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| − | {{Term|Process Analysis|One of the Seven Types of Paragraph Development that is used to show readers how something is done or happens (informs / explains) or explains how to do something (instructs / directs). A Process Analysis paragraph is written in chronological order to demonstrate the different steps containing simple and clear words, definition of complex terms and may also contain visual graphics (e.g.: charts, maps, diagrams) and a section of frequently asked questions. Process Analysis can be used to identify improvement opportunities by evaluating the flow of inputs and outputs within the process. | + | {{Term|PROCESS ANALYSIS|Approach used to identify improvement opportunities by evaluating the flow of inputs and outputs within the process. |
| | + | <ref> [http://oeas.ucf.edu/process_analysis/what_is_pa.htm http://oeas.ucf.edu] (30 September 2009) </ref>}} |
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| − | {{Tool|Writing a Process Analysis Paragraph
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| − | *Choose a topic that is short and clear; state if its aim is to inform or instruct.
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| − | *Make a list of all the steps involved in the process
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| − | **Display the steps in chronological order using words such as First, Next, Then, Finally
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| − | **Make sure steps are not omitted
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| − | *Write first draft
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| − | **Include an introduction that explicitly states the process
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| − | ***Explain how readers can learn or benefit from this process
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| − | ***If it is a directional process, assure readers that they will be able to follow the instructions
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| − | **Mention about any tools or information the readers will need to be able duplicate the process
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| − | **Give specific examples and/or add visual graphics if they help illustrate the process
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| − | **Highlight the possibility of dangers and pitfalls
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| − | **Be consistent and use the same mood throughout
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| − | **For imperative mood, give instructions using present tense such as “enter the username and password and then click on the Login button”
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| − | **For indicative mood, give instructions by making statements such as “you should enter the username and password and then click on the Login button”
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| − | **Write a conclusion, summarizing the benefits and the final outcome of the process
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| − | *Edit your draft and make sure the process is clear, logical, well explained, consistent and coherent
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| − | **Provide transitions to show steps, sub steps and examples
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| − | **Avoid passive voice, i.e.: Instead of writing “The page is opened after you click on the Login button”, write “After you click on the Login button, the page opens.”
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| − | *Proofread the revised draft for grammar, punctuation and spelling
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| − | *Prepare and proofread the last copy
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| − | *Have someone else read the process analysis paragraph and comment on it. This person should be able to answer the following questions:
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| − | **What kind of process is being explained? Is it meant to inform or instruct?
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| − | **Why is this process important?
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| − | **Does this process follow a logical pattern throughout the paragraph?
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| − | **Who or what is affected by the process?
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| − | **Can the process be done in different ways? If yes, in which ones?
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| − | **Who will read this process? Do the readers need a certain understanding to be able to follow the process?
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| − | **Is there a need for special skills or equipment(s) for this process? If yes, which ones?
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| − | **What is the timeframe for this process? Does the process always show the same outcome?
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| − | **How many steps does the process have?
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| − | **Should certain steps be omitted / added?
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| − | **Why is every step essential?
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| − | **If any, what are the obstacles encountered? Can they be overcome? If yes, how?
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| − | **Does the reader need to be cautious about something? Is this clearly stated?
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| − | **Are all the definitions clear? If not, how should they be rephrased?
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| − | **Do similar processes already exist? If yes, can they be used as an example to illustrate the steps?
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| − | <ref> [http://academicwriting.suite101.com/article.cfm/seven_types_of_paragraphs www.academicwriting.suite101.com] (31 July 2009), [http://www.essortment.com/career/howwriteproces_scme.htm www.essortment.com] (31 July 2009), [http://oeas.ucf.edu/process_analysis/what_is_pa.htm www.oeas.ucf.edu] (31 July 2009), [http://www.tcc.edu/students/resources/writcent/handouts/writing/process.htm] (31 July 2009), [http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/process.html leo.stcloudstate.edu] (31 July 2009), [http://www3.delta.edu/pahutchi/process.html www3.delta.edu] (31 July 2009) </ref>
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PROCESS ANALYSIS