PRW Notes
PRW Notes
Year/Sec :__________________________
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
OSH352- PROJECT REPORT WRITING – UNIT I
UNIT I
PART –A
Writing skills involve adequate knowledge and the ability to express your
thoughts and ideas in written words. It refers to a sound understanding of
language through grammar, punctuation marks, and spelling. A good writing skill
also includes writing style and tone of the language etc.
It may seem obvious, but in order to get something on the page, a writer
chooses the words, the order of the words in the sentence, the grouping of
sentences into paragraphs, and the order of the paragraphs within a piece.
three Rs literacy
Literateness reading ability
reading proficiency writing proficiency
ability to read and write articulacy
Articulateness letters
Writing skills: skills which apply to writing. (Usually meaning composition and
language skills, not mechanical handwriting/typing.) "Written skills", if it meant
anything, would mean those skills which had been written down. Writing skills or
written communication skills.
who hear more words spoken at home learn more words and enter school with
better vocabularies.
Passive voice is when the subject of a sentence receives the action of the verb
rather than performing the action. In grammar, voice indicates the relationship
between the subject of the sentence and its verb.
In the passive voice, the action's target, ball, is positioned first as the focus of
the sentence. The sentence gets flipped, and the subject is now being acted upon
by the verb. In other words, the subject is passive: The ball is being chased by
the dog
Reported speech is speech which tells you what someone said, but does not use
the person's actual words: for example, 'They said you didn't like it', 'I asked her
what her plans were', and ' Citizens complained about the smoke'.
Are you going to my house? She asked me if I was going to her house.
We use reported speech when we want to tell someone what someone said. We
usually use a reporting verb (e.g. say, tell, ask, etc.) and then change the tense
of what was actually said in direct speech.
Reported speech puts the speaker's words or ideas into a sentence without
quotation marks. Noun clauses are usually used. In reported speech, the reader
does not assume that the words are the speaker's exact words; often, they are a
paraphrase of the speaker's words.
The pattern is verb + indirect object + to-clause. The indirect object is the
person spoken to. Other verbs used to report orders and requests in this way
are: command, order, warn, ask, advise, invite, beg, teach, & forbid.
Concord is a term used in grammar to describe how a word has a form that
corresponds to the number or gender of the noun or pronoun it refers to. For
example, in 'She hates it,' the singular form of the verb and the singular pronoun
‗she' are in agreement.
Hence, in this second sentence, you use a plural verb – the 24 rules of concord.
When two subjects are joined together by and, the verb to be used should be
plural.
Concord grapes actually have the power to keep us youthful because they
contain high concentrations of antioxidants that protect our skin, brain and heart
from inflammation and aging. The healthiest part of the grape is the skin, which
is packed with not one but 19 different types of health-supporting nutrients
A signpost is a verbal or visual marker indicating the direction you are taking
your speech/presentation or where you are presently at in order to help your
audience move through different concepts, connect the dots, and help them stay
engaged.
Signpost words specify how the two ideas are related: for example, whether they
are similar ideas, contrasting ideas, or whether one idea adds more detail or a
further example to another. They can show that one idea is the result or
conclusion of another, or to show the order of the ideas in a sequence.
Six signposts
The six signposts include Contrast and Contradiction, Words of the Wiser, Aha!
Moment, Again and Again, Memory Moment, and Tough Questions. Contrast and
Contradiction: This refers to when a character does something that contrasts
with a reader's expectations, or contradicts an earlier act or statement.
Cohesive devices are words or phrases that help to connect your ideas and make
your writing more coherent and logical. They are also known as linking words,
connectors, or discourse markers. They show the relationship between
sentences, paragraphs, or sections of a text or speech.
A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all
related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than
a few sentences should be organized into paragraphs.
Paragraphs don't just make a text easier to read by breaking it up on the page.
They are a key tool in creating and signposting structure in academic writing, as
Prepared By : E.Indra ASP/CSE, P.R.Jayanthi ASP /CSE, S. Vanakovarayan ASP/CSE 7
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
OSH352- PROJECT REPORT WRITING – UNIT I
they are the building blocks of an argument, separating each point and showing
how they link together to form the structure.
One of the main differences between technical writing and other forms of writing
is the purpose and audience. Technical writing is not meant to entertain,
persuade, or express personal opinions, but to inform, instruct, or explain
something to a specific group of readers.
The main difference between a technical report and a general report is that tech
reports are supposed to be technical, and general reports are the reports for
everyone. However, they also have some aspects in common. When you write
any report: The high readability level is the main purpose.
General writing refers to any piece of writing which focuses in general subjects of
writing and general papers are published for amusement of the reader. But
sometimes many general topics also gives life lessons, moral, inspiration etc.
There is not such specific set of audience or readers like technical writing
46. What is the difference between technical and non technical writing?
It is not limited to technical or business matters and can include various forms of
creative writing, journalism, and literature. While technical writing is focused on
conveying technical information accurately and clearly, non-technical writing
allows for more self-expression and creativity in the writing process.
As explained in the USC Rossier infographic, ―There are three writing capacities:
writing to persuade, writing to explain, and writing to convey real or imagined
experiences.‖ These three types of writing are usually called argument,
informative, and narrative writing.
If you've read a lot of academic writing or technical writing, you're probably most
comfortable with an expository style. That's the one that will feel most familiar. If
you've read a lot of creative writing, then you might be more comfortable
working with a narrative style.
PART –B
1. Explain the different Writing Skills required for Project report writing
in engineering.
Over View
Introduction
Teaching Writing Skills
How to teach writing skills
Approaches to teaching writing skills
5 Stages of the writing process
Introduction
Writing skills are skills that help you communicate with others using
written words. Before writing a report, it is essential to understand the
audience you are trying to connect. Knowing about the audience can help
you choose words that are relatable.
Excellent writing skills are essential to creating an interesting report that
delivers the intended business message. This skill set refers to your ability
to write reports that are professional and clear to understand.
Employers prefer candidates who can write reports free from grammatical,
spelling and punctuation errors. The ability to use coherent sentences and
correct terminologies makes a report professional.
Teaching Writing Skills: Approaches and Effective
Listening, speaking, reading and writing are the four skills that make up
any language. Having good writing skills may assist you in conveying
information in a more comprehensive, informative, and clear and direct
manner.
The ability to write effectively and precisely is an important skill, especially
in a professional environment. In this article, we discuss how to teach
writing skills, the approaches to teaching writing and the stages of the
writing process and we provide some tips to help you improve your
teaching skills.
1 - Prewriting
This is the initial phase where the writer generates ideas and plans the structure
of the piece. It involves brainstorming, outlining, and organizing thoughts. Things
like writing workshops can help engage students in this kind of activity.
Prewriting is the foundation for the writing process, helping writers clarifies their
purpose, audience, and main ideas.
Here you could even use graphic organizers to help plan and map out thoughts
and ideas ready for the next step!
2. Drafting
Drafting is the process of putting points and ideas on paper and arranging
them in a readable manner. Before accumulating all the information,
writers usually research their topics during the prewriting stage. Writers
start with a draft version, then arrange their points in the best way
possible and gradually prepare a revised version.
3. Revising
It is important to refine the tone of the writing and thoroughly check each
line of text. To eliminate errors, it is necessary to review spelling,
grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, document format and other
factors. Editing is the stage at which writers can make any necessary
changes to improve the document.
5. Publishing
Over View
Writing Grammar
Sentence Structure
Verb Tense
Modals
Conditionals
Writing Grammar
Effective grammar is the cornerstone of clear and precise communication in
engineering project reports.
Sentence Structure
Clarity and conciseness: Prioritize clear and direct expression of ideas,
avoiding convoluted sentence structures.
Example: Instead of "Due to the fact that the results were inconclusive,
the experiment was repeated," write "Because the results were
inconclusive, the experiment was repeated."
Active voice: Generally preferred for direct and engaging communication.
Example: "The engineer conducted the experiment" is more direct than
"The experiment was conducted by the engineer."
Prepared By : E.Indra ASP/CSE, P.R.Jayanthi ASP /CSE, S. Vanakovarayan ASP/CSE 14
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
OSH352- PROJECT REPORT WRITING – UNIT I
Passive voice: Use judiciously for emphasis on the action or when the
actor is unknown or unimportant.
Example: "The equipment was damaged during the testing phase" focuses
on the damage rather than the cause.
Subject-verb agreement: Ensure the subject and verb correspond in
number and person.
Example: "The data is accurate" (singular subject, singular verb).
Parallelism: Maintain consistent grammatical structure within lists or
comparisons.
Example: "The experiment involved collecting data, analyzing results, and
drawing conclusions."
Verb Tense
Certainty: Use "will" for future actions, "must" for obligation, and "shall"
for formal declarations.
Example: "The report will be submitted on time."
Possibility: Use "may," "might," or "could" to express uncertainty or
permission.
Example: "There may be unforeseen challenges in the project."
Ability: Use "can" or "could" to express ability or capacity.
Conditionals
Zero conditional: Used for general truths or conditions that are always
true.
Example: "If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils."
First conditional: Used for real possibilities in the future.
Example: "If we increase the pressure, the boiling point will rise."
Second conditional: Used for hypothetical or unlikely situations.
Example: "If we had more funding, we could develop a prototype."
Third conditional: Used for unreal past conditions and their
consequences.
Example: "If we had conducted more tests, we would have identified the
problem earlier."
Vocabulary
Example: Instead of "In the event that the results are negative," write "If
the results are negative."
Formal Tone:
Maintain a formal and objective tone throughout the report.
Avoid colloquialisms, contractions, and overly casual language.
Variety: Use a diverse vocabulary to avoid repetition and enhance
readability.
By mastering these grammar and vocabulary skills, engineers can produce
clear, concise, and technically accurate project reports.
3. Explain the structure of the passive voice and its function in formal
writing. When is it appropriate to use the passive voice in a project
report?
Over View
Function, and
The passive voice is often used in formal writing, including project reports,
for several reasons:
To emphasize the object or result of an action: This is useful when the
object is more important than the doer.
Example: "The data was analyzed using statistical software." (Focus on the
data and the process)
To avoid mentioning the doer of an action: This can be helpful when
the doer is unknown or unimportant.
Example: "The equipment was damaged during the testing phase." (Focus
on the damage, not the cause)
To create a more formal and objective tone: The passive voice can
lend a sense of objectivity and impartiality to the writing.
Example: "The results were carefully evaluated." (Implies a detached and
impartial assessment)
Project reports often require a formal and objective tone, making the
passive voice a suitable choice in many instances. However, overuse can make
the writing dull and impersonal.
Engineering Examples:
Cautions on Overuse
While the passive voice has its place in project reports, excessive use can lead
to unclear and convoluted writing. It's essential to balance the use of passive and
active voice to maintain reader engagement.
Example:
Overuse of passive voice: "The experiment was conducted by the
researchers. The data was collected and analyzed. The results were
presented in the form of graphs."
Improved version: "Researchers conducted the experiment, collected and
analyzed the data, and presented the results graphically."
Electrical Engineering:
Circuit Analysis: "The circuit was simulated using SPICE software to
determine the voltage drop across the resistor."
Power Systems: "The load flow analysis was performed to identify
potential bottlenecks in the power grid."
Chemical Engineering:
Process Design: "The reactor was modeled using Aspen Plus to optimize
operating conditions."
Materials Characterization: "The material's microstructure was analyzed
using scanning electron microscopy."
Aerospace Engineering:
Structural Analysis: "Finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate
the stress distribution in the aircraft wing."
Fluid Dynamics: "Computational fluid dynamics simulations were
performed to predict aerodynamic forces on the airfoil."
Additional Considerations:
Vary Sentence Structure: To enhance readability, alternate between
active and passive voice.
Consider Audience: The appropriateness of passive voice can depend on
the target audience. For example, a report for technical experts might use
more passive voice than one for a general audience.
Style Guides: Adhere to specific style guides (e.g., APA, IEEE) for
consistent passive voice usage.
By carefully considering these factors, engineers can effectively employ the
passive voice to enhance the clarity and objectivity of their project reports.
Over View
Rita said to Seema, where „said‟ is the verb and is known as the reporting
clause/verb.
The words written within the inverted commas are known as the Reported
speech, in the above example, the reported speech is “I am going to bake
a cake”.
Definition of Reported Speech
Here are some common definitions of reported speech for your reference:
➡An Oxford Learner‟s Dictionary definition of reported speech is “a report of
what somebody has said that does not use their exact words.”
➡Reporter speech is described as “speech which tells you what someone
said but does not use the person‟s actual words” by the Collins Dictionary.
➡“The act of reporting something that was said, but not using the same
words,” according to the Cambridge Dictionary.
Reported speech is defined as “the words that you use to report what
someone else has said” by the Macmillan Dictionary.
Now let us take a look at the rules for changing direct speech to indirect or
reported speech –
First and foremost, we do not use inverted commas in reported speech
which must be clear from the example given above.
We use conjunctions like „if‟, and „whether‟ after the reporting verb in
reported speech
The reporting verb‟s tense is never altered.
The verb of reporting varies according to sense: it can be told, inquired,
asked, etc.
For example:
Direct: Mohan said to Sohan, “I am going to school”
Reported: Mohan told Sohan that he is going to school
Modal words are used to show a sense of possibility, intent, necessity or ability.
Some common examples of verbs can include should, can and must. These
words are used to express hypothetical conditions. Check the table of contents
below for rules with examples of modal verbs.
Direct Indirect
this that
there those
now then
Here There
today That day
tomorrow The next day
yesterday The previous day
last night The previous night
can Could
may Might
shall Should
will Would
ago Before
Just Then
Come Go
Listed below are some common rules followed in pronouns using reported
speech:
We change the first-person pronouns (I, my, us, our, me, we) as per the
subject of the reporting verb in the reported speech.
We change the second-person pronouns (you, your, yourself) as per the
object of the reporting verb in the reported speech.
There is no change in the third-person pronouns.
Direct Speech Reported Speech
I He, she
We They
Me Him, her
Us Them
My His, her
You He, she, they
Our Their
Your His, her, their
Mine His, hers
Ours Theirs
You Him, her, them
Yours His, hers, theirs
For example:
Direct: Rita said, ―I like the book.‖
Reported: Rita said that she likes the book.
For Examples:
Here are some common rules for changing statements into reported speech:
Here are some common rules followed for changing interrogative sentences into
reported speech:
The reporting verb ―say‖ is transformed into ―ask, inquire,‖
By inserting the subject before the verb, the interrogative clause is
converted into a declaration and the full stop is inserted at the end of the
sentence.
The wh-word is repeated in the sentence if the interrogative sentence has
a wh-word (who, where, where, how, why, etc). This works as a
conjunction.
If the asking phrase is a yes-no answer style phrase (with auxiliary verbs
are, were, were, do, did, have, shall, etc.), then if or whether is used as a
conjunction.
In the reported speech, the auxiliaries do, did, does drop in a positive
question.
The conjunction after the reporting clause is not used.
For Examples:
The reporting verb is changed into command, order, say, enable, submit, etc. in
imperative sentences that have commands.
By positioning it before the verb, the imperative mood is converted into the
infinitive mood. The auxiliary ‗do‘ is dropped in the case of negative
sentences, and ‗to‘ is substituted after ‗not
For Examples:
Direct: She said to me, ―Open the window.‖
Indirect: She ordered me to open the window.
Direct: The captain said to the soldiers, ―Attack the enemy.‖
Indirect: The captain commanded the soldiers to attack the enemy.
Direct: I said to him, “Leave this place at once.”
Indirect: I told him to leave that place at once.
Here are a few exercises for reported speech along with answers:
Exercise 1
Change the following sentences from direct speech to reported speech.
2. “Don‟t forget to buy some milk on your way home,” he told me.
o Answer: They exclaimed that they were going to the beach the
next day.
Exercise 2
Combine the following sentences into reported speech.
o Answer: Mary said that she was going to the store because she
needed some groceries.
o Answer: The guide told the visitors not to touch the paintings.
Over View
Define Concord
The Classification of concord
How important is concord in the English language
Rules
Example
Concord
Is a word which is originally derived from Latin for agreement, in the context of
English grammar concord could be defined as the grammatical
agreement between the two words in a sentence, which is the grammatical
agreement between mainly the subject and the verb in the sentence.
The general idea of concord is that the verb must agree with its subject in
number and person.
The Classification of concord
There are number of classifications in the concord, we would discuss these one
by one;
When more than two singular nouns or pronouns joined by and require a
plural verb as,
Iron and aluminium are metals.
He and I were swimming.
But if the noun suggests one singular idea or person than the verb is
singular.
Rule 1
This means that if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular and if the
subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.
Examples:
1. He plays football.(SINGULAR)
Rule 2
The number of the subject (singular or plural) will not change due to
words/phrases in between the subject and the verb.
Examples:
1. One of the glasses is empty. (Here, since the subject is ‗one‘, the
verb should be ‗is‘).
Rule 3
Subjects that are joined by „and‟ in a sentence, use a plural verb. Subjects
that are joined by „either/or‟, neither/nor‟ use a singular verb.
Examples:
Rule 4
Examples:
1. Neither the shoes nor the bag matches the dress. (Here, ‗bag‘ is closest to
the verb, hence ‗matches‘)
2. Neither the bag nor the shoes match the dress. (Here, ‗shoes‘ is closest to
the verb, hence ‗match‘)
Rule 5
When the subject is followed by words such as „as well as‟, „along with‟,
„besides‟, „not‟ etc. ignore them and use a singular verb if the subject is
singular.
Examples:
Rule 6
In sentences that begin with „here‟, „there‟, the true subject usually
follows the verb.
Examples:
Rule 7
Examples:
Rule 8
In the case of words such as „a lot of‟, all‟, „some‟ etc. in a sentence, pay
attention to the noun after „of‟. If the noun after „of‟ is singular then use
a singular verb, if plural, use a plural verb.
Examples:
Rule 9
Examples:
2. Half of the population was against the bill OR were against the bill.
Rule 10
Nouns such as „mathematics‟, „civics‟, „news‟ etc. while plural in form, are
singular in meaning and use singular verbs.
Examples:
Rule 11
Examples:
Question: Choose the correct subject verb combinations in the sentences below.
6. Explain the „Signpost‟ words and Phrases for project report writing
Engineering with an example?
Over View
They help to make writing flow smoothly, without any abrupt, disjointed
breaks that leave the reader wondering what your points have to do with
one another or what their relevance is.
Signpost words specify how the two ideas are related: for example,
whether they are similar ideas, contrasting ideas, or whether one idea
adds more detail or a further example to another.
They can show that one idea is the result or conclusion of another, or to
show the order of the ideas in a sequence. They are a key component in
developing your argument showing the structure of your argument.
They help your reader to follow where your essay is going; hence the
term ‘signposts‘.
To begin with, this essay will identify the causes of this situation.
