018), the change in demographic
based on the shift of size, distribution and age profile of the
world’s organization is creating challenges for business sectors.
The world has minimum regional expectations, which is making
it difficult to manage the global aging workforce. The
organizations are under pressure of establishing a social
institution and economies. The longer life span of people is
affecting models of the business while reducing talent ambitions
and pension costs. In this regard, it has become important for
HR managers to encourage older people to learn new skills
while working longer in a particular organization. Along with
that, the shortage of increasing aging economies is a driving
need for automation and performance enhancements.
Additionally, developed countries working with aged
populations re required to hold business ethos while attracting
investment to improve education system.
In this regard, it can be perceived that unemployment and

migration will increase if significantly sustained investment is
not applied accurately.
APA References
Byline (2018, April 10).Ageing workforce will soon be global
crisis, warns IMF. Retrieved from:[ https://go-gale-
com.connect.cna-
qatar.edu.qa/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=cna&id=GALE|A534037
168&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon ]
Claire. M. (2020, September 30). Ready for retirement?: Growth
in older people working stalls in the pandemic. Retrieved
from: [ https://search-proquest-com.connect.cna-
qatar.edu.qa/docview/2447303091?pq- origsite=summon ]
Haseltine. W. A. (2018, Novmeber 12). Why our world is aging.
Retrieved from: [
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2018/11/19/
why-our-world-is-aging/?sh=11c0f0a320db ]
PWC. (2018). Workforce of the future. Retrieved from: [
https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/people-
organisation/workforce-of-the-future/workforce-of-the-
future-the-competing-forces-shaping-2030- pwc.pdf ]
3.0 Writing Proposals
CM2300

What is a proposal?
A proposal …
Is usually the first step in conducting research, writing a report,
or creating a project.
Is a statement of intent (or plan for what is intended to be
completed) that will keep you on track and focused.
Asks for permission to do the work intended/ proposed.
Once it is approved, a proposal becomes an IMPORTANT
contract.
The final report or project might be a little different from what
was proposed, but any major change would require a new
proposal.
When are proposals used/ needed?
When a company:
Needs some equipment or product
Requires a service
Has a problem to solve
Wants to makes changes in its operations
Two General Types of Proposals
Solicited
Means it is requested
Known as a Request for Proposal (RFP)
Getting permission or approval becomes a competition
The ‘best’ proposal is selected.
Unsolicited
Means it is NOT requested.
Written and offered to ‘fix’ a need (through research and
report).

No competition, but persuasion is generally needed.
Convincing someone that your proposal is the best, or has
value, requires persuasive techniques.
Example
Problem/ Need
CNA-Q is looking at changing its telephone system. It has
found that most instructors do not use the landlines provided in
their offices, but use their mobiles instead. However, there are
some departments where the landlines are necessary.
RFP
The college would like a full review of its telephone system, in
terms of need, usage, and what changes could be made to
increase efficiency and lower cost.
Internal Proposals
A person or a group from inside the company will ask (or be
asked) to take on a study and to make recommendations to the
company.
External Proposal
A person or a group from outside the company will ask (or be
asked) to take on the study and to make recommendations in the
form of a report.
Proposal Structure
Your proposal should consist of six sections:
Introduction
Background
Research & Methodology
Qualifications
Proposed Plan

Conclusion
Other elements
may be required for the assignment, but will be discussed later.
(e.g., cover page, Table of Contents, References, and so on)
6
Section 1: Introduction
The Introduction indicates the Report’s Topic and Purpose
Briefly grab the reader’s attention
Ex: The growth of real estate in GCC countries is a compelling
area for investment in construction and tourism.
Include your thesis statement – gives the report’s purpose, main
ideas, and arguments
Ex: The Pearl is the largest residential and commercial
development in Qatar, and its construction will bring many
benefits to Qatar.
7
State the purpose of the report – briefly indicate what you plan
the report to accomplish
Ex: This report describes business-oriented details of The
Pearl’s development, in order to show its size and importance to
Qatar’s business community.
Develop a clear, specific title for your report – use it in the
introduction
Ex. Selecting an Appropriate Sensor for a Smart Traffic-Control
System

8
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Introduction
section of your report:
Attention-Grabber
Thesis Statement
Purpose
Report Title
9
Section 2: Background
Provide Background AND Indicate Readers
Background – help readers understand the issue; may include:
a recent history of the topic
problems experienced by the company
special terms
goals of the research and report
10
Ex: The report will discuss the feasibility and creation of
previously reclaimed-seafloors, or artificial peninsulas, islands
or lagoons, in The United Arab Emirates with a specific
reference to “The Palm Tree” and “The Globe”. The areas of
financing, construction, marketing and residential development

will be detailed.
Preliminary research
Use it here to strengthen your proposal to
Support your argument
Provide background information
11
Identify the Audience – who is expected to read the report?
Always remember to consider who will read the report.
Look at the situation from the reader’s point of view.
The reader will decide to accept your proposal, or not.
Ex: The intended audience is the general reading public in Qatar
who know little about the details of The Pearl’s development.
12
Explain how the audience will benefit from the report
Answer these questions:
What are you proposing to do for the company? (To solve a
problem?)
Why should your plan be accepted? (What is different about it?)
How will the company benefit if it accepts your proposal?

13
Watch the video: Writing a Persuasive Message
14
Use persuasive techniques in this section to answer the
questions:
Why is this a problem?
Why is this of interest to others?
Why does this need anybody’s time and/ or effort?
You do not want your audience to think:
So? Who cares? What’s the big deal?
15
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Background
Background to understand
Recent history / problems / issues
Special terms / concepts
Goals of the research and the report
Preliminary research findings
Audience
Identify who will read the report
Explain why the report is important
Mention benefits

16
Section 3: Research & Methodology
Describe your research task(s)
Discuss your research and how it will support your thesis
Explain all tasks which you will undertake to collect the
necessary information, such as
what you have found in your preliminary research
the research you will conduct after your proposal has been
approved
17
Provide details to answer the following questions:
Example:
Internet website on The Pearl
Gulf Times articles on project and its development
Advertising brochures
A book on construction projects in the Gulf
18
What type of resources will you need?
Surveys

Interviews
What kind of research will you conduct?
Primary - research you will personally conduct to get
information
Secondary - research conducted by others that you plan to use to
support your report
Where will you find the information?
This varies for primary research (discussed later in the course)
Experiments
Books
Videos
Websites
Journals

Electronic, Multimedia, Print - databases, libraries, radio, TV,
newspapers, etc.
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Research and
Methodology section of your report:
Explain the steps/ tasks involved in conducting your research
Mention preliminary research – research portfolio #1
Research you will conduct after the proposal has been approved
Discuss the research
Identify the type – books, journals, websites, etc.
Name the kind – primary and/ or secondary
Explain where you will find the information
19
Section 4: Qualifications
Explain your background or ‘expertise’
The reader needs to have confidence in you, the writer.
If this confidence doesn’t exist, the reader won’t bother to read
your work!

