Illustrates the challenges and benefits of setting business objectives for a project. Describes three ways that a technical communication product can contribute to the business performance of an organization. Explains how to write a business objective, and the benefits of doing so. (SR)

Contrasts ideas of culture in social constructionist and cultural study research designs, addressing how each type of design impacts issues that can be analyzed in research studies. Explores implications for objectivity and validity in speculative cultural study research. Suggests how technical writing can be constituted as an object of study…

Presents a bibliography of over 500 items on literature in scientific and technical communication, divided into 5 major categories: books, special issues of scholarly journals, articles, review essays, and reviews. Notes that most categories contain several subcategories. (PA)

Examines expert legal reports which have the capacity to engage in two different kinds of discursive activities: strategic function, and the tactical function. Analyzes two "psycholegal" reports to show how these two functions work together in a complementary and ideological fashion. (PA)

Argues that technical communication editing is most effective if it deals with structure first, and that structure deficiencies can be detected by applying a range of logical analysis criteria to each text part. Concludes that lists, headings, classifications, and organograms must comply with the laws of categorization and relevant logical…

In this article, the author demonstrates that the semiotic model proposed by Charles Morris enables us to optimize our understanding of technical communication practices and provides a good point of inquiry. To illustrate this point, the author exemplifies the semiotic approaches by scholars in technical communication and elaborates Morris's model…

One of the challenges with advanced writing courses, such as business writing, is developing assignments and projects that approximate writing in the workplace. Many instructors and learning theorists believe that giving students authentic writing practice is the best preparation for the writing they will do in their chosen careers. The author…

Writing in its many forms is the signature means of communication in the 21st century. This simple truth heightens the urgency to help all of our nation's students become strong writers and effective communicators. The National Writing Project (NWP) pursues this goal by focusing the knowledge, expertise, and leadership of the nation's educators on…

Defines technical writing and gives contrasting illustrations of different kinds of technical writing. (MB)

Provides a practical discussion for an editing course of the manner in which editors and writers routinely consult reference tools as they work and use what they find as the basis for editorial judgment and creativity. (HTH)

Part of a continuing bibliographical series on lexicographical information. (VM)

Evidences of growth in the field of counseling psychology are indicated by the number of manuscripts submitted, the rejection rate, the number of pages published, and the circulation of the Journal of Counseling Psychology each year during its 16 year history. Some observations on common errors in manuscripts are given. (Author)

Evaluation audiences can understand evaluation reports if the reports are written in common language, use proper organization, and incorporate information which provides the audience with a context for understanding the report. Suggestions about how this can be achieved are offered. (Author/RL)

Advances the theory that technical writing functions as a replacement for memory--an information storage receptacle. Lists the formal and stylistic features implied by such a theory. Considers the future development of technical writing within the context of this theory. (RL)