These factors will subsequently be analysed in detail.
To cross-reference to other parts of the essay
To give an example
illustration/example
In particular specifically
Such examples, and in particular those from the last five years,
support the findings of recent research.
To generalize
To rephrase or explain
Accordingly As a consequence As a
result
Consequently Hence Therefor
e
Thus For this reason Because
Due to Indeed In fact
It could be concluded
that
To conclude
In short To conclude
The signpost words and phrases can be used at the start of sentences
or, in most cases, in the middle or at the end, as demonstrated above.
They can be very effective in the first sentence of your paragraph to
indicate what the function of that paragraph is in the context of your
They should be used with careful thought about their function. Good
structure is more than a list of points, connected with signposts such as
‗also‘, furthermore‘, ‗in addition‘, ‗the next point‘.
They can be used to signal the structure of your essay or the logical
connections in your argument. Use them to link ideas within a
sentence, or across sentences, paragraphs and sections of your essay.
Over view
For example, words and phrases like ‗however‘, ‗therefore‘, ‗in addition‘, ‗for
example‘, ‗to conclude‘ etc. are connectors/linking words for writing. Using
them properly makes your writing more coherent and easier to follow.
Reference words: Pronouns like ‗it‘, ‗this‘, ‗that‘, and ‗which‘ refer back to
something already mentioned.
Substitution words: Words like ‗do‘, and ‗one‘ that replace a noun.
Conjunctions: Words like ‗and‘, ‗but‘, and ‗so‘ that join clauses.
Discourse markers: Phrases like ‗in conclusion‘, and ‗on the other hand‘
that organize text.
Here are some examples of how different types of cohesive devices can be used
in IELTS Writing Task 2:
Conjunction: Smoking causes cancer, and it also increases the risk of lung
disease.
Repetition: Daily exercise helps us stay fit. Exercise also reduces stress
levels.
Collocation: She played a starring role in the movie. Her performance was
praised.
Here are some IELTS exam preparation tips for using cohesive
devices effectively:
Don‘t overuse them. Using too many can make writing seem
unnatural.
Use a variety. Relying only on basic conjunctions like ‗and‘, ‗but‘, and
‗so‘ is repetitive.
Pay attention to order and placement. Put them at the right spot in a
sentence or paragraph.
Check for grammar. Make sure the device fits correctly in the
sentence structure.
Before you can start teaching your students how to write a paragraph,
they need to have a basic understanding of what a paragraph is. A
paragraph is a group of related sentences that focus on a single main
idea. Just as sentences are grouped together in paragraphs, paragraphs
are grouped together in essays
1. Expository Paragraphs
Expository paragraphs provide information about a particular subject or
explain something. They are often used in nonfiction texts, such as
newspapers and textbooks, to deliver facts and introduce new concepts.
When teaching expository paragraphs, provide students with a
framework—such as a graphic organizer—that they can use to organize
2. Narrative Paragraphs
Narrative paragraphs tell a story or relate to an experience. They are often
used in fiction texts, such as novels and short stories, but they can also be
found in nonfiction texts, such as memoirs and biographies. When teaching
narrative paragraphs, have students identify the main character(s) and plot
points in the story. Ask them to think about how the events in the story
unfold over time and how different events are connected. As with
expository paragraphs, encourage students to use specific evidence from
the text to support their points.
3. Persuasive Paragraphs
Persuasive paragraphs try to convince the reader to believe or do
something. They are often used in opinion pieces in newspapers and
magazines but can also be found in academic essays and speeches. When
teaching persuasive paragraphs, have students identify the paragraph‘s
main idea or thesis statement. Then ask them to think about the reasons
that support this main idea. Encourage students to use concrete evidence—
facts, statistics, anecdotes—to support their claims.
4. Descriptive Paragraphs
Descriptive paragraphs describe people, places, things, or events. They
may also provide sensory details—sight, sound, smell, taste, touch—to
create a vivid picture for the reader/listener/viewer. They are often used in
fiction texts to set the scene or create an atmosphere; however, they can
also be found in nonfiction texts such as travel writing and food writing.
When teaching descriptive paragraphs, ask students to identify the subject
of the paragraph (often an object or place). Then ask them to list all of the
details they can remember about that subject. Encourage students to use
strong verbs and adjectives to create vivid images for the
reader/listener/viewer.
Transitions: These are words or phrases that connect one idea to another.
They help the reader follow the flow of thought from one sentence to
another and from one paragraph to another.
This is my favorite of the paragraph writing tips. Modeling solid writing skills and
using explicit think-aloud as you model the writing is pure GOLD!
Did you know a Structured and Guided Paragraph Writing Routine is available in
my TPT shop? Students write a small piece of paragraph each day. The
worksheets include reminders so students are supported in their paragraph
writing development. There are weekly paragraph writing prompts for each
month of the school year. So you‘ll always have engaging writing prompts for
students to practice their paragraph writing skills.
This routine is great for lower elementary grades and for students who need
extra support in paragraph writing. The routine can be used as a whole class
activity, in small groups, or for individual practice.
Did you know that I have a ready-to-go Paragraph Writing Bundle for you? The
Structured and Guided Paragraph Writing worksheets cover all the paragraph
writing tips covered in this blog post. Each month includes four different writing
prompts, one for each type of paragraph mentioned earlier. But best of all,
students successfully write paragraphs because the routine walks them through
each step, little by little.
It‘s like the trainer wheels on a bicycle. Slowly but surely, the rider becomes
more and more stable and independent. In no time at all, you‘ll be letting go of
the support and watching your little writers go!
To read 12 Creative Ways for Students to Share Their Writing, click this link to
read the blog post.
These seven steps will turn even the most reluctant writers into confident
experts when it comes time to put pen (or pencil)to paper (or screen). So what
are you waiting for? Get started today and watch your students‘ writing skills
blossom before your very eyes!
Good Paragraph
Paragraph features
A paragraph should have a topic sentence that establishes the subject of the
paragraph. Topic sentences most often appear at the beginning of a paragraph,
though this is not a requirement. Placing topic sentences near the front of a
paragraph can help you as a writer better keep in mind the subject you want to
develop in the paragraph.
Paragraph Length
There is no set length for a paragraph in an academic paper. A paragraph
might be two sentences long(in which case it would do few of the things
mentioned above), or it might stretch for a full page or longer. To determine if
the length of a paragraph is appropriate, answer the questions:
1. Technical Writing :
For example writing any articles on Geeks for Geeks related to computer science
field comes under technical writing.
2. General Writing :
For example writing any prose or story which will be published in a local
magazine comes under general writing.
The voice used in technical writing is The voice used in general writing is
06.
3rd person. 1st person.
Technical writing has its specific set of General writing has no specific set
08.
audience or readers. of audience or readers.
For example writing any articles on For example writing any prose or
GeeksforGeeks related to computer story which will be published in a
13.
science field comes under technical local magazine comes under
writing. general writing.
PART – A
1. What is a project report?
o A formal document outlining a project's objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions.
o It serves as a record of project activities and outcomes.
o Used for communication, evaluation, and decision-making.
5. Discuss the role of experimentation and statistical analysis in STEM project reports.
o Experimentation generates data for analysis.
o Statistical analysis helps interpret data and draw conclusions.
o Both are crucial for evidence-based research and reporting.
13. What are the ethical considerations in using visual aids in project reports?
Avoid misleading or deceptive visuals.
Ensure data accuracy and integrity.
Respect copyright and intellectual property.
14. Discuss the role of audience analysis in determining the appropriate level of detail in a
project report.
Tailor the report to the audience's knowledge level and needs.
Avoid overwhelming the audience with unnecessary technical details.
Ensure the report effectively communicates key messages.
20. What are the challenges of writing a technical report for a non-technical audience?
Balancing technical accuracy with clarity and simplicity.
Avoiding jargon and complex terminology.
Using visuals effectively to enhance understanding.
21. Explain the relationship between project objectives and report structure.
Project objectives guide the report's focus and content organization.
Clearly defined objectives help structure the introduction, methodology, and results
sections.
22. How can effective use of visuals enhance data interpretation in a project report?
Visuals simplify complex data, making it easier to understand.
Graphs, charts, and images complement textual information.
Enhance reader engagement and retention of key points.
23. Discuss the ethical implications of using human subjects in research reported in STEM
fields.
Obtain informed consent from participants.
Protect participant privacy and confidentiality.
Minimize harm and maximize benefits.
24. What are the key differences between qualitative and quantitative data analysis in project
reports?
Qualitative analysis focuses on understanding and interpreting data, often through themes
and patterns.
Quantitative analysis uses statistical methods to analyze numerical data and draw
inferences.
25. How can project reports be used to inform strategic decision-making within an
organization?
Provide data-driven insights for resource allocation and future projects.
Identify successful strategies and areas for improvement.
Support evidence-based decision making.
26. What is the importance of clear and concise writing in technical reports?
Enhances readability and understanding.
Avoids ambiguity and misinterpretation.
Saves time for the reader.
29. How can the use of templates improve the consistency of project reports within an
organization?
Ensures adherence to formatting and style guidelines.
Saves time and effort for report writers.
Improves overall report quality and professionalism.
32. What are the best practices for creating project reports?
• Audience understanding: Tailor the content to meet the intended audience’s needs.
• Relevant data: Use accurate and relevant data from reliable sources.
• Visual aids: Utilize charts and graphs for more transparent data representation.
PART B
1. Elaborate on the different types of project reports.
DEFINITION:
A project report is a comprehensive document that provides detailed information about a specific
project.
In other words, it is a report that includes all the details about a project, navigating each step
with great insight. This document helps to ascertain the feasibility of the activities or plans taken
to fulfill a particular project's objectives.
The status report enables team members and stakeholders to keep track of the project's
progressions.
A status report will require you to keep track of significant changes, compile them briefly and
present them comprehensively.
4) Budget Reports
Budget reports provide a comprehensive overview of a project’s financial health, offering insights
into budget allocation, expenditures, and potential discrepancies.
Budget reports ensure that projects stay on track financially and that resources are optimally
utilized.
There are several formats within the domain of budget reports:
• Budget allocation reports: Detail initial budget distribution across project elements.
• Cost analysis reports: Show a breakdown of actual expenses compared to budget.
• Expense tracking reports: Real-time view of ongoing expenditures.
• Variance reports: Highlight budget deviations and identify causes.
• ROI (Return On Investment) reports: Analyze project’s financial returns, meeting objectives.
5) Stakeholder Reports
Stakeholder reports serve as bridges that connect project teams with those invested in the
project’s success.
These reports provide insights tailored to stakeholders’ needs to foster understanding,
alignment, and collaboration.
8) Time-Tracking Reports
Time tracking reports serve as navigational tools for monitoring the allocation and utilization
of time within a project.
These reports provide insights into time spent on tasks and how to exercise better resource
management and project efficiency with proper time management.
Several formats within the domain of time-tracking reports are:
• Time log reports: Provide a detailed task-time breakdown.
• Weekly time sheets: Summarize weekly time allocation.
• Time allocation reports: Balance team workload.
• Time analysis reports: Identify patterns and inefficiencies.
• Overtime and time-off reports: Manage work-life balance and availability
Evaluation: Assesses the project's success in meeting its objectives and goals.
Recommendations: Offers suggestions for future improvements or related projects.
Appendices: Includes supporting documentation, such as raw data, calculations, and
detailed methodology.
15)Technical Reports
Purpose: To convey technical information in a clear and concise manner.
Content: Includes technical specifications, design details, performance data, and
troubleshooting information.
Issue resolution: Discusses any challenges encountered and steps taken to address them.
Next steps: Outlines the planned activities for the next reporting period.
2. Explain in details about the key components of a well-defined project report (or)
What are the essential sections of a standard project report? And explain in detail
about how the structure of a project report varies based on its purpose. (or) Explain in
details about the structure of project report.
Project Report
1.Preliminary Page
o Title Page
o Foreword
o Preface
o Abstract
o Table of Contents
o List of Figures and Tables
o Acknowledgements
2.Main Text
o Introduction
o Literature Survey/Review
o Methodology
o Results
o Discussion
o Conclusion
3.End Matter
o References
o Appendices
2) Main Text
Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the report by providing necessary
background information, clearly defining the problem or research question, outlining the project's
objectives, scope, and significance, and justifying the need for the research.
Literature Review: A comprehensive summary of existing research relevant to the project,
demonstrating the researcher's understanding of the field. It identifies knowledge gaps and positions
the current research within the broader context.
Methodology: A detailed description of the research design, data collection methods, data
analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations. It should provide sufficient information for the
reader to understand and potentially replicate the study.
Results: Presents the findings of the project in a clear, organized, and objective manner. It
includes relevant data, statistics, and visual representations (graphs, charts, tables) to support the
findings.
Discussion: Interprets the results in the context of the research objectives, compares
findings to previous studies, discusses limitations, and draws conclusions. It should provide insights
into the significance of the findings and their implications.
Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings of the project, restates the research objectives,
and provides a final assessment of the project's success. It may also include recommendations for
future research or practical applications.
3) End Matter
References: A comprehensive list of all cited sources formatted according to a specific style
guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) to give credit to original authors and allow readers to locate the
cited works.
Appendices: Includes supplementary materials such as raw data, calculations,
questionnaires, detailed methodology descriptions, or supporting documents that are not essential
for the main text but provide additional context.
By incorporating these components, a well-structured project report effectively communicates the
project's purpose, methodology, findings, and conclusions to its intended audience.
3. Explain more details about the importance of intended audience in project report
writing.
By carefully considering the intended audience, project report writers can create documents that
effectively communicate the project's outcomes, are well-received, and ultimately lead to desired
actions.
4. Explain the concept of plagiarism in the context of project reports in more depth.
Plagiarism in Project Reports
Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as others own without proper
acknowledgment. It is a serious academic and professional offense with significant
consequences.
Causes of Plagiarism
The following are some reasons for Plagiarism
Desire to get good grades
Fear of failing
Poor time management
Disinterest in the assignment
Belief they will not get caught
To reduce workloads
Types of Plagiarism
Direct Plagiarism: This involves copying text verbatim from a source without providing
proper citation. It is the most obvious form of plagiarism and is considered a severe offense.
Mosaic Plagiarism: Combining ideas or information from multiple sources without proper
attribution, creating a patchwork of borrowed materials. This form of plagiarism can be more
difficult to detect.
Paraphrasing Plagiarism: Restating someone else's ideas in our own words without giving
credit to the original source. While it may seem like original work, it is still considered plagiarism
if the source is not cited.
Self-Plagiarism: Reusing once own previously published work without proper citation.
This can occur when students submit the same or similar work for different courses or when
professionals reuse portions of their work without acknowledging the original source.
Accidental Plagiarism: This occurs unintentionally due to carelessness or lack of
understanding of citation guidelines. It is essential to properly cite sources to avoid accidental
plagiarism.
Patchwork Plagiarism: This occurs when the plagiarizer borrows the "phrases and clauses
from the original source and weaves them into his own writing" without putting the phrases in
quotation marks or citing the author.
Unintentional Plagiarism: This occurs when the writer incorrectly quotes and/or
incorrectly cites a source they are using.
Consequences of Plagiarism
The consequences of plagiarism can be severe and far-reaching.
Academic Penalties: Plagiarism can result in a variety of academic penalties, including
grade deductions, academic probation, or even expulsion from the institution.
Professional Consequences: In the professional world, plagiarism can damage a person's
reputation, lead to job loss, or even legal action.
Legal Issues: Plagiarism can constitute copyright infringement, which is a legal offense.
Avoiding Plagiarism
To prevent plagiarism, it is crucial to adopt the following practices:
Proper Citation: Use a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) to accurately
and completely cite all sources used in the project report.
Original Thought: Develop our own ideas and analysis based on the information gathered
from various sources.
Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for research and writing to avoid rushing and
resorting to plagiarism.
Understanding of Copyright: Learn about copyright laws to avoid infringing on the rights
of others.
Use of Plagiarism Checking Tools: Utilize plagiarism detection software to identify
potential issues and make necessary corrections. Example: TURNITIN,URKUND
By understanding the different forms of plagiarism and implementing effective strategies to avoid
it, students and professionals can maintain academic and professional integrity.
outcomes. They serve as valuable documentation for decision-making, knowledge sharing, and
accountability.
6. What are the primary differences between laboratory, research, and design
reports?
Dissemination: Consider the potential impact of the research and explore opportunities for
sharing findings with a wider audience through publications, presentations, or conferences.
Design Reports
Problem-solving focus: Clearly define the problem or need that the design aims to address,
outlining the design objectives and constraints.
Design process: Document the design process, including concept generation, design
development, and evaluation of alternatives.
Technical specifications: Provide detailed information about the design, including
materials, dimensions, tolerances, and performance requirements.
Design validation: Demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the design through
testing, prototyping, and analysis.
Economic and environmental considerations: Evaluate the design's impact on cost,
sustainability, and other relevant factors.
Documentation: Create clear and comprehensive documentation of the design for
manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance purposes.
By understanding the distinct characteristics of each report type, it can be tailored the writing style,
content, and structure to effectively communicate the findings and meet the expectations of the
audience.
Best Practices: Successful project methodologies and strategies can be shared through
project reports, serving as a benchmark for future endeavors.
Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge Exchange: Project reports facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise
among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Building Research Communities: By sharing findings and methodologies, project reports
contribute to the formation of research communities and networks.
Identifying Knowledge Gaps: Project reports can highlight areas where further research is
needed, stimulating new research initiatives.
Informing Decision Making
Evidence-Based Decision Making: Project reports provide empirical evidence to support
informed decision-making processes.
Policy Development: They can inform the development of policies, regulations, and
guidelines based on research findings.
Resource Allocation: Project reports can help justify resource allocation for future research
or development projects.
Enhancing Organizational Learning
Organizational Knowledge Base: Project reports contribute to the creation of a collective
organizational memory, capturing lessons learned and best practices.
Continuous Improvement: By documenting project successes and failures, project reports
support organizational learning and improvement efforts.
Capacity Building: They can be used to develop the skills and knowledge of employees,
fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
Through effective dissemination of project reports, organizations and researchers can contribute to
the advancement of knowledge, inform decision-making, and foster innovation.
Project Reports and Decision Making
Project reports play a pivotal role in informing and influencing decision-making processes within
organizations. By providing comprehensive and actionable information, they empower stakeholders
to make informed choices regarding resource allocation, project continuation, and strategic
direction.
Project Reports as a Decision-Making Tool
8. Explain in detail about identifying the target audience influence the content and
style of a project report. Explain some strategies for tailoring a report to a specific
audience.
How Identifying the Target Audience Influences Project Report Content and Style
Understanding the intended audience is paramount in crafting an effective project report. The target
audience’s knowledge, expectations, and needs significantly influence the content, style, and
overall structure of the report.
Impact on Content
Level of Detail: The depth of information presented should align with the audience's
technical expertise. For a technical audience, in-depth explanations and data may be necessary,
while a general audience might require a higher-level overview.
Focus: The content should prioritize information relevant to the audience's interests and
needs. For example, a financial report for executives might emphasize financial performance and
strategic implications, while a report for engineers might focus on technical specifications and
design details.
Key Messages: The report should clearly communicate the key messages that are most
important to the audience. For instance, a report for senior management might emphasize the
project's impact on the organization's overall goals, while a report for project team members might
focus on lessons learned and recommendations for future projects.
Impact on Style
Language and Tone: The language and tone of the report should be adjusted to match the
audience's level of familiarity with the subject matter. A technical audience might require precise
and formal language, while a general audience may benefit from a more conversational and
accessible style.
Visuals: The use of visuals should be tailored to the audience's preferences and
understanding. For example, complex charts and graphs might be appropriate for a technical
audience, while simple infographics might be more effective for a general audience.
Organization: The structure of the report should be organized in a way that is easy for the
target audience to follow. For example, a report for executives might prioritize a clear executive
summary and key findings, while a report for technical staff might require more detailed
explanations of methodologies and results.
By carefully considering the target audience, project report writers can ensure that the information
is presented in a clear, concise, and relevant manner, increasing the likelihood that the report will be
understood and acted upon.
Visual aids: Choose appropriate visual aids that resonate with the audience. For example,
use charts and graphs for data-oriented audiences and images or infographics for visual learners.
Organization: Structure the report to match the audience's reading habits and preferences.
For example, executives may prefer a concise executive summary followed by key findings, while
technical experts may require a detailed methodology section.
Key messages: Highlight the information most relevant to the audience's needs and
interests. Tailor the report to address specific questions or concerns the audience may have.
Using Audience Feedback
Seek input: Solicit feedback from the target audience to refine the report.
Iterative process: Use feedback to make necessary adjustments to the content and style.
Test readability: Conduct readability tests to ensure the report is easily understood by the
target audience.
9. Explain in detail about report writing in STEM Fields. What are the specific
challenges of writing project reports in STEM disciplines? How does technical writing
differ from general writing in the context of project reports?
10. Explain in detail about Experimentation. What are the essential elements of
documenting an experiment in a project report? How should experimental data be
presented and analysed?
Experimental Design: The plan for conducting the experiment, including sample size, data
collection methods, and statistical analysis.
Data Collection: The process of gathering information through observation, measurement,
or experimentation.
Data Analysis: The process of interpreting and drawing conclusions from the collected
data.
Conclusion: A summary of the experimental findings and their implications for the
hypothesis.
Types of Experiments
Controlled Experiment: A classic experiment where one variable is manipulated while
others are held constant.
Natural Experiment: Observations of naturally occurring events or phenomena.
Field Experiment: Experiments conducted in real-world settings.
Laboratory Experiment: Experiments conducted in a controlled environment.
Quasi-Experiment: Experiments where random assignment of participants to groups is not
possible.
Importance of Experimentation
Knowledge Generation: Experimentation is crucial for expanding our understanding of the
world.
Problem-Solving: It helps in finding solutions to complex problems.
Innovation: Experiments drive innovation and technological advancements.
Testing Theories: Experimentation is essential for validating or refuting scientific
theories.
Decision Making: It provides evidence-based information for making informed decisions.
Effective experimentation requires careful planning, execution, and analysis. By following sound
experimental design principles, researchers can draw reliable conclusions and contribute to the
advancement of knowledge.
Error Analysis: Identify and assess potential sources of error in the experiment and their
impact on the results.
Key Considerations:
Clarity and Accuracy: Ensure data is presented accurately and without errors.
Relevance: Only include data that is relevant to the research question.
Consistency: Maintain consistency in data presentation throughout the report.
Interpretation: Explain the meaning of the data and its implications for the research.
By effectively presenting and analyzing experimental data, researchers can communicate their
findings clearly and convincingly to their audience.
11. Explain in detail about Statistical Analysis for project report. When is statistical
analysis necessary in a project report? What statistical methods are commonly used in
engineering project reports?
Statistical Analysis for Project Reports
Statistical analysis is a cornerstone of data-driven research and forms an integral part of project
reports, especially in STEM fields. It involves collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and
presenting data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships.
Types of Statistical Analysis
Descriptive Statistics: Summarizes data using numerical measures and visual
representations.
o Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
o Measures of dispersion (standard deviation, variance, range)
o Data visualization (histograms, box plots, scatter plots)
Inferential Statistics: Draws conclusions about a population based on sample data.
o Hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA, chi-square test)
o Correlation analysis (Pearson's correlation coefficient, Spearman's rank correlation)
o Regression analysis (linear regression, multiple regression)
Role of Statistical Analysis in Project Reports
Data Interpretation: Transforms raw data into meaningful insights and conclusions.
Hypothesis Testing: Determines whether the results support or reject the research
hypotheses.
Identifying Relationships: Reveals relationships between variables and their impact on the
outcome.
Identifying patterns and trends: Statistical methods can reveal underlying patterns, trends,
or correlations within the data that might not be apparent through simple observation.
Testing hypotheses: Statistical tests can be used to determine whether observed differences
or relationships between variables are statistically significant.
Making predictions: Statistical models can be developed to forecast future outcomes based
on historical data.
It's important to note that statistical analysis is not always required for every project report.
However, when dealing with numerical data, it is a powerful tool for extracting valuable insights
and making informed decisions.
Statistical Methods Commonly Used in Engineering Project Reports
Statistical analysis is an indispensable tool for engineers to extract meaningful insights from data.
Here are some commonly employed statistical methods in engineering project reports:
Descriptive Statistics
Central tendency: Mean, median, and mode to summarize data distribution.
Dispersion: Standard deviation, variance, and range to measure data variability.
In the digital age, leveraging software solutions is essential to streamlining project reporting,
enhancing collaboration, and ensuring accurate data management.
Here are five groups of software that can help in efficient project reporting:
•Project management software: Smartsheet, Microsoft Planner, and Monday.com offer built-in
reporting features, allowing you to track task progress, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and
generate reports on project status, team workload, and milestones. Don’t know how to choose from
all these options? We have an article on how to make the right choice.
•Business Intelligence (BI) tools: Power BI, Tableau, and QlikView provide advanced reporting
capabilities to help you create interactive dashboards and visualizations, enabling stakeholders to
easily explore project data and derive insights.
•Time tracking tools: Toggl and Harvest focus on tracking time spent on tasks and resource
allocation. They can generate both individual and team productivity reports, helping you assess
resource utilization and project efficiency.
•Integrated project portfolio management software: PPM Express offers end-to-end solutions
for project and portfolio planning, execution, and reporting. It also consolidates data from various
projects and platforms like Azure DevOps and Jira, enabling high-level portfolio reporting.
•Collaboration and communication platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Workspace
enhance communication and document sharing by facilitating real-time collaboration, making it
easier to gather information for reporting and ensuring everyone stays informed.
14. What is a project report? Why project report is important? State the objectives of
project report.
A project report is a document that specifies the status of a project and other related information.
In other words, it is a report that includes all the details about a project, navigati ng each step
with great insight. This document helps to ascertain the feasibility of the activities or plans taken
to fulfill a particular project's objectives.
Writing a project report is a valuable process. Here are all the reasons why project reports are
important.
1. Writing a project report helps you understand and discover what it takes to make your
project a success.
2. Project reports offer clarity on your ideas. You should also be able to explain the concept to
others before sharing your strategies and ideas with investors or friends.
3. Planning and creating is worth it if a report helps you avoid making costly mistakes, wasting
time, and losing money.
4. A project report can increase your chances of a successful project by ensuring that the
project manager can record, review and report progress against the baselines and add underlying
data as required.
5. Numerous studies over the years have shown that companies who plan are more likely to
get funding, be successful, and reach their goals than those who don't.
A project report is a summary of the entire process and steps that have been taken to complete the
project. It is an effective means of keeping track of the progress of the project. This document helps
to point out the steps that have proven beneficial for a project and what has gone wrong.
Tracking a project is important as it helps to find any deviations from the original plan. The
stakeholders also feel content as they are updated about the project regularly.
As a project report provides detailed information about the project, identifying risks is easier. It
helps to locate any risks or confusion that is in contrast with the original plan. Additionally, a
project report eliminates the risks by taking connective action so as to avoid any downfall regarding
the project.
Since a project report shows the details of all the activities, it very well pinpoints the expenses. So
before starting a project, this report helps predict the cost in certain areas so that a proper budget
can be drafted. It also takes into account certain considerations that can cause variations in the
predicted costs. Following a data-driven approach to budgeting, expenditures can be kept under
vigilance leading to profitable project duration.
Hence, a project report establishes the financial stability and viability of a project. It states the
income possibility, degree of risk, list of expenses, and various other relevant factors.
Whenever an organization needs financial assistance, providing previous project reports is a great
way of attracting funds. When a financial institution will be content that the concerned company is
capable of running successful projects, the financial institution will not hesitate to provide financial
assistance to such companies.
A clear definition is essential for any project to be effective, useful, and achieve its full potential.
Clearly defined projects project reports have the following five characteristics:
Scope
Resource
Time
Quality
Risk
1. Scope
The project report provides a clear overview of the tasks and goals. The report describes the
project's goals and the activities that will be done to achieve them.
Only a feasible project can be considered meaningful. It is not a good idea to be too ambitious
when planning a project. This could lead to the project not being possible. This could also affect the
team morale. These unhealthy situations can lead to high project costs and delayed delivery dates.
2. Resource
It identifies the resources and means required to achieve the desired scope. The project report is the
blueprint that outlines the direction the business should take to achieve its goals.
3. Time
It should also be time-bound to make sure that everything is clearly defined. This means that the
project must have a defined timeframe for completion. It should include planning, development,
execution, and fine-tuning.
The project shouldn't take forever to complete. All parties should justify any changes to this
timetable, considering the cost of the project's execution, potential costs, and finance costs.
4. Quality
A well-structured report on a project allows for quick access to pertinent information regardless of
whether it is relevant to the reader. The hierarchy organizes information in a way that makes it easy
to find the most important and useful facts first, and then the technical details are placed in the
subordinate sections.
Executives can gain an instant yet comprehensive understanding of the work done. Managers closer
to the project have a logical method of finding and reviewing relevant information for themselves
and their departments.
5. Risk
Even projects that seem to be moving along smoothly can still have some problems that could cause
trouble later on. Every business face risk and must be monitored. The project report will include
information about all possible risks that could affect the project's completion and the best ways to
recover from the invested money.
The following are some of the most popular benefits of project management reports:
1. Budgeting Can be More Precise: Businesses can accurately predict the cost of each project by
understanding the costs involved in different aspects. Companies can do this to ensure that they
have enough funds in order to finish a project. This helps companies determine if a project is
worthwhile.
2. Create Realistic Schedules: Project reports can help companies decide which projects they
will undertake. A detailed schedule can also aid companies to create realistic budgets and determine
when and where they may encounter problems.
3. Enhance Project Visibility: Project management reports help keep communication open
between project managers, managers, and other stakeholders throughout the project. The reports
increase visibility and allow more people with experience to share their thoughts and suggestions
on increasing project productivity, reducing costs, or any other advice that could help to make the
project a success.
4. Minimize Risks in a Project: Managers can prepare for or even eliminate risks in project
management reports. Potential risks can be reduced, and projects will be completed faster and more
efficiently if you prepare for them.
5. Better Management: Project managers and executives can improve their ability to manage
projects accurately by using all the information in project management reports. They enable project
managers and executives to understand every aspect of a project so they can make adjustments, add
tasks or remove them if necessary, and communicate new expectations to their team.
6. Improvement Made for the Future: Managers can benefit from project management reports
to increase the quality of their future projects. Each report can help you learn what works well in
projects and where there are improvements.
UNIT III
The title and the abstract are the most important parts of a research paper and
should be pleasant to read. The ―title‖ should be descriptive, direct, accurate,
appropriate, interesting, concise, precise, unique, and should not be misleading.
Project Title is a name of the Project. A proper project title describes the whole
assignment in one sentence. It helps the team to refer the Project with the
assigned Name. Project titles make you to understand the main goal of the
Project work and deliverables.
Structured content is content that is organized and separated into its individual
component parts. For example, a blog post's headline, byline, publishing date,
snippet, and keyword tags are all separate structured content fields within a CMS
(content management system.)
15. How to use content in a structure? Or what are the most effective
ways to structure your content for maximum impact?
Structured content gives you granular control over your information, so you can
Create Once, Publish Everywhere (known as the COPE model), instead of re-
creating similar content for different platforms. Search engines use structured
content to deliver more meaningful descriptions in search results
1. Define your objectives. The first step is to define your objectives for your
content project. ...
2. Analyze your audience. ...
3. Audit your existing content. ...
4. Plan your content creation. ...
5. Implement your content delivery. ...
6. Evaluate your content performance. ...
7. Here are what else to consider.
The fact of accepting that something is true or right: All I want is some
acknowledgment that his behavior is unreasonable. Synonyms. acceptance.
Recognition (ACCEPTING).
Project funding refers to the process of obtaining financial resources for the
purpose of implementing a specific project or initiative. This can come from
Without proper funding, projects will strive to get the right resources and will be
very hard to find the money needed. Because there are so many things that
depend on the decisions made in the finance management of the project, this
must be considered a key area for portfolio and program projects managers.
Follow the steps below to create a compelling proposal that will help you
win the grant you need.
Although the structure may vary slightly depending on your discipline, your
abstract should describe the purpose of your work, the methods you've used,
and the conclusions you've drawn. One common way to structure your abstract is
to use the IMRaD structure.
28. What are the 5 parts of an abstract?
Abstracts commonly have these parts: introduction, purpose, method, result, and
conclusion. Each part has a different communicative goal or specific function.
Most abstracts examined had purpose, method, and result with about half
including a clear introduction and conclusion.
The introduction is the initial paragraph that begins the subsequent process of
the project. Each project, each essay, or any article if it is written, receives an
introductory paragraph that opens the way to successive paragraphs or topics of
the project.
An introduction should include three things: a hook to interest the reader, some
background on the topic so the reader can understand it, and a thesis statement
that clearly and quickly summarizes your main point.
The aim is the overall goal or purpose of the study, while objectives are specific
statements that describe the steps or actions needed to achieve the aim.
Objectives provide a clear roadmap for the research, help to clarify the research
question, and ensure that the researcher stays on track.
The background of a study is the first section of the paper and establishes the
context underlying the research. It contains the rationale, the key problem
statement, and a brief overview of research questions that are addressed in the
rest of the paper.
A research question is the question around which you center your research. It
should be: clear: it provides enough specifics that one's audience can easily
understand its purpose without needing additional explanation. focused: it is
narrow enough that it can be answered thoroughly in the space the writing task
allows.
There are six steps required to construct a descriptive research question: (1)
choose your starting phrase; (2) identify and name the dependent variable; (3)
identify the group(s) you are interested in; (4) decide whether dependent
variable or group(s) should be included first, last or in two parts; (5) include any
The significance of the study is a written statement that explains why your
research was needed. It's a justification of the importance of your work and
impact it has on your research field, it's contribution to new knowledge and how
others will benefit from it.
of their intended beneficiaries and that they are aligned with the goals and
objectives of the organizations that fund them.
Project objectives are critical in providing direction, focus, and criteria for project
success. They guide decision-making, facilitate effective planning, and contribute
to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of project execution.
PART- B
1. How to write a structured Project Report explain it.
Over View
Introduction
Title page
Abstract (or Executive Summary in business reports)
Acknowledgements
Table of contents
Introduction
Background
Body of report
Evaluation
Conclusion/recommendations
Bibliography
Appendices
Program Listings
Introduction
A tidy, well laid out and consistently formatted document makes for easier
reading and is suggestive of a careful and professional attitude towards
Try to ensure that your report contains the following elements (the exact
structure, chapter titles etc. is up to you):
Title page
This should include the project title and the name of the author of the report.
You can also list the name of your supervisor if you wish. IMPORTANT: Before
submission you should assemble a project directory which contains all your
software, READMEs etc. and your project report (source files and pdf or
postscript).
Abstract
The abstract is a very brief summary of the report's contents. It should be
about half a page long. Somebody unfamiliar with your project should have a
good idea of what it's about having read the abstract alone and will know
whether it will be of interest to them.
Acknowledgements
It is usual to thank those individuals who have provided particularly useful
assistance, technical or otherwise, during your project. Your supervisor will
obviously be pleased to be acknowledged as he or she will have invested quite
a lot of time overseeing your progress.
Contents page
This should list the main chapters and (sub)sections of your report. Choose
self-explanatory chapter and section titles and use double spacing for clarity. If
possible you should include page numbers indicating where each
chapter/section begins. Try to avoid too many levels of subheading - three is
sufficient.
Introduction
This is one of the most important components of the report. It should
begin with a clear statement of what the project is about so that the
nature and scope of the project can be understood by a lay reader.
It should summarise everything you set out to achieve, provide a clear
summary of the project's background, relevance and main contributions.
The introduction should set the context for the project and should provide
the reader with a summary of the key things to look out for in the
remainder of the report. When detailing the contributions it is helpful to
provide pointers to the section(s) of the report that provide the relevant
technical details. The introduction itself should be largely non-technical.
Background
The background section of the report should set the project into context
and give the proposed layout for achieving the project goals.
The background section can be included as part of the introduction but is
usually better as a separate chapter, especially if the project involved
significant amount of ground work. When referring to other pieces of
work, cite the sources where they are referred to or used, rather than just
listing them at the end.
Body of report
The central part of the report usually consists of three or four chapters
detailing the technical work undertaken during the project. The structure
of these chapters is highly project dependent.
They can reflect the chronological development of the project, e.g. design,
implementation, experimentation, optimization, evaluation etc. If you
have built a new piece of software you should describe and justify the
design of your program at some high level, possibly using an approved
Evaluation
Be warned that many projects fall down through poor evaluation. Simply
building a system and documenting its design and functionality is not
enough to gain top marks.
It is extremely important that you evaluate what you have done both in
absolute terms and in comparison with existing techniques, software,
hardware etc.
The project's conclusions should list the things which have been learnt as
a result of the work you have done. For example, "The use of overloading
in C++ provides a very elegant mechanism for transparent parallelization
of sequential programs".
Avoid tedious personal reflections like "I learned a lot about C++
programming..." It is common to finish the report by listing ways in
which the project can be taken further.
This might, for example, be a plan for doing the project better if you had
a chance to do it again, turning the project deliverables into a more
polished end product.
Bibliography
This consists of a list of all the books, articles, manuals etc. used in the
project and referred to in the report. You should provide enough
information to allow the reader to find the source.
In the case of a text book you should quote the name of the publisher as
well as the author(s). A weakness of many reports is inadequate citation
of a source of information.
