Difference between revisions of "Process Analysis"

Difference between revisions of "Process Analysis"

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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.
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{{Term|PROCESS ANALYSIS|One of the [[Seven Types of Paragraph Development|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.
 
<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>}}
 
<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>}}
  

Revision as of 12:23, 9 September 2009

Term2.png 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. [1]
Toolkit.png Writing a Process Analysis Paragraph
  • Choose a topic that is short and clear; state if its aim is to inform or instruct.
  • Make a list of all the steps involved in the process
    • Display the steps in chronological order using words such as First, Next, Then, Finally
    • Make sure steps are not omitted
  • Write first draft
    • Include an introduction that explicitly states the process
      • Explain how readers can learn or benefit from this process
      • If it is a directional process, assure readers that they will be able to follow the instructions
    • Mention about any tools or information the readers will need to be able duplicate the process
    • Give specific examples and/or add visual graphics if they help illustrate the process
    • Highlight the possibility of dangers and pitfalls
    • Be consistent and use the same mood throughout
    • For imperative mood, give instructions using present tense such as “enter the username and password and then click on the Login button”
    • For indicative mood, give instructions by making statements such as “you should enter the username and password and then click on the Login button”
    • Write a conclusion, summarizing the benefits and the final outcome of the process
  • Edit your draft and make sure the process is clear, logical, well explained, consistent and coherent
    • Provide transitions to show steps, sub steps and examples
    • 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.”
  • Proofread the revised draft for grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • Prepare and proofread the last copy
  • Have someone else read the process analysis paragraph and comment on it. This person should be able to answer the following questions:
    • What kind of process is being explained? Is it meant to inform or instruct?
    • Why is this process important?
    • Does this process follow a logical pattern throughout the paragraph?
    • Who or what is affected by the process?
    • Can the process be done in different ways? If yes, in which ones?
    • Who will read this process? Do the readers need a certain understanding to be able to follow the process?
    • Is there a need for special skills or equipment(s) for this process? If yes, which ones?
    • What is the timeframe for this process? Does the process always show the same outcome?
    • How many steps does the process have?
    • Should certain steps be omitted / added?
    • Why is every step essential?
    • If any, what are the obstacles encountered? Can they be overcome? If yes, how?
    • Does the reader need to be cautious about something? Is this clearly stated?
    • Are all the definitions clear? If not, how should they be rephrased?
    • Do similar processes already exist? If yes, can they be used as an example to illustrate the steps?



References

  1. www.academicwriting.suite101.com (31 July 2009), www.essortment.com (31 July 2009), www.oeas.ucf.edu (31 July 2009), [1] (31 July 2009), leo.stcloudstate.edu (31 July 2009), www3.delta.edu (31 July 2009)