Explain why you are the right person to do the proposed project
Give details about your student expertise or authority
Use previous experience and knowledge.
Provide skills and background as reasons for why you should
take on this project
20
This section should provide answers to these questions:
What gives you the authority to write on this topic?
What background do you have in this area?
What courses have you taken to prepare you for this work?
Do you have any personal experience with this topic, area, or
concern?
Why are you “credible” (i.e., trustworthy, reliable,
dependable)?
Ex: Due to my previous work in this field working with
reclaimed coastal land in Indonesia and my engineering
education from Qatar University in geology, I feel I am the
right person to complete this report on the reclamation of The
Pearl seafloor.
21
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the
Qualifications section of your report:
Focus on your expertise/ authority
Convince the reader that you are qualified
Identify experience, knowledge, and skills

Work done before
Provide courses completed
Etc.
Explain why you the right person to write the report
Identify the goals of the research and the report
22
Section 5: Proposed Plan
Provide an outline of your report.
Identify sections and subsections
Explain the purpose of each section
Identify visuals you plan to provide
Ex. Images, Tables, Figures, Charts, Graphs, Diagrams
Identify timelines, costs, staffing requirements (if needed)
Visual Aid Examples
Images of the 3 accounting software types
Image of a target customer Venn Diagram
A graph showing sales figures
A table to compare and contrast the 3 accounting software
programs types by cost, functionality, connectivity etc.
A diagram of how the selected option would be used in the
Business Proposal project
23
Discuss any limitations to your report.
identify important areas your report will not discuss, such as:
Topics that will not be covered
Research that will not be done
Geographical areas that will not be included

24
Account for the Body pages
Account for the Supplementary
pages
Account for the Prefatory pages
25
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Proposed
Plan section of your report:
Explain the purpose
Identify visuals
Identify requirements (if needed)
Discuss any limitations to your report (information your report
will not discuss)

26
Section 6: Conclusion
Close with a request for authorization or approval to proceed
Authorization
The author of the proposal will request permission from a
superior
This is a request to continue with the project/ report based on
the idea presented.
Ex. Based on the information of The Pearl land reclamation
plan provided in this proposal report, I ask for authorization to
proceed with the project.
27
Other considerations
The conclusion may also include:
A reminder of the importance of the topic
A summary of main ideas
Contact information
28
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Conclusion

Authorization
request permission to continue with the report
29
Writing Your Proposal
The required sections include:
Introduction
Background
Qualifications
Proposed Plan
Conclusion
Follow the instructions:
Given in your assignment sheet
From your instructor
30
Using Lists
Use lists to present several pieces of information.
There are terms related to listing which you need to know:
Stem – the part of the sentence or list before the colon
Colon (:) – the punctuation used to indicate information will
follow
Parallel structure – the same grammatical pattern (parallelism)
Bullets – the symbols used in front of listed items (◊ ● □ →,
etc.)
Numbers – the numerical form (1, 2, 3, etc.) in lists

31
Using Lists
There are two types of lists:
Horizontal (in-sentence)
Vertical
Less Emphasis
More Emphasis
I need three things at the store: cereal, rice, and milk.
I need three things at the store:
- cereal
- rice
- milk
Here the stem is an independent clause (it can stand alone as a
complete sentence); therefore, commas are not needed in the
vertical list.
Stem (lead-in)
Colon
AND
32
Listing Examples
The three solutions will be assessed based on five criteria: cost,
software availability, ease of installation, accuracy, and speed.
Horizontal (in-sentence) list
The stem is an independent clause (complete sentence)

A colon is used after the stem and commas separate listed items.
Listing Examples
Once the instructor logs onto his or her classroom computer, the
students can sign into the class using the following four steps:
The students place their finger on the reader.
As verification, the system tries to authenticate the student
identity by comparing the captured minutia image to those
stored in the student database.
Once identification is made, the system returns a confirmation
or a rejection. If rejected, the student tries again, or the
instructor can do it directly on the PeopleSoft interface.
At this point, the system marks the student as present for that
class, using the PeopleSoft attendance interface.
The stem is NOT an independent clause
Vertical list
A colon is used after the stem.
A period (full stop) is needed at the end of this list because the
listed items are complete sentences.
Order is important here, so numbers are used rather than bullets.

Examples
I visited three places this summer: Paris, France; London,
England; and Frankfurt, Germany.
I visited three places this summer:
Paris, France
London, England
Frankfurt, Germany
The stem is an independent clause (complete sentence).
Horizontal (in-sentence) List
Vertical List
Semicolons have been used in this example because extra,
internal punctuation is needed to ensure the sentence is clear.
No punctuation is required at the end of the listed items here,
because the stem is an independent clause.
Using Lists
Basic guidelines for using lists:
Use lists to:
Emphasize/ highlight important information
Simplify large pieces of information in a sequence
Bullets VS Numbers

Use bullets when sequence or importance is not required
Use numbers to indicate importance or sequence
Do not over use lists; they will lose their effectiveness.
Do not mix bullets & numbers in the same list; use numbers &
letters if a sublist is needed.
36
Using Lists
Use parallelism
Always introduce a list with a stem:
Independent clause
Use punctuation at the end of listed items, if sentences are
listed
Do not use punctuation at the end of listed items
Dependent clause
Punctuate as a sentence
May need to use commas, semicolons, & and.
More useful information about listing can be found at
https://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/lists.html
37
Cite Your Sources
Remember:
If you have used information from a source, you will need to
cite your sources.
Cite (verb) – to give detailed information about a researched
source (evidence, data, facts, proof, statistics, etc.)

Citing sources requires the appropriate citations.
Citation (noun) – the information that identifies a researched
38
Cite Your Sources
In-text Citations
Found in the written (text) of paper
Placed at the end of the quote or paraphrase
Direct quote
(Author[s], year of publication, page number).
(Swan, 2000, p. 583).
(Swan, 2000, para. 13).
Paraphrase
(Author[s], year of publication).
(Swan, 2000).
If there are no pages, usually the case with webpages, give the
paragraph number.
No page number is required.
39
Cite Your Sources
Reference Citation
Found in the References list at the end of the paper
Format:
Author’s last name followed by initials (or first word of the title
when author is not known)
Publication year, between parentheses, followed by a period.
Source’s title (as well as subtitle, volume number or edition) is

italicized.
Location of publication (city, state, country) and publishing
company (i.e., publisher)
Swan, M. (2000). Practical English Usage: Second Edition.
New York: Oxford University Press.
For every secondary source used in an
in-text citation, there must be an entry in the Reference list.
40
Remember:
A proposal
Explains the report
outlines the the key sections of the report
It does not provide complete information
Prepares the audience to start to understand a the topic
Asks for permission to go ahead with a planned idea
It does not describe detailed action
It convinces with a plan and reasoned arguments
Does not have all the same sections as the final report
The final report may be slightly different than what is proposed.
This is not unusual as a proposal is based on projected
expectations.
However, if there is a major change, a new proposal will be
required.
3.0 – Writing Proposals
CM5: Fundamentals of Research and Reporting