It's easy to get this right so there are no excuses. Each entry in the
bibliography should list the author(s) and title of the piece of work and
should give full details of where it can be found.
Appendix
Information typically included are things like parts of the code, tables, test
cases or any other material which would break up the theme of the text if
it appeared in situ. You should try to bind all your material in a single
volume and create the black book.
Program Listings
You are strongly advised to spend some time looking at the reports of
previous project students to get a feel for what's good and bad.
All reports from the last few years are available in hard copy form in the
CCCF and as soft copy in the student Projects Section. These documents
are accessible only from TIFR IP domain.
Over View
Introduction
Steps
Adding a Research Paper Subtitle
Example
Introduction
A research paper title summarizes the aim and purpose of your research
study. Making a title for your research is one of the most important
decisions when writing an article to publish in journals.
The research title is the first thing that journal editors and reviewers see
when they look at your paper and the only piece of information that fellow
researchers will see in a database or search engine query.
Good titles that are concise and contain all the relevant terms have been
shown to increase citation counts and Altmetric scores.
Therefore, when you title research work, make sure it captures all of the
relevant aspects of your study, including the specific topic and problem
being investigated.
It also should present these elements in a way that is accessible and will
captivate readers. Follow these steps to learn how to make a good research
title for your work.
Steps
You might wonder how you are supposed to pick a title from all the content
that your manuscript contains—how are you supposed to choose? What will
make your research paper title come up in search engines and what will
make the people in your field read it?
In a nutshell, your research title should accurately capture what you have
done, it should sound interesting to the people who work on the same or a
similar topic, and it should contain the important title keywords that other
researchers use when looking for literature in databases.
What does your paper seek to answer and what does it accomplish?
Try to answer these questions as briefly as possible. You can create
these questions by going through each section of your paper and
finding the MOST relevant information to make a research title.
―What methods/techniques
did I use to perform my ―It‘s a case study.‖
study?
Now that you have answers to your research questions, find the most
important parts of these responses and make these your study
keywords. Note that you should only choose the most important
Step 5: Remove any nonessential words and phrases from your title
The methods used in a study are not usually the most searched-for
keywords in databases and represent additional details that you may
want to remove to make your title leaner. So what is left is:
“Assessing the impact of waiting list volume on outcome and prognosis
in liver transplantation patients” (Word Count: 15)
In this final version of the title, one can immediately recognize the
subject and what objectives the study aims to achieve. Note that the
most important terms appear at the beginning and end of the
title: “Assessing,” which is the main action of the study, is placed at the
beginning; and “liver transplantation patients,” the specific subject of
the study, is placed at the end.
This will aid significantly in your research paper title being found in
search engines and database queries, which means that a lot more
researchers will be able to locate your article once it is published. In
fact, a 2014 review of more than 150,000 papers submitted to the UK‘s
Research Excellence Framework (REF) database found the style of a
paper‘s title impacted the number of citations it would typically receive.
In most disciplines, articles with shorter, more concise titles yielded
more citations.
Adding a Research Paper Subtitle
If we abide strictly by our word count rule this may not be necessary or
recommended. But every journal has its own standard formatting and
style guidelines for research paper titles, so it is a good idea to be aware
of the specific journal author instructions, not just when you write the
manuscript but also to decide how to create a good title for it.
The title examples in the following table illustrate how a title can be interesting
but incomplete, complete by uninteresting, complete and interesting but too
informal in tone, or some other combination of these..
In addition to the steps given above, there are a few other important things you
want to keep in mind when it comes to how to write a research paper title,
regarding formatting, word count, and content:
Write the title after you‘ve written your paper and abstract
Over View
Introduction
Method (Design of Study):
Results of the Study:
Discussion:
Summary or Abstract:
Reference
Appendix:
1. Introduction:
The research report should ordinarily start with a statement of the problem
Although quite a few times the study might be posing a simple empirical
the issue into a larger, theoretical or practical context. This helps the
certain aspects of social theory, the reporter should summaries the theory
The report should not contain a lot of jargon except when there is no
feasible alternative to it, certain constraints warranting its use. The reader
A researcher must have familiarized himself with the previous work in the
field before designing the study. Most of the literature search should have
been done by the time the researcher is ready to write the report.
framework than his initial problem would warrant, he would need to give
references he had not previously consulted.
That is, he will be obliged to go back to the literature which in the light of
the above shift has become relevant. Review of previous work should
comprise only the pertinent findings and insights relating to the issue the
researcher are dealing with.
If such a review article already exists, the researcher will do well to simply
address his readers to the review article and present only the bare
highlights in the report. Books and articles need to be cited with the
author‘s last name and year of publication.
smooth transition into the method section which follows the introductory
section.
The readers of the report do like to know in detail how the research was
carried out and what its basic design was like. Suppose the research
The readers also need to know, in case of the descriptive and exploratory
studies, how the data were collected, the nature of questions asked, the
training they had and the recording procedure adopted for recording of
responses.
The readers also need to know how the observations or replies to questions
were translated into measures of the variables with which the enquiry was
concerned, in the main, e.g., what questions were asked to estimate the
degree of ‗commitment‘ or alienation.
represents, the readers are expected to be told about the general character
This information can betray the biases of the researcher in selecting the
their own verdict regarding the applicability of the given findings to other
groups similarly placed in the social structure.
include some description of the study as it was seen from the viewpoint of
the subjects.
The section is closed generally with statement that informs the conclusions
reached as also the qualifications imposed upon them by the conceptual
and practical difficulties faced by the researcher in executing the study-
design in a manner he would ideally have desired.
But if the researcher wishes to present different kinds of results before he
is able to integrate them or draw any inferences based on them or if he
wants to discuss certain matters in the final discussion then the discussion
section is better presented separately.
Of course, even here there cannot be a pure results section without an
attendant discussion. Before the researcher can present his main results
there are, in the main, ‗ two preliminary things that must concern him.
Firstly, he needs to present proof that his study has ensured the conditions
for testing the hypotheses and/or for answering the research questions.
For example, if the study required of the researcher that he produce two
groups radically differing from each other in the character of their
emotions, the report must demonstrate that the ratings on the two groups
were conclusively different and it was not that the difference occasioned as
a matter of chance.
In case the investigation required observers to record behaviour of the
judges entrusted with rating the responses, the report should present
quantitative proof of reliability of the recordings or ratings.
The result section should usually begin with a discussion on the safeguards
and strategies adopted by the researcher to negate bias and unreliability in
the course of the study. It is quite possible that some of these matters
would have already found a place in the meth od section.
It is equally likely that in some studies discussion on these matters is
rightly postponed to the final discussion section, where researcher tries to
adduce alternative explanations of the study results.
What should be included at the beginning of the results section so that the
readers are satisfied that the stage was successfully set for testing the
If the beginning is made with the most central results, the progress in
5. Discussion:
Especially for the more complex studies having more abstract and
and hence embodied in the introduction section should appear again in the
discussion for the discussion proceeds from the specific matters about the
study through the more abiding and general concerns to the most inclusive
The inferences that may be drawn from the findings should be clearly
6. Summary or Abstract:
In a way, the title of research report itself serves as part of the summary
clearly as possible.
read it. Those titles that mention both the dependent and independent
7. References:
The section on references comprises a list of all books and articles cited in
the text of the research report. These books and articles are arranged
The reference should clearly indicate the name of the author, the title of
the book or article, the journal in which it appears, the publisher, place of
8. Appendix:
A second appendix might contain tables of data which are too extensive
and seemingly too marginal to be included in the body of the report. This is
in the nature of a good turn done to the potential researchers, for this
enables them to explore the researcher‘s data in fine detail and to answer
certain questions about the results that might not have occurred to the
researcher.
person and, if required by a journal, also their job title and specialty
or department.
Specific support that must normally be acknowledged in both
dissertations and manuscripts include:
For example:
The views and opinions expressed in this paper are those of the
authors and do not necessarily reflect those of their institutions,
employers, or funders.
5. Discuss detail about the Funding details for the structure of project.
Over View
Write an Abstract
Keywords
o Introduction
o Methods
o Results
o Discussion
Abstracts are usually around 100–300 words, but there‘s often a strict
word limit, so make sure to check the relevant requirements.
In a dissertation or thesis, include the abstract on a separate page, after
the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents.
Step 1: Introduction
Start by clearly defining the purpose of your research. What practical or
theoretical problem does the research respond to, or what research
question did you aim to answer?
You can include some brief context on the social or academic relevance of
your dissertation topic, but don‘t go into detailed background information.
If your abstract uses specialized terms that would be unfamiliar to the
average academic reader or that have various different meanings, give a
concise definition.
After identifying the problem, state the objective of your research. Use
verbs like ―investigate,‖ ―test,‖ ―analyze,‖ or ―evaluate‖ to describe exactly
what you set out to do.
This part of the abstract can be written in the present or past simple
tense but should never refer to the future, as the research is already
complete.
Step 2: Methods
Next, indicate the research methods that you used to answer your
question. This part should be a straightforward description of what you did
in one or two sentences. It is usually written in the past simple tense, as it
refers to completed actions.
Step 3: Results
Next, summarize the main research results. This part of the abstract can
be in the present or past simple tense.
Step 4: Discussion
Finally, you should discuss the main conclusions of your research: what is
your answer to the problem or question? The reader should finish with a
clear understanding of the central point that your research has proved or
argued. Conclusions are usually written in the present simple tense.
Keywords
If your paper will be published, you might have to add a list of keywords at
the end of the abstract. These keywords should reference the most
important elements of the research to help potential readers find your
paper during their own literature searches.
Be aware that some publication manuals, such as APA Style, have
specific formatting requirements for these keywords.
2. Reverse outline
o Not all abstracts will contain precisely the same elements. For longer
works, you can write your abstract through a process of reverse outlining.
o For each chapter or section, list keywords and draft one to two sentences
that summarize the central point or argument. This will give you a
framework of your abstract‘s structure. Next, revise the sentences to make
connections and show how the argument develops.
Over View
First, understand the purpose of your report
Analyse the target audience
Elements of a strong introduction
How to write a report introduction: an academic guide
Crafting the opening hook
Providing context for the report
Formulating a clear thesis statement
Outlining the report structure
Once you have identified the type of report you have got to prepare, the
second most important thing is to understand why you have been given
this report. What is the purpose, and what could be the possible outcome
of completing this report.
A well-crafted introduction not only piques the interest of the readers but
also sets the tone for the entire document. To achieve this, it should
incorporate the following essential elements:
A strong thesis statement sets the direction for the entire report,
providing a roadmap for readers to navigate the subsequent sections
with a clear understanding of the primary purpose.
The art of crafting an engaging opening hook lies in its ability to seize the
reader‘s attention from the outset. Anecdotes and real-life examples
breathe life into the report, making complex topics relatable and
captivating for your readers.
Since, students often search for how to write an introduction for a report
example, here is one for you. The opening of the introduction could be like
this:
To make it effective, keep the thesis concise and specific. Avoid any
vagueness or ambiguity. This will help sharpen the direction of the
report and guide your readers to understand the main argument better.
When your thesis aligns with the objectives of your report, everything flows
more smoothly. It acts as a navigational tool, guiding you and your readers
through all the details and helping everyone grasp the subject matter
better. So, get ready to make your report shine with a killer thesis
statement!
And here‘s the trick: a brief description of each section helps readers know
what to expect. That way, they can read with focus and easily find what
they need later.
these principles to their own reports. By doing so, they can elevate the
impact of their work, leaving a lasting impression on their readers.
We hope that this guide will help you through the introduction process. You
can further go on to read how to write a conclusion for a report, so that
you can create an excellent report for you.
8. Explain detail about the Aim of the Study for the structure of
project.
A research aim is what the author or writer hopes to achieve at the end of
the research. It gives an overview of what readers will gain at the end of
The audience wants to find the reason to read your thesis or proposal. The
research aim and objectives serve as glue that ties them to your topic.
your topic of discussion. Most research aims come with a brief overview of
In this article, we will focus on outlining the tips on how to write a gripping
researching aim.
Most researchers often omit the place of clearly stating the research aim.
This omission has given most thesis a directionless motion. Most readers
Research aims are to be written with a broad term that captures the whole
4. Make It Short
Your research aim and objectives should be very short. The purpose of this
not be written with complex sentences. Both the aim and objectives of your
While stating your aims and objectives, let them flow with each other. If
your goals do not relate to each other, then you maim the believability of
your work. The question is, the aims and objectives you stated, can they
Conclusion
writing your aim and objectives in your thesis, proposals, project defense,
Over view
Introduction
Introduction
Thus, to ensure that the audience is invested in reading the entire research
paper, it is important to write an appealing and effective background.
So, what constitutes the background of a study, and how must it be
written?
The background of a study is the first section of the paper and establishes
the context underlying the research. It contains the rationale, the key
problem statement, and a brief overview of research questions that are
addressed in the rest of the paper.
Any relevant information that the readers need to know before delving into
the paper should be made available to them in the background.
How is a background different from the introduction?
The introduction only contains preliminary data about the research topic
and does not state the purpose of the study. On the contrary, the
background clarifies the importance of the study in detail.
The introduction should end with the mention of the research questions,
aims, and objectives of the study. In contrast, the background follows no
such format and only provides essential context to the study.
The length and detail presented in the background varies for different
research papers, depending on the complexity and novelty of the research
topic. At times, a simple background suffices, even if the study is complex.
Before writing and adding details in the background, take a note of these
additional points:
Unrelated themes: Steer clear from topics that are not related to the key
aspects of your research topic.
10. Explain writing the research question for the structure of project
with an example.
Over View
Introduction
What is a research question?
Why is a research question important?
How to write research questions
Introduction
One of the most important steps of the research process is developing a
research question.
A research question directs your investigation and provides a clear goal for
you to focus on. Understanding the characteristics that comprise a
successful research question can help you generate fresh ideas and
discover new methods for your industry.
What is a research question?
A research question is an inquiry an individual uses as the main focus of an
examination. It addresses a problem or issue the researcher plans to
answer upon completion of their study. Writing a research question is the
first step in a research project, building the foundation for an exploration.
Brian Hulley created the FINER model, which stands for the
following characteristics of a research question:
Research questions state the specific issue you are addressing and focus on
outcomes that are important for individuals to learn. This helps break up
the study into manageable steps to complete in order to answer your initial
question.
How to write research questions
Follow these steps when writing a research question:
1. Select a general topic
The first step to writing a research question is to choose a broad topic for your
question. This can be something like "1920s novels" or "effects of technology."
It's helpful to select something you are interested in and want to know more
about, which can make research more enjoyable
You can use one of two frameworks to structure your question. The first is the
PICOT framework, which stands for:
o Population or problem
o Intervention or indicator being studied
o Comparison group
o Outcome of interest
o Time frame of the study
The second framework you could use is PEO, which stands for:
o Population being studied
o Exposure to preexisting conditions
o Outcome of interest
Both frameworks can help you include the necessary information in your question
and create a focus for your studies.
11. Discuss the brief about Need of the study /project significance for
the structure of project.
Over View
Introduction
Purpose of writing the significance of a study
Sections in which the significance of the study is written
Introduction
1. Introduction
In the Introduction of your paper, the significance appears where you talk
about the potential importance and impact of the study. It should flow
naturally from the problem, aims and objectives, and rationale.
2.Conclusion
The significance is described in more detail in the concluding paragraph(s)
of the Discussion or the dedicated Conclusions section. Here, you put the
findings into perspective and outline the contributions of the findings in
terms of implications and applications.
3.Abstract
The significance may or may not appear in the abstract. When it does, it
is written in the concluding lines of the abstract.
In the Introduction
o The significance tells the reader how the findings affect the
topic/broad field. In other words, the significance is about how much
the findings matter.
Over view
Definition
table of contents
Definition
Scientific relevance
o If you are studying hard or social sciences, the scientific relevance of
your dissertation is crucial. Your research should fill a gap in existing
scientific knowledge, something that hasn‘t been extensively studied
before.
o One way to find a relevant topic is to look at the recommendations for
follow-up studies that are made in existing scientific articles and the
works they cite. From there, you can pursue quantitative
research, statistical analyses, or the relevant methodology for the type
of research you choose to undertake.
13. Explain the Determining the feasibility for the structure of project.
Over View
What Is a Feasibility Study?
Understanding a Feasibility Study
Benefits of a Feasibility Study
How to Conduct a Feasibility Study
Examples of a Feasibility Study
What Is the Main Objective of a Feasibility Study?
What Are the Steps in a Feasibility Study?
Who Conducts a Feasibility Study?
What Are the 4 Types of Feasibility?
o Preliminary Analysis
Although each project can have unique goals and needs, there are
some best practices for conducting any feasibility study:
Analyze and ask questions about the data obtained in the early
phase of the study to make sure that it‘s solid.
Make an initial ―go‖ or ―no-go‖ decision about moving ahead with the
plan.
o Suggested Components
Once the initial due diligence has been completed, the real work begins.
Components that are typically found in a feasibility study include the
following:
Existing marketplace: Examine the local and broader markets for the
product, service, plan, or business.
Required staffing: What are the human capital needs for this project?
Draw up an organizational chart.
Project financials
14. Explain the theoretical framework for the structure of project with
an example.
Over View
Definition
Why do you need a theoretical framework?
How to write a theoretical framework
Structuring your theoretical framework
Example of a theoretical framework
Definition
Before you start your own research, it‘s crucial to familiarize yourself with
the theories and models that other researchers have already developed.
Your theoretical framework is your opportunity to present and explain what
you‘ve learned, situated within your future research topic.
There‘s a good chance that many different theories about your topic
already exist, especially if the topic is broad. In your theoretical
framework, you will evaluate, compare, and select the most relevant ones.
By ―framing‖ your research within a clearly defined field, you make the
reader aware of the assumptions that inform your approach, showing the
rationale behind your choices for later sections,
like methodology and discussion. This part of your dissertation lays the
foundations that will support your analysis, helping you interpret your
results and make broader generalizations.
Examples: Theoretical frameworks in research. The same research topic
can be approached very differently depending on which theoretical
approach you take, even within the same field. For example:
o In literature, a scholar using postmodernist literary theory would
analyze The Great Gatsby differently than a scholar using Marxist
literary theory.
To create your own theoretical framework, you can follow these three
steps:
o Organize by date
It‘s important that the information in your theoretical framework is clear
for your reader. Make sure to ask a friend to read this section for you, or
use a professional proofreading service.
As in all other parts of your research paper, thesis, or dissertation, make
sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.
PART A
1. What is included in literature review of a project?
A literature review is a piece of academic writing demonstrating knowledge and understanding of
the academic literature on a specific topic placed in context.
A literature review also includes a critical evaluation of the material; this is why it is called a
literature review rather than a literature report
In a literature review, you demonstrate that you have read and understood previous and current
research in the area.
