4.0          Report Writing

4.1          Definition: Report is a record of an activity undertaken in the form of research, observation, or an experiment conducted.  A well written report presents reasons for undertaking the study, how the research is being conducted, findings made and conclusions reached.

4.2          Uses of Reports

i)                    Reports are used to document major findings in research.  

ii)                   Reports are written for the purpose of resolving conflicts.

iii)                 They are used to give account of an event showing the process or order of the event.  

i)                    They are used to make important contributions to knowledge.

ii)                   Students write reports as a prerequisite to obtain certificates in their areas of study.

iii)                 Reports are also written for explanation and understanding of a particular phenomenon.

iv)                 Reports are also used to Initiate a business plan.

4.3          Characteristics of a Good Report

-              Objectivity:  Reports are unbiased record of a research. 

-              Audience Oriented: A good report is written to meet the readers’ need.

-              Accuracy:  Both content and language should meet some level of accuracy.

-              Simplicity:  The style and language are made to aid interpretation and understanding.

-              Relevant:  The theme and supporting themes are tailored to the need of the research.

-              Logical:  In discussing the data and explaining the findings, ideas are made to relate one to another.  Also, the report writer should ensure that findings and conclusions explained are obtained from data analysis and recommendations are based on the results obtained from findings.

4.4          Stages in Report Writing

A)      Planning Stage

-          Define the purpose for writing the project.

-          Selection of topic involves a brief research, selection of suitable topics and submitting them for approval.  Only one will be approved.

-          Chart a tentative outline.

B)      Data Collection Stage

-          Define sources of data (primary and secondary sources).

-          Define note-taking techniques   (electronic or manual).

-          Define instruments for data collection and research design.

-          Research and collect data.

C)      Data Analysis Stage

-          Define analytical methods and procedures.

-          Define theoretical approaches.

-          Analyse data and record findings.

D)      Writing Project Report:  This includes presentation of outcome of research in an orderly and approved manner.  Project reports are segmented into three parts:  preliminary pages, report section and documentation section.

4.5          Types of Report

i)             Academic Report:  This type of report deals with teaching and learning. Examples of academic report include project report, thesis, dissertation, seminars, term papers, conference papers, articles in academic journals, books, etc.

ii)            Business Report:  Business report covers documentation of business related activities such as sales report, feasibility report, business seminar report, etc.

i)                    Progress Report:  Progress report is documentation of a work that is ongoing.  The report will explain part of the work executed together with its material and financial value and the part yet to be executed with its material, human and financial value.

ii)                  Financial Report:  Financial report may appear alone or attached to another report.  The aim is to show financial value of a work.

iii)                 Evaluation Report:  This type of report assesses a work, instrument or person.  The report will explain the strength and weakness of the object reported on.

iv)                 Laboratory Report:  Depending on the type of laboratory, the report involves screening, synthesizing and explaining the procedure adopted, the instrument used and results obtained.