RESEARCH

TECHNICAL WRITING

• Prof Dr Nordin Yahaya

• Faculty of Civil Engineering
• [email protected]
 Content
• Introduction to Technical
Communication
• Research in Academic & Thesis
• Preparing for a Research Proposal
• Research Proposal Defence
• Tips on Technical Writing Skills
Technical Communication
• In the words of the Society for Technical
Communication, technical communication
is a broad field and includes any form of
communication that exhibits one or more
of the following characteristics:
– Communicating about technical or
specialized topics or instructions,
such as computer applications,
medical procedures, or
environmental regulations.
– Communicating by using technology,
such as web pages, help files, or
social media sites.
– Providing assessment reports or
description about job specifications
or letters of inquiry or business plan
in a simplified format.
• In simple words, a technical writer
communicates complex technical
instructions in a simple and easy to
understand manner.
Writing for Technical Communication
• Research Technical Reports (Thesis, Journal Articles, Research
Proposal):
– These are written for experts or technical audiences and contain research
literature reviews, research methods, the problem statement, description,
and solution. A problem can be a process related or product-related.
• Instructions or procedures:
– Instructions and procedures are action-oriented documents that help an end-
user in operating, installing, configuring, maintaining, or manufacturing a
product. For example, user manual or installation manuals
• Technical reports:
– These are the data-driven documents. To support the findings of a case study,
a technical writer create reports. Depending on the audience, reports can be
highly technical with a lot of data, or statistical containing graphs and pie
charts and descriptions.
• Business Proposals:
– A business proposal document describes the purpose, the tasks to be
performed, the methods, and the cost of a project to persuade a company or
organization for the business. It is a document to bridge the gap between you
and potential customers.
• Emails, letters, and memorandum:
– These documents are frequently used in any business, for example,
transferring information, persuading someone to take action, or advertising
your product. These can be sent to both internal audiences (employees) or
external audiences (customers).
• Others: Specifications, Case studies, Websites, APIs documents,
Help systems etc
Research
Technical
Report
What Is Academic Research
Project?
• Academic research projects undertaken to
investigate research questions.

• An academic research project must contain

a research contribution from the student,
for example, the development of a model
or the design of an algorithm towards
analysing/solving a problem.

• A research project might include data

gathering; however, the gathering of data
in itself does not constitute an acceptable
level of research effort by the student.
Rather some rigorous analysis of the data
and/or the development of some
deliverable based on the data are required.

• Any research should have a report to

compile all the processes involved and the
record the outputs.
Research in Academia
• A research student is one who is learning how to research by doing
research under the supervision of a more senior academic pursing
an academic award such as Master or Doctoral degree.
• In academia, research students are expected to show a well-
grounded research methodology that is applicable to the field of
study.
• The student must practice uniqueness and originality on how he
or she makes use of his or her knowledge and find out ways to
expand the limits of the current knowledge using good researching
skills.
• In academic research, student not only analyses and understands
how to stretch the limits of knowledge and showing your ability in
independent research but also become an actual original
contributor to the body of knowledge.
• Report reports written by students or scientists to communicate
the findings of a research or an experiment in the form of thesis,
journals, or proposals.
Types of Academic Research
Report

• Original Journal Article

• Review Journal Article
• Book Chapter
• Policy Paper
• Short Communication/Technical Note
• Conference paper
• Book review
• Research Proposal
• Dissertation/Thesis
Thesis
• thesis noun
• A thesis is the • the·sis | \ ˈthē-səs , British especially for sense 3 ˈthe-sis \
• plural theses\ ˈthē-ˌsēz \
acquisition and
• Essential Meaning of thesis
dissemination of new • 1: a long piece of writing on a particular subject that is done
knowledge. to earn a degree at a university
• For someone's work • Full Definition of thesis
to be knowledge, • 1: a dissertation embodying results of original research and
especially substantiating a specific view
there must be a • especially one written by a candidate for an academic degree
demonstration that
suitable and https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis

systematic methods
were used to
evaluate the chosen
hypothesis.
• A thesis is a
document to
communicate the
findings of a research.
Types of Thesis

