Analysis

This is a very general idea for a Process Analysis Outline. It can
serve to help you organize your material.
The first two steps help the reader to understand the process.
Introduction/Overview
1. Define the objective (desired result) of the process (How-to, or
How-it-works).This should also be thought of as a thesis statement.
Note you’ll return to this statement in the conclusion. Has the
process succeeded?
A. For a how-to process might suggest the usefulness or
importance of the process.
B. A thesis statement for a how-it-works process analysis
reveals why the information is worth knowing or makes an
assertion about the nature of the process itself.
C. Why bother to explore this process? What is the “SoWhat(?)” Factor?
D. How is this process an object lesson from which a greater
theme can be developed?
E. Also define the context, or background information. What
is the history of this process? What parishioners in this
particular art or industry have influenced the process?
How has it improved, or not, over time? Note, you must
understand clearly who your readers/audience is. Note,
the best approach here is “The reader knows nothing.”
2. Summary of process. Give the reader an idea of where they’re
starting out and what to expect along the way, but don’t go into
detail. If there are “bench marks” along the way, highlight them
here. Are there risks? Dangers?
Special Terms (lexicon)Page 2 of 3
Each process has its own special terms for tools tasks and
methods (Jargon). By defining these at the beginning of the
analysis, students allow the audience to recognize them later.
Remember, “the reader knows nothing”.
Necessary tools and equipment (jargon) must be described.
(The second two steps of the process show action.)
Body/Sequence of Steps
Present the process analysis in a clear sequence of steps and with
an interpretation of the reason for each: How does each step
connect sequentially to the step that follows?
Note: A process analysis is organized chronologically. Lengthy
processes might group steps into categories. Group small steps into
categories, if applicable. Emphasize steps crucial to success.
1. What steps can be summarized so we don’t get lost in
detail?
2. How can the reader locate where they are between steps?
3. Be Careful about omitting step.
4.Do not reverse steps
5.Suspend certain steps (when one series of steps must end
for the process to continue)
6. Be cautious about overlooking steps within steps.
7.Avoid certain steps (when they appear logical but are in
fact harmful modifications to the process). An expert would
alert an audience to avoid such innovations.
8. Analysis: What trouble spots might a practitioner run into?
What are some solutions?
9.(note considering your PRESENTATION) Examples:
Illustrations, anecdotes, graphs charts, expert testimony, etc.
to assist the explanation of the operation. Examples prove
particularly helpful in oral presentation. Page 3 of 3
10. What do we end up with?
11. Where have we been?
Conclusion:
1. Analysis
2. Refers back to the original thesis
3. In closing, be sure you’ve addressed the “So What?”
question and the universal theme.