CM 2300 SAMPLE BUSINESS LETTER
Letter Layout - Sample
NOTE: Do not use the languge or specific vocablulary of this
sample for your CM 2300 proposal letter; this sample is
provided only to show where elements such as headings,
addresses, dates, etc. should be placed.
Business Letters
A review of how to format a letter
CM 2300

School of Language Studies and Academics
1
Lecture 2 BROCKIE
Fall 2014
Co. name and address (could be letterhead)
1. Complimentary Close
2. Signature (by hand)
3. Typed Name
4. Title
1. Recipient name / title
2. Company name
3. Complete Address
Salutation - Dear Name:

Body
Letter format – what goes where?
Receiver’s company name / address
Complimentary Close
Receiver’s Name & title
Body of letter
Date
Your company name / address
Signature – hand writing
Your position / title
Salutation
Your name
2. ________________________
1. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
6. ________________________
5. ________________________
7. ________________________
8. ________________________
10________________________
9. ________________________
Date
Receiver’s name and title
Receiver’s co. name / address
Salutation

Body of letter
Complimentary Close
Signature
Your name
Your position/title
Inside Address
Position: two to four spaces below date
Left-aligned
Include name of specific person if possible
Include job title
may also include Mr. Ms. Mrs. (optional)
NOTE: Adjust vertical position of letterhead/heading and inside
address to balance your page layout.

Salutation
Position: usually two line spaces below inside address
Begin with Dear, end with colon (:)
Use ‘attention’ instead of ‘dear’ if…
…you don’t know the person’s name
(e.g.: Attention: General Manager)
…it’s going to a group of people
(e.g.: Attention: Engineering Department)
Letter Text
Begin two lines below salutation
Typical structure:
Introduction paragraph – identify purpose and engage interest
Details - one or more paragraphs depending on content of letter
Closing paragraph – sum up, encourage action if applicable, and
provide contact info:
Letter Text
Keep paragraphs short – fewer than 8 lines if possible
Consider using bullets or lists to make detailed information
easier to follow

Closing – Three Components
Complimentary Close (eg: Sincerely,)
Signature (allow three line spaces)
Writer’s name and position
Common Closings
Yours Truly, Sincerely, Respectfully,
Regards, Best Wishes etc.
Optional Elements
Attention line: if you don’t know person’s name, or if writing to
group
Subject line: good for attracting attention to purpose. Place
below salutation.
Enclosure Note: below writers name – state number of
enclosures (Enclosures 2, Encl. 2)
Distribution Note: at very bottom – indicate with copy, cc
(carbon copy), bc (blind copy), or distribution (c. S. Porter)
Design Factors
Choose format – full block or simplified

Use 10-12 point font
Use quality stationery
Use uniform margins and spacing to achieve balance and visual
appeal
Keep it short – one page if possible
A proposal letter may run to 2 pages with an attachments.
Oryx Communications
The Corniche - P.O. Box 26793
Doha, Qatar
May 8, 2006
Fred Perry, Manager of Contract Training
College of the North Atlantic - Qatar
P.O. Box 24449
Doha, Qatar
Dear Mr. Perry:
I am writing to you for more information on the various training
programs your college offers. I
have a team of 45 employees, and I ’m interested in helping
them update their business
communication skills. Specifically, I would like my emp loyees
to develop their skills with letter
writing, report writing, and presentation skills, while improving
their use of English.
I have heard good things about your college, and I look forward
to hearing back from you with
full details. Please send a complete package to the address abo
ve, and feel free to call me at 495-
6358 to discuss the possibilities.

Sincerely,
Hamad Al Naimi
Human Resources Manager
C O L L E G E O F T H E N O R T H A T L A N T I C – Q
A T A R
LETTER RUBRIC
Student Name: ID #:
Business Letter Format – 20 A B C D F
x
Score
Required Parts (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Present and
Accurately
Placed
2

Appearance (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Meets Letter
Requirements
Other (e.g. section divisions, bullet points, italics,
balanced, underlining, etc.)
2
Organization and Content – 55 A B C D F
x
Score
Opening ¶ (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Effective for the
Purpose
2
Body ¶s (20) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Contains Main
Points

4
Closing ¶ (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Appropriate to
the Purpose
2
Overall Message (15) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Professional
Quality
paragraphs are coherent and fluent
3
Writing – 25 A B C D F
x
Score
Grammar, Mechanics, and Punctuation (20) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Conform to
Principles

4
Style (5) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Appropriate to
the Situation
1
Total for Letter – 100 marks Your mark:
COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC – QATAR
Outlining your topic – model
Task
Complete an outline by the end of class this week. Instructions
1. Submit to the D2L Drop Box your completed work at the end
of class.
2. Include a quote or paraphrase with in-text citations for
proof/evidence.
Note: at least 4 quotes and/or paraphrased ideas are required

Introduction: what is the issue? Why is it important to address?
· What is the issue?
· Why is it important to address?
· What will you be discussing?
Thesis statement:
Background: history of the issue – section needs to include
names, dates, and locations.
Body
Affected party 1: who, how, why + proof (financial, social,
political, legal, reputational, etc.) You are developing a chain of
consequences for actions.
Reason + proof (proof must be a quote or paraphrase with in-
text citation)
How or why the party has been affected:
Who:
What:
Proof:
Affected party 2:
Who:
What:
Proof:

Affected party 3:
Who:
What:
Proof:
Outline Sample
· What is the issue? People bribe officials to gain university
placement.
· Why is it important to address? This affects public trust in
institutions.
· What will you be discussing? The impact of corruption in
‘pay-to-play’ scandal at top US universities.
Thesis statement:
This report will argue that college corruption scandals are a big
problem and one that produces several significant victims.
First, the children of the parents who bribed college admissions
will, through the bad publicity, be known for this act of
corruption: queue jumping may well produce negative
consequences for the children, including bullying and social
ostracism. Next, the reputation of the university itself finds
itself damaged; with a poor reputation, the university will
struggle to find business. Finally, the students who honestly
qualify for a spot at the university may find themselves on the
outside, as wealthy people jump the line; this will lead to young

people having to settle for either a university of lower quality,
or they will have to travel and leave their community and
families.
· Lori Loughlin – US actress (Full House) – charged with
bribing universities to gain children’s admission – 2019.
· Paid $500 000 USD in bribes to USC as ‘fake rowing team
recruits’. Children don’t row.
· Accused of ‘mail fraud’. Many parents involved in scandal.
Body
text citation)
Who: parents’ children.
What: children will suffer from humiliation from peers who see
them as ‘undeserved rich’.
Proof: ‘effects of peer bullying and ostracism on students’ –
article X outlines the main effects from hostility from peers.
Affected party 2:
Who: university – its reputation
What: university will suffer from emerging reputation as
corrupt institution, susceptible to bribery, and unconcerned with
integrity of its systems. A university’s reputation matters; it
needs to attract clients (students) and top researchers to work
there. If tarnished by scandal, a university’s business model
becomes compromised; it slips down international rankings,
lose its support from the community/government, and cease to

