Technical Report Writing Laboratory report by Dr Mukhzeer Mohamad Shahimin

What we will cover? Introduction to technical report writing Abstract Graphics Functional description Grammar Conclusion

Output By the end of my series of lecture, you will need to produce a technical laboratory report. Project: In group of 5 or 6, build a bridge from paper and sellotape. The aim is to produce the longest, lightest, most innovative bridge that can withstand the heaviest load. Winner will be treated lunch @Secret Recipe

Deadlines 3rd April 2012 – Submit group name and member list to mukhzeer@unimap.edu.my. Identify leader, secretary etc. 16th April 2012 – Write-up on introduction of your project, what kind of bridge and why, strategies in making the bridge 23rd April 2012 – Methodology of building the bridge. Graphics and step-by-step procedures

Deadlines 30th April 2012 – Testing of the bridge 7th May 2012 – Failure/success analysis and submission of report

Samples of bridges Girder/truss bridge

Samples of bridges Arch bridge

Samples of bridges Cable stayed bridge

Samples of bridges Rigid frame bridge

Samples of bridges Suspension bridge

Technical Report Writing Abstract by Dr Mukhzeer Mohamad Shahimin

What is Abstract? An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject or discipline, and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose.

What is Abstract? An abstract is a summary of points (as of a writing) usually presented in skeletal form; also : something that summarises or concentrates the essentials of a larger thing or several things [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]

What is Abstract? An abstract act as a face to your technical report

What is Abstract? Why equate abstract to a face?

What is Abstract? It acts as a first impression

WhyAbstract? An abstract shows How good you are Your effort Your contribution Your intelligence

How to write a good abstract?

But wait, why only good? Not perfect?

Because perfect comes with experience

How to write a good abstract?

Abstract (Executive summary) In front of most all technical reports is a special summary; which can be abstract or executive summary Abstract usually shorter than executive summary

Abstract (Executive summary) Types of abstract: Descriptive Summarise structure not substance Refer to title, brief purpose, problem and scope Typically 50 words Informative (complete) Summarise both substance and structure Condensed discussion on key imformations Typically 100-200 words

Abstract (Executive summary) Normally for large technical reports Extended, stand-alone Complete – substance and structure Often substitute the full report Rule of thumb: usually 10% length of full report

An abstract should answer the following questions: 1) Original purpose Why do you do this project? What are you trying to solve?

An abstract should answer the following questions: 2) Evaluate how much the report contributes in solving the problem Limitations? Assumptions?

An abstract should answer the following questions: 3) What is your results? Implications?

Example from IEEE SCOReD2010 paper

Example from IEEE SCOReD2010 paper