Overview: 
The US government is reviewing the topic of a cap-and-trade system for carbon  emissions, and the Secretary of State (the Secretary) has been asked to weigh in on  whether they should support the system or not. The Secretary has asked you to write a  recommendation memo on the subject, recommending what side of the argument they  should land. Instructions: 
• Familiarize yourself with what a cap-and-trade emission system is.
 • Research and locate data points on the subject that will help form your argument.  This data point can be environmental, political, and/ or business-centric. 
• Create a recommendation memo using the assignment template with a  recommendation of if the Secretary should be for or against a cap-and-trade  system. 
• For full credit, the memo should include at least 8 data points and one visual  (chart, table, etc.) and follow the format listed within the memo. 
Readings and Resources
Articles, Websites, and Videos:
Sejal Vora. (2019). The Power of Data Storytelling. Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd.
Chapter 2: The Essence of Data Storytelling 
Chapter 5: The Quick Fix 
Chapter 4: Writer to Storyteller  
For better or worse, we will all have to make PowerPoints. This gives you some tips on making a good presentation.
Tips for Making Effective PowerPoint Presentations. (2017, Aug 8). National Conference of State Legislatures. 
As we have spoken about in previous units, data analytics must turn data into actional insight, and visualizations are a way of transmitting that data to the reader. When presenting this actionable insight, often you will find you already have an action in mind that you want to take as a result of your analysis, but your goal is to convince others. The below speaks a bit to making persuasive data-centric arguments. 
Peacock, G. (2017). Persuading with Big Data: Keep it simple. Bennelong Publishing. 

These examples are not for content, but showing some good samples of communicating with data.
Unlocking the value of personalization at scale for operators. (2022, Feb 24). McKinsey & Company. 
And as you have used before, any of the IBISWorld or Statistics references from your library are good examples.
BUS509 – Descriptive Analytics and
Decisions
Unit 5 Assignment
Due Date: 11:59 pm EST Sunday of Unit 5
Points: 100
Overview:
The US government is reviewing the topic of a cap-and-trade system for carbon
emissions, and the Secretary of State (the Secretary) has been asked to weigh in on
whether they should support the system or not. The Secretary has asked you to write a
recommendation memo on the subject, recommending what side of the argument they
should land.
Instructions:
•
•
•
•
Familiarize yourself with what a cap-and-trade emission system is.
Research and locate data points on the subject that will help form your argument.
This data point can be environmental, political, and/ or business-centric.
Create a recommendation memo using the assignment template with a
recommendation of if the Secretary should be for or against a cap-and-trade
system.
For full credit, the memo should include at least 8 data points and one visual
(chart, table, etc.) and follow the format listed within the memo. Page length can
be anywhere between 1-4 pages.
Requirements:
PDF or Word document the integrates data, visualization and narrative.
Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before
you write and again after you write.
Evaluation Rubric
Criteria
Exemplary
15
Purpose
Purpose is clearly laid out
including data points on
why the issues needs
attention. Explains why
the person needs to pay
attention to the memo.
35
Background or
Background and context
Context
clearly laid out, including
at least 5 well integrated
data points and one visual.
35
Recommendation Recommendation is clear,
including at least 3 well
integrated data points and
make a well-formed
argument.
Recommendation includes
one well-formed
counterpoint highlighting
possible risk.
15
Write and format
Writing and format are
clear, professional and
template directions
followed.
Proficient
9-14
Purpose laid out clearly.
Deficient
0-8
Purpose not clear or
missing.
23-34
Background and context
well laid out, including at
least 5 data points.
0-22
Background and context
not laid out or missing,
does not include at least 5
data points.
0-22
Background and context
not laid out or missing,
does not include at least 3
data points.
9-14
0-8
23-34
Recommendation is
logical, including at least 3
data points.
Few errors that do not
impede professional
presentation.
Errors impede
professional presentation,
guidelines not followed.
PRE-DECISIONAL/DELIBERATIVE
Action [or Decision] Memo Template
▪ To accommodate Times New Roman 12-pt. font, margins are 1.0 top and left; 0.9 right and bottom. Single spaced text and
double-spaced between headings and text; between paragraphs you may use 10, 11, or 12 pt.
▪ The date and the word “Action” (or “Decision”) are centered. Paragraphs are not indented, nor right justified.
▪ The sender should sign or initial by his/her name. The “through” person should also sign or initial. ▪ Memos for the Secretary or
Deputy Secretary must be signed by the Component Head. Component Heads may not delegate this authority to their Deputy or
Chief of Staff.
▪ The signature block and recommendation will now be placed on their own page. To link the signature page to the Action/Decision
memo, please use a header indicating the subject (in bold) and page number. ▪ PRE-DECISIONAL/DELIBERATIVE will now be
added to the header and footer of every page except for the signature block page.
Modified from: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Action%20Memo%20Template.pdf
PRE-DECISIONAL/DELIBERATIVE
PRE-DECISIONAL/DELIBERATIVE
Date
ACTION (or DECISION)
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY (OR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY)
FROM:
Component Head Name Title (if not on the letterhead)
SUBJECT:
Boldfaced; no acronyms in subject; do not underline bold type
Purpose: The first paragraph should state the purpose of the memorandum, or why the issue requires a
decision and is being brought to the attention of the recipient.
Background or Context: This is a brief summary of factors to be considered in making a decision, the
issue’s historical background, and its current status. Identify legislative or other underlying requirements.
Please present options for resolution and explain the implications of those options. Include internal input,
Component equities, and clearances, including any supporting and opposing viewpoints. If the issue is
particularly complex, additional background may be provided as numbered attachments.
Recommendation: Please provide a clear recommendation of specific action(s) requested of the Secretary
or Deputy Secretary. The signature block and recommendation should be on their own page. The
memorandum should close with:
Approve/date__________________________ Disapprove/date______________________
Modify/date ________________________ Needs discussion/date____________________
Attachment(s) (if applicable)
PRE-DECISIONAL/DELIBERATIVE

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