be a place where people want to learn
Proof: Evidence suggests that, in the past, this process has
occurred with the University of X…
Affected party 3:
Who: qualified but rejected students
What: student with proper qualifications don’t receive a place at
the school and, thus, have to travel further afield, to either a
lesser school or a more expensive ‘out of state’ college. They
leave their friends and family, and that has negative effects,
both on the students – distraught to leave home - and on the
families.
Proof: Study X demonstrates the effects of forced familial
separation on youth between the ages of 16 and 21. The study
shows that both psychologically and emotionally, the maturity
of young people stalls and development is delayed relative to
peers who receive stronger and closer support from parents.
Proposal and Outline Assignment: 20%Due:
TASKS
Proposal Letter
1. Now that you have selected a topic to research, you need to
write a proposal. A proposal:
· sells’ your idea to your instructor as a means of acquiring
permission to continue your research and to write a report.
· outlines what is being researched, how the research will be
done, why the report is needed, and who it is being written for,
or who will benefit from the report.

2. Compose an informal proposal letter of six paragraphs for
your CM 2300 instructor.
· Paragraph 1: Presents the topic, the type of report, the
problem/question or the ‘need’ you have identified and the
potential solutions/answers (if applicable). Here, you will
explain your thesis. What is your argument or the purpose of
your report?
“The following document is a proposal to prepare a report on
the topic of ___________. This report will argue that
_________.”
· Paragraph 2: Provides the background to the topic: what is the
event you’re studying and why is it perceived to be a problem?
Why does this report need to be written? Here, you will also
describe the intended audience for your report. Who is
interested in your work and why?
NOTE: this section requires the inclusion of at least one APA
citation (either quotation or paraphrase) from a resource that
you have found to support your thesis.
· Paragraph 3: Outlines the proposed plan. What are the main
sections of your report and what will each section do? Discuss
any limitations to your report. It is important to explain not
only what your report aims to accomplish, but also to identify
important areas your report will not discuss. Remember, you
only have 20 pages and 12 weeks for this exercise.
Note: include your Outline in this section.
· Paragraph 4: Give a brief schedule of main delivery dates
(consult course CIS).
· Paragraph 5: Describe your research and methodology. What
type of research will you do? Where will you find your

information? Consider journals or newspapers for your
secondary research. Provide as much detail as you can.
· Paragraph 6: Present your conclusion. What benefits will your
report bring? Request authorization to begin work on your
report.
This letter will be graded on content, clarity, organization,
formatting and grammar. Your proposal letter will be between
2 - 2.5 pages in length.
Format instructions:
Font: Times New Roman, size 12
Spacing: 1.5
Arrange your proposal in the format of a letter. A good
example can be found on the D2L.
Arrange your letter as follows:
Sender’s Address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Salutation
Body paragraphs
Proposed Outline
Closing
Please submit to D2L Dropbox by (insert date). Late
submissions will lose 10% for the first two days (for a
maximum of 20%); any submissions after that time will receive
a grade of zero for the assignment.
The Advanced Writing Centre is available to you to review your
work and help with ideas. Please consider paying a visit. When
doing so, bring this assignment with you.
Remember that if you are working on the same topic as another
student, you must submit your own distinct CM 2300 report:
your instructor will be comparing all proposal submissions.
2

Proposal Letter SAMPLE
Business Management Student
CNAQ Student #600XXXXX
Doha, Qatar
Date
Instructor’s Name
Communications Instructor, Office #
College of the North Atlantic – Qatar
Doha, Qatar
Dear …
Introduction
This proposal letter is for a research report that will compare
three makers of electric vehicles: Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai to
evaluate their performance to make a recommendation for best
purchase choice for a new vehicle buyer. This proposed report
will discuss three types of electric vehicles based on criteria of
battery life, engine power/speed, charging time, purchase price
and the availability to determine which one is the most effective
electric vehicle to purchase.
Background
Electric vehicles are new environmental transportation devices
that protect the earth from exhaust emissions that cause ozone
depletion. According to the US Department of Energy (n.d.),
“electric vehicles (EV) derive all of their power from electricity

supplied by the electric grid and include all-electric vehicles
(AEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).” Most AEVs
have a range of 80-100 miles with some luxury models having
ranges up to 250 miles before the depleted battery needs to be
recharged; 30 minuets for fast charging and a full day to fully
recharge (Energy.gov, n.d.).
Many environmentally-conscious people prefer to buy an
electric vehicle to support protection of the environment. This
proposed research will help people who are thinking of buying
an electric vehicle by recommending a manufacturer based on
specific criteria and EV specifications from the three
manufacturers chosen for evaluation.
This report will be supported by secondary research conducted
at the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNAQ). Secondary
sources will include a variety of information from
manufacturer’s websites, blogs, journal articles and scholarly
publications from the CNAQ library databases.
There will be three main sections included in the final report.
· The first section will define electric vehicles and introduce
Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai manufacturers that will be
researched.
· The second section will discuss each electric vehicle from
three manufacturers based on specific criteria.
· The last section will evaluate the best manufacturers based on
the selection criteria to make a recommendation.
Qualifications
As a third year business management student, I feel that I have
a good background of experience and knowledge that will allow
me to successfully complete this report. Courses such as
CM1240: Business Communications I and CM1241: Business
Communications II taken at the College of the North Atlantic –
Qatar (CNAQ), along with support from the CNAQ Library and

Advanced Writing Centre (AWC), will provide me with the
support needed to research and write this report.
Proposed Outline
This section includes a sample outline of the proposed research
report with brief details for each section of the final report.
Research Question: Which is the best manufacturer of electric
vehicles?
Introduction
· Briefly introduce and discuss electric vehicles
· Thesis: STATE YOUR THESIS HERE
E.G. This research report will analyze three different electric
vehicle manufacturers to help a newer buyer select an electric
vehicle based on specific criteria of efficiency (battery life,
engine speed, charging time, purchase cost and availability in
Qatar.
Body of Report
· Discuss need to effectively evaluate electric
vehiclesmanufacturers
· Discuss vehicles from Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai
· Criteria: Define & explain criteria to be used in report
· Efficiency
· batteries life
· engine power/speed
· charging time
· Purchase Price (US$)
· Availability (country)
· Findings: discuss findings for comparison or present benefits
and drawbacks/limitations of options
· Comparison: Use table to highlight findings for each option vs
criteria
· Recommendation
Conclusion

· Discuss results of comparison
· Re-state recommendation on best option or most suitable
solution
Thank you for considering this proposal. Please provide me with
your authorization to go ahead with the research so that I may
start fully researching and writing this report. I look forward to
your feedback and I will be pleased to support you with any
additional clarification necessary.
Regards,
Student Signature
Student Name #600XXXXX
3.0 Writing Proposals
CM2300
What is a proposal?
A proposal …
Is usually the first step in conducting research, writing a report,
or creating a project.
Is a statement of intent (or plan for what is intended to be
completed) that will keep you on track and focused.
Asks for permission to do the work intended/ proposed.
Once it is approved, a proposal becomes an IMPORTANT
contract.
The final report or project might be a little different from what
was proposed, but any major change would require a new
proposal.

