Research

Report Writing in Research: An Overview

Introduction recommendations and suggestions must justify it in the end. Report
A report is a statement of the outcomes of a study or of any substance should be easy to read, and professional in its presentation.
on which certain information is required. Reports are an important Format of the Report
component of the research study undertaken by the researcher.
Reports are the tangible product of the research effort and are the A comprehensive report may include the following contents:
only documentary evidence of the project as well as research. Reports v Title Page – it should include the title of the report, information
aim to inform, as clearly and concisely as possible. Report writing is an (name, address, and telephone) about the researcher or
essential ability for experts in almost every field. Business report, organization conducting the research, date of submission etc.
Executive Report, Technical Report and Research Report are the v Acknowledgement – the researcher acknowledge any person/
different types of reports. persons who have contributed in completing the research.
Benefits of Report Writing v Preface – it is one or two page general introduction about the
Report writing is an important phase of organization. It is topic of the research.
fundamentally essential because businesses have to transmit their v Table of Content (Index) – it is a list of the main sections, indicating
tedious work and they have to connect to the audiences and to the the page no which each section begins.
organizations whether they are internal or external. Reporting is v Introduction – this section explains why the study was
the life blood of an organization because without reporting the undertaken, statement and formulation of the problem, scope of
organizations will not have the legal existence; it is a kind of a the study and review of related studies done earlier.
communication which basically gives a flow of ideas, thoughts and the
v Research Methodology – this section explains the research
work procedures to the people. Reports make available amalgamated
method used in the study and the suitability of the method.
genuine and latest information about particular matters or subjects.
Information in the reports is well organized and can be used for future v Data – it relates to data collection, their sources, characteristics
forecasting and decision making. Reports act as real resources of and limitations. If secondary data are used, their suitability to the
communication within the organization. It is equipped for the problem should be fully assessed.
information and direction of others connected with the problem or v Analysis of Data – it is a very important part & main body of the
matter. Reports are responsible for consistent data which can be research and it is done statistically.
considered for the planning and decision making process. Reports act v Research Findings – the results of the research are explained in
as a pearl community of reliable information. Reports provide facts, this section. It is the largest section of the report.
which may not be known previously. Even new trade prospects are v Limitations of the Study – the limitations should be clearly written,
visible through unidentified information available in the reports. In as it is helpful to the reader in forming his own opinion as how far
some enterprises, reports are prepared every year for the assistance the results are reliable.
of investors. Reports give information about the development of
v Conclusion(s) – summarizes the main points made in the written
the company. Reports are useful to superiors while dealing with
work. It often includes an overall answer to the problem
contemporary problems tackled by the company.
addressed.
Report Writing Process v Recommendations & suggestions – it may be the base of decision
It is very important to write a report with utmost care. So generally the making.
process of report writing is used. There are main steps, which are
v Bibliography/References – an alphabetical list of all sources
involved in the process of report writing. (1) Organize the material -
referred in the report.
Gather relevant data and material; Develop the broad format; Sketch
out the detailed outline, (2) Write the first draft, (3) Rewriting - Polish v Appendices – all technical data such as questionnaires, sample
language and improve readability; Correct grammar and spellings; information, mathematical derivations etc. may be the part of
Evaluate appropriateness of presentation; Evaluate the contents, (4) appendices.
Final word processing; (5) Proof reading and review, (6) Submission v Glossary – it includes a list of special terms used in the research
circulation or publishing. along with their definitions.
Tips for Effective Report Writing v Subject index – a subject index is given alphabetically as a guide to
the reader for the contents of the report.
The report should be extensive enough to cover all the points but
petite enough to hold the attentiveness of the reader. The report Major Problems with Report Writing
should provide relevant and important information. Technical terms There are some common problems with report writing. Some common
used in the report should be explained in the glossary. Charts, graphs, problems are the insertion of uncaring, imprecise, or contradictory; the
statistical tables and figures should be used for interest and a quick presence of old-fashioned or inappropriate data; facts and
grasp of the research. The report should be free of grammatical opinions that are not alienated; unsupported conclusions,
mistakes. Use of quotations, footnotes, etc., should be done in the Suggestions and references; thoughtless presentation
correct manner and context. The report should be an original work. and proof-reading; excessively stress on look and not
The analysis of data must be done in a logical manner. A detailed enough care to appropriate concept and solid content.
bibliography must be given. Appendices must be numbered and We should be careful about these problems to prepare an
attached if needed. The report must be neat and attractive in effective report. MI
appearance. The summary must be given in the end. The index should Dr. Ankur Kumar Rastogi,
be clear. The objective of the study, nature and scope of the study Assistant Professor- Marketing
must be mentioned in the beginning of the study and the conclusions, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

ANAGEM ENT 4 C MDEX Times December, 2014