Describe the history of the problem. The reader will want to know how long the problem has existed; how it has changed over time, what previous attempts have been made to solve it, and what major events have had an influence on it.

Chapter 1 provides a complete description of the Projec. After reading Chapter 1, the reader should have a clear understanding of the problem the Project addresses.

Chapter 1 is made up of six sections:

Section 1: Statement of Purpose
Section 2: The Setting of the Project
Section 3: History, Background of the Project
Section 4: Scope of the Project
Section 5: Importance of the Project
Section 6: Definition of Terms

Section 1: Statement of Purpose
As this is the beginning of the Project, introduce the subject and state as clearly and precisely as possible the purpose of the Project. It may be necessary to revise this section after more clearly defining the problem and reviewing the literature (Chapter Two).

Section 2: The Setting of the Project
In this section, describe the organization in which the problem exists. Provide information the reader can use to place the problem in its proper setting. Examples of the type of questions to answer for the reader are: What is the organization’s mission? What is the culture of the organization? How are resources structured to accomplish it? How long has it been in operation?

Section 3: History and Background of the Project
Section 3 is an expansion of the problem. This section relates the problem to the organization in more detail. Describe the ramifications of the problem of the organization. What symptoms and causes are likely? How does the presence of this problem hinder the organization from the efficient and/or effective achievement of its mission? To the extent possible, relate the various aspects of the problem to aspects of the Setting as presented in Section Two.

Include any data that indicates how the problem impacts the organization. For example, how many people are involved? Are there financial losses or waste related to the problem?

All sections of this chapter are subject to what might be called the “discovery process.” New knowledge and insight about the problem will likely be gained through the Literature Review (Chapter 2). As others connected with the organization become aware of the Project, access to data and information that could improve or enhance what has already been written could become available. It may be necessary to add to or rewrite appropriate sections as important, new information becomes available.

Describe the history of the problem. The reader will want to know how long the problem has existed; how it has changed over time, what previous attempts have been made to solve it, and what major events have had an influence on it.

In most cases, the sources of the information for this section will come from the organization itself. It will come from the student’s personal knowledge of and experience in the organization, from organizational records and documents, from the student’s observations, and from discussions with people who have significant contact with the organization.

Section 4: Scope of the Project
It may not be practical to deal with all aspects of the problem while completing this course. Therefore, very clearly and specifically describe any limits that will be placed on the scope of the investigation. This will help focus the Project.

The student may choose to work on only certain parts of the problem. Indicate, in this section, which parts will be included as well as which parts will not be included.
Section 5: Importance of the Project
Tell the reader clearly and precisely why this Project is important to the organization. What benefits will be derived from solving this problem? Is there anything unique about it in comparison to what others have done on the problem?

Briefly, restate relevant information from Section 3. How much does the existence of this problem cost the organization?

Section 6: Definition of Terms
Frequently, specific human resource and organizational problems involve highly specialized terminology. List and define all important and specialized terms used in Chapter 1 as well as terms anticipated for use in later chapters. Since it is not always possible to anticipate all of these terms in advance, it may be necessary to add to this list in the final draft of the Project Report.

Chapter 1 Writing Hints

Although the student is part of the organization being researched, the writing style will be that of an “outside” researcher or consultant. Do not use first person references such as “I,” “our,” “we,” “us,” and “his,” or “her.” Appropriate references are “the researcher,” “the author,” “the department,” “the group,” “the employee responsible,” etc.

Generally, each of the six sections will stand alone as a separate section and be written in the indicated sequence. This sequence is, however, not mandatory. In some cases, it may be more logical to change the sequence to improve the flow of the presentation. It may be specifically valuable to combine Sections 2 (Setting) and 3 (History), especially if the problem is intricately tied to several components of the organizational setting.

Use the headings provided in the Guide. Clearly indicate any variation in reporting format by using appropriate section headings.

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