The Goal is a book by Eliyahu Goldratt (ghostwritten by Jeff Cox) that deals with the problems a production manager faces when running a factory. The lessons can be applied not only to manufacturing but to the production processes of service facilities as well.
The first half of your assignment is to write a 3 to 5 page book report detailing what you learned from the book as well as what you thought of it. This is to be your own work, not a compilation of sources from textbooks or the Internet.
The second half of your assignment is to discuss how you see the principles raised in The Goal applied or misapplied in a local business that you are familiar with. It can be the company you work for, a business/restaurant that you frequent/ or a government facility that you observe. You can present your findings to the owner/manager of the business or you can keep them to yourself. This part of the project will also entail writing 3 to 5 pages in your report.
In summary, you should submit a 5 to 10 page paper that discusses the book as well as a way that you see the principles of the book being used or not used in a business that you are somewhat familiar with.
The Third part of your project is the formal presentation of the second part. This should be a five to 10 minute speech. You should be dressed appropriately (no jeans/shorts/etc.) and should have some form of audio-visual display (transparencies, Powerpoint, videotape, etc.)