2. What is the structure of a structured literature review?
In general, literature reviews are structured in a similar way to a standard essay, with an
introduction, a body and a conclusion. These are key structural elements. Additionally, a stand-
alone extended literature review has an abstract.
3. What is the literature review in a project model?
A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses)
related to a specific topic or research question.
It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation, or research paper, in order to situate your work
in relation to existing knowledge.
It documents the state of the art with respect to the subject or topic you are writing about.
4. How to write a literature review?
There are five key steps to writing a literature review:
Step 1: Search for relevant literature
Step 2: Evaluate sources
Step 3: Identify themes, debates, and gaps
Step 4: Outline the structure
Step 5: Write your literature review
5. What is the structure of a research design?
Research design refers to the overall plan, structure or strategy that guides a research project,
from its conception to the final analysis of data. Research designs for quantitative studies include
descriptive, correlational, experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
analyzed to support or refute research hypotheses and draw conclusions about the study's subject
matter.
14. What is a structured method of data collection?
A structured interview is a data collection method that relies on asking questions in a set order to
collect data on a topic. They are often quantitative in nature. Structured interviews are best used
when: You already have a very clear understanding of your topic.
15. What is data collection in a project?
Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in
an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test
hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.
16. What is the structure of structured data?
Structured data is data that has a standardized format for efficient access by software and humans
alike. It is typically tabular with rows and columns that clearly define data attributes. Computers
can effectively process structured data for insights due to its quantitative nature.
17. What are tools of data collection?
Most are based around a core set of basic tools. These include interviews, focus group
discussions, observation, photography, video, surveys, questionnaires and case studies. Data may
also be generated through direct measurement, reviewing secondary data, and informal project /
programme management processes.
18. How to collect data for a project?
How to complete data collection step by step
Define the Objectives
Identify Data Sources
Choose Data Collection Methods
Develop Data Collection Instruments
Select a Sample
Collect Data
Analyze Data
Interpret Results
Report Findings
Evaluate the Process
19. What are the procedures of a project?
Simply put, procedures are the steps that construct the process that a project requires. Without a
process, there's no clear understanding of how to move your project from start to finish
20. Which tools will you use to complete the project?
Below are some key tools of project management you can use to complete projects successfully:
Gantt chart. ...
Network diagram. ...
Critical path analysis. ...
Data analysis involves interpretation and Data analysis involves statistical analysis and
narrative analysis. hypothesis testing.
The reasoning used to synthesize data is The reasoning used to synthesize data is
inductive. deductive.
Typically used in fields such as sociology, Typically used in fields such as economics,
linguistics, and anthropology. ecology, statistics, and medicine.
PART B
Analyze and interpret: don‘t just paraphrase other researchers—add your own interpretations
where possible, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole
Critically evaluate: mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources
Write in well-structured paragraphs: use transition words and topic sentences to draw
connections, comparisons and contrasts
Conclusion
In the conclusion, summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize
their significance. After finished writing and revising the literature review, proofread thoroughly
before submitting.
2. What are the purposes of literature review? Why write literature review?
There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:
Demonstrates a familiarity with a body of knowledge and establishes the credibility of
your work;
Summarizes prior research and says how your project is linked to it;
Integrates and summarizes what is known about a subject;
To identify gaps in knowledge and unresolved problems that your research can address
To develop your theoretical framework and methodology
To provide an overview of the key findings and debates on the topic
Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research
and what new insights it will contribute.
Why write a literature review?
A literature review does the following.
Identifies gaps in current knowledge.
Avoids reinventing the wheel – i.e. it saves you wasting time researching something that‘s
already been done.
Allows you to show that you are building on a foundation of existing knowledge and ideas
– i.e. carrying on from where others have already reached.
Identifies other people working in the same field. Knowing who‘s already working in your
area and getting in touch with them can be an invaluable source of knowledge and
support.
Demonstrates the depth of your knowledge about your research.
Identifies the important works in your area and shows that you‘ve read them.
Provides an intellectual context for your own work, and enables you to position your
project in relation to others in the field.
Identifies opposing views.
Puts your own work in perspective – are you doing something completely new, revisiting
an old controversy in the light of new evidence, etc?
Demonstrates your research skills – i.e. you not only know about work in your area, you
also know how to access it.
Identifies information and ideas that may be relevant to your project.
Identifies methods that may be relevant to your project.
3. Write the structure of a literature review. How to do a literature review?
A literature review should be structured as follows:
an introduction
a middle or main body
a conclusion
Introduction
The introduction should:
define your topic and provide an appropriate context for reviewing the literature;
establish your reasons – i.e. point of view – for
reviewing the literature;
explain the organization – i.e. sequence – of the review;
state the scope of the review – i.e. what is included and what isn‘t included.
Main body
The middle or main body should:
organize the literature according to common themes;
provide insight into the relation between your chosen topic and the wider subject area e.g.
between obesity in children and obesity in general;
move from a general, wider view of the literature being reviewed to the specific focus of
your research.
Conclusion
The conclusion should:
summarizes the important aspects of the existing body of literature;
evaluate the current state of the literature reviewed;
identify significant flaws or gaps in existing knowledge;
outline areas for future study;
link your research to existing knowledge.
How to do a literature review?
Define your terms: The first thing to do is to define your topic or research project; or, if you
have been given a set question, make sure you understand it. Ask yourself what the key concepts
are. Compile a list of keywords – and synonyms for them – and this will help you to develop a
research strategy.
Search creatively: Identify all the relevant information sources. This may include: libraries,
indexes and electronic databases, and the Internet.
Use the library: Search your institution‘s library that‘s relevant to your topic.
Journals: Remember that journals are the best place to find the most recently published research.
Newspapers and magazines are a good source for current topical issues, although they are not
always very useful for in-depth analysis.
Don’t limit yourself to obvious sources: For example, libraries contain books and journals but
they also contain unpublished MA and PhD theses that may contain research relevant to your
topic.
Other less obvious sources also include:
Conference papers: These are collections of papers presented at conferences and, like journals,
often contain ‗cutting edge‘ research. These collections are published on the Internet, in special
editions of relevant journals and in one-off books.
National and local Government publications: These include reports, yearbooks, White and
Green papers, policy documents, manuals and statistical surveys.
Publishers’ websites: These sites often contain summaries of recent publications and the full-text
electronic journals. Two sites that have comprehensive online resources are Emerald and
Blackwell Science.
Databases: For many subject areas – particularly sciences and social sciences – there are online
databases listing current articles.
The image below describes common review types in terms of speed, detail, risk of bias,
and comprehensiveness:
DEFINITION
A research design is a structure that combines different components of research. It involves the
use of different data collection and data analysis techniques logically to answer the research
questions.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH DESIGN:
Validity
There are many ways to measure the results of research. A good research design helps select the
right measuring tools to gauge results according to the research objective.
Generalised
A good research design draws an outcome that can be applied to a large set of people and is not
limited to sample size or the research group.
Neutrality
At the start of every research, a researcher needs to make some assumptions that will be tested
during the research.
A proper research design ensures that the assumptions are free of bias and neutral. It also provides
that the data collected throughout the research is based on the assumptions made at the beginning
of the research.
THE ELEMENTS OF A GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN:
Purpose statement
Data collection methods
Techniques of data analysis
Types of research methodologies
Challenges of the research
Prerequisites required for study
Duration of the research study
Measurement of analysis
THE NEED FOR RESEARCH DESIGN:
Reduces inaccuracy
Increases efficiency and reliability
Eliminates bias and errors
Minimises wastage of time
Helpful in testing the hypothesis
Provides a direction to the research
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS OF RESEARCH DESIGN:
Variable
Variable is a concept that can take on various quantitative values. For instance, weight, height,
etc.
Dependent Variable
A dependent variable is a variable that is tested in an experiment. It is dependent, in some way on
the variation of an independent variable.
Independent Variable
An independent variable in an experiment is considered to stand on its own. For instance, if the
test scores of a class are an outcome of their efforts; efforts are an independent variable, and the
score is a dependent variable.
Hypothesis
4. Experimental:
Experimental research establishes a relationship between the cause and effect of a situation. It is a
causal research design where one observes the impact caused by the independent variable on the
dependent variable.
For example, one monitors the influence of an independent variable such as a price on a
dependent variable such as customer satisfaction or brand loyalty. It is an efficient research
method as it contributes to solving a problem.
The independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on the dependent
variable. Social sciences often use it to observe human behavior by analyzing two groups.
Researchers can have participants change their actions and study how the people around them
react to understand social psychology better.
5. Correlational research:
Correlational research is a non-experimental research technique. It helps researchers establish a
relationship between two closely connected variables. There is no assumption while evaluating a
relationship between two other variables, and statistical analysis techniques calculate the
relationship between them. This type of research requires two different groups.
A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables whose values range
between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it indicates a positive relationship
between the variables, and -1 means a negative relationship between the two variables.
Example: An example of correlational research design could be studying the correlation between
time spent watching crime shows and aggressive behavior in teenagers
6. Diagnostic research:
In diagnostic design, the researcher is looking to evaluate the underlying cause of a specific topic
or phenomenon. This method helps one learn more about the factors that create troublesome
situations.
This design has three parts of the research:
• Inception of the issue
• Diagnosis of the issue
• Solution for the issue
Example: A researcher analyzing customer feedback and reviews to identify areas where an app
can be improved.
7. Explanatory research:
Explanatory design uses a researcher‘s ideas and thoughts on a subject to further explore their
theories. The study explains unexplored aspects of a subject and details the research questions‘
what, how, and why.
Example: Formulating hypotheses to guide future studies on delaying school start times for better
mental health in teenagers.
8. Quasi-experimental
Used to test causal relationships
Similar to experimental design, but without random assignment
Often involves comparing the outcomes of pre-existing groups
Often conducted in a natural environment (higher ecological validity)
9. Case study
Detailed study of a specific subject (e.g., a place, event, organization, etc).
Data can be collected using a variety of sources and methods.
Focuses on gaining a holistic understanding of the case.
10.Ethnography
DEFINITION
A research design is a structure that combines different components of research. It involves the
use of different data collection and data analysis techniques logically to answer the research
questions.
PROCESS OF RESEARCH DESIGN
The following table shows the characteristics of the most popularly employed research methods.
This data analysis strategy tests different variables such as spectrum, frequencies, averages, and
more. The research question and the hypothesis must be established to identify the variables for
testing.
Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative data analysis of figures, themes, and words allows for flexibility and the researcher‘s
subjective opinions. This means that the researcher‘s primary focus will be interpreting patterns,
tendencies, and accounts and understanding the implications and social framework.
Step 5: Write your Research Proposal
The research design is an important component of a research proposal because it plans the
project‘s execution. You can share it with the supervisor, who would evaluate the feasibility and
capacity of the results and conclusion.
Read our guidelines to write a research proposal if you have already formulated your research
design. The research proposal is written in the future tense because you are writing your proposal
before conducting research.
The research methodology or research design, on the other hand, is generally written in the past
tense.
How to Write a Research Design – Conclusion
A research design is the plan, structure, strategy of investigation conceived to answer the research
question and test the hypothesis. The dissertation research design can be classified based on the
type of data and the type of analysis.
Primary data is collected from first-hand experience and is not used in the past. The data
gathered by primary data collection methods are highly accurate and specific to the research‘s
motive.
Primary data collection methods can be divided into two categories: quantitative and qualitative.
Quantitative Methods:
Quantitative techniques for market research and demand forecasting usually use statistical tools.
In these techniques, demand is forecasted based on historical data. These methods of primary data
collection are generally used to make long-term forecasts. Statistical analysis methods are highly
reliable as subjectivity is minimal.
• Time Series Analysis: A time series refers to a sequential order of values of a variable,
known as a trend, at equal time intervals. Using patterns, an organization can predict the demand
for its products and services over a projected time period.
• Smoothing Techniques: Smoothing techniques can be used in cases where the time series
lacks significant trends. They eliminate random variation from the historical demand, helping
identify patterns and demand levels to estimate future demand.
• Barometric Method: Also known as the leading indicators approach, researchers use this
method to speculate future trends based on current developments. When past events are
considered to predict future events, they act as leading indicators.
Pros and cons of quantitative methods
Pros:
• Viewing research through a quantitative lens can help you pinpoint specific results from
your group based on the numbers it yields.
• Quantitative data collection methods empower decision makers by offering exact numbers
and precise measurements. These elements are vital to strategic planning.
• Statistical methods such as this are highly reliable as subjectivity is minimised.
Cons:
• Measurement errors are a potential drawback.
• The challenge with quantitative data, is that it also lacks the key element of context.
Subsequently, this makes it hard to obtain any background insight into the feelings and
motivations of your audience.
Qualitative Methods:
Qualitative data collection methods are especially useful when historical data is unavailable or
when numbers or mathematical calculations are unnecessary.
Qualitative research is closely associated with words, sounds, feelings, emotions, colors, and non-
quantifiable elements. These techniques are based on experience, judgment, intuition, conjecture,
emotion, etc.
Quantitative methods do not provide the motive behind participants‘ responses, often don‘t reach
underrepresented populations, and require long periods of time to collect the data. Hence, it is
best to combine quantitative methods with qualitative methods.
1. Surveys: Surveys collect data from the target audience and gather insights into their
preferences, opinions, choices, and feedback related to their products and services. Most survey
software offers a wide range of question types.
You can also use a ready-made survey template to save time and effort. Online surveys can be
customized to match the business‘s brand by changing the theme, logo, etc. They can be
distributed through several channels, such as email, website, offline app, QR code, social media,
etc.
You can select the channel based on your audience‘s type and source. Once the data is collected,
survey software can generate various reports and run analytics algorithms to discover hidden
insights.
A survey dashboard can give you statistics related to response rate, completion rate,
demographics-based filters, export and sharing options, etc. Integrating survey builders with
third-party apps can maximize the effort spent on online real-time data collection.
Practical business intelligence relies on the synergy between analytics and reporting, where
analytics uncovers valuable insights, and reporting communicates these findings to stakeholders.
2. Polls: Polls comprise one single or multiple-choice question. They are useful when you need to
get a quick pulse of the audience‘s sentiments. Because they are short, it is easier to get responses
from people.
Like surveys, online polls can be embedded into various platforms. Once the respondents answer
the question, they can also be shown how their responses compare to others‘.
3. Interviews: In face-to-face interviews, the interviewer asks a series of questions to the
interviewee in person and notes down responses. If it is not feasible to meet the person, the
interviewer can go for a telephone interview.
This form of data collection is suitable for only a few respondents. It is too time-consuming and
tedious to repeat the same process if there are many participants.
4. Delphi Technique: In the Delphi method, market experts are provided with the estimates and
assumptions of other industry experts‘ forecasts. Based on this information, experts may
reconsider and revise their estimates and assumptions. The consensus of all experts on demand
forecasts constitutes the final demand forecast.
5. Focus Groups: Focus groups are one example of qualitative data in education. In a focus
group, a small group of people, around 8-10 members, discuss the common areas of the research
problem. Each individual provides his or her insights on the issue concerned.
A moderator regulates the discussion among the group members. At the end of the discussion, the
group reaches a consensus.
6. Questionnaire: A questionnaire is a printed set of open-ended or closed-ended questions that
respondents must answer based on their knowledge and experience with the issue. The
questionnaire is part of the survey, whereas the questionnaire‘s end goal may or may not be a
survey.
Pros and cons of qualitative methods
Pros:
• Qualitative data collection methods utilise non-numerical metrics such as attitudes and
experiences, by studying narrative descriptions instead of statistics.
• With qualitative data, constructive ideas can be developed through identifying interesting
patterns among stories. This helps us discover meaningful trends within our audience.
• This approach also offers a greater insight into why people behave a certain way, which
wouldn‘t be possible from viewing numbers alone.
Cons:
• Given the subjectivity associated with this approach, it could introduce bias into your
research.
• Since opinions can vary within many groups, careful post analysis must be done in order
to draw informed conclusions.
2. Secondary Data Collection Methods
Secondary data is data that has been used in the past. The researcher can obtain data from the data
sources, both internal and external, to the organizational data.
Internal sources of secondary data:
• Organization‘s health and safety records
• Mission and vision statements
• Financial Statements
• Magazines
• Sales Report
• CRM Software
• Executive summaries
External sources of secondary data:
• Government reports
• Press releases
• Business journals
• Libraries
• Internet
Secondary data collection methods can also involve quantitative and qualitative techniques.
Secondary data is easily available, less time-consuming, and expensive than primary data.
However, the authenticity of the data gathered cannot be verified using these methods.
8. What are the steps in data collection process? List out the tools used for data
collection.
The data collection process typically involves several key steps to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the data gathered. These steps provide a structured approach to gathering and
analyzing data effectively. Here are the key steps in the data collection process:
• Define the Objectives: Clearly outline the goals of the data collection. What questions are
you trying to answer?
• Identify Data Sources: Determine where the data will come from. This could include
surveys, interviews, existing databases, or observational data.
• Choose Data Collection Methods: Select appropriate methods based on your objectives
and data sources. Common methods include:
Surveys and questionnaires
Interviews (structured or unstructured)
Focus groups
Observations
Document analysis
• Develop Data Collection Instruments: Create or adapt tools for collecting data, such as
questionnaires or interview guides. Ensure they are valid and reliable.
• Select a Sample: If you are not collecting data from the entire population, determine how
to select your sample. Consider sampling methods like random, stratified, or convenience
sampling.
• Collect Data: Execute your data collection plan, following ethical guidelines and
maintaining data integrity.
• Store Data: Organize and store collected data securely, ensuring it‘s easily accessible for
analysis while maintaining confidentiality.
• Analyze Data: After collecting the data, process and analyze it according to your
objectives, using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods.
• Interpret Results: Conclude your analysis, relating them back to your original objectives
and research questions.
• Report Findings: Present your findings clearly and organized, using visuals and
summaries to communicate insights effectively.
• Evaluate the Process: Reflect on the data collection process. Assess what worked well
and what could be improved for future studies.
Recommended Data Collection Tools
Choosing the right data collection tools depends on your specific needs, such as the type of data
you‘re collecting, the scale of your project, and your budget. Here are some widely used tools
across different categories:
Survey Tools
1. QuestionPro: Offers advanced survey features and analytics.
2. SurveyMonkey: User-friendly interface with customizable survey options.
3. Google Forms: Free and easy to use, suitable for simple surveys.
Interview and Focus Group Tools
1. Zoom: Great for virtual interviews and focus group discussions.
2. Microsoft Teams: Offers features for collaboration and recording sessions.
Observation and Field Data Collection
1. Open Data Kit (ODK): This is for mobile data collection in field settings.
2. REDCap: A secure web application for building and managing online surveys.
Mobile Data Collection
1. KoboToolbox: Designed for humanitarian work, useful for field data collection.
2. SurveyCTO: Provides offline data collection capabilities for mobile devices.
Data Analysis Tools
1. Tableau: Powerful data visualization tool to analyze survey results.
Data pipelines can be difficult due to their size and complexity. Data downtime must be
continuously monitored, and it must be reduced through automation.
