Producing an Electronic Report
Key Issues. This Scenario brings together several important issues: the process of analyzing communication situations; the usefulness of generic forms (writing inside the box) and the occasional need to develop new forms (writing outside the box); the specific requirements of e-mail, and branding.

Jennifer's first task is to complete a fairly extensive analysis of the communication situation the new market report is designed for. She has to look at various audiences and their needs; explore the intended outcomes of the report--from both Suzanne's perspective and that of the recipients; weigh different formats; and determine the best timing for the report.

As she conducts that analysis, she becomes particularly aware of the power of known formats or genres--writing inside the box, particularly the specific requirements of e-mail form (e.g., the From line, title, and length). Above all, she is focused by Suzanne's original assignment on branding--how to create a distinctive feel for the market report that will help unify all the recipients in a common effort.

Opportunities for Assignments.

1. For individuals or groups: rewrite Jennifer's memo to Suzanne to emphasize recommendations and subordinate and reduce the unresolved issues so that the memo becomes an action plan.
   
   
2. For individuals or groups: rewrite Jennifer's memo to Suzanne to eliminate all unresolved issues. Be prepared to explain the choices made to resolve those matters she left unresolved in the original memo.
   
   
3. For groups: outline a new report based on assignment 2 above, showing the parts of the report and their order. This outline should serve as the template for all future reports. Be prepared to explain the choices about order, pacing, etc.
   
   

Opportunities for Role Playing.

1. Two persons: one plays Jennifer, one Suzanne, as they tackle Jennifer's memo and resolve the issues she noted as unresolved.
   
   
2. Two persons: one plays Jennifer, one plays one of the recipients of the current message whom Jennifer is interviewing to find what works and what doesn't. Be particularly sensitive to how Jennifer goes about encouraging candid responses from people who may not wish to appear critical of Suzanne.