Master By Taught Master By Master by Research PhD

Course: Mixed Mode: (Master of (Doctor of
Master’s Project Master’s Philosophy) Philosophy)
Report Dissertation Master’s Thesis Doctoral Thesis
A training program to The process of problem The significant contribution
equip student with A doctoral degree is earned
solving and knowledge of the findings towards body on the basis of producing a
research knowledge and exploration which should of knowledge. M.Phil thesis
skill in solving problems significant, independent
be more critical and has is a document reporting the and novel body of work (a
related to their fields, the more depth than Master process of problem solving
chosen topic can be a Thesis) that contributes
Project report. based on full scale research new/original knowledge to
repetition of previous Highlight of the work of using a proper research
research works. a particular research topic.
others. methodology. The thesis must showcase
Maximum number of Maximum number of The degree is designed to
pages: 200 pages deep exploration of
.
pages: prepare students for doctoral knowledge and critical
200 pages research. discussion and arguments.
Maximum number of pages:
200 pages
Maximum number of
pages: 300 pages
Research Proposal
Research Proposal
• What is a research proposal?
– Your PhD/Master research proposal must passionately articulate what you want to
research and why, convey your understanding of existing literature, and clearly define at
least one original question and your approach to answering it.
– Highlight its originality and/or significance
– While it must be well-structured, your research proposal should retain sufficient
flexibility to comfortably accommodate any changes you need to make as your research
progresses.
• Why a research proposal?
– Apart from being an essential requirement for PhD/Master by Research entry, a
research proposal helps your future supervisors/evaluators to better understand your
line of thinking, experience in doing research and how you are planning to go about
writing your thesis.
– In addition to this, a research proposal is a great tool that can help you to structure your
thinking and outline the path you would like to follow during your studies.
Structure of a Research Proposal
q Title and Abstract

q Introduction
1.1 General Introduction
1.2 Background of the Study
1.3 Research Problem and Gaps The main objective
CHAPTER 1
1.4 Research Aim and Objectives should be to
convince others that
1.5 Scope of Work you have a
1.6 Importance of the Study worthwhile research
project and that you
have the
q Literature Review CHAPTER 2 competence and
the work-plan to
q Research Methodology complete it.
CHAPTER 3
q Conclusion & Time frame CHAPTER 4

q References

q Appendices
 Structure of a Final Thesis
q Preliminary
q Title and Abstract
q Introduction
§ 1.1 General Introduction
§ 1.2 Background of the Study
§ 1.3 Research Problem and Gaps CHAPTER 1
§ 1.4 Research Aim and Objectives
§ 1.5 Scope of Research
§ 1.6 Importance of the Study
§ 1.7 Overview of the thesis
q Literature Review CHAPTER 2

q Research Methodology CHAPTER 3

q Results CHAPTER 4

q Analysis & Discussion CHAPTER 5

q Conclusion & Recommendations CHAPTER 6

q References & Bibliography

q Appendices
Differences between Thesis and
Journal Article
Structure of a Technical Paper
Title and Abstract
q Introduction
§ Background of the Study
§ Research Problem and Gaps
§ Research Aim and Objectives
§ Scope of Research
§ Importance of the Study

q Literature Review

q Research Methods

q Results

q Analysis & Discussion

q Conclusion & Recommendations

q Acknowledgements

q References & Bibliography

PREPARING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Preparing for a Research Proposal

• Proposal is a plan of action that should

be utilised to justify the importance of
research, the validity of research
problem, the clarity of research aims
and the robustness of research
methodology.

• It describes in detail how you plan to

carry out a research and request
permission to proceed with the plan.

• Proposal must include the planning

and time frame of the proposed
research activities.