Ambiguous Data
Even with thorough oversight, some errors can still occur in massive databases or data lakes. For
data streaming at a fast speed, the issue becomes more overwhelming.
Spelling mistakes can go unnoticed, formatting difficulties can occur, and column heads might be
deceptive. This unclear data might cause a number of problems for reporting and analytics.
Duplicate Data
Streaming data, local databases, and cloud data lakes are just a few of the sources of data that
modern enterprises must contend with.
These sources are likely to duplicate and overlap each other quite a bit.
For instance, duplicate contact information has a substantial impact on customer experience.
If certain prospects are ignored while others are engaged repeatedly, marketing campaigns suffer.
The likelihood of biased analytical outcomes increases when duplicate data are present. It can also
result in ML models with biased training data.
Too Much Data
While we emphasize data-driven analytics and its advantages, a data quality problem with
excessive data exists. There is a risk of getting lost in an abundance of data when searching for
information pertinent to your analytical efforts.
Data scientists, data analysts, and business users devote 80% of their work to finding and
organizing the appropriate data.
With an increase in data volume, other problems with data quality become more serious,
particularly when dealing with streaming data and big files or databases.
Inaccurate Data
For highly regulated businesses like healthcare, data accuracy is crucial. Given the current
experience, it is more important than ever to increase the data quality for COVID-19 and later
pandemics.
Inaccurate information does not provide you with a true picture of the situation and cannot be
used to plan the best course of action. Personalized customer experiences and marketing strategies
underperform if your customer data is inaccurate.
Hidden Data
The majority of businesses only utilize a portion of their data, with the remainder sometimes
being lost in data silos or discarded in data graveyards.
For instance, the customer service team might not receive client data from sales, missing an
opportunity to build more precise and comprehensive customer profiles.
Missing out on possibilities to develop novel products, enhance services, and streamline
procedures is caused by hidden data.
Finding Relevant Data
Finding relevant data is not so easy. There are several factors that we need to consider while
trying to find relevant data, which include -
• Relevant Domain
• Relevant demographics
• Relevant Time period and so many more factors that we need to consider while trying to
find relevant data.
10. Explain in detail the procedure for writing conclusion and the common mistakes
that should be avoided in a conclusion.
CONCLUSION
The conclusion of a report may be the last section, but it is one of the most important parts. A
well-written conclusion serves as a summary of your report and can leave a lasting impression on
your reader.
Understanding the Importance of a Strong Conclusion
The conclusion of any report is significant as it prompts the reader to take action or to do
something.
Its primary role is to reiterate your report's main points and to highlight its significance.
It is a chance to show how all the various aspects of your report come together and provide a
comprehensive solution to a specific problem.
Additionally, your conclusion could influence the reader's decision-making process significantly,
depending on whether or not they agree with your recommendations.
It also presents an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader and can influence their
decision-making process. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your conclusion is well-written
and includes all the key elements necessary for an effective conclusion.
Case studies
Demographic information
Website analytics
Focus groups
Customer buying habits
Surveys
Interviews
Public records
The specific method you use when collecting research for a recommendation report may vary
depending on the industry.
For example, you might gather information on customer buying habits and website analytics to
support the arguments you make in a recommendation report for a retail business.
3. Write your executive summary
Begin your recommendation report with your executive summary, which provides the reader with
a synopsis of the document. It includes the writer's purpose and a brief overview of the report's
information. This section also states that the report is a recommendation report and that at the end
of it, you provide the reader with a recommendation.
4. Write your problem statement
The problem statement provides readers with background information on the problem or
challenge that your report addresses. In this paragraph, provide readers with a summary of the
problem and emphasize why finding a solution is important. Try to provide all of the information
that readers require in order to understand the need for a solution and your recommendation.
5. Write your solution paragraphs
After introducing the problem, you can start identifying potential solutions. It is a good idea to
aim for an average of three solutions. However, your report may have fewer or more solutions
depending on the scope of the problem or challenge you're addressing.
Each solution in this section has one or two paragraphs that discuss the solution in detail and
provide evidence to support it. You might also include relevant information about each solution
such as cost, resources, training or any other important factors.
6. Include your evaluation criteria
A recommendation report also lists your process for evaluating each solution, as this helps the
reader understand how you arrived at your recommendation. Include a description of how one
could apply each solution to the problem you're discussing, and then hypothesize about the
results. This process should help you identify for the reader the one solution that works best. You
may also compare and contrast each solution using the evaluation criteria.
7. Discuss your final recommendation
This section discusses your final recommendation using the evaluation criteria and the
comparisons against the other solutions. Here, you can include information that justifies your
reasoning for choosing the solution and elaborates on its implementation.
For complex problems, it is possible to recommend more than one solution. In this case, however,
it's helpful to discuss the situations in which the reader would apply each solution, as some
solutions may favor certain conditions.
8. Compile your works cited
Compile the research you use throughout the report into a works cited page. Include all journals,
websites, books or publications that you use to support your claims. If your industry prefers a
certain citation style, such as MLA or APA, you can make your report appear more professional
by adhering to your field's chosen format.
Tips for writing an effective recommendation report
Here are a few tips you can use to write an effective recommendation report:
Use calls to action: Actionable words that tell the reader exactly what you plan to do and
how you plan to do it can help them envision the available options.
Provide relevant details: Relevant details that provide the reader with more information
allows your audience to evaluate each potential solution more easily.
Rehearse your report: Whether or not you plan to present your recommendation report
verbally, rehearsing the contents can help you proofread it for clarity. You might also
practice presenting your report in front of a mirror or ask a trusted friend to listen.
Provide previous case results: You can further support each of the solutions you list by
referring to a corresponding example in the industry. This might include a case study or an
example of a business that used a similar solution.
12. What are the limitations of a research study? Discuss about types of limitations of
research.
The Limitations of a Research Study:
Every research has its limit and these limitations arise due to restrictions in methodology or
research design. This could impact your entire research or the research paper you wish to publish.
Unfortunately, most researchers choose not to discuss their limitations of research fearing it will
affect the value of their article in the eyes of readers.
However, it is very important to discuss your study limitations and show it to your target audience
(other researchers, journal editors, peer reviewers etc.).
It is very important that you provide an explanation of how your research limitations may affect
the conclusions and opinions drawn from your research.
Moreover, when as an author you state the limitations of research, it shows that you have
investigated all the weaknesses of your study and have a deep understanding of the subject.
Being honest could impress your readers and mark your study as a sincere effort in research.
Why and Where Should You Include the Research Limitations?
The main goal of your research is to address your research objectives. Conduct experiments, get
results and explain those results, and finally justify your research question.
It is best to mention the limitations of research in the discussion paragraph of your research
article.
There are strict guidelines for narrowing down research questions, wherein you could justify and
explain potential weaknesses of your academic paper. You could go through these basic steps to
get a well-structured clarity of research limitations:
1. Declare that you wish to identify your limitations of research and explain their
importance,
2. Provide the necessary depth, explain their nature, and justify your study choices.
3. Write how you are suggesting that it is possible to overcome them in the future.
In a typical academic paper, research limitations may relate to:
The findings section of a research paper presents the results and outcomes of the study or
investigation. It is a crucial part of the research paper where researchers interpret and analyze the
data collected and draw conclusions based on their findings.
In the findings section, researchers typically present the data clearly and organized. They may use
tables, graphs, charts, or other visual aids to illustrate the patterns, trends, or relationships
observed in the data.
The findings should be presented objectively, without any bias or personal opinions, and should
be accompanied by appropriate statistical analyses or methods to ensure the validity and
reliability of the results.
Start the section by providing a brief overview of the research objectives and the methodology
employed. Recapitulate the research questions or hypotheses addressed in the study.
2) Descriptive Statistics and Data Presentation
Present the collected data using appropriate descriptive statistics. This may involve using tables,
graphs, charts, or other visual representations to convey the information effectively.
3) Data Analysis and Interpretation
Perform a thorough analysis of the data collected and describe the key findings. Present the
results of statistical analyses or any other relevant methods used to analyze the data.
4) Discussion of Findings
Analyze and interpret the findings in the context of existing literature or theoretical frameworks.
Discuss any patterns, trends, or relationships observed in the data. Compare and contrast the
results with prior studies, highlighting similarities and differences.
5) Limitations and Constraints
Acknowledge and discuss any limitations or constraints that may have influenced the findings.
This could include issues such as sample size, data collection methods, or potential biases.
6) Conclusion
Summarize the main findings of the study and emphasize their significance. Revisit the research
questions or hypotheses and discuss whether they have been supported or refuted by the findings.
When reporting statistical significance in the findings section of a research paper, it is important
to accurately convey the results of statistical analyses and their implications. Here are some
guidelines on how to report statistical significance effectively:
1. Clearly State the Statistical Test: Begin by clearly stating the specific statistical test or
analysis used to determine statistical significance. For example, you might mention that a
t-test, chi-square test, ANOVA, correlation analysis, or regression analysis was employed.
2. Report the Test Statistic: Provide the value of the test statistic obtained from the
analysis. This could be the t-value, F-value, chi-square value, correlation coefficient, or
any other relevant statistic depending on the test used.
3. State the Degrees of Freedom: Indicate the degrees of freedom associated with the
statistical test. Degrees of freedom represent the number of independent pieces of
information available for estimating a statistic. For example, in a t-test, degrees of
freedom would be mentioned as (df = n1 + n2 – 2) for an independent samples test or (df
= N – 2) for a paired samples test.
4. Report the p-value: The p-value indicates the probability of obtaining results as extreme
or more extreme than the observed results, assuming the null hypothesis is true. Report the
p-value associated with the statistical test. For example, p < 0.05 denotes statistical
significance at the conventional level of α = 0.05.
5. Provide the Conclusion: Based on the p-value obtained, state whether the results are
statistically significant or not. If the p-value is less than the predetermined threshold (e.g.,
p < 0.05), state that the results are statistically significant. If the p-value is greater than the
threshold, state that the results are not statistically significant.
6. Discuss the Interpretation: After reporting statistical significance, discuss the practical
or theoretical implications of the finding. Explain what the significant result means in the
context of your research questions or hypotheses. Address the effect size and practical
significance of the findings, if applicable.
7. Consider Effect Size Measures: Along with statistical significance, it is often important
to report effect size measures. Effect size quantifies the magnitude of the relationship or
difference observed in the data. Common effect size measures include Cohen‘s d, eta-
squared, or Pearson‘s r. Reporting effect size provides additional meaningful information
about the strength of the observed effects.
8. Be Accurate and Transparent: Ensure that the reported statistical significance and
associated values are accurate. Avoid misinterpreting or misrepresenting the results. Be
transparent about the statistical tests conducted, any assumptions made, and potential
limitations or caveats that may impact the interpretation of the significant results.
DEFINITION:
It refers to the task of drawing inferences from the collected facts after an analytical and / or
experimental study.
It is a search for broader meaning of research findings
It has two important aspects:
i. The effort to establish continuity in research through linking the results
of a given study with those of another.
ii. The establishment of some explanatory concepts.
In one sense, it is concerned with relationships within the collected data, partially
overlapping analysis.
It also extends beyond the data of the study to include the results of other research,
theory and etc
Thus, interpretation is the device through which the factors that seem to explain what
has been observed by researcher in the course of the study can be better understood and
it also provides a theoretical conception which can serve as a guide for further
research.
Need for interpretation
It is through interpretation that the researcher can understand the abstract principle that works
beneath his findings. Through this he can link up his findings with those of other studies having
the same abstract principle and thereby can predict about the concrete world of events.
Fresh enquiries can test these predictions later on. This way the continuity in research can be
maintained.
Interpretation leads to the establishment of explanatory concepts than can serve as a guide
for further research studies; it opens new avenues of intellectual adventure and stimulate
the questfor more knowledge.
Researcher can better appreciate only through interpretation why his findings are what
theyare and can make others understand the real significance of his research findings.
The interpretation of the findings of exploratory research study often results into
hypothesis for experimental research and as such interpretation is involved in the
transition from exploratoryto experimental research.
Techniques of interpretation:
Interpretation requires great skill and dexterity. It is an art that one learns through practice and
experience.
Steps involved in interpretation:
Researcher must give reasonable explanation of the relation and he must interpret
relationship in terms of the underlying processes. This is the technique of how
generalization should be done and concept be formulated.
Extraneous information, if collected during the study, must be considered while
interpreting the final results.
It is advisable to get frank and honest opinion of experts.
All relevant factors must be considered before generalization.
Precautions in interpretation
The researcher must invariably satisfy himself that (a) the data are appropriate,
trustworthy and adequate (b) the data reflect good homogeneity and (c) proper
statistical analysis has been applied.
He must remain cautious about the errors that can possibly arise in the process of
interpretation. He should be well equipped with the knowledge of correct use of
statistical measures of drawing inferences concerning the study.
As the task of interpretation is very much intertwined with analysis and cannot be
distinctlyseparated, it must be taken as a special aspect of analysis.
His task is not only to make sensitive observations but also to identify the factors
which were not known initially. Broad generalization should be avoided because the
coverage is restricted to a particular time, a particular area or particular condition.
There should be constant interaction between initial hypothesis, empirical observation
and theoretical conceptions. It is here opportunities for originality and creativity.
15. Write and explain about the steps to write data analysis report.
• Who will be reading this report? How well do they understand the subject?
If the reader isn‘t familiar with these tools and software, you‘ll have to simplify it for them and
provide additional explanations. Based on this determining factor, you'll think about:
• the language and vocabulary you‘re using
• abbreviations and level of technicality
• the depth you‘ll go into to explain something
• the type of visuals you‘ll add
Your readers‘ expertise dictates the tone of your report and you need to consider it before writing
even a single word.
After you've explained the data and methods you've used, this next section brings those two
together. The analysis section shows how you've analyzed the specific data using the specific
methods.
This means you‘ll show your calculations, charts, and analyses, step by step. Add descriptions
and explain each of the steps. Try making it as simple as possible so that even the most
inexperienced of your readers understand every word.
• Results
This final section of the body can be considered the most important section of your report. Most
of your clients will skim the rest of the report to reach this section.
So, explain and describe the results using numbers. Then, add a written description of what each
of the numbers stands for and what it means for the entire analysis. Summarize your results and
finalize the report on a strong note.
4. Write the Introduction
This section briefly explains what the report will cover. That‘s why you should write it after
you‘ve finished writing the Body.
In your introduction, explain:
• the question you‘ve raised and answered with the analysis
• context of the analysis and background information
• short outline of the report
Simply put, you‘re telling your audience what to expect.
5. Add a Short Conclusion
Finally, the last section of your paper is a brief conclusion. It only repeats what you described in
the Body, but only points out the most important details.
It should be less than a page long and use straightforward language to deliver the most important
findings. It should also include a paragraph about the implications and importance of those
findings for the client, customer, business, or company that hired you.
6. Include Data Visualization Elements
All the information that your data analysis has found can create a mess in the head of your reader.
So, you should simplify it by using data visualization elements.
Firstly, let‘s define what are the most common and useful data visualization elements you can use
in your report:
• graphs
• charts
• images
• tables
• maps
There are subcategories to each of the elements and you should explore them all to decide what
will do the best job for your specific case. For instance, you'll find different types of charts
including, pie charts, bar charts, area charts, or spider charts.
For each data visualization element, add a brief description to tell the readers what information it
contains. You can also add a title to each element and create a table of contents for visual
elements only.
7. Proofread & Edit Before Submission
Proofreading and editing will help you eliminate potential mistakes, but also take another
objective look at your report.
First, do the editing part. It includes:
• reading the whole report objectively, like you‘re seeing it for the first time
• leaving an open mind for changes
• adding or removing information
• rearranging sections
• finding better words to say something
You should repeat the editing phase a couple of times until you're completely happy with the
result. Once you're certain the content is all tidied up, you can move on to the proofreading stage.
It includes:
• finding and removing grammar and spelling mistakes
• rethinking vocabulary choices
• improving clarity
• improving readability
You can use an online proofreading tool to make things faster. If you really want professional
help, Grab My Essay is a great choice. Their professional writers can edit and rewrite your entire
report, to make sure it‘s impeccable before submission.
Whatever you choose to do, proofread yourself or get some help with it, make sure your report is
well-organized and completely error-free.
16. Discuss about the benefits of writing well-structured data analysis reports and
tools used for it.
Simply, all of them are given accurate data they can rely on and you‘re thus removing the
potential misunderstandings that can happen in communication. This improves the overall
collaboration level and makes everyone more open and helpful.
• Increased Efficiency
People who are reading your data analysis report need the information it contains for some
reason. They might use it to do their part of the job, to make decisions, or report further to
someone else. Either way, the better your report, the more efficient it'll be. And, if you rely on
those people as well, you'll benefit from this increased productivity as well.
• KPIs
Data tells a story about a business, project, or venture. It's able to show how well you've
performed, what turned out to be a great move, and what needs to be reimagined. This means that
a data analysis report provides valuable insight and measurable KPIs (key performance
indicators) that you‘re able to use to grow and develop.
• Clear Communication
Information is key regardless of the industry you're in or the type of business you're doing. Data
analysis finds that information and proves its accuracy and importance. But, if those findings and
the information itself aren't communicated clearly, it's like you haven't even found them.
This is why a data analysis report is crucial. It will present the information less technically and
bring it closer to the readers.
REPORTING TOOLS
Reporting or software reporting tools are data-reporting and data-display software programs.
These tools can help you present information in a manner that is easy to comprehend. Most of the
tools generate tables, graphs and other visuals. Project managers, financial analysts and data
analysts are those who often use reporting software.
You can choose from various tools, such as data visualisation software and dashboard programs,
to find the one that meets the organisational requirements.
Here are some software reporting programs you can consider trying, depending on the business
requirements:
1. Whatagraph
Whatagraph is a reporting tool useful for social media and marketing analytics monitoring. The
software can gather data from the company's various marketing channels and generate reports
automatically. It creates visually engaging representations of data and analytics. You can also
enter your marketing key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor your progress towards
achieving your marketing objectives.
2. Power BI
Power BI is a tool for data visualisation. The software can assimilate data from multiple channels
and transform it into visually appealing images. This can facilitate your team's comprehension of
business insights. This software can manage huge amounts of data, making it ideal for large or
expanding businesses that wish to monitor business data.
3. Reportei
Reportei is a digital marketing analytics platform that integrates with different social media
platforms and analytic tools. This software quickly generates reports and dashboards from this
information, making it suitable software for digital marketing professionals. Reportei generates
easy-to-understand, client-friendly reports, allowing marketing professionals to spend less time on
report writing.
