MEMORANDUM
To: David A. David McMurrey
From: Richard Todd Dean
Date: 30 January 19XX
Subj.: Description of my report project
Here is the information on my report project that you requested. I've included
a brief discussion of what I plan to include in the report, who the audience
of the report will be, what my own background on the topic is, and what graphic
aids will be needed in the final report. A tentative outline concludes this
memo.
Report Topic and Contents
I plan to do a general feasibility study of the preservation of meat by ionizing
radiation. The report will investigate the possibility of ionizing radiation
as a replacement for present-day chemical preservatives in meat products. I
plan to show that radiation processes can be more effective for killing bacteria,
preserving the food for longer periods of time, and making the food more wholesome
and safe overall. The report will also compare and suggest which types of
irradiation are best for meat preservation. The equipment needed in the process
will be discussed in addition to any possible dangers this new process may
present to humans. I'll also review cost comparisons. In the introduction there
will be a brief history of food preservation and of early uses of radiation
for preservation.
Audience and Purpose of the Report
This study will be directed toward the meat packing industry in an effort to
encourage it to change its present preservation methods. I will try to show
meat-packing companies that, with several important criteria, irradiation is
preferable to current methods.
My Background and Library Sources on the Topic
At this point, I know only the basics of radiation chemistry, and I will need
to research food preservation and apply my chemistry background in this area.
Having begun my preliminary library search, I'm sure that there are plenty
of printed resources on the topic, both in and out of the library. The biggest
problem I foresee is finding specific costs of the irradiation process, but
with letters of inquiry to organizations involved in this new preservation
method, I expect to overcome this problem.
Graphic Aids Needed in the Report
There will be no problem finding and using graphic aids for this report. Most
of the graphics will be comparison charts showing the advantages and disadvantages
of various sources of radiation. Other charts will compare this new method
of food preservation to older methods, focusing on bacteria growth, length
of storage time, color of meat, and other characteristics of effective meat
preservation. I will also include pictures of the process at various stages
and the different equipment used.
Tentative Outline of the Project
Here is a tentative outline of the report; I'll keep you informed of changes
in it as they occur:
I. History of food preservation and use of radiation in this field
II. Comparison of chemical to radiation preservation
III. Effectiveness of radiation preservation
IV. Sources of radiation
V. Installation of radiation equipment in factories
VI. Cost of the new process compared to the old
VII. Safety and consumer acceptance of radiation preservation
| Interested in courses related to this page or a printed version? See the resources page. |
Return to the main menu of this online textbook for technical writing. |
Information and programs provided by hcexres@io.com.