Guidelines/Additional Instructions for Case 10.19  Formal Report:  Consumer Product Investigation, Page 297.  Due:  See Submission below.

About the Project:  This is a project that can easily be completed in about three weeks.  I would like to have the report by or before the final exam.  You will receive a Report Template shortly that you may use to keyboard your report.  I will sent this to you via E-mail.

Topic: Choose a consumer product to investigate, such as a camera, DVR, iPhone, MP3 player, HDTV, hybrid car, notebook, microwave, or a washer.  Try to choose a product that you or your family might consider purchasing. You will do research on this product and present your findings in the form of an analytical report with a recommendation. 

Sources:  You must use at least four primary and four secondary sources in researching your topic.  Your primary research will be in the form of interviews with individuals (users, owners, salespeople, technicians) in a position to comment on the attributes of your product.  Secondary research will be in the form of print or electronic sources, such as magazine articles or owner manuals. Use InfoTrac, an online database found online at www.marin.edu/lrc. Our class password is 22555000149473. Your can find appropriate articles that will inform your research. Google is also useful. We are fortunate to have the services of Reference Librarians at the College of Marin Library.  They can help you find a variety of information. 

Content:  Your report should present an analysis and discussion of at least three comparable models or versions of the targeted product.  Be aware of fully developing your paragraphs.  See the sample tables shown at the end of this document to see a picture of the research. 

Appearance.  All reports must be sent by E-mail. Consult the Report Template to determine appropriate formatting.

Grading.  Your report will be graded for completeness, content, and technicalities (English use, grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, margins, etc.).  How you express yourself is as important—if not more important—than the depth of your analytical abilities at this point in the development of your skills.  Learning how to present your findings will transfer to other reports you write in your career.  It is extremely important that your report be proofread carefully.  Reports that have numerous careless errors will not receive a satisfactory grade no matter how thorough the research or analysis. 

Submission.  Reports must be submitted on or before the final exam date.  Send the report to me by E-mail. NEVER turn in your only copy of a report.  Always make a duplicate on a disk.    Next page