When are proposals used/ needed?
When a company:
Needs some equipment or product
Requires a service
Has a problem to solve
Wants to makes changes in its operations
Two General Types of Proposals
Solicited
Means it is requested
Known as a Request for Proposal (RFP)
Getting permission or approval becomes a competition
The ‘best’ proposal is selected.
Unsolicited
Means it is NOT requested.
Written and offered to ‘fix’ a need (through research and
report).
No competition, but persuasion is generally needed.
Convincing someone that your proposal is the best, or has
value, requires persuasive techniques.
Example
Problem/ Need
CNA-Q is looking at changing its telephone system. It has
found that most instructors do not use the landlines provided in
their offices, but use their mobiles instead. However, there are
some departments where the landlines are necessary.
RFP
The college would like a full review of its telephone system, in

terms of need, usage, and what changes could be made to
increase efficiency and lower cost.
Internal Proposals
A person or a group from inside the company will ask (or be
asked) to take on a study and to make recommendations to the
company.
External Proposal
A person or a group from outside the company will ask (or be
asked) to take on the study and to make recommendations in the
form of a report.
Proposal Structure
Your proposal should consist of six sections:
Introduction
Background
Qualifications
Proposed Plan
Conclusion
Other elements
may be required for the assignment, but will be discussed later.
(e.g., cover page, Table of Contents, References, and so on)
6
The Introduction indicates the Report’s Topic and Purpose
Briefly grab the reader’s attention
Ex: The growth of real estate in GCC countries is a compelling
area for investment in construction and tourism.

Include your thesis statement – gives the report’s purpose, main
ideas, and arguments
Ex: The Pearl is the largest residential and commercial
development in Qatar, and its construction will bring many
benefits to Qatar.
7
State the purpose of the report – briefly indicate what you plan
the report to accomplish
Ex: This report describes business-oriented details of The
Pearl’s development, in order to show its size and importance to
Qatar’s business community.
Develop a clear, specific title for your report – use it in the
introduction
Ex. Selecting an Appropriate Sensor for a Smart Traffic-Control
System
8
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Introduction
Attention-Grabber
Thesis Statement
Purpose
Report Title

9
Provide Background AND Indicate Readers
Background – help readers understand the issue; may include:
a recent history of the topic
problems experienced by the company
special terms
goals of the research and report
10
Ex: The report will discuss the feasibility and creation of
previously reclaimed-seafloors, or artificial peninsulas, islands
or lagoons, in The United Arab Emirates with a specific
reference to “The Palm Tree” and “The Globe”. The areas of
financing, construction, marketing and residential development
will be detailed.
Preliminary research
Use it here to strengthen your proposal to
Support your argument
Provide background information
11
Identify the Audience – who is expected to read the report?

Always remember to consider who will read the report.
Look at the situation from the reader’s point of view.
The reader will decide to accept your proposal, or not.
Ex: The intended audience is the general reading public in Qatar
who know little about the details of The Pearl’s development.
12
Explain how the audience will benefit from the report
Answer these questions:
What are you proposing to do for the company? (To solve a
problem?)
Why should your plan be accepted? (What is different about it?)
How will the company benefit if it accepts your proposal?
13
Watch the video: Writing a Persuasive Message
14
Use persuasive techniques in this section to answer the
questions:
Why is this a problem?

Why is this of interest to others?
Why does this need anybody’s time and/ or effort?
You do not want your audience to think:
So? Who cares? What’s the big deal?
15
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Background
Background to understand
Recent history / problems / issues
Special terms / concepts
Goals of the research and the report
Preliminary research findings
Audience
Identify who will read the report
Explain why the report is important
Mention benefits
16
Describe your research task(s)
Discuss your research and how it will support your thesis
Explain all tasks which you will undertake to collect the
necessary information, such as
what you have found in your preliminary research
the research you will conduct after your proposal has been
approved

17
Provide details to answer the following questions:
Example:
Internet website on The Pearl
Gulf Times articles on project and its development
Advertising brochures
A book on construction projects in the Gulf
18
What type of resources will you need?
Surveys
Interviews
What kind of research will you conduct?
Primary - research you will personally conduct to get
information
Secondary - research conducted by others that you plan to use to
support your report

Where will you find the information?
This varies for primary research (discussed later in the course)
Experiments
Books
Videos
Websites
Journals
Electronic, Multimedia, Print - databases, libraries, radio, TV,
newspapers, etc.

Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Research and
Methodology section of your report:
Explain the steps/ tasks involved in conducting your research
Mention preliminary research – research portfolio #1
Research you will conduct after the proposal has been approved
Discuss the research
Identify the type – books, journals, websites, etc.
Name the kind – primary and/ or secondary
Explain where you will find the information
19
Explain your background or ‘expertise’
The reader needs to have confidence in you, the writer.
If this confidence doesn’t exist, the reader won’t bother to read
your work!
Explain why you are the right person to do the proposed project
Give details about your student expertise or authority
Use previous experience and knowledge.
Provide skills and background as reasons for why you should
take on this project
20
This section should provide answers to these questions:
What gives you the authority to write on this topic?
What background do you have in this area?

What courses have you taken to prepare you for this work?
Do you have any personal experience with this topic, area, or
concern?
Why are you “credible” (i.e., trustworthy, reliable,
dependable)?
Ex: Due to my previous work in this field working with
reclaimed coastal land in Indonesia and my engineering
education from Qatar University in geology, I feel I am the
right person to complete this report on the reclamation of The
Pearl seafloor.
21
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the
Qualifications section of your report:
Focus on your expertise/ authority
Convince the reader that you are qualified
Identify experience, knowledge, and skills
Work done before
Provide courses completed
Etc.
Explain why you the right person to write the report
Identify the goals of the research and the report
22
Provide an outline of your report.
Explain the purpose of each section

Identify visuals you plan to provide
Ex. Images, Tables, Figures, Charts, Graphs, Diagrams
Identify timelines, costs, staffing requirements (if needed)
Visual Aid Examples
Images of the 3 accounting software types
Image of a target customer Venn Diagram
A graph showing sales figures
A table to compare and contrast the 3 accounting software
programs types by cost, functionality, connectivity etc.
A diagram of how the selected option would be used in the
Business Proposal project
23
Discuss any limitations to your report.
identify important areas your report will not discuss, such as:
Topics that will not be covered
Research that will not be done
Geographical areas that will not be included
24
Account for the Body pages
Account for the Supplementary
pages

Account for the Prefatory pages
25
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Proposed
Plan section of your report:
Explain the purpose
Identify visuals
Identify requirements (if needed)
Discuss any limitations to your report (information your report
will not discuss)
26
Close with a request for authorization or approval to proceed
Authorization
The author of the proposal will request permission from a
superior
This is a request to continue with the project/ report based on
the idea presented.

