Report writing, Synopsis and Thesis.pptx

Report writing

1. Report writing, Synopsis and Thesis B y: Dr. Farooq Ahmad

2. REPORT WRITING A report A report is written for a clear purpose and to a particular audience. Specific information and evidence are presented, analysed and applied to a particular problem or issue. A good report: Two of the reasons why reports are used as forms of written assessment are:  To find out what you have learned from your reading, research or experience; To give you experience of an important skill that is widely used in the work place. 

3. A well written report will demonstrate your ability to:  Understand the purpose of the report Gather, evaluate and analyse relevant information; Structure material in a logical and coherent order; Present your report in a consistent manner according to the instructions of the report brief; Make appropriate conclusions Make thoughtful and practical recommendations where required. 

4. THE STRUCTURE OF A REPORT Title Page It describe the purpose , Other details you may include could be your name, the date and for whom the report is written. Example of a title page Geology of the country around Beacon Hill, Leicestershire Angus Taylor 2 November 2004 Terms of Reference Example of terms of reference A report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for Course ZOL-301, Department of Zoology, GC University, Faisalabad.

5. Summary (Abstract) The summary should briefly describe the content of the report. It should cover the aims of the report, what was found. summary is the first thing that is read. It should provide the reader with a clear, helpful overview of the content of the report. Contents (Table of Contents) The contents page should list the different chapters and/or headings together with the page numbers.

6. Introduction The introduction sets the scene for the main body of the report. The aims and objectives of the report should be explained in detail. Any problems or limitations in the scope of the report should be identified, and a description of research methods, the parameters of the research and any necessary background history should be included.  Methods Information under this heading may include: list of equipment used; explanations of procedures followed sources of materials and details of any necessary preparation

7. Results This section should include a summary of the results of the investigation or experiment together with any necessary diagrams, graphs or tables of gathered data that support your results. Discussion The main body of the report is where you discuss your material. The facts and evidence you have gathered should be analysed and discussed with specific reference to the problem or issue.

8. Conclusion  In the conclusion you should show the overall significance of what has been covered. Appendices Under this heading you should include all the supporting information This might include tables, graphs, questionnaires, surveys or transcripts. Bibliography Your bibliography should list, in alphabetical order There are different styles of using references and bibliographies.

9. Acknowledgements Where appropriate you may wish to acknowledge the assistance of particular organisations or individuals who provided information, advice or help.  Glossary of Technical Terms It is useful to provide an alphabetical list of technical terms with a brief, clear description of each term.

10. SYNOPSIS In order to clarify your thoughts about the purpose of your thesis and how you plan to reach your research goals, you should prepare a synopsis. A synopsis is a short, systematic outline of your proposed thesis, made in preparation for your first meeting with your supervisor. Although there are no rigid rules for how a synopsis should look, it must contain: Background: Set the stage by addressing the scientific background

11. Rationale  – should address the gaps/problems/issues observed as part of the background section and thus present the argument/justification for completing the study. Problem  formulation   – the problem you aim to address in your thesis. Overall and specific objectives  – the actions to be taken in order to address the problem. Method outline: What kind of data (qualitative, quantitative) will your study require? What is your geographical study area and who is your target group(s)? Are there ethical considerations you have to make?

12. References Create a short list of the major references on which your rationale is based. Make sure that your in-text citations and reference list are completed correctly. e.g. ( Tani et al., 2006). Tani , M. Sawada, A. and Oyabu , T. Ability of Water Lilies to Purify Water Polluted by Soap and Their Application in Domestic Sewage Disposal Facilities. Sensors and Materials, Vol. 18, No. 2 (2006) 091– 101.

13. THESIS WRITING Front Matter Title  page.  Your department will have a standard title page form you are required to follow. Abstract .   Briefly state the (1) research problem, (2) methodology, (3) key results, and (4) conclusion. Generally, abstracts are between 100 and 150 words--roughly 5-10 sentences.

14. Table of contents .   List the key  subject headings and subheadings  of your  thesis  with their page numbers. Number the front-matter section in lowercase roman numerals. Be sure to list  acknowledgments ,  appendixes , and  bibliography . List of figures .  Include the figure numbers, figure titles, and page numbers. List of tables .  Include the table numbers, table titles, and page numbers. Nomenclature  (optional).  List unfamiliar  terms ,  symbols ,  acronyms  and their meanings.

15. End Matter Acknowledgments . Acknowledge assistance from advisors, sponsors, funding agencies, colleagues, technicians, and so on. Appendixes . Provide detailed calculations, procedures, data in separate appendixes. Give each appendix a title, a letter (Appendix A, B, C). Bibliography . List alphabetically any works referred to in your study.

16. Ethical Considerations Respect for the dignity of research participants should be prioritised . Full consent should be obtained from the participants prior to the study. The protection of the privacy of research participants has to be ensured. Any deception or exaggeration about the aims and objