Final answer:
Mabel Jane should start by understanding Eloise's specific concerns and priorities to focus her research effectively, followed by identifying potential suppliers, analyzing the supply shortage, and compiling current supplier data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mabel Jane should start her task by understanding Eloise's specific concerns and priorities. This initial step is crucial in clarifying what aspects of the supply line shortage are most critical to the company and what Eloise is expecting from the alternative suppliers. By focusing first on Eloise's directives, Mabel Jane can tailor her research and subsequent report to be most relevant and comprehensive for her boss's needs. Questions she might consider include: the impact of the shortage on current operations, what qualities are most important in a supplier, and what timeline is crucial for sourcing alternatives.
Effective research strategies include gathering information from various stakeholders, finding expert information, and conducting a root cause analysis. Mabel Jane should use these methods along with needs assessments as a guide to prioritize her gathering of information and shape the direction of her report.
Once the priorities and concerns are clearly understood, subsequent steps can involve identifying potential alternative suppliers, analyzing the ongoing supply line shortage, and compiling data on current suppliers. It's also recommended to keep asking critical questions throughout the research process to maintain a sharp focus and ensure the report effectively addresses the company's situation.