Ex. Based on the information of The Pearl land reclamation
plan provided in this proposal report, I ask for authorization to
proceed with the project.
27
The conclusion may also include:
A reminder of the importance of the topic
A summary of main ideas
Contact information
28
Make jot notes of the ideas you will include in the Conclusion
Authorization
request permission to continue with the report
29
Writing Your Proposal
The required sections include:
Introduction
Background

Qualifications
Proposed Plan
Conclusion
Follow the instructions:
Given in your assignment sheet
From your instructor
30
Using Lists
Use lists to present several pieces of information.
There are terms related to listing which you need to know:
Stem – the part of the sentence or list before the colon
Colon (:) – the punctuation used to indicate information will
follow
Parallel structure – the same grammatical pattern (parallelism)
Bullets – the symbols used in front of listed items (◊ ● □ →,
etc.)
Numbers – the numerical form (1, 2, 3, etc.) in lists
31
Using Lists
There are two types of lists:
Horizontal (in-sentence)
Vertical
Less Emphasis
More Emphasis
I need three things at the store: cereal, rice, and milk.
I need three things at the store:
- cereal
- rice

- milk
Here the stem is an independent clause (it can stand alone as a
complete sentence); therefore, commas are not needed in the
vertical list.
Stem (lead-in)
Colon
AND
32
Listing Examples
The three solutions will be assessed based on five criteria: cost,
software availability, ease of installation, accuracy, and speed.
Horizontal (in-sentence) list
The stem is an independent clause (complete sentence)
A colon is used after the stem and commas separate listed items.
Listing Examples
Once the instructor logs onto his or her classroom computer, the
students can sign into the class using the following four steps:
The students place their finger on the reader.
As verification, the system tries to authenticate the student
identity by comparing the captured minutia image to those

stored in the student database.
Once identification is made, the system returns a confirmation
or a rejection. If rejected, the student tries again, or the
instructor can do it directly on the PeopleSoft interface.
At this point, the system marks the student as present for that
class, using the PeopleSoft attendance interface.
The stem is NOT an independent clause
Vertical list
A period (full stop) is needed at the end of this list because the
listed items are complete sentences.
Order is important here, so numbers are used rather than bullets.
Examples
I visited three places this summer: Paris, France; London,
England; and Frankfurt, Germany.
I visited three places this summer:
Paris, France
London, England
Frankfurt, Germany

The stem is an independent clause (complete sentence).
Horizontal (in-sentence) List
Vertical List
Semicolons have been used in this example because extra,
internal punctuation is needed to ensure the sentence is clear.
No punctuation is required at the end of the listed items here,
because the stem is an independent clause.
Using Lists
Basic guidelines for using lists:
Use lists to:
Emphasize/ highlight important information
Simplify large pieces of information in a sequence
Bullets VS Numbers
Use bullets when sequence or importance is not required
Use numbers to indicate importance or sequence
Do not mix bullets & numbers in the same list; use numbers &
letters if a sublist is needed.
36
Using Lists
Use parallelism
Always introduce a list with a stem:
Independent clause

Use punctuation at the end of listed items, if sentences are
listed
Do not use punctuation at the end of listed items
Dependent clause
Punctuate as a sentence
May need to use commas, semicolons, & and.
More useful information about listing can be found at
https://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/lists.html
37
Cite Your Sources
Remember:
If you have used information from a source, you will need to
cite your sources.
Cite (verb) – to give detailed information about a researched
Citing sources requires the appropriate citations.
Citation (noun) – the information that identifies a researched
38
Cite Your Sources
In-text Citations
Found in the written (text) of paper
Placed at the end of the quote or paraphrase
Direct quote
(Author[s], year of publication, page number).

(Swan, 2000, p. 583).
(Swan, 2000, para. 13).
Paraphrase
(Author[s], year of publication).
(Swan, 2000).
If there are no pages, usually the case with webpages, give the
paragraph number.
No page number is required.
39
Cite Your Sources
Reference Citation
Found in the References list at the end of the paper
Format:
Author’s last name followed by initials (or first word of the title
when author is not known)
Publication year, between parentheses, followed by a period.
Source’s title (as well as subtitle, volume number or edition) is
italicized.
Location of publication (city, state, country) and publishing
company (i.e., publisher)
Swan, M. (2000). Practical English Usage: Second Edition.
New York: Oxford University Press.
For every secondary source used in an
in-text citation, there must be an entry in the Reference list.
40

Remember:
A proposal
Explains the report
outlines the the key sections of the report
It does not provide complete information
Prepares the audience to start to understand a the topic
Asks for permission to go ahead with a planned idea
It does not describe detailed action
It convinces with a plan and reasoned arguments
Does not have all the same sections as the final report
The final report may be slightly different than what is pr oposed.
This is not unusual as a proposal is based on projected
expectations.
However, if there is a major change, a new proposal will be
required.
3.0 – Writing Proposals
CM5: Fundamentals of Research and Reporting
CM 2300 SAMPLE BUSINESS LETTER

Letter Layout - Sample
NOTE: Do not use the languge or specific vocablulary of this
sample for your CM 2300 proposal letter; this sample is
provided only to show where elements such as headings,
addresses, dates, etc. should be placed.
C O L L E G E O F T H E N O R T H A T L A N T I C – Q
A T A R
LETTER RUBRIC
Student Name: ID #:
Business Letter Format – 20 A B C D F
x
Score
Required Parts (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Present and
Accurately
Placed

and receiver addresses
2
Appearance (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Meets Letter
Requirements
balanced, underlining, etc.)
2
Organization and Content – 55 A B C D F
x
Score
Opening ¶ (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Effective for the
Purpose

2
Body ¶s (20) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Contains Main
Points
are provided (as needed)
4
Closing ¶ (10) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Appropriate to
the Purpose
2
Overall Message (15) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Professional
Quality
3

Writing – 25 A B C D F
x
Score
Grammar, Mechanics, and Punctuation (20) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Conform to
Principles
4
Style (5) 5 4 3 2.5 2-0
Appropriate to
the Situation
1
Total for Letter – 100 marks Your mark:

Outlining your topic – model
Task
Complete an outline by the end of class this week. Instructions
1. Submit to the D2L Drop Box your completed work at the end
of class.
2. Include a quote or paraphrase with in-text citations for
proof/evidence.
Note: at least 4 quotes and/or paraphrased ideas are required
· What is the issue?
· Why is it important to address?
· What will you be discussing?
Thesis statement:
Body
text citation)
Who:
What:
Proof:

Affected party 2:
Who:
What:
Proof:
Affected party 3:
Who:
What:
Proof:
Outline Sample
· What is the issue? People bribe officials to gain university
placement.
· Why is it important to address? This affects public trust in
institutions.
· What will you be discussing? The impact of corruption in
‘pay-to-play’ scandal at top US universities.
Thesis statement:
This report will argue that college corruption scandals are a big
problem and one that produces several significant victims.