• Feasibility of the proposed title can be

evaluated by supervisor at this stage to
minimise any potential mistakes that
can hinder research progress.
TITLE AND
ABSTRACT
1. TITLE AND ABSTRACT in a
Research Proposal (RP)
• The following parameters can be used to help you formulate a suitable
research title:
1. The purpose of the research
2. The narrative tone of the research [typically defined by the type of the
research]
3. The methods used
• The initial aim of a title is to capture the reader’s attention and to
draw his or her attention to the research problem being investigated.
• The title should be a clear and concise description of the focus and
contribution of the research. It should not contain more than 15 words
and excludes grammatical words such as articles, conjunction and
prepositions.
• The title should not contain phrases which reflect research exercise
such as “An investigation of ...”, “A preliminary study of ...”, “A study of
...”, “Analysis of ...”, etc.
1. TITLE AND ABSTRACT in a Research
Proposal
• Abstract is a short summary of your RP. It is a
stand-alone text, approximately 150-200
words, that provides a snapshot of your
whole proposed research work.
• Abstract usually includes a brief and concise
description of the research motivation, gaps,
research questions at hand, aims and
objectives, research method/approach,
expected findings or major outcomes and
practical importance of the proposed
research project.
• The working title and abstract should be
developed early in the research process
because it can help anchor the focus of the
study in much the same way the research
problem does.
 1. ABSTRACT in a Final THESIS
• Key contents of an abstract of a final thesis are:
v Why did the researcher embark with the research?
What was the motivation?
v What are the key research problems?
v What did the researcher do in their research?
v What were the reasons for doing the research? What
questions was the researcher trying to answer?
v How did the researcher go about finding out the
answers?
v What methods did they use?
v What did the researcher find out?
v What are the key results?
v Why are these results important and significant?
v Are the conclusions connected to the big picture?
Effective Title in Research or
Academic Papers
• Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study.
• Avoid using abbreviations.
• Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader interest.
• Use current nomenclature from the field of study.
• Identify key variables, both dependent and independent.
• Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the major hypothesis.
• Is limited to 10 to 15 substantive words.
• Do not include "study of," "analysis of" or similar constructions.
• Titles are usually in the form of a phrase, but can also be in the form of a
question.
• Follow exactly as specified by the Thesis Manual.
• The final title you submit to your university is created after the research is
complete so that the title accurately captures what was done.
 LE
Abstract P
AM
EX
 P
Abstract XAM
E
Chapter 1: Introduction
Research Proposal -
Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 1 consists of
• Background of the study and rationale
• Research gaps/problems/questions,
• Research aim and objectives,
• Hypotheses
• Scope, and expected findings.
• Importance of study
• It is very important to write a good RP Chapter
1 in order to clearly define the direction and
scope of your research works.
• Readers should be able to understand your
intention in solving the specified issue and why
it is important to solve the issue using the
proposed research method.
Chapter 1 : Introduction

• At the beginning of Chapter 1 should

provide general introduction to the Introduction should
issue or research theme within a big be at the level that
picture of the knowledge/discipline. make it easy to
The background sets the general tone
for your research proposal.
understand for
• State the problem in general and readers with a
provide background information general science
supported by literature review. background and
• Note how the research area have been must capture the
addressed in the past, illustrating the
problems, and identify similarities or
reader’s interest for
differences in their methodology or the investigated
findings that have drawn you to study problem.
the problem.
CHAPTER 1 :
1.1 Background of the Study
• Background of study helps to establish the evidence
and issues that has occurred in line with the variables
The background
under study. study section of your
• It provides readers with the essential information of RP answers the
the relationship between the specific topic of research
following questions:
and the general area of study. a) What is the
• The background information provides an
context of research?
understanding of the issues or problem studied and b) How does it line
reasons for conducting the study. up with the existing
• You could begin by establishing a general context.
and previous
Then, you could gradually narrow down your writing to literature on the
include specific statements made by other researchers
topic?
in their studies in relation to the issue or problem that
you are highlighting in your study.
• Finally you could incorporate statements that indicate
the need to further explore the issue or to thorough
investigation on the problem.
 1.1 Background of the Study

LE Components of Composite Repair System

P
AM
EX Infill/grout/ Composite
Adhesive
putty sleeve/wrap

Fill damaged Bonding agent of

Strengthen
section and composite and
damaged pipe
transfer load steel pipe
CHAPTER 1 :
1. 2 Research Problem
• A research problem is a statement about an area of
concern, a condition to be improved upon, a
difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question
that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in
practice that points to the need for meaningful
Research is
understanding and deliberate investigation. motivated
• Problem statement must be very focus. Student and guided
should utilise this section to convince the readers
about the significance of the identified problem. by
• Research problem if properly written can clearly PROBLEMS
indicate the gaps you want to fill in or developing
something new. It should indicate the need for
further investigation.
• Only after determining your research problems, you
could formulate your research objectives.
CHAPTER 1 :
1. 2 Research Problem
• A problem statement is a single statement that
defines the issue or problem investigated in the
study.
• The purpose of a problem statement is to: The hypothesis
v Introduce the reader to the importance of the comes after you
topic being studied. The study and the research state the problem
questions or hypotheses to follow. or state the
v Place the problem into a particular context that
question in your
defines the parameters of what is to be
investigated. report.
v Provide the framework for reporting the results
and indicates what is probably necessary to
conduct the study and explain how the findings
will present this information.
 LE Identifying Research Gaps
P
AM Through Literature Reviews
EX
Risk allocation

