LMC 3403 Brown Spring 2016 1 Communication Failure Case Study Assignment Sheet
Length: 1200 words minimum
Format: Word format (.doc, .docx) Submission: Submit to TSquare. Remember to name files using your full name and the name of the assignment (e.g.: Emory Smith Memo Draft.doc).
Due: 3/18 draft, 3/28 final
Locate a document (memo, letter, video, website, pamphlet, infographic) that fails to reach its audience, leading to an actual crisis or disaster, OR to a failure to work as a piece of technical communication (as it isn’t useful or persuasive). Then, compose a case
study analyzing why the communication failed and how it could have been prevented.
Components Abstract (summarize nature and purpose of case, naming similar cases in the literature, key themes from the literature, describe the case and solution) Introduction explaining what the case is about and why it’s relevant Situating the Case section in which you provide a short literature review of peer
reviewed and popular sources, including a preview of the section (criteria used to select articles, a description of 12 similar cases, and how data was selected and analyzed) and a discussion of:
o Sources about the specific case, sources about similar cases, and sources discussing underlying theories about causes About the Case (longest section, detailed description of the problem and consequences) The Solution (description of document deliverable that would have solved the problem, including purpose, audience, and superstructure/form) Conclusions and Limitations of Solution Graphics (visualizations of data, mockup of solution, example of original document, etc.) Minimum of 10 peerreviewed sources cited in APA format (in selecting a topic and doing research, consider the most effective approaches and types of cases) Goals Perform a case study that analyzes a failure of technical communication and explains that analysis to a specific audience in a clear and persuasive manner Demonstrate competency in English language conventions Produce audienceappropriate content that engages and educates the reader Interpret and synthesize research to serve audience needs and improve documentation abilities
