Report Writing

 Report writing is a major component of research study

 A proper report is needed to create a better understanding
 The research report is the systematic, articulated and orderly presentation of
research work in written form
 Even the well defined hypothesis, research design, findings and interpretation of
the results can get wasted if it is not presented to users in an effective and
meaningful manner
 The purpose of research is futile if the outcomes are not shared
 Report is an important document as it enhances the knowledge in the existing literature and
provides insights for future researches
 Writing a report requires effective communication and writing skills i.e. use of right words
and terminologies which are understood by users, command over language, logical
sequencing of content , formatting
 It demands considerable time and efforts
Significance of Report Writing

 Task of research is incomplete till the report has been written and presented.
 The best research remains of little use and value till the time it is effectively
communicated.
 The purpose of research is not well served till the findings are shared with others.
Important criteria

 An effective report should be uniform, consistent and properly defined

 Simple language, words and terminology should be used, avoiding abstract terminology
and technical jargons
 The layout should be properly designed and in synchronization with the objectives of the
research problem
 Report should be free from grammatical errors
Business report

 Clarity
 Brevity
 Simple
 Appropriate terminology
 Executive summary – focussing on problem and suggested actions
Academic report

 Succinct – brief and clear style of writing

 Appropriate terminology – research methodology will not be everyday language
 Critical analysis approach
 Special attention to academic referencing and avoid plagiarism
Elements of academic report

 Abstract – engage reader

 Introduction – Immediately grab reader’s attention, often by a dramatic/emphatic statement of
the problem or situation to be researched
 Background – starts with a broad picture and then gradually refines it to the narrow focus of
the research
 Literature Review
 Research Objectives
 Research Methodology – justification for each point
 Findings – Data is presented in such a manner which supports interpretations and justifies the
study findings. Charts, tables should be used to increase authenticity of findings.
 Discussion and analysis – Synthesise the information from LR and findings of the
research. Emphasise the most important points of findings. Writing should be clear and
intense. Each sentence should add value.
 Conclusion – It is not the repetition of discussion and analysis but should focus on fining
the solutions to objectives – theoretical and practical aspect.
 Recommendations – May be detailed and practical in nature focussing on implementation.
Or simply urge further research in that area which was left uncovered in current research
 Appendix – To add information to main text and to maintain complete record of relevant
information.
 Bibliography
Steps in Report writing

 Logical and sequential analysis of the topic

 Preparation of the framework of the Report
 Prepare rough draft
 Rewrite and improve the rough draft
 Preparation of final bibliography
 Writing the final draft
Layout of report

1. Preliminary section
2. Main text
3. Endnotes
Preliminary section

 Title and cover page

 Declaration by candidate and supervisor
 Certificate from organization / Institute
 Acknowledgments
 Table of contents
 List of figures/tables/abbreviations/appendices
 Executive summary
Main report

 Abstract
 Introduction
 Review of Literature
 Research Methodology
 Data Analysis and Findings
 Conclusion
 Recommendations
Endnotes section
 References and Bibliography
 Annexure / Appendix
 Citations

 Citation are the list of sources published or unpublished used by researcher.

 It means the credit is given to other researchers or writers for their piece of work used in the study.
 Citation shows from where the researcher obtained the material, provides a means of evaluating
the study and allows getting additional facts and information about research problem.
 Citing other researchers’ ideas, theories, concepts or findings also indicate that the researcher has
done a thorough review of literature under the study.
 The citation format generally includes – Name of author(s), Year of publication, Title of report or
article, Journal name, volume no., issue no., page nos., doi (digital object identifier / URL
 Popular citation styles are APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language
Association of America), Chicago Style, CSE Style (Council of Science Editors).
JEL Classification

 JEL code was developed over 100 years ago as a method of classifying literature
specifically in the field of economics.
 The JEL classification system was developed for use in the Journal of Economic Literature
(JEL).
 This system is used to classify articles, dissertations, books and working papers in
economic literature.
 JEL codes are used till three – character codes ‘letter’ ‘number (1 -9)’ ‘number (0-9)’
 Eg. JEL : J13, J1 Demographic economics, J13 is for Fertility, Family planning, Child
care……………..
Ethics in Research