Quantitative Qualitative
method method

Kumaraswamy, Lam., et al,2007 Medda, F.,2007 Doloi, H., 2008 Jin, X.H., 2010 Xu,Y., 2010 Khazaeni, G.,2012
M.M., 2002,

Modeling A game theory Interpreting Modeling optimal Developing a Fuzzy adaptive

Risk risk approach for the risk risk allocation in fuzzy risk decision making
management allocation allocation of risks in allocation PPP projects allocation model for
trends in the decision in transport public mechanism using artificial model for PPP selection
construction construction private in PPP neural networks. projects in balanced risk
industry. contracts. partnerships. projects. China. allocation

GAPS in previous study

D: Lack of risk allocation model E:The risk allocation model should cover all client F: Lack of attention to the
based on relationship between expectations (management ability , cost , behavior project objectives in risk
criteria and barriers of each part to risk allocation ) allocation model
35
 LE
P Problem statement
AM Research Problems
EX
v The unavailability of comprehensive risk assessment method in PPP
project makes the risk ranking practice unfeasible. Lack of accurate
risk assessment with attention on relationship and feedback between
risks on project objectives is one of the reasons for weak risk
assessment of PPP projects.
v There is a lack of optimal risk allocation model in previous research
based on risk allocation barriers and criteria. Lack of evaluation on
independency and feedback between risk allocation criteria and
barriers on project objectives is one of the reasons for weak risk
allocation model of PPP projects.
v There is a lack of optimal risk allocation model in previous research
based on risk allocation barriers and criteria. Lack of evaluation on
independency and feedback between risk allocation criteria and
barriers on project objectives is one of the reasons for weak risk
allocation model of PPP projects.

36
 L E
P 1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEMS
AM
X
E Shamsuddoha et al., 2013;
Shamsuddoha et al., 2016; Current research On-going research
Azraai, 2016

Understand Enhance putty

Emphasize proper
behaviour and performance
selection of putty
performance of putty

Repair without Reduce usage of

wrapping composite wrap

Optimization of
Ultimate aim
current design
 LE
P 1. 2 RESEARCH PROBLEM
AM
EX
Common understanding:
fill damaged section; No detail information
transfer load

Putty

Performance and
Missing in existing design behaviour in composite
codes repair system not fully
understood
CHAPTER 1 :
1.3 Research Aim and Objectives
• Give a concise and clear outline of the
aims that the researcher wants to
achieve from the project.

• Do not have too many research

objectives. Please refer to the scope of
your research and constraints you will
have during conducting the research
work.

• Ideal numbers of research objectives are

between 3-4 objectives arranged in
order according to research stages.
CHAPTER 1 :
1.3 Research Aim and Objectives

• Do not mistake methodology for objectives.

Example : “To collect data…….” is not an
objectives, instead it is a statement referring
to the methodology.

• Each objective should produce a significant

finding once the objective has been
achieved by systematic scientific method.
 E
PL RESEARCH AIM
AM
EX

To investigate the behaviour and performance

of epoxy grouts in terms of load transfer
mechanism and load bearing capacity of
pipeline composite repair system using detailed
material characterization, hydrostatic burst test
and finite element analysis (FEA).
 E
PL RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
AM
EX
To characterize the mechanical and thermal properties of
existing epoxy grouts and to determine its behaviour as a
“stand-alone” material.

To investigate the detailed load transfer mechanism and

behaviour of infill materials as part of composite repair
systems through full-scale pipeline hydrostatic burst test and
numerical analysis.

To modify the properties of the infill materials by modifying

composition and adding graphene nanoplatelets and
subsequently carry out numerical analysis and experimental
test to explore its potential for improving the performance
of composite repair system.
CHAPTER 1 :
1.4 Research Scope
• The research should follow straight line approach
and for that you have to define your boundary and
that is scope of the study.

• In simple terms you need to write what does your

research cover and what are its limitation. It would
be apt to also briefly mention what it doesn't
attempt to cover in your research.

• The scope of your research is determined by the

research problem, resources and time limit.

• The scope of research will ensure that your research

work is feasible, realistic, reliable and executable
within the given time frame.
 LE
P
AM
EX
CHAPTER 1 :
1.5 Significance of Findings
• Student should highlight the importance of findings and
its contribution towards the body of knowledge if the
stated hypothesis can be proven.

• The needs to conduct the proposed research can be fully

justified if the findings significance are significant.

• An explanation of the significance of a study may include

the meaning of the research work to you personally and
should include how your research benefits or impacts
others in part or whole.

• The potential outcomes from your research must be

consistent with the objective.
 L E
P 1.5 Significance of Findings
AM
EX

The findings will improve the fundamental understanding on

the role and behaviour of putty in composite repaired pipes.

The findings will prove that different putty properties

affect the performance and behaviour of a composite
repaired pipe differently.

This study will provide many new information for pipeline

operators, manufacturer, and researchers in optimizing the
philosophy of composite repair design in the future.
Introduction for a Technical Paper
Research Pre-Proposal Checklist

ü What do you plan to accomplish with this research?

ü What are your reasons for wanting to carry out this
research?
ü How you are going to carry out the research?
ü What research question(s) will be addressed, and
how they will be addressed?
ü How much time and expense will be required for the
research?
ü What prior research has been done on the topic?
ü How will the results of the research be evaluated?
ü How will the research benefit the sponsoring
organization and other parties?
Chapter 2: Literature Review
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE
REVIEW

It is an evaluation of
previous research on
your topic, where you
show that there is a
gap in the knowledge
that your research
will attempt to fill.
 CHAPTER 2 :
Literature Review
• The purpose of this chapter section is to
A literature review
introduce about the subject matter. shows your readers
• The content of this section should clearly lay out that you have an in-
what is to be researched. depth grasp of your
• It indicates how knowledgeable you are in your subject; and that
respective research field. you understand
• Highlight what is the current practice or prior where your own
arts towards the problem. It can be structured research fits into
or non-structured (for unexplored areas). and adds to an
existing body of
• Critical Remarks of previous works should
agreed knowledge.
describe the strength and weakness of any
previous work that are similar to your project
and compare them with your proposed
solutions.
CHAPTER 2 :
Literature Review
A literature review has four main A literature review:
objectives:
• Demonstrates a familiarity
1. It surveys the literature in your with a body of knowledge
chosen area of study and establishes the
2. It synthesises the information in that credibility of your work;
• Summarises prior research
literature into a summary
and says how your project is
3. It critically analyses the information linked to it;
gathered by identifying gaps in • Integrates and summarises
current knowledge; by showing what is known about a
subject;
limitations of theories and points of
• Demonstrates that you have
view; and by formulating areas for learnt from others and that
further research and reviewing areas your research is a starting
of controversy point for new ideas.
4. It presents the literature in an
organised way
 CHAPTER 2 :
Literature Review
Good Literature Review Poor Literature Review
• A Good Literature Review critically • A Poor Literature Review simply
evaluates the quality of the research summarizes research findings without
according to clear criteria. critical evaluation.
• Uses quotes, illustrations, graphs, • Simply lists studies without
and/or tables to present and justify presenting any critical evidence in the
the critical analysis of the literature. form of quotes, illustrations, graphs,
• Presents research evidence in a and/or tables.
meaningful chronological order. • Mixes studies from different decades
• Has an accurate and Up-To-Date without acknowledging chronological
bibliography that adheres to developments.
recognised style Guidelines. • Has inaccurate or missing references
that are poorly formatted
 CHAPTER 2 :
Literature Review
• Once you have written your literature
review, check it meets the following
criteria:
• Is your review stimulating and
engaging?
• Have you used subheadings to bring
order and structure to your review?
• Do you cite influential papers?
• Have you critically evaluated cited
papers?
• Have you included any recent
developments?
• Have you removed any irrelevant or
trivial references?
• Is the majority of your research from
primary sources?
CHAPTER 2 :
Literature Review
Chapter 3: Research
Methodology
 CHAPTER 3 :
Research Methodology

