Reports

Engineering or Business style

Robert Gordon University

A Typical Format...
Summary - brief, highlights only Discussion - the argument developed Conclusions - reiterates main points, again in brief Recommendations (if appropriate) References, (Bibliography) Appendices
Robert Gordon University

RGU

General
Always written in third person. i.e. It was decided that, it is a requirement that... not I decided... We shall require...

Generally in passive tense e.g. maintenance shall be carried out is passive The crew shall maintain... is active Brevity. - KISS
(Keep It Simple, Stupid)

Robert Gordon University

RGU

The Six Ws
I keep six honest serving men, They taught me all I knew; Their names are what and why and when and how and where and who Who Why What Whichway Wherewithal When
(Rudyard Kipling)

Robert Gordon University

RGU

Some Feedback Thoughts

Stating facts isnt sufficient
Justify your statements

Avoid the panacea approach

Also try to avoid blame culture thinking

Keep it simple References vs Bibliography Dont reference us your teachers

Robert Gordon University

RGU

Thoughts, continued...
A Submission Sheet IS required! Recommended RGU font style is Verdana, font size 11, or thereby. Keep sentences simple Break up work into paragraphs Use heading separators (intro, discussion, conclusion) Spellcheck! Use simple page formats check header & footer clashes A remedial English class is available.

Robert Gordon University

RGU

Example of Method (JB)

Everyone has their own style, to suit their way of thinking & working. This is one suggestion Dont write it as it reads = too difficult. - Mull & note down thoughts, often quite randomly at first. - May not be grammatical. These are working notes. - Then re-arrange, add logic links. - At least half of first version will get weeded out. - Summary & conclusions are often good start point.

Robert Gordon University

RGU

Timing
Get it in on time ! Plan ahead allow for contingencies
Computer crashes Printer jams Network goes down

We have heard them all (guess why we used them too!) You are GRADUATE Engineers.
Robert Gordon University

RGU

Engineering the Art of compromise

Well known maxims The best is enemy of the good. The barely adequate now is better than perfection too late. (The Pareto principle : ~95% is good enough)

Robert Gordon University

RGU

Get it in on time !
Good luck

Robert Gordon University

RGU