First, the children of the parents who bribed college admissions
will, through the bad publicity, be known for this act of
corruption: queue jumping may well produce negative
consequences for the children, including bullying and social
ostracism. Next, the reputation of the university itself finds
itself damaged; with a poor reputation, the university will
struggle to find business. Finally, the students who honestly
qualify for a spot at the university may find themselves on the
outside, as wealthy people jump the line; this will lead to young
people having to settle for either a university of lower quality,
or they will have to travel and leave their community and
families.
· Lori Loughlin – US actress (Full House) – charged with
bribing universities to gain children’s admission – 2019.
· Paid $500 000 USD in bribes to USC as ‘fake rowing team
recruits’. Children don’t row.
· Accused of ‘mail fraud’. Many parents involved in scandal.
Body
text citation)
Who: parents’ children.
What: children will suffer from humiliation from peers who see
them as ‘undeserved rich’.
Proof: ‘effects of peer bullying and ostracism on students’ –
article X outlines the main effects from hostility from peers.
Affected party 2:

Who: university – its reputation
What: university will suffer from emerging reputation as
corrupt institution, susceptible to bribery, and unconcerned with
integrity of its systems. A university’s reputation matters; it
needs to attract clients (students) and top researchers to work
there. If tarnished by scandal, a university’s business model
becomes compromised; it slips down international rankings,
lose its support from the community/government, and cease to
be a place where people want to learn
Proof: Evidence suggests that, in the past, this process has
occurred with the University of X…
Affected party 3:
Who: qualified but rejected students
What: student with proper qualifications don’t receive a place at
the school and, thus, have to travel further afield, to either a
lesser school or a more expensive ‘out of state’ college. They
leave their friends and family, and that has negative effects,
both on the students – distraught to leave home - and on the
families.
Proof: Study X demonstrates the effects of forced familial
separation on youth between the ages of 16 and 21. The study
shows that both psychologically and emotionally, the maturity
of young people stalls and development is delayed relative to
peers who receive stronger and closer support from parents.
CM2300 – Report Topic (Marketing)Background
Welcome to Corporate Malfeasance Investigations Office

(Cormalino). Our mandate is to research negative and unethical
behaviour in the areas of business management such as
accounting, marketing, and human resources as well as the
modern information technology (IT) sector. Bad business
behaviour can have significant effects for company
stakeholders. This office will investigate the consequences of
fraudulent accounting practices, failed marketing campaigns,
21st century challenges for human resources departments and
the risks and disadvantages associated with modern technology.
In so doing, it is the expectation that this office can and will
guide government to develop safeguards for consumers and
workers in a fair and well-regulated marketplace.Task
You are a junior research assistant, tasked to investigate: New
Coke.
What went wrong?
“Over the 15 years leading up to 1985, Coca-Cola’s flagship
cola drink had been losing market share to Pepsi Cola. To
compete, the company changed the drink’s formula for the first
time in 99 years -- but the move today is considered one of the
greatest flops of all time. New Coke was met with public
outrage and lasted only a few months. The company
reintroduced its older formula, rebranded as Coca-Cola Classic”
(Sauter, Comen, Frohlich, & Stebbins, 2018).
It is urgent that our agency understand the impact of failures
such as this and study the causes of and possible solutions to
them.
Over the next several months, you will prepare your sources, a
proposal for your investigation, and a final report of your
findings. Along the way, you will meet with your manager to
report on progress and demonstrate the development of your
understanding of the problem under study. Details of each
assignment will be revealed in due course.
Congratulations on your posting to Cormalino. Your research
will be invaluable to keeping the public safe and happy, and for

this office to fulfill its mandate. I look forward to working with
you towards the successful completion of your mission. Failure,
agent ________________, is not an option.
Instructor’s Name
Instructor’s Name
Deputy Director – Corporate Malfeasance Investigations Office
References
Sauter, M. B., Comen, E., Frohlich, T. C., & Stebbins, S. (2018,
September 27). When Product Launches Go Awry: 50 Worst
Product Flops of All Times. USA Today :
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/07/11/50-worst-
product-flops-of-all- time/36734837/
Proposal and Outline Assignment: 20%Due:
TASKS
Proposal Letter
1. Now that you have selected a topic to research, you need to
write a proposal. A proposal:
· sells’ your idea to your instructor as a means of acquiring
permission to continue your research and to write a report.
· outlines what is being researched, how the research will be
done, why the report is needed, and who it is being written for,
or who will benefit from the report.
2. Compose an informal proposal letter of six paragraphs for
your CM 2300 instructor.

· Paragraph 1: Presents the topic, the type of report, the
problem/question or the ‘need’ you have identified and the
potential solutions/answers (if applicable). Here, you will
explain your thesis. What is your argument or the purpose of
your report?
“The following document is a proposal to prepare a report on
the topic of ___________. This report will argue that
_________.”
· Paragraph 2: Provides the background to the topic: what is the
event you’re studying and why is it perceived to be a problem?
Why does this report need to be written? Here, you will also
describe the intended audience for your report. Who is
interested in your work and why?
NOTE: this section requires the inclusion of at least one APA
citation (either quotation or paraphrase) from a resource that
you have found to support your thesis.
· Paragraph 3: Outlines the proposed plan. What are the main
sections of your report and what will each section do? Discuss
any limitations to your report. It is important to explain not
only what your report aims to accomplish, but also to identify
important areas your report will not discuss. Remember, you
only have 20 pages and 12 weeks for this exercise.
Note: include your Outline in this section.
· Paragraph 4: Give a brief schedule of main delivery dates
(consult course CIS).
· Paragraph 5: Describe your research and methodology. What
type of research will you do? Where will you find your
information? Consider journals or newspapers for your
secondary research. Provide as much detail as you can.

