To: Nancy Myers

From: TroiEllis Reichlin

Date: April 20, 2022
Subject: APLED 121-Chapter 14 Summary

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CHAPTER 14
Technical Descriptions and Process Analyses

Define Technical Descriptions

A technical description is a part-by-part depiction of the components of a mechanism,

tool, or piece of equipment.

Types of Technical Descriptions

• Operations Manuals- An operations manual helps the end user construct, install,
operate, and service the equipment.
• Product Demand Specifications- When a company needs a piece of equipment
that does not currently exist, the company writes a product demand specifying
its exact needs.
• Study Reports Provided by Consulting Firms- Companies hire a consulting
engineering firm to study a problem and provide a descriptive analysis.
• Construction Design- Prior to building any structure, architectural companies
must clarify the construction design for the city and the clients.
• Sales Literature- One way to market equipment or services is to describe the
product.

Definition of Process Analysis

A process analysis focuses not on how to do something but on how something works.

• Examples of Process Analysis

▪ Engineering
▪ Automotive sales
▪ Biomedical technology

Criteria of Writing Technical Descriptions and Process Analyses

• Title- Preface your text with a title precisely stating the topic.
• Overall Organization- In the introduction, specify and define your topic and
explain the topic’s functions, capabilities, or process.
 • Highlighting Techniques- Use headings, itemization, and graphics to aid
understanding.

The Writing Process at Work

• Prewriting-Brainstorming
• Writing-Write your paper
• Rewriting-Proof read and edit