REPORT WRITING

Definition:

A report is a document that presents information and findings on a specific topic or issue. The
purpose of a report is to communicate information clearly and concisely, often with the aim of
informing decision-making.

Types:

There are many types of reports, including:

Business reports: These reports are often used in corporate settings to inform decision-making
by presenting data, analysis, and recommendations.

Academic reports: These reports are commonly used in academic settings to present research
findings or to document the results of experiments or studies.

Technical reports: These reports are used in technical fields, such as engineering and science,
to communicate technical information.

Progress reports: These reports are used to track progress over time, often in the context of a
project or initiative.

Investigative reports: These reports are used to investigate and document incidents or issues,
such as accidents or violations of policies or regulations.

What makes a good report?

A good report should be clear, concise, and well-organized. It should also be accurate and
objective, presenting information without bias or personal opinion. A good report should also
have a clear purpose or objective (goal), and should be tailored to the intended audience.

Tips:

 Define the purpose and scope of the report before you begin writing.
 Conduct thorough research and gather all relevant information.
 Organize your information logically and clearly, using headings, subheadings, and bullet
points where appropriate.
 Use simple, clear language that is easy to understand.
  Include visuals, such as graphs or charts, to help illustrate your points.
 Proofread and edit your report carefully to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Dos and don'ts:

Dos:

 Do define the purpose and scope of your report before you begin writing.
 Do conduct thorough research and gather all relevant information.
 Do organize your information logically and clearly.
 Do use visuals to help illustrate your points.
 Do proofread and edit your report carefully.

Don'ts:

 Don't include personal opinions or biases in your report.

In summary, a good report should be clear, concise, and well-organized. It should present
information accurately and objectively, and be tailored to the intended audience. Following these
tips and dos and don'ts can help you write an effective report.

Structure/Format in Report Writing

A report is usually structured in a way that presents information in a clear and organized
manner. Although there may be some variations depending on the type and purpose of the report,
the general structure of a report typically includes the following sections:

Title page: This includes the title of the report, the name of the author or authors, the date of
submission, and any other relevant information such as the name of the organization or company.

Table of contents: This lists the sections and subsections of the report, along with their
corresponding page numbers.

Executive summary: This provides a brief overview of the report, including the key findings,
conclusions, and recommendations. It is usually written after the rest of the report has been
completed, and is intended to be read by busy decision-makers who may not have time to read
the entire report.
 Introduction: This provides background information on the topic of the report, and may also
include a statement of the problem or issue that the report aims to address.

Methodology: This explains the methods used to gather and analyze data, and may include
details on the sample size, data collection instruments, and statistical analyses used.

Results: This presents the findings of the research or analysis in a clear and concise manner. It
may include tables, charts, or graphs to illustrate the data.

Discussion: This section interprets the results and explains their significance in the context of
the problem or issue being addressed. It may also compare the results to previous research or
theories.

Conclusions: This summarizes the main findings and draws conclusions based on the evidence
presented in the report.

Recommendations: This suggests actions or changes that should be taken based on the
conclusions of the report.

Reference:

Appendix:

Logical Report Writing

Logical report writing refers to the process of presenting information and ideas in a structured
and organized manner that makes sense to the reader. It involves creating a clear and coherent
flow of information that follows a logical sequence and allows the reader to easily understand the
purpose and meaning of the report.

To write a logical report, it is important to start with a clear understanding of the purpose and
scope of the report, and to identify the key messages and main ideas that need to be conveyed.
Once this is done, the report can be organized into sections or subsections that follow a logical
progression and that are easy to navigate.

There are several key elements to consider when writing a logical report:

Clear and concise language: Use simple, clear language that is easy to understand, and avoid
using technical jargon or overly complex sentences.
 Logical flow: Organize the report in a way that follows a logical sequence and that allows the
reader to easily follow the flow of information.

Headings and subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to break up the report into sections
and to help the reader navigate through the information.

Visual aids: Use tables, charts, graphs, or other visual aids to help illustrate the key points and
to make the information more accessible.

Conclusion and recommendations: End the report with a clear and concise summary of the
key findings and recommendations, so that the reader understands the main takeaways from the
report.

By following these elements, logical report writing can help to ensure that the reader
understands the purpose and meaning of the report, and can use the information presented to
make informed decisions or take appropriate actions.

Academic Report Writing

Academic report writing involves presenting information, analysis, and findings on a specific
topic or research question in a structured and organized manner. The goal of academic report
writing is to communicate research results or data to a specific audience, often in a formal and
objective tone. The following are key elements of academic report writing:

1. Title page: This page includes the title of the report, the author's name, the date of
submission, and other relevant information such as the course name, instructor's name, and
institutional affiliation.

2. Table of contents: This provides an overview of the report's structure and helps readers
navigate through the content.

3. Executive summary: This section provides a brief summary of the report's key findings,
conclusions, and recommendations. It should be written in a clear and concise manner and
should not exceed one page.

4. Introduction: This section provides background information on the topic and outlines the
research questions or objectives. It should also explain the significance of the research and its
relevance to the field.

5. Literature review: This section provides an overview of the relevant literature on the topic,
including theories, concepts, and empirical studies. It should identify the gaps or limitations in
the existing literature and explain how the current study addresses those gaps.
6. Methodology: This section explains the research design, data collection methods, sampling
procedures, and data analysis techniques used in the study. It should also provide a justification
for the chosen methods and explain their reliability and validity.

7. Results: This section presents the findings of the study in a clear and organized manner. It
may include tables, charts, and graphs to help readers understand the data.

8. Discussion: This section interprets the results in light of the research questions or objectives.
It should also relate the findings to the existing literature and explain their implications for
theory and practice.

9. Conclusion: This section summarizes the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations
of the report. It should also identify the limitations of the study and suggest areas for future
research.

10. References: This section lists all the sources cited in the report using a specific citation
style, such as APA or MLA.

Overall, academic report writing requires careful planning, research, and organization to
effectively communicate the research results to the intended audience.

Sample report 1:

Title: Report on the 2022 Annual Tech Conference

Introduction:

The 2022 Annual Tech Conference was held on February 15th and 16th at the Moscone Center
in San Francisco. The conference was organized by the Technology Association of America
(TAA) and brought together over 1,000 technology professionals from around the world to share
insights, ideas, and best practices in the field of technology.

Methodology:

The conference featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions covering a
range of topics, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and the Internet
of Things (IoT). Attendees were also able to network with peers and visit exhibitor booths
showcasing the latest technology products and services.

Findings:

The keynote speakers included several prominent figures in the technology industry, such as Jeff
Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. They spoke about the
challenges and opportunities facing the technology industry, as well as their visions for the future
of technology.

The panel discussions and breakout sessions provided attendees with a wealth of information and
insights on various topics. For example, one panel discussion focused on the ethical
considerations of using artificial intelligence in business, while a breakout session explored the
potential of blockchain technology in healthcare.

The exhibitor booths were also a highlight of the conference, with many companies showcasing
their latest products and services. Attendees had the opportunity to try out new technologies and
learn about the latest trends in the industry.

Conclusions:

Overall, the 2022 Annual Tech Conference was a highly informative and engaging event,
providing attendees with a wealth of insights and ideas in the field of technology. The conference
was a great opportunity for professionals to learn from each other, network, and explore the
latest trends and technologies in the industry.

Recommendations:

Based on the findings of the conference, we recommend that companies continue to invest in
new technologies, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. We also
recommend that companies pay close attention to ethical considerations when implementing new
technologies, and explore the potential of emerging technologies such as blockchain and the IoT.

References:

Technology Association of America. (2022). 2022 Annual Tech Conference. Retrieved from

https://www.taa.org/annual-tech-conference-2022.

Appendix:

Conference agenda and list of exhibitors.

Sample Report 2

Business Report: "Market Analysis for ABC Corporation's New Product Launch"

Executive Summary:
 ABC Corporation is planning to launch a new product in the market. To assess the feasibility
and potential of this product, a market analysis was conducted. The findings indicate that there is
significant demand for the product, and that there is little competition in the market. Therefore, it
is recommended that ABC Corporation proceed with the launch of the new product.

Introduction:

The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of the market for ABC Corporation's new
product. The report outlines the methodology used in the market analysis, presents the findings
of the research, and provides recommendations based on the results.

Methodology:

The market analysis was conducted through a combination of primary and secondary research.
Primary research involved surveys and interviews with potential customers, while secondary
research included analysis of market trends, competitor offerings, and industry reports.

Findings:

The findings indicate that there is significant demand for the new product, particularly among
the target demographic of young professionals. The analysis also found that there is little
competition in the market, with only a few similar products currently available. Furthermore, the
analysis revealed that the price point of the new product is in line with market expectations, and
that the product's features and benefits are well-aligned with customer needs.

Recommendations:

Based on the findings of the market analysis, it is recommended that ABC Corporation proceed
with the launch of the new product. This should be supported by a strong marketing campaign
that targets the identified demographic, and that emphasizes the unique features and benefits of
the product.

Academic Report: "Effects of Social Media on Mental Health of Adolescents"

Abstract:

This report presents an analysis of the effects of social media on the mental health of
adolescents. The research was conducted through a combination of surveys and interviews with
adolescent social media users, and the findings indicate that social media use can have both
positive and negative effects on mental health. It is recommended that parents and educators
become more aware of these effects and take steps to help adolescents navigate social media use
in a healthy manner.

Introduction:
 The purpose of this report is to analyze the effects of social media on the mental health of
adolescents. The report outlines the methodology used in the research, presents the findings of
the study, and provides recommendations for parents and educators.

Methodology:

The research involved a survey of 200 adolescent social media users, as well as interviews with
a smaller sample of 20 individuals.

The survey and interviews focused on the frequency and type of social media use, as well as the
perceived effects on mental health.

Findings:

The findings indicate that social media use can have both positive and negative effects on
mental health. Positive effects include increased social connection and self-expression, while
negative effects include increased anxiety, depression, and poor body image.

The research also found that certain types of social media use, such as excessive comparison and
negative self-talk, were more strongly associated with negative mental health outcomes.

Recommendations:

Based on the findings of the research, it is recommended that parents and educators become
more aware of the effects of social media use on mental health, and take steps to help adolescents
navigate social media use in a healthy manner. This may include setting limits on social media
use, encouraging positive online interactions, and promoting awareness of the potential negative
effects of social media use.

An example of academic report writing on the topic of "The Effect of Social Media on Student
Academic Performance":

Title: The Effect of Social Media on Student Academic Performance

Executive Summary:

This report examines the effect of social media on student academic performance. The study
used a survey research design to collect data from 200 undergraduate students from a large
university in the United States. The results of the study indicate that social media use is
negatively correlated with student academic performance, and that the more time students spend
on social media, the lower their GPA is likely to be. The report concludes by suggesting that
students need to balance their use of social media with their academic responsibilities.

Introduction:
 Social media has become an integral part of the lives of many students. Platforms like Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram provide students with an easy and convenient way to stay connected with
friends and family, as well as access to information and entertainment. However, there is
growing concern that social media use may have a negative impact on student academic
performance. This report examines the effect of social media use on student academic
performance and explores possible solutions to mitigate its negative impact.

Literature Review:

Previous research has suggested that social media use can distract students from their academic
responsibilities and affect their ability to concentrate and learn. For example, a study by
Kirschner and Karpinski (2010) found that students who used Facebook while studying hadlower
GPAs than those who did not. Another study by Paul and Bhatia (2016) found that excessive
social media use was associated with lower academic performance and higher levels of anxiety
and stress among students.

Methodology:

The study used a survey research design to collect data from 200 undergraduate students from a
large university in the United States.

The survey included questions about the students' social media use, academic performance, and
study habits. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

Results:

The results of the study indicate that social media use is negatively correlated with student
academic performance. Students who reported spending more time on social media had lower
GPAs than those who spent less time. Additionally, students who reported using social media
during class or while studying had lower GPAs than those who did not.

Discussion:

The findings of this study support previous research that suggests that social media use can have
a negative impact on student academic performance. The study also suggests that students need
to balance their use of social media with their academic responsibilities. One possible solution is
for students to set aside specific times during the day for social media use, and to avoid using
social media during class or while studying.

Conclusion:

The study findings suggest that social media use can have a negative impact on student
academic performance. However, students can mitigate this negative impact by balancing their
use of social media with their academic responsibilities. Future research could explore other
possible solutions, such as the use of social media to enhance learning or the development of
educational programs to help students manage their social media use.

References:

Kirschner, P. A., & Karpinski, A. C. (2010). Facebook® and academic performance. Computers
in Human Behavior, 26(6), 1237-1245.

Paul, J. A., & Bhatia, V. (2016). The impact of social media on student life. International
Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research, 5(2), 71-75