“..is the science of “…the systematic, “…the overall “…is the plan that “…is the
studying and theoretical analysis framework of explains why a justification for
understanding how of the methods philosophical particular research using a particular
research is/can applied in stream of approach a method is research method”.
be/should be done research. It research problem, employed”.
scientifically. In it, comprises the so that our
we study the theoretical analysis conclusions are
various steps and of the methods and valid and reliable
designs that can be principles and therefore
generally adopted associated with a credible”.
by a researcher in branch of
studying his/her knowledge”
research problem
along with the logic
behind them”.
CHAPTER 3 :
Research Methodology
• Define the overall methodology for the proposed
research including evaluating possible options,
benefits and its limitations. Methodology is the
• Methodology should be presented according to the core of your
order of the research objectives. dissertation as it is a
• Based on the objectives, suitable research methods
proof that you use the
should be chosen and justified accordingly.
• For all the chosen methods; all tools and
scientific method.
equipments to be used for data collection should be Through this chapter,
clearly shown. your study’s validity is
• For all the chosen methods, step-by-step data questioned rigorously
analysis approaches should be clearly chosen by the evaluators.
• This section must have a number of flow
charts/diagrams/infographic to show step-by-step
how the stated research objectives can be achieved
using the proposed research methods.
 Research Methodology Research Methods

Evaluates and justifies the The processes through which

Methodology methods by which you may

proceed with your research
you conduct research into a
given subject or a topic

vs. Method Involves the analysis and

learning of the various
techniques that can be used in
Involve the conduct of
experiments, surveys,
interviews, that can be
the conduct of research and in repeated, replicated and
the conduct of experiments, validated.
surveys, interviews etc

Aims at the understanding and Aim at finding answers to

employment of the correct specific research objectives by
procedures to find credible showing step-by-step
solutions to research questions processes involved.

“…the overall framework of Techniques and methods

philosophical approach a concerned with
research problem, so that our • The collection of data
conclusions are valid and • Processes used for
reliable and therefore analysing the data
credible”. • Approaches used to
evaluate the accuracy
(validity and reliability) of
the findings obtained.”
 Proposed Research Methodology
LE
P
AM Research Methodology

EX
Stage 1: Stage 2: Stage 3:
Characterization of infill Investigation of infill Enhancement of infill
properties behaviour performance

Selection of infill based Execution of Modification of infill

on literature experimental work properties

Infill sample preparation Execution of

Development of finite
for properties experimental work using
element model
charaterization modified infill

Performance evaluation
Determination of infill Determination of infill
of repair system using
properties behaviour
modified infill
 Determination of Research
Method
LE
P
M
Investigation of infill

A
behaviour

EX Experimental work
(hydrostatic pressure
test)
Development of
finite element (FE)
model

Preparation of repair
Identification of
material (composite,
suitable FE software
adhesive, infill)

Making of Development of basic

geometrical detect on model
pipe sample (uncorroded pipe)

Simulation of detect
Repair of
geometry
defect pipe segment
(depth, width, length)

Placement of stress and Input materials properties

strain gauges on repaired (composite, adhesive,
pipe infill)

Simulation of loading
Execution of hydrostatic
condition (internal
pressure test
pressure)

Comparison of results Observation of

Measurement of
(Experimental work and infill behaviour (stress-
stress and strain
FE model) strain behaviour)

No
Does the Modification of
result matched? the FE model
Yes
Determination of infill
behaviour
 ACTUAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
LE
P
AM
EX
 LE
P
AM
X
CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION AND
TIMEFRAME
 CHAPTER 4 :
CONCLUSION & TIMEFRAME
• Estimated timeline for
deliverables and milestones

• Graphical - Gantt chart format

• Planning for current semester

and next semester

• Conclusion (usually 1 page)

summarize the project including
the problem, motivation, and
proposed solutions.

