Technical Report Writing Dr. Shelley Thomas

Overview Selecting effective report topics Using worksheets to plan projects Developing and proposing project plans Developing effective report drafts Revising drafts

3-Parts of Report Writing Part 1: Proposal plan and propose project to instructor Part 2: First draft of report conduct research and interpret findings develop and design visual and textual content Part 3: Revise and add formal elements revise draft (style, cohesion, and usage) for situation and audiences develop front and back matter

Report Topics Students must identify a real client who has a problem, need, or opportunity has decision-making authority is available to meet face to face (at least twice)

Report Topics An investigative focus on determining whether a solution is feasible. Investigates whether X is a feasible solution to the client’s problem. Makes a recommendation to implement or not implement X. Investigates whether Y or Z is a more feasible solution to the client’s problem. Makes a recommendation to implement Y, Z, or neither.

Report Topics An investigative focus on understanding a problem and identifying a plan of action for solving it. Investigates why X occurred (or is occurring). Recommends a plan of action for resolving X.

Report Topics An investigative focus on convincing a client to implement a particular solution to solve a problem (or realize an opportunity). Proposes that the client authorize the writer to implement solution X, which will solve the client’s problem. Proposes that the client consider an alternate method, procedure, or product for meeting an existing need.

Questions? Suggested Topics

Project Planning Worksheets Purpose: to help students create a realistic plan for researching and developing their report test the suitability of the topic create a framework or research plan that will guide their investigative efforts their interpretive acts

Project Planning Worksheets Worksheet 1 : Problem and Solution Analysis Analyzing problem Identifying goals and criteria for effective solutions Forecasting possible solutions

Project Planning Worksheets Problem Analysis Problem statement Workplace context Systems context Negative consequences Potential causes Remedies in progress

Project Planning Worksheets Criteria for Effective Solution(s) Goals solution(s) should achieve Criteria for evaluating solution(s) Conditions constraining solution(s)

Project Planning Worksheets Solution Analysis How the solution solves the problem Negative consequences eliminated Positive consequences added How the solution compares to other solutions (possibly, how the solution compares to doing nothing)

Project Planning Worksheets Worksheet 2: Audience Analysis Identifying audience groups Analyzing audience characteristics

Project Planning Worksheets Identifying audience groups primary, secondary, tertiary tangential or chance

Project Planning Worksheets Analyzing audience characteristics level of knowledge, experience point of view (purpose, concerns) attitude and motivation learning needs and learning styles expectations and assumptions

Project Planning Worksheets Worksheet 3: Research Plan Have identified problem and solution(s) to be analyzed context for the problem audience groups for report goals and criteria for evaluating the solution(s) Need a rigorous method or research plan

Project Planning Worksheets Worksheet 3: Research Plan For each criterion identified, identify required information (background information about criterion and information about solution in light of the criterion) select methods for collecting information (observation, interviews, interaction w/system, review of literature or artifacts, questionnaires and surveys) list resources available

Project Plan Proposals Students propose their project plan to the instructor. Students must convince the instructor that they understand the client’s problem have identified appropriate criteria or goals for a successful solution have developed a feasible schedule of activities are qualified to perform this investigation and analysis

Drafts Students draft their work and conference with the instructor before the final version is due.