· Paragraph 6: Present your conclusion. What benefits will your
report bring? Request authorization to begin work on your
report.
This letter will be graded on content, clarity, organization,
formatting and grammar. Your proposal letter will be between
2 - 2.5 pages in length.
Format instructions:
Font: Times New Roman, size 12
Spacing: 1.5
Arrange your proposal in the format of a letter. A good
example can be found on the D2L.
Arrange your letter as follows:
Sender’s Address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Salutation
Body paragraphs
Proposed Outline
Closing
Please submit to D2L Dropbox by (insert date). Late
submissions will lose 10% for the first two days (for a
maximum of 20%); any submissions after that time will receive
a grade of zero for the assignment.
The Advanced Writing Centre is available to you to review your
work and help with ideas. Please consider paying a visit. When
doing so, bring this assignment with you.
Remember that if you are working on the same topic as another
student, you must submit your own distinct CM 2300 report:
your instructor will be comparing all proposal submissions.
2
Proposal Letter SAMPLE

Business Management Student
CNAQ Student #600XXXXX
Doha, Qatar
Date
Instructor’s Name
Communications Instructor, Office #
College of the North Atlantic – Qatar
Doha, Qatar
Dear …
Introduction
This proposal letter is for a research report that will compare
three makers of electric vehicles: Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai to
evaluate their performance to make a recommendation for best
purchase choice for a new vehicle buyer. This proposed report
will discuss three types of electric vehicles based on criteri a of
battery life, engine power/speed, charging time, purchase price
and the availability to determine which one is the most effective
electric vehicle to purchase.
Background
Electric vehicles are new environmental transportation devices
that protect the earth from exhaust emissions that cause ozone
depletion. According to the US Department of Energy (n.d.),
“electric vehicles (EV) derive all of their power from electricity
supplied by the electric grid and include all-electric vehicles
(AEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).” Most AEVs
have a range of 80-100 miles with some luxury models having

ranges up to 250 miles before the depleted battery needs to be
recharged; 30 minuets for fast charging and a full day to fully
recharge (Energy.gov, n.d.).
Many environmentally-conscious people prefer to buy an
electric vehicle to support protection of the environment. This
proposed research will help people who are thinking of buying
an electric vehicle by recommending a manufacturer based on
specific criteria and EV specifications from the three
manufacturers chosen for evaluation.
This report will be supported by secondary research conducted
at the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNAQ). Secondary
sources will include a variety of information from
manufacturer’s websites, blogs, journal articles and scholarly
publications from the CNAQ library databases.
There will be three main sections included in the final report.
· The first section will define electric vehicles and introduce
Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai manufacturers that will be
researched.
· The second section will discuss each electric vehicle from
three manufacturers based on specific criteria.
· The last section will evaluate the best manufacturers based on
the selection criteria to make a recommendation.
Qualifications
As a third year business management student, I feel that I have
a good background of experience and knowledge that will allow
me to successfully complete this report. Courses such as
CM1240: Business Communications I and CM1241: Business
Communications II taken at the College of the North Atlantic –
Qatar (CNAQ), along with support from the CNAQ Library and
Advanced Writing Centre (AWC), will provide me with the
support needed to research and write this report.

Proposed Outline
This section includes a sample outline of the proposed research
report with brief details for each section of the final report.
Research Question: Which is the best manufacturer of electric
vehicles?
Introduction
· Briefly introduce and discuss electric vehicles
· Thesis: STATE YOUR THESIS HERE
E.G. This research report will analyze three different electric
vehicle manufacturers to help a newer buyer select an electric
vehicle based on specific criteria of efficiency (battery li fe,
engine speed, charging time, purchase cost and availability in
Qatar.
Body of Report
· Discuss need to effectively evaluate electric
vehiclesmanufacturers
· Discuss vehicles from Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai
· Criteria: Define & explain criteria to be used in report
· Efficiency
· batteries life
· engine power/speed
· charging time
· Purchase Price (US$)
· Availability (country)
· Findings: discuss findings for comparison or present benefits
and drawbacks/limitations of options
· Comparison: Use table to highlight findings for each option vs
criteria
· Recommendation
Conclusion
· Discuss results of comparison
· Re-state recommendation on best option or most suitable
solution

Thank you for considering this proposal. Please provide me with
your authorization to go ahead with the research so that I may
start fully researching and writing this report. I look forward to
your feedback and I will be pleased to support you with any
additional clarification necessary.
Regards,
Student Signature
Student Name #600XXXXX
Business Letters
A review of how to format a letter
CM 2300
1
Lecture 2 BROCKIE
Fall 2014
Co. name and address (could be letterhead)

1. Complimentary Close
2. Signature (by hand)
3. Typed Name
4. Title
1. Recipient name / title
2. Company name
3. Complete Address
Salutation - Dear Name:
Body
Letter format – what goes where?
Receiver’s company name / address
Complimentary Close
Receiver’s Name & title
Body of letter
Date

Signature – hand writing
Your position / title
Salutation
Your name
2. ________________________
1. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
6. ________________________
5. ________________________
7. ________________________
8. ________________________
10________________________
9. ________________________
Date
Receiver’s name and title
Receiver’s co. name / address
Salutation
Body of letter
Complimentary Close
Signature
Your name
Your position/title

Inside Address
Position: two to four spaces below date
Left-aligned
Include name of specific person if possible
Include job title
may also include Mr. Ms. Mrs. (optional)
NOTE: Adjust vertical position of letterhead/heading and inside
address to balance your page layout.
Salutation
Position: usually two line spaces below inside address
Begin with Dear, end with colon (:)
Use ‘attention’ instead of ‘dear’ if…
…you don’t know the person’s name
(e.g.: Attention: General Manager)
…it’s going to a group of people
(e.g.: Attention: Engineering Department)
Letter Text
Begin two lines below salutation

Typical structure:
Introduction paragraph – identify purpose and engage interest
Details - one or more paragraphs depending on content of letter
Closing paragraph – sum up, encourage action if applicable, and
provide contact info:
Letter Text
Keep paragraphs short – fewer than 8 lines if possible
Consider using bullets or lists to make detailed informati on
easier to follow
Closing – Three Components
Complimentary Close (eg: Sincerely,)
Signature (allow three line spaces)
Writer’s name and position
Common Closings
Yours Truly, Sincerely, Respectfully,
Regards, Best Wishes etc.

Optional Elements
Attention line: if you don’t know person’s name, or if writing to
group
Subject line: good for attracting attention to purpose. Place
below salutation.
Enclosure Note: below writers name – state number of
enclosures (Enclosures 2, Encl. 2)
Distribution Note: at very bottom – indicate with copy, cc
(carbon copy), bc (blind copy), or distribution (c. S. Porter)
Design Factors
Choose format – full block or simplified
Use 10-12 point font
Use quality stationery
Use uniform margins and spacing to achieve balance and visual
appeal
Keep it short – one page if possible
A proposal letter may run to 2 pages with an attachments.
Oryx Communications
The Corniche - P.O. Box 26793
Doha, Qatar
May 8, 2006

Fred Perry, Manager of Contract Training
College of the North Atlantic - Qatar
P.O. Box 24449
Doha, Qatar
Dear Mr. Perry:
I am writing to you for more information on the various training
programs your college offers. I
have a team of 45 employees, and I ’m interested in helping
them update their business
communication skills. Specifically, I would like my emp loyees
to develop their skills with letter
writing, report writing, and presentation skills, while improving
their use of English.
I have heard good things about your college, and I look forward
to hearing back from you with
full details. Please send a complete package to the address abo
ve, and feel free to call me at 495-
6358 to discuss the possibilities.
Sincerely,
Hamad Al Naimi
Human Resources Manager

Research portfolio cm2300 4 fatima al sowaidi6006284

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