Process Analysis

Process Analysis: How do you do it or why does it work?

Process analysis reports tell how to do something or explain how something works. We use this method in all areas of our lives, from explaining to a lost soul how to get from First and Main up to K-Mart on Division Street or giving instructions to a friend who has just called in a panic because she is unsure how to change a tire, and hers is flat.

One thing we all know, instructions must be specific. To write good instructions, you need to know the procedure you are explaining down to the smallest detail. If you are fairly sure who your audience is, then you can make certain assumptions, i.e., your friend may know what a tire iron looks like, so you won’t have to explain it to her; however, the tourist may not have a clue where Division Street is, so you would have to explain how many blocks from First and Main it is.

The process analysis report you will be asked to write involves your use of the Internet. Think back to the very first day of class, or if you are an old hand at the 'Net, think back to when you first used a MOO, a Chat or did a search that yielded information you wanted and needed. What one task were you asked to accomplish which seemed overwhelming, i.e., maybe checking your email, or setting up Netscape to accept your account, or using a search engine?

Now you are an expert at that task because you have performed it over and over. That expertise needs transferred. Your job then is to write a process report which gives explicit instructions about something you have learned while being online. Your audience is the newbie to the web-enhanced technical writing class, that person who will be sitting in your virtual chair next quarter who is NOT in training to become a network engineer.

Some parameters that we will follow in our process analysis are:

Titles are a must in "how to" reports. Titles should be clear, limiting and instructive. "How to Use the Vax Email System" is clear and gives a clear indication of what the process is about. A title like "Email" gives the reader no idea about what to expect. Also, please note, the first letter of each word is capitalized, with the option of not capitalizing prepositions and articles within the body.

Process reports have introductions which lead the reader into the piece of writing. Because process reports are meant to be as clear as possible, an explicit thesis statement is a must. An example: Learning how to use Netscape email can be frustrating but rewarding.

The first body paragraph after the introduction is where you provide background information, explaining the 'what' and 'why' of the procedure. In the case of the report you are writing, you must be as explicit as possible, so you would give very specific information, such as

To use email you must have a reason, an email account, a computer, and a willingess to take risks.

The second body paragraph begins the process. Remember to be specific as possible. Leave nothing out! To help you with this, keep remembering when you first began your adventure on the Internet. It is easy to assume that other people know more than they do; be careful you don't fall into that trap.

The third body paragraph finishes the process. Here you might discuss how all of the elements mentioned previously fell into place.

Finally, the conclusion will sum up what you have written. Here you will come back to what we have understood if we followed the process you described.

Other things to remember:

	process writing is simple writing--keep your sentences clear and precise;
	give your draft to someone who does not know about your topic and ask them whether the movement you described is understandable;
	don’t be glib--your audience needs you to be as specific as possible;
	know the level of technical background your audience has.