To "analyze" means to dissect, or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of something.

The goal of writing a critical analysis is to provide a thorough assessment of the differences between two or more items of interest, and/or to assess the benefits and drawbacks of two or more options or positions on a problem or issue of concern. One might be trying to evaluate options to a technical problem (e.g., in a cost accounting report in which the intent is to perform a thorough service for a client), or, one might be trying to analyze a political issue (e.g., assessing how to respond to pending legislation that could affects business organizations or communities). In this course you will be comparing and analyzing the differences between two countries' rules and conventions for writing business letters and memos.

The primary result of an analysis should be to inform a reader fully about differences, or about options and their drawbacks so that s/he can make an informed decision. A critical analysis should be clear and concise; it should lay bare one's thinking about the items undergoing analysis; it should demonstrate that the writer has provided supporting evidence for each position or option.

How to Write a Critical Analysis

First, in a noteÐtaking and preliminary thinking process:

1. Examine and scrutinize carefully the sample letter and memo that you have collected.
2. Summarize/list the component elements of each; explain briefly what each element accomplishes, or explain its purpose in terms of the business protocol, practice, or cultural conventions of the overseas writer(s). Include pertinent facts necessary for reader understanding of your analysis. What are the format elements? The strategies and formulas employed to persuade? The tone and attitude conveyed by the writer?
3. Profile the intended readers of your technical document analysis (imagine that you are expected to brief you manager in preparation for expanding your company's exporting capabilities overseas, and you want to establish some initial contacts through letters, faxes, and via eÐmail with the company or organization whose letter and memo you've collected and are analyzing. What elements are most important to explain and what knowledge most important to convey to your manager about the particular country's writing practices?
4. Consider the cultural factors ÐÐ how can you distinguish the elements of the samples you are analyzing from U.S. business letter conventions and rules? Why might it be important to pay attention to some factors more than others?

Directions:

Practice writing a critical analysis of the sample memo in class. Be sure to bring your sample, and any notes that might prove helpful.

Objectives:

• Researching cultural elements of business writing in international businss situations.
• Analyzing strategies, logics, formats, formulas of business letters and memos from other countries.
• Abstracting criteria for writing letters and memos to a client in a different country, with a different language and culture.
• Summarizing and explaining technical aspects of letter and memo writing.