• Highlight any derived novel idea

if there is any.
Writing Style and Language
Convention
• When you are planning to draft your research report, you need to carefully
think about style of writing and also the language conventions that you
would be using throughout the report.
• Apart from that, you also need to think about the proper tenses that
should be used throughout the report.
• Three Cs of Writing: Clarity, Conciseness and Correctness
– Clarity: means conveying your ideas and point of view clearly so that readers can
comprehend the meaning exactly. Clarity also means that a person reading your
sentences will have the same meaning as you have intended to convey.
– Conciseness – means that you deliver your message using the shortest and direct way
possible. Research report must be written in concise manner to be effective. By
choosing the right words to use in your writing and getting rid of non essential words,
you will focus more on the important points. Readers do not want to read report that
contains lengthy and wordy sentences or paragraphs.
– Correctness – means that you deliver using proper and appropriate grammar,
punctuation, spelling, facts, statistics and the right level of language. Sometimes,
language is grammatically correct, but the words you use are inappropriate.
RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
DEFENCE
First Assessment:
Research Proposal Defence
Preparing for your Research
Proposal Defense

• Remember: They Want to Pass You.

• Anticipate Questions.
• Look for Weaknesses.
• Practice.
• Avoid Wordiness on PowerPoint Slides.
• Be Able to Pronounce the Words Correctly.
• Watch Recordings of Previous Defences.
• Breathe.
• Answer the Question, No More.
• Dialogue With Your Committee.
• Make Life Easy for Your Committee.
• Pay Attention to Time.
TECHNICAL
WRITING SKILLS
Technical Writing Process
• Project Planning. Think about how you present your
information. Choose the right document type and
format
• Audience Analysis. Understand who are your
audience and what your audience want to know
• Write a good overview introduction
• Embrace supporting graphics/info-graphics/imagery
• Focus on Readability. Use formal language, active
voice and simplify language at every opportunity
• Use precise statistics data points and avoid
references to time-sensitive information
• Get a 3rd party to read, revise, update and review
content before publishing
• Be clear what readers will get from your content and
write a concise conclusion.
• Do not procastinate
Technical Writing Skills

• 1. Commands attention and achieves desired results.

– Keep in mind that potential audience doesn’t know what’s in your document nor where
to find what they want in your document.
• 2. Complex or technical information are simplified with the use of graphics and
other aids
– With this, it is very important to choose the supporting material included in the
document to ensure audience's full understanding.
• 3. Content is clear, concise and relevant.
– Be sure ideas are clear and easy to follow. Signal the reader via heading use or introductory
paragraphs usage. Headings provide an overview of the document's value to the reader and allows
them to find what they need quickly. Creating an outline prior to actual writing is a good way to
ensure structure is maintained in the content. Plan your time to allow for proofreading and
correcting.
• 4. Highly technical information are expressed in simple terms.
– When writing for a diverse group that may include non-technical audience, keep the technical
language to a minimum. If jargon and technical terminologies are used, definition must be provided
at all times. Language and terminology needs to be adjusted to the characteristics and needs of the
audience.
Write technical writing in
clear, complete sentences.
• Present the technical report using clear,
complete sentences.
• Don’t leave out articles (a, an, the) or
other words to make the statements
shorter. That doesn’t make them
nontechnical. It makes them difficult to
understand.
• Keep sentences at a moderate to short
length. Avoid having too many concepts
in sentences.
• Use plain English. Use active verbs rather
than passive verbs.
• Keep your average sentence to between
10 and 15 words. Edit wordy phrases to
make them concise.
• Use spell & grammar checkers
• Use dedicated reference management
software (Endnote, Mendeley etc)
Reference Management Tools

• Reference management software

helps you to keep track of your
reading and references and makes
it easier to find referencing
information to cite material in
your work.
• Using reference management
software can save you time
compiling and locating your
references, and improves
consistency and accuracy.
PITFALLS & PROBLEMS

• The “Overachiever” Problem. A common problem is selecting a topic that is far

too ambitious for the allotted time.

• The “Do It Tomorrow” Problem. Thirteen weeks sounds like a long time, but it
goes by quickly. You need an implementation schedule that allocates reasonable
amounts of work throughout the entire semester

• The “Poop Out At The End” Problem. You have worked hard for 13 weeks to
complete this project. But remember, your grades is based on written reports
and oral presentations