Definitions Memo and Memo Formatting
Before you complete this assignment, read Chapter 19. You must also be familiar with memo formatting from Chapter 15. Since this assignment isn’t a report, reading all of Chapter 15 isn’t necessary unless you want more information on memo formatting. If you follow the format, you should be fine. You will need to come up with topic headings on your own. The overall organizational scheme is up to you, but you will be graded in part on how well you organize your memo.
ASSIGNMENT
Read through the following case studies (found below these instructions), and choose the ONE appropriate to your major. If none of the studies apply to you, or if you do not yet have the knowledge necessary to tackle the case study for your major, choose the Default Case Study #1. Write a memo to Professor Jimidene Murphey, who is not a specialist in your field. Follow the instructions in the individual case study. Professor Murphey is the owner of the construction company, the person with the grandmother, the technical writer, etc.
REQUIREMENTS
When writing your definitions, DO NOT use the Internet, textbooks, dictionaries, or any outside resource of any sort. Use your own words from your own brain. If you use a definition that is not entirely of your own creation as part of this assignment, you will receive a grade of zero. If for some reason you do decide you need to bring in a small amount of information that is not stored entirely in your own brain, you must document that information according to appropriate MLA citation style.
Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism. You don’t want that to happen, so ask me if you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism. It’s safer just to use your own words.
HELPFUL HINTS
Write your definitions as sentence definitions rather than parenthetical definitions or extended definitions. Definitions should include item, class, and distinguishing features. If that doesn’t make sense to you, you need to take a closer look at Chapter 20.
Before you send Professor Murphey your memo, make sure your definitions meet the standards for usability. For more information on this, see the checklist in the textbook.
A SUCCESSFUL DEFINITIONS MEMO WILL:
• Use appropriate memo formatting.
• Display a logical organization and attractive page design.
• Offer clear definitions of all appropriate words.
• Provide definitions that adequately classify items and clarify meaning.
• Offer definitions in plain English, using language appropriate for the audience.
• Display proper grammar and mechanics.
• Present material with concision, clarity, and fluency.
CASE STUDY #1: DEFAULT CASE
My grandmother Mary Ellen has decided to get a computer, so she can communicate with all her grandchildren on a more regular basis. She’s never had a computer before, but she’s a good typist. She has also taken many Leisure Learning courses since her retirement from her career as a third-grade teacher, so she is used to picking up new ideas quickly.In your memo, define the following terms and concepts for her:
PC Mac
Hardware Software
Operating System Internet
World Wide Web Webpage
URL Upload
Download Email program
Web-based email Email attachment
When writing your definitions, DO NOT use the Internet, textbooks, dictionaries, or any outside resource of any sort. Use your own words.
CASE STUDY #2: TLS/TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
You are a training and development consultant who has been asked to conduct a leadership workshop at a local Houston construction management firm. You want to present the following information to your audience, who has no familiarity with training and development concepts.
“Leadership, a non-exact science, can be explained via several different, yet similar, leadership theories and models. Most of these theories and models have common elements, including a focus on soft skills which have significance to leadership and communication styles. When the elements, skills, and attributes associated with the leadership theories, models, and styles are understood, studied, and practiced, one can “learn” to be a better leader. Every person should strive to enhance his/her leadership skills toward making contributions to work, family, and social interactions. Thus, once the basic leadership theories/models/styles are understood, a person is in a better position to build and maintain good human relationships toward practicing leadership in all aspects of his/her life.”
Which terms and concepts from the above passage will need to be defined for your audience? List and define them in your memo. When writing your definitions, DO NOT use the Internet, textbooks, dictionaries, or any outside resource of any sort. Use your own words.
CASE STUDY #3: MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
You received the following email from a manager, concerning AutoCAD. You’ve asked your in-house technical writer to respond to the email with some documentation, but he doesn’t understand some of the terms.
“After spending a lot of time creating a particular dynamic block, I realized that the order of custom properties of this block as shown in the Properties Palette is not organized in an optimal order. For example I have ‘Cabinet Width’ at the top of the custom properties list, and ‘Cabinet Height’ way down near the bottom. This is going to make my Cad operators hunt around too much for the property they need to adjust.
The apparent order is by creation – first created custom property is listed first,
last created is shown last. I really don’t want to remake this dynamic block just to get the properties in a logical order.
I was wondering if it is possible to reorder the custom properties as shown in the properties palette? Any ideas? Perhaps an AutoLisp solution?”
In your memo, list and define the terms and concepts your technical writer will need to complete the in-house documentation. When writing your definitions, DO NOT use the Internet, textbooks, dictionaries, or any outside resource of any sort. Use your own words.
CASE STUDY #4: ELECTRICAL POWER
You are applying for a job at a large corporation and are in an interview with a Human Resources representative with little background in your field, who asks you about your education. You must convey to him the information in this paragraph.
Students completing a major in Electrical Power Technology receive a strong foundation in measurement systems, analog and digital signal conditioning, microprocessor hardware and software, industrial electronics, and rotating machinery. Students have the opportunity to select additional coursework in control systems, electrical power, or a combination of both. Although analog electronics remain important, one of the newest and fastest growing areas is in the application of computers for control; this may be control within some manufactured product or control of some manufacturing process. The manufacturers of electrical systems and machines need electrical power technologists who are familiar with machines and machine controls, both traditional and computer-controlled. The
electrical industry provides and controls the transformers, motors, generators, switch gear, and protection equipment required to power homes, businesses, and industries. Electrical power technologists plan electrical systems an
WRITE THIS ESSAY FOR ME
Tell us about your assignment and we will find the best writer for your paper.
Get Help Now!Introducing our Online Essay Writing Services Agency, where you can confidently place orders for a wide range of academic assignments. Our reputable homework writing company specializes in crafting essays, term papers, research papers, capstone projects, movie reviews, presentations, annotated bibliographies, reaction papers, research proposals, discussions, and various other assignments. Rest assured, our content is guaranteed to be 100% original, as every piece is meticulously written from scratch. Say goodbye to concerns about plagiarism and trust us to deliver authentic and high-quality work.