4. Hive
Hive is a reporting software program for project management that consolidates data from multiple
sources into a single location, allowing you to gain an overview of business operations. You can
use Hive to create interactive dashboards that monitor data in real-time. As is it a cloud-hosted
software, you can access your data from any device with internet access. This software can also
integrate with other common project management software programs, streamlining your data
reporting process.
5. Wrike
Wrike is a data reporting software primarily used for project management. The software can
monitor productivity, metrics and overall project progress and it can also facilitate user
collaboration. In addition, the software is configurable so that an organisation can create its own
dashboards with widgets pertinent to its specific projects. You may also generate reports quickly
with Wrike by selecting a template for project reporting.
6. Octoboard
Businesses and marketing agencies often prefer Octoboard as reporting software. The software
can collect data and generate insights and reports automatically. As the software is cloud-based, it
is accessible from any location, making it convenient to share client reports. Octoboard can
connect to a variety of common social media networks and analytics tools, making it simple to
generate reports from any kind of system.
7. Tableau
Tableau is a data analytics tool capable of transforming raw data into effective visualisations,
such as data dashboards and worksheets. Tableau is primarily helpful for gathering business
analytics. This software is suitable for professionals with little or no coding experience, as it is
user-friendly and does not rely extensively on code. The software can transform structured query
language (SQL) code into data visualisations with minimal programming.
8. ProWorkflow
ProWorkflow is the project management software that includes data reporting capabilities. The
drag-and-drop functionality of this software makes it simple to organise projects and workflows.
This software is beneficial for creating graphs and enables users to generate quotes, invoices and
other reports quickly.
9. ThoughtSpot
ThoughtSpot is artificial intelligence-driven reporting software for business analytics. The
software can connect to cloud-based databases and report real-time business analytics.
ThoughtSpot is particularly useful for individuals new to data reporting because it requires
minimal coding. This makes it possible for users of all skill levels to explore their business
analytics.
10. Zoho Analytics
Zoho Analytics is an analytics application that allows users to create data dashboards. This
software is useful for sales and marketing because it can compile reports using data from multiple
sources and also has applications for project management. You can generate reports on your
project's metrics and create collaborative progress reports using Zoho Analytics.
1. Title Page
Include the project title, your name, institutional affiliation, and the date of submission.
2. Abstract
Write a brief summary of the project, including the objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
Keep it concise, usually within 150-250 words.
3. Table of Contents
List all the sections and sub-sections of the report with corresponding page numbers for easy
navigation.
4. Introduction
Background: Provide context for the project.
Objectives: Clearly state the aims of the project.
Scope: Define the boundaries of the project.
Significance: Explain the importance of the project.
5. Literature Review
Summarize relevant existing research and how it relates to your project.
Highlight gaps in the current knowledge that your project aims to address.
6. Methodology
Research Design: Describe the overall approach (e.g., experimental, survey, case study).
Data Collection: Detail the methods used to collect data (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
Data Analysis: Explain the techniques and tools used to analyze the data.
Materials and Tools: List any specific materials, software, or equipment used.
Procedure: Step-by-step explanation of how the research was conducted.
7. Data Collection
Primary Data: Describe how primary data was gathered directly from sources.
Secondary Data: Explain how secondary data was obtained from existing sources.
8. Data Analysis
Quantitative Analysis: Include statistical methods, data visualization, and interpretation of
numerical data.
Qualitative Analysis: Discuss coding techniques, theme identification, and interpretation of
textual data.
9. Results
Present the findings of the project clearly and logically.
Use tables, graphs, and charts to illustrate key points.
Ensure that all visual aids are labeled and referenced in the text.
10. Discussion
Interpretation: Discuss the meaning and implications of the results.
Comparison: Compare your findings with previous research.
Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations in your study and their potential impact on the results.
Recommendations: Suggest practical applications or areas for further research.
11. Conclusion
Summary: Summarize the main findings and their significance.
Implications: Discuss the broader impact of your findings.
Future Research: Propose areas for future investigation.
12. References
List all sources cited in the report using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
13. Appendices
Include supplementary material such as raw data, detailed calculations, or additional information
that supports the main text but is too lengthy to include in the main body.
14. Review and Proofreading
Content Review: Ensure all sections are complete and logically organized.
Proofreading: Check for grammatical, typographical, and formatting errors.
Feedback: Seek feedback from peers or mentors and revise accordingly.
15. Final Submission
Formatting: Ensure the report adheres to the required formatting guidelines.
Binding: Prepare the final document in the required format (e.g., printed and bound, digital
submission).
Submission: Submit the report by the specified deadline.
Bibliography
A bibliography is a list of all the sources you consulted while writing your paper. Every book,
article, and even video you used to gather information for your paper needs to be cited in your
bibliography so your instructor (and any others reading your work) can trace the facts, statistics,
and insights back to their original sources.
The purpose of a bibliography
A bibliography is the list of sources a work‘s author used to create the work. It accompanies just
about every type of academic writing, like essays, research papers, and reports.
You might also find a brief, less formal bibliography at the end of a journalistic piece,
presentation, or video when the author feels it‘s necessary to cite their sources. In nearly all
academic instances, a bibliography is required.
Not including a bibliography (or including an incomplete, incorrect, or falsified bibliography) can
be considered an act of plagiarism, which can lead to a failing grade, being dropped from your
course or program, and even being suspended or expelled from your school.
A bibliography accomplishes a few things. These include:
• Showing your instructor that you conducted the necessary research for your assignment
• Crediting your sources‘ authors for the research they conducted
• Making it easy for anybody who reads your work to find the sources you used and conduct
their own research on the same or a similar topic
Additionally, future historians consulting your writing can use your bibliography to identify
primary and secondary sources in your research field. Documenting the course information from
its original source through later academic works can help researchers understand how that
information has been cited and interpreted over time. It can also help them review the information
in the face of competing—and possibly contradictory or revisionary—data.
In nearly all cases, a bibliography is found at the end of a book or paper.
Different kinds of bibliographies
Different types of academic works call for different types of bibliographies. For example, your
computer science professor might require you to submit an annotated bibliography along with
your paper because this type of bibliography explains the why behind each source you chose to
consult.
Analytical bibliography
An analytical bibliography documents a work‘s journey from manuscript to published book or
article. This type of bibliography includes the physical characteristics of each cited source, like
each work‘s number of pages, type of binding used, and illustrations.
Annotated bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a bibliography that includes annotations, which are short notes
explaining why the author chose each of the sources. Generally a few sentences long, these notes
might summarize or reflect on the source.
An annotated bibliography is not the same as a literature review. While a literature review
discusses how you conducted your research and how your work fits into the overall body of
established research in your field, an annotated bibliography simply explains how each source
you used is relevant to your work.
Enumerative bibliography
An enumerative bibliography is the most basic type of bibliography. It‘s a list of sources used to
conduct research, often ordered according to specific characteristics, like alphabetically by
authors‘ last names or grouped according to topic or language.
Specific types of enumerative bibliographies used for research works include:
National bibliography
A national bibliography groups sources published in a specific region or nation. In many cases,
these bibliographies also group works according to the time period during which they were
published.
Personal bibliography
A personal bibliography lists multiple works by the same individual author or group of authors.
Often, personal bibliographies include works that would be difficult to find elsewhere, like
unpublished works.
Corporate bibliography
In a corporate bibliography, the sources are grouped according to their relation to a specific
organization. The sources can be about an organization, published by that organization, or owned
by that organization.
Subject bibliography
Subject bibliographies group works according to the subjects they cover. Generally, these
bibliographies list primary and secondary sources, whereas other types of enumerative
bibliographies, like personal bibliographies, might not.
Other types of bibliographies
In some cases, it makes sense to use a bibliography format other than those listed here. These
include:
Single-author bibliography
This type of bibliography lists works by a single author. With certain assignments, like an essay
comparing two of an author‘s books, your bibliography is a single-author bibliography by default.
In this case, you can choose how to order the sources, such as by publication date or
alphabetically by title.
Selected bibliography
A selected bibliography is a bibliography that only lists some of the sources you consulted.
Usually, these are the most important sources for your work. You might write a selected
bibliography if you consulted a variety of minor sources that you didn‘t end up citing directly in
your work. A selected bibliography may also be an annotated bibliography.
Structure of bibliography
Although each style guide has its own formatting rules for bibliographies, all bibliographies
follow a similar structure. Key points to keep in mind when you‘re structuring a bibliography
include:
• Every bibliography page has a header. Format this header according to the style guide
you‘re using.
• Every bibliography has a title, such as ―Works Cited,‖ ―References,‖ or simply
―Bibliography.‖
• Bibliographies are lists. List your sources alphabetically according to their authors‘ last
names or their titles—whichever is applicable according to the style guide you‘re using. The
exception is a single-author bibliography or one that groups sources according to a shared
characteristic.
• Bibliographies are double-spaced.
• Bibliographies should be in legible fonts, typically the same font as the papers they
accompany.
Steps to write a bibliography
The term ―bibliography‖ is a catch-all for any list of sources cited at the end of an academic work.
Certain style guides use different terminology to refer to bibliographies. For example, MLA
format refers to a paper‘s bibliography as its Works Cited page.
APA refers to it as the References page. No matter which style guide you‘re using, the process for
writing a bibliography is generally the same. The primary difference between the different style
guides is how the bibliography is formatted.
The first step in writing a bibliography is organizing all the relevant information about the sources
you used in your research. Relevant information about a source can vary according to the type of
media it is, the type of bibliography you‘re writing, and your style guide.
Determine which information you need to include about each source by consulting the style guide
you‘re using. If you aren‘t sure what to include, or if you‘re not sure which style guide to use, ask
your instructor.
The next step is to format your sources according to the style guide you‘re using. MLA, APA, and
the Chicago Manual of Style are three of the most commonly used style guides in academic
writing.
MLA Works Cited page
In MLA format, the bibliography is known as the Works Cited page. MLA is typically used for
writing in the humanities, like English and History. Because of this, it includes guidelines for
citing sources like plays, videos, and works of visual art—sources you‘d find yourself consulting
for these courses, but probably not in your science and business courses.
• Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. City of Publication, Publisher, Publication
Date.
If the cited book was published prior to 1900, is from a publisher with offices in multiple
countries, or is from a publisher that is largely unknown in the US, include the book‘s city of
publication. Otherwise, this can be left out.
• Last name, First initial. (Year of publication). Title of work. Publisher Name.
Digital object identifier (DOI).
Scholarly articles are cited in this format:
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) permits authors to format bibliographies in two different
ways: the notes and bibliography system and the author-date system. The former is generally used
in the humanities, whereas the latter is usually used in the sciences and social sciences.
Both systems include guidelines for citations on a paper‘s body pages as well as a bibliographic
list that follows the paper. This list is titled Bibliography.
UNIT V
PART –A
Proof reading for Print Media/Pre-Print Proof reading. The most common form of
proofreading is print media proofreading, which refers to newspapers, novels,
and other similar publications. ...
Academic Proofreading. ...
Translation or Bilingual Proofreading. ...
Monolingual Proofreading. ...
Stylistic Proofreading. ...
Conclusion.
4. What are the steps of proofreading?
Proofreading Techniques
Read your paper aloud. Sometimes writing sounds different in your head
than it sounds on paper.
Make a list of errors that you commonly make and keep an eye out for
them.
Read the text backwards. ...
Proofread for only one type of error at a time.
Plan to read your paper several times – each time for a different
challenge:
Spelling.
Punctuation. Commas. Apostrophes. Periods.
Verbs.
Subject-verb agreement.
Pronouns.
Other grammatical errors. Sentence fragments. Misplaced or dangling
modifiers.
8. What are the errors of a project report?
Avoid scenarios where your involvement was limited, and the skill or behavior
was actually achieved by your manager or your team. You are being personally
assessed in the Project Report on whether you have achieved competence, so
make sure you explain your actions and the judgments that you made clearly.
Short for typographical error, a typo is a mistake made in typed or printed text.
Some quick examples are spelling occurrence with one 'c' or 'r,' or spelling
'receive' as 'receive. ’Even if you are an expert in the 'i before e except after c
rule,' it's easy to type a word as common as 'science' incorrectly.
For magazines and journals: Last Name, First Name. ―Title: Subtitle.‖ Name of
Journal, volume number, issue number, Date of Publication, First Page Number–
Last Page Number.
APA Style is the most popular citation style, widely used in the social and
behavioral sciences. MLA style is the second most popular, used mainly in the
humanities. Chicago notes and bibliography style is also popular in the
humanities, especially history. Chicago author-date style tends to be used in the
sciences.
You will not always need to include a bibliography with your assignment. Please
check your assignment instructions or check with your subject coordinator if you
are unsure whether a bibliography is required.
They help you keep track of your own research. They can help your readers find
more information on the topic. They prove that the information in your research
came from trustworthy sources. They give credit to the original sources and
authors.
Types of Bibliographies
National Bibliography.
Personal Bibliography.
Corporate Bibliography.
Subject Bibliography.
A website is cited similarly to a book or article by including the author, title, and
publisher, date of publication, and URL for the source. The bibliographic entry
style varies depending on the utilization of Chicago, APA, or MLA style, but all of
these elements are always included when available.
What is a bibliography? The term bibliography is the term used for a list of
sources (e.g. books, articles, websites) used to write an assignment (e.g. an
essay). It usually includes all the sources consulted even if they not directly cited
(referred to) in the assignment.
Business proposals, reports, and professional letters can use Serif fonts
like Times New Roman and Garamond. Some users who want to be a bit different
from the prime fonts for professional documents choose Baskerville. The size of
the fonts takes into consideration readability as well as space
Recommended serif fonts include Cambria, Georgia, and Times New Roman.
Sans serif fonts don't have small strokes attached to their letters, giving them a
cleaner and more modern style. Some recommended sans serif fonts include
Arial, Calibri, and Verdana.
Font size. It is best practice to type word documents in font size 14, and no
smaller than font size 12, to assist readers with visual impairments. Remember
that no one font size will suit everyone.
However, some commonly used default fonts include Arial, Times New Roman,
Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana, and Tahoma. These fonts are chosen for their
readability and compatibility across various platforms, making them widely
recognized and used.
The basic text should be in ―Times New Romans‖ of font 12 point. However, 10
point font size may be used for footnotes, captions, figures, tables and other
print outside the basic text.
The dimension of the project report should be in A4 size. The project report
should be bound using flexible cover of the thick white art paper. The cover
should be printed in black letters and the text for printing should be identical.
FontsandSpacing
unless otherwise specified. Titles and headings may be in a bold 'sans serif' font
(such as 'Ariel'). A blank line, but no indentation, is used between paragraphs.
Designated as the ―1.0‖ for spacing length, single spacing is the standard on
which other types of line spacing are based. Essentially, single spacing puts a
new line of text directly underneath the previous one, with minimal space in
between to separate the letters.
Illustrations can help support the narrative. They can help you make your points
clearly by visualizing the information and showing information in different forms.
Illustrations can support your narrative by succinctly presenting ideas that may
have required hundreds of words.
A List of Illustrations, which may appear at the front of a book, gives a list of
photographs, drawings, tables, or other types of illustrations used to support the
contents of the book.
For a basic table, click Insert > Table and move the cursor over the grid until you
highlight the number of columns and rows you want. For a larger table, or to
customize a table, select Insert > Table > Insert Table. Tips: If you already have
text separated by tabs, you can quickly convert it to a table.
Click in the table that you want to format. Under Table Tools, click the Design
tab. In the Table Styles group, rest the pointer over each table style until you
find a style that you want to use. Note: To see more styles, click the more arrow.
An oral report is simply the oral report of an activity done by a student. It can be
either synchronous or asynchronous and may or may not be accompanied by
slides.
The standard oral report consists of an introduction ("tell the audience what you
are going to tell them"), a main body ("tell them"), and a conclusion ("tell them
what you have told them"). The introduction should include an overview of the
rest of the talk to help the listener understand what you are going to say.
Discussion. ...
The ending. ...
Recommendations.
PART –B
Over View
Introduction
Do not rely on spelling and grammar checkers
Introduction
Proofreading what you have written can be very dull. There are many
different ways to proofread writing. What works for one person may
constitute a painful process for another.
Regardless of the method you choose, proofreading is a critical part
of the writing process and should never be overlooked. Here are
some effective methods for proofreading your documents.
Spell checkers are great as a first step and will be useful in assisting
you to identify high-level errors. However, automated spelling and
grammar checkers are severely limited. They cannot identify many
common grammatical errors.
Example: There are at least too reasons why students should not rely
on spell check. [Note that the word ―too‖ is incorrect. ―Too‖ means,
also. The correct word is ―two‖ for the number 2.]
This forces you to voice every single word and involves your auditory
senses in the process, meaning that you can hear how the text
actually sounds when it is read.
Dividing the text into separate sections provides you with more
manageable tasks. Read each section carefully. Then, take a break
before you progress to the next.
This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the task ahead
and will allow you to concentrate more effectively on the section of
writing that you are proofreading.
with the last word in your text and follow each one separately until
you reach the beginning of the document.
While you are doing this, you are not really interested in punctuation
and grammar; you are focusing entirely on how the words have been
spelled. Many proofreaders also recommend reading papers
backwards, sentence by sentence.
If you are aware of the common errors you make, you can learn to
look for them during the writing process itself. Over a period of time,
will learn to avoid them altogether.
Keep style guides and grammar rules at hand as you proofread. Look
up any areas of which you are uncertain. Over time, you will develop
your knowledge and your writing skills will improve.
Over View
Obviously, marketing content and advertising copy don’t always follow the
rules of grammar.
But if you understand the rules, you’ll know when they should and
shouldn’t be broken. The simplest, most indispensable guide for English
style and usage is still The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and
E.B. White.
At the very least, designate a style manual that your writers and
proofreaders should follow. AP Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of
Style are two popular choices.
Spell check will catch common misspellings, but it won’t know if you
misspelled a proper name or misused a word. Is it ―color pallet‖ or ―color
palette‖? And the grammar check is wrong more often than not.
5) Minimize distractions.
Shut your door. Hang a ―do not disturb‖ sign. And unless you can listen to
music without getting lost in it, turn off the iTunes.
Think about what the omission of one zero in a price could cost you.
Enough said. Your call-to-action is usually the most important thing that
will be read.
But how many times have you merely skimmed your phone number, web
address and email? All it takes is one transposed number or letter, and all
your efforts are for naught.
Proofing your copy backwards helps you focus on every word and catch
things you may have overlooked, such as duplicate words and misspellings.
10) Sleep on it
You lose perspective after reading the same thing again and again,
especially if you wrote it. If possible, come back to your copy the next day
with fresh eyes.
I hope these tips will help you put a solid proofreading system in place and
avoid some very awkward conversations with your boss or client.
Over view
Definition
What is the purpose of a bibliography?
What are the different kinds of bibliographies?
Analytical bibliography
Annotated bibliography
Enumerative bibliography
National bibliography
Personal bibliography
Corporate bibliography
Subject bibliography
Other types of bibliographies
How is a bibliography structured?
How do you write a bibliography?
APA References page
Definition
Bibliography is a list of all the sources you consulted while writing your
paper. Every book, article, and even video you used to gather information for
your paper needs to be cited in your bibliography so your instructor (and any
others reading your work) can trace the facts, statistics, and insights back to
their original sources.
A bibliography is the list of sources a work’s author used to create the work.
It accompanies just about every type of academic writing,
like essays, research papers, and reports.
You might also find a brief, less formal bibliography at the end of a
journalistic piece, presentation, or video when the author feels it’s necessary
to cite their sources.
Showing your instructor that you conducted the necessary research for your
assignment
Making it easy for anybody who reads your work to find the sources you
used and conduct their own research on the same or a similar topic
Analytical bibliography
Annotated bibliography
work fits into the overall body of established research in your field, an
annotated bibliography simply explains how each source you used is relevant
to your work.
Enumerative bibliography
o National bibliography
o Personal bibliography
o Corporate bibliography
o Subject bibliography
In some cases, it makes sense to use a bibliography format other than those
o Single-author bibliography
In this case, you can choose how to order the sources, such as by
o Selected bibliography
you consulted. Usually, these are the most important sources for your
work.
sources that you didn’t end up citing directly in your work. A selected
Although each style guide has its own formatting rules for bibliographies, all
bibliographies follow a similar structure. Key points to keep in mind when you’re
structuring a bibliography include:
o Every bibliography page has a header. Format this header according to the
simply ―Bibliography.‖
bibliographies.
o For example, you might write an analytical bibliography for your art
history paper because this type of bibliography gives you space to discuss
how the construction methods used for your sources inform their content
and vice-versa. If you aren’t sure which kind of bibliography to write, ask
your instructor.
o The term ―bibliography‖ is a catch-all for any list of sources cited at the
end of an academic work.
o Certain style guides use different terminology to refer to bibliographies. For
example, MLA format refers to a paper’s bibliography as its Works Cited
page. APA refers to it as the References page.
o No matter which style guide you’re using, the process for writing a
bibliography is generally the same. The primary difference between the
different style guides is how the bibliography is formatted.
o The first step in writing a bibliography is organizing all the relevant
information about the sources you used in your research. Relevant
information about a source can vary according to the type of media it is,
the type of bibliography you’re writing, and your style guide.
o Determine which information you need to include about each source by
consulting the style guide you’re using. If you aren’t sure what to include,
or if you’re not sure which style guide to use, ask your instructor.
o The next step is to format your sources according to the style guide you’re
using. MLA, APA, and the Chicago Manual of Style are three of the most
commonly used style guides in academic writing.
o In MLA format, the bibliography is known as the Works Cited page. MLA is
typically used for writing in the humanities, like English and History.
Because of this, it includes guidelines for citing sources like plays, videos,
and works of visual art—sources you’d find yourself consulting for these
courses, but probably not in your science and business courses.
o If the cited book was published prior to 1900, is from a publisher with
offices in multiple countries, or is from a publisher that is largely unknown
in the US, include the book’s city of publication. Otherwise, this can be left
out.
o This format includes citation instructions for technical papers and data-
heavy research, the types of sources you’re likely to consult for academic
writing in these fields.
o Last name, First initial. (Year of publication). Title of work. Publisher Name.
number
Over View
Narrowing down
Making a choice
The goal here is to present my new course and myself as a credible and
capable person to teach about the topic. The website is not about
reading long articles, it needs to get a visitor’s attention quickly.
Are we choosing a font for body text or for headings? Since the goal is
to captivate visitors, I wanted to focus on choosing the right font for the
headings.
o The text
Reading the text we’re designing for is fundamental—how can you choose a
font for something you have no idea what it’s about? Reading samples of
text should be right at the start of the process. Don’t use Lorem Ipsum, if
you can’t get samples of content, try to find a similar website and ―borrow‖
its content until you do get them.
For UX Buddy, I already had the title, the value proposition and the name.
So I was good to go.
At this point, I had some text to work with, I knew what its goal was and I
also knew I was focusing on finding the perfect font for headings. That,
combined with the branding that reflects my personality, led me towards
using a geometric sans serif font, my favourite style. If you don’t know the
basic font styles and how to tell them apart, check out my guide to
recognising font styles. It’s the very first step in making original font
choices.
I first looked through the fonts of this style on Google Fonts and Adobe
Fonts but couldn’t find a match. For example, I knew I wanted the font to
have single-storey ―a‖ and ―g‖ lowercase letter styles in Fig.5.1.
Double-storey ―a‖ and ―g‖ on the left, single-storey ―a‖ and ―g‖ on the right
Fig.No.5.2 Fonts
Note that Larsseit uses the double-storey style for the letter ―a‖ but it’s
possible to switch to the single-storey style with OpenType alternative
styles feature.
Interestingly, all these fonts came in numerous weights and had good
OpenType and language support. Fonts from myfonts.com can also be
loaded as web fonts straight away so I knew there wouldn’t be any
problems with their size in kilobytes. With those reassurances, I focused on
the styles of the fonts. I went on to set the text I had to work with to each
of these fonts and examined them closely. I started with the name of the
project Fig.5.3.
Fig.No.5.3 Fonts
Side note: I knew from the start that I wanted to make the logo extremely
simple as well. So I was aiming at a type-only logo.
Let’s recall the guidelines I established for the branding of the project:
o To the point instead of beating around the bush These were great for
the next step of narrowing down and making a choice.
NARROWING DOWN
Take a look at the UX buddy name set in Larsseit, Nexa and Sofia Pro
below.
Take a closer look at the letter ―y‖. See how abrupt and sharp it seems? It
looks cold and formal. Even sterile maybe, especially when compared to
the other three fonts where the descenders are slightly curled in Fig.5.4.
(Gilroy on the right in the image below).
Fig.No.5.5 style
Two styles of descenders: very sharp, abrupt and cold on the left, curled
and thus slightly warmer and more pleasant on the right.
It didn’t align with the branding I had in mind so I eliminated these three
fonts straight away. Now, I was left with Axiforma, Mont and Gilroy. Let’s
take a look at how the title of the page looks when set with them in
Fig.5.5.
Do you notice the triangular shape in lowercase letter ―t‖ in Mont? It stands
out too much in Fig.5.6.
MAKING A CHOICE
At first, I loved how the lowercase letter ―f‖ in Axiforma aligned with other
letters in words (―Portfolio‖ in the image below). But now it also became
apparent that it looks a bit weird when it’s at the end of a word (―of‖ in the
image below). It looks unbalanced and strange in Fig.5.8.
The flow of the letters ―rtf‖ but it looks unbalanced in other words.
Descenders in Axiforma curl upwards at the very edge while they’re cut off
Gilroy isn’t perfect either, I don’t really like the quotation marks and the
comma. The style from Axiforma looks a lot friendlier and warm.
But overall, I love how well-balanced Gilroy looks. It also aligns well with what I
wanted to achieve for the branding of the project so I decided to use it.
The system font is a perfect companion in this case because what font is more
generic than the font that the user sees everywhere on their computer? Apple’s
San Francisco in Mac OS and Microsoft’s Segoe UI in Windows both look good
next to Gilroy and these are the fonts most visitors will see. Here’s the final
combination as it looks on Mac OS:
With this approach, I get a font choice that’s well-aligned with the goal of
the project and its branding but also works well with its content. It’s much
better than using a font that just looks good on a website I stumbled upon.
Over View
Line spacing is not just a cosmetic detail. It has a significant impact on how
easy or difficult it is to read and comprehend your report.
If your line spacing is too tight, your text will look crowded and dense,
making it hard to scan and follow. If your line spacing is too loose, your
text will look sparse and disconnected, making it hard to maintain focus
and coherence. Ideally, your line spacing should be balanced and
consistent, creating a clear and comfortable visual flow for your readers.
If you use Microsoft Word to create your business report, you can easily
adjust the line spacing of your document using the Paragraph dialog box.
To access it, select the text you want to change, right-click on it, and
choose Paragraph from the menu.
Alternatively, you can go to the Home tab, click on the Line and Paragraph
Spacing icon, and select Line Spacing Options. In the Paragraph dialog box,
you can choose from various preset options for line spacing, such as
Single, 1.5 lines, or Double, or you can enter a custom value in the At box.
You can also adjust the spacing before and after each paragraph in the
same dialog box.
If you use Google Docs to create your business report, you can also adjust
the line spacing of your document using the Format menu.
To access it, select the text you want to change, go to the Format tab, and
choose Line spacing from the menu. You can choose from various preset
options for line spacing, such as 1, 1.15, 1.5, or 2, or you can enter a
custom value in the Custom spacing option.
You can also adjust the spacing before and after each paragraph in the
same option.
One of the common mistakes that can affect report readability with line
spacing is inconsistency.
This can happen when you copy and paste text from different sources, or
when you apply different styles and formats to different sections of your
document. To avoid this, you should check the line spacing consistency of
your document before you finalize and submit it.
You can do this by using the Show/Hide command in Word or Google Docs,
which will display the formatting marks and symbols in your document.
This will help you identify any discrepancies or errors in the line spacing, as
well as other aspects such as indentation, alignment, and punctuation.
You can then correct them manually or by using the Clear Formatting
command in Word or Google Docs, which will remove any formatting from
the selected text and apply the default style.
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any
of the previous sections.
Over View
Definition of Table
More about Tables
Steps to prepare tables in a technical report
Index
Steps to Formatting Tables in a Technical Report
Definition of Table
Table Title
We should ensure that the table title clearly describes the information
contained in it.
The title should be definite, clear and short. But the utmost important thing
is that it must convey the information clearly even at the cost of being a bit
long.
4. Make a detailed outline for each of the primary classifications. Check these
outlines for consistency and logic.
5. Make a preliminary design and fill in the column heads and stub. Insert
enough entries, so that you can test the design for ease of reading and
effectiveness.
7. When you have decided upon a firm design, insert all of the entries in the
body of the table.
8. Write the footnotes and key them to the proper entries or heads.
9. Write the title. This should be done after the table has been designed
rather than before, so that you can be sure of the contents. If it appears to
be too long, try to shorten it by introducing a subtitle.
11. Finally, we should check the table against the purpose for which it
was designed.
Tables help organize content for easy reading. They’re used extensively
throughout technical documents, so they need to be accurate,
comprehensive, and economic of space.
Simple tables have only one row and column structure. They can contain
any combination of text, graphics, images or other objects.
Complex tables are composed of several rows and columns. The data in
these tables must be properly formatted before they can be used.
8. Insert Images
9. Format Data
11. Proofread
12. Publish
14. Deliver
15. Update
Most documents use a standard template called a style sheet. A style sheet
defines how the formatting is applied to the entire document. It tells the
computer how to apply paragraph styles, font sizes, margins, and so forth.
File format : Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022,
2023, 2024, 2025, etc.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction
List of References
Index
Individual files contain only one type of content. For example, an individual
file may have text or graphics; however, these types of content cannot be
edited independently. Therefore, if you want to make changes to the text
or graphics, you must edit the entire file.
Casual readers would like to read and graphics on the other hand . These
pages can be printed out separately and viewed individually.
Multiple-page files are often used to present tables. For example,, you
could create a three-page document with a table on the left side and a
chart on the right.
If you’ve ever worked with Microsoft Word, you know that there’s more
than one way to organize a document. Although most people prefer to
work with multiple-page files, some prefer to work with single
2. Write Body
3. Proofread
4. Edit
5. Print
6. Submit
7. Publish
1. Ensure image clarity: Make sure that all the parts of the figure are clear: 18 Use
standard font; check that labels are legible against the figure background; and
2. Use legends to explain the key message:25 Figure legends are pivotal to the
3. Label all important parts: Label the key sections and parts of schematic
diagrams and photographs, and all axes, curves, and data sets in graphs and
data plots.6,7,16,18
4. Give specifics: Include scale bars in images and maps; specify units wherever
quantities are listed; include legends in maps and schematics; and specify
latitudes and longitudes on maps.7,18
Get help with creating technical artwork as per the guidelines of your target
journal with Editage’s professional artwork services.
well-designed figure.
2. The column heads are descriptive and clearly indicate the nature of the data
presented.
information.
6. Sufficient spacing is present between columns and rows; the layout is clean,
The figure below from a paper on the efficacy of oyster reefs as natural
The informative title that immediately tells the reader what to expect in the
graph.
2. The key clearly identifies what each element in the graph stands for.
3. A figure legend at the bottom draws the reader’s attention to the graph's
key points.
Over View
Take note of the facts and concepts that interest you or otherwise stand
out. If you ever find yourself surprised by something you read while
researching, make a point of referencing it in your report. Note that the
footnotes of Wikipedia articles can provide you with a slew of citable
sources, making your time spent researching especially fruitful.[2]
o Double check any sources you're unsure of or intend to rely upon
heavily.
7. Use your conclusion to convey gratitude and repeat your main point.
Throughout your report, you’ll address specific supporting material that will
culminate in a convincing presentation of your main points. As you develop
the conclusion, be sure to explicitly restate your main points. Thank the
audience for the their time, and welcome any questions they might have.
Even if you do not intend to use notecards while giving your report, make
some to help you condense the material you hope to cover and to help you
practice giving your report.
Paraphrase your key points and write them in bullet format. Reducing your
points into bullet points will ensure you memorize the supporting material
as you practice, and will be able to give the report while looking at your
audience.
o Summarize subsidiary points into one word, if possible. This will
ensure you do not forget them, but will also not be sidetracked by
focusing too much on a tangential point.
o Include hard facts and statistics in your notecards too, especially
numerical data, as it is beneficial to have these on hand for
immediate reference.
Though it may feel as though more material means more support, more
material may also increase the chances that your audience will lose track of
your main point. The more concise you are, the more clear your report will
be. Further, too much material risks running over your allotted time and
increases the chances you lose track of your train of thought while giving
your report.
o Save nuanced dialogue for a question and answer session, if one
will be allowed. Hint at controversial or otherwise commonly
contended points, and anticipate addressing at least one additional
response to such a challenge if it is raised.
Especially if giving oral reports is a new experience for you, timing yourself
can help prevent certain bad habits by reassuring you that you’re on track.
Incorporate any visuals into your practice regimen, in part because they
will help you stay on track and maintain your timing.
o As an example, a 10-minute oral report should be practiced to the
point you can give it in 9 to 9.5 minutes.
o With such a time allotment, spend a maximum of 1 minute on your
introduction, with 7 to 7.5 minutes on the body of your report, and 1
to 1.5 minutes left to conclude.
Understand that’s totally okay to feel nervous about giving an oral report.
Remind yourself that you’re prepared, rehearsed, and organized – all that’s
left is to share it with the audience. Take a few deep breaths before taking
the podium and picture yourself nailing it as you prepare to begin.
o If you’re nervous, you may wind up speaking too quickly or too softly
without thinking about it. Stay aware of your voice and the speed with
which you’re speaking.
o Smile. Not only will this help engage your audience, it’ll help calm you
down!
Keep your audience engaged throughout your report by giving them small
breaks as you speak. You may include a "think-pair-share" activity by
asking your audience a specific question, having them discuss it with the
person next to them, then offering to share their ideas. You can also
include short activities to help your audience solidify their understanding of
your topic.
8. Explain the detail about the techniques for the report writing
with an example.
Over View
Reports don’t always follow the same formats or include all the possible,
different sections. If you’re unsure about the correct report writing format
to use, check with your tutor (at university) or find out the preferred layout
that your company uses.
Research report
o Title page – the title of your report, your name, the date, academic
information (your course and tutor’s name).
o Acknowledgements – if you’ve received help (ie from experts,
academics, libraries).
o Terms of reference (optional)
This gives the scope and limitations of your report – your objective in
writing and who it’s for.
o Summary / Abstract – in brief, the most important points of your report:
your objectives (if you don’t include a terms of reference section), main
findings, conclusions and recommendations.
o Table of Contents
All the sections and sub-sections of your report with page references, plus
a list of diagrams or illustrations and appendices.
o Introduction
Why you’re researching the topic, the background and goals of your
research, your research methods, plus your conclusion in brief.
o Methods / Methodology / Procedure (optional – if not included in the
introduction)
How you carried out your research, techniques, equipment or procedures
you used.
o Main body / Discussion (the longest part of your report)
Contains an analysis and interpretation of your findings (often linked to
current theory or previous research) divided into headings and sub-
headings for clarity. You can also include visual information, such as
diagrams, illustrations, charts, etc.
o Results (can also go before the main body of the report)
The findings of your research (also presented in tables, etc) but without
any discussion or interpretation of them.
o Conclusion
What you can say about the results – your deductions, and the most
important findings from your research.
o Recommendations (can also be part of the conclusion section)
Number these if you have more than one.
o Appendices
Extra information which is too long for the main body of your report, such
as tables, questionnaires, etc.
o References
All the sources you refer to in your report.
o Bibliography (optional)
Books, journals, etc which you read or used during your research.
o Glossary (optional)
Technical or jargon words which your reader might not understand.
Report Writing Tips
These report writing tips will save you time and make sure that what you
write is relevant. There are five writing tips followed by five language tips.
read the brief carefully and refer back to it so that everything you write
and include is relevant.
Include adequate spacing and margins to make the text look less dense
Write well-structured paragraphs. Paragraphs shouldn’t be more than five
sentences long. For example, your first sentence is the topic sentence –
the main idea of the paragraph. The second to fourth sentences expand on
this idea, giving supporting or additional information, commenting on the
points raised, or referring to other data. The final sentence concludes the
ideas presented, or leads on to the following paragraph.
5. Edit and proof read!
Here’s a check list of what you should ask yourself before submitting your report:
To make your business report sound more objective, you can use the ―third
person‖. For example, ―This report outlines the advantages and
disadvantages of company pension schemes.‖ Other verbs you can use in
the ―third person‖ are:
o analyze
―This section analyzes the differences between the two markets.‖
o describe
―This report describes the procedures commonly used in assessing
insurance claims.‖
o discuss
―This report discusses the implications of the new building regulations.‖
o examine
―This report examines the impact of natural disasters on our production
facilities.‖
o explain
―This section explains the decisions to suspend investment in Europe.‖
o identify
―This report identifies the advantages and disadvantages of relocating our
head office.‖
o illustrate
―This report illustrates the main difficulties in opening new branches in
Asia.‖
o outline
―This section outlines our R&D priorities.‖
o review
―This report reviews our franchising operations.‖
o summarize
―This report summarizes the main points raised at the Shareholders
Meeting.‖
o Keep an eye on punctuation
o Correct punctuation helps your reader move more easily through your