Individual Report Update

Well, I finally did what I have been threatening to do on my previous blog postings. I actually changed my individual report topic! I simply was not making any progress with my previous topic; and besides that, it was excruciatingly boring. I did not even find the topic particularly compelling, and it directly affects my life. Imagine how dull and inconsequential the entire report it would have been to the reader.
I have been working on my new topic. I am actually enjoying this topic. After several considerations and rejections of ideas, I decided on a sports related topic. I am conducting a plausibility analysis into whether the Fort Wayne Tin Caps (formerly the Fort Wayne Wizards) could make a move up a division in the minor league baseball system. Currently, the Tin Caps are a "low" Single A division team. I thought it might be interesting to investigate the potential possibility of the team moving to the Double a level.
I am primarily a football fan--but, I love all sports. After I became so disenchanted with my original choice of topic, I wanted to be sure that I would enjoy the revised choice thoroughly. In this way, researching and writing the paper would not be a chore or struggle. I felt that I had done enough "struggling" with my first topic.
Anyway, as you can probably imagine, the research has been more plentiful, and the writing has been easier. I am not one of these single-minded meatheads who has to relate everything in the world to sports, but an occasional foray into the realm of sports as fodder for my writing is immensely enjoyable.
In my research, I am comparing Fort Wayne and it's baseball team to Akron, Ohio and it's baseball team. I chose Akron because it is roughly the same size as Fort Wayne, population wise, and it's baseball team , the Aeros, already plays at the Double A level. I also chose Akron because it is located in the midwest, like Fort Wayne. I was hopeful that the similar geography between the two cities would make their demographics comparable as well. I wanted an apples to apples comparison. I have been very pleased thus far with what I have discovered regarding each. The two cities have some expected similarities, but some striking differences.

Portfolio progress

My portfolio as a whole is progressing fairly well so far. I have not produced any final drafts as of yet, but I have completed at least the second draft of all of our class projects to date. As I have stated in previous blogs, my individual report has been going nowhere. The topic I chose was light on hard, statistical evidence, and too dependent upon the generosity of others for potential research. I have decided to change my topic for my individual report...which is due next week! "Good luck" eh?
I have been reasonably pleased with my work thus far on our other assignments which go into the portfolio at the end of the semester. The travel report assignment was very enjoyable for me (as I explained in a previous blog). It was my inaugural foray into the arena of "business writing"arena. Given the thorough templates contained in the textbook, I think even the initial draft turned out respectably well. I have since "refined" it a little-into a second draft.
My employment materials assignment was extremely beneficial and practical for me. It guided me into producing an updated, 21st Century quality resume. It also benefitted me by showing me what a professional cover letter should contain, and what its "tone" should be. This was one bit of constructive learning that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I am grateful.
As for our group project, we felt - as a group- that we had to abandon our original concept and adopt a new one. Fortunately, we have made some great progress. Our group really pulled together in an urgent situation.