Final answer:
I created a proposal to enhance the college cafeteria services by gathering student opinions through surveys, interviewing staff, and consulting industry reports. I narrowed the focus, organized my information effectively, and used expert opinions and facts with proper APA citations to make credible recommendations.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a situation that required me to gather a great deal of information to solve a problem was when I worked on a proposal to improve the cafeteria services at my college. The problem was broad, with many students unhappy about the variety and quality of food options. The initial scope was too broad, so I had to narrow it down to specific issues, such as healthiness, variety, and food sourcing.
To gather ideas and information, I conducted surveys among students to understand their preferences and concerns. I also interviewed cafeteria staff and management to gain insights into operational challenges. Additionally, I consulted external sources such as industry reports on food service management and nutrition guidelines to bolster the proposal with professional standards and expectations. After detailed research, I developed a proposal recommending the college to partner with local organic farms to improve food quality, introduce menu diversity, and offer nutritional education sessions.
The organizational strategy involved categorizing information into current issues, potential solutions, and expected outcomes. The drafting process was iterative, with multiple thesis rewrites and paragraph refinements to maintain objectivity and relevance. Balancing facts, expert opinions, and survey data, I used APA citation to credit all external sources. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, and I was ultimately satisfied with the final recommendation.