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 PART 4

CHAPTER 15

Research Report Writing

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 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

 Prepare and present a report that matches with the
type of audience for which it is intended
 Describe the characteristics of a well-written report
 Know the content of research report
 Comprehend the integral part of a report
 Prepare and present an oral report

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 15.0 Introduction

 A research report presentation consists of the

written report and oral presentation.

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 15.1 The Written Report

 The written report communicates the results and

findings of the research effort that has been carried
out by the researcher to those that instructed it to
be done as well as other interested parties.

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 15.1.1 Purpose

 Research report serves varying or different purposes

 The purpose of a research dictates its structure
 The report should have a narrow focus
 The purpose of the report determines how the report
should be written

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 15.1.2 Audience

 One rule of thumb to match the written report with

the audience is the more general the audience, the
more general the content should be and the looser
the format.

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 15.1.3 Characteristics of a Well-
written Report

Basic features of a well-written research report

 Clarity: The report is clearly written without any
ambiguity.
 Concise: The report is short or compressed in
order to be brief, but at the same time clearly
written or stated using as few words as possible to
give the necessary information.

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 15.1.3 Characteristics of a Well-
written Report (cont.)
 Coherent: Paragraphs are organized meaningfully with a
smooth and logical transition from one topic to the next
 Typo free: Grammatical and spelling errors should be
avoided
 Apt choice of words: Appropriate use of words throughout
the report and should be free of technical jargon if at all
possible
 Neat and organized: Easily readable, use of proper
headings and sub-headings so that the report is properly
organised in a logical manner facilitating the transition of
paragraphs; sentences are properly spaced for a neat
appearance
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 15.1.4 Contents of a Research
Report
 First and foremost is obviously the title. A research
report must have a title that sufficiently reflects the
content of the study.
 Following this is the abstract (for a full thesis),
executive summary (for applied research) or synopsis
(for basic research).
 Next is the table of content. It is common to have
words of dedication and/or acknowledgement written
before the table of content in a full thesis, but not
necessarily so in a business report.

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 15.2 Integral Part of the Report

 The title page

 The executive summary/synopsis
 Acknowledgements
 Table of contents
 Lists of tables, figures, etc.

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 15.2 Integral Part of the Report
(cont.)
 Introduction
 Literature review
 Methodology
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 References/Bibliography
 Appendices

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 15.3 Oral Presentation

 Most organizations require the researcher to present

the research findings (besides the written report) to a
panel of selected individuals who are experts in the
area related to the research.

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 15.3 Oral Presentation (cont.)

 An oral presentation is more of an opportunity

rather than a threat as it will enable the
researcher to portray their strengths and defend
or justify their weaknesses.

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 Pointers in Delivering a Good Oral
Presentation
 Note the time limit
 Plan your presentation properly
 The content of your presentation
 Use your creative skills
 Before the presentation
 During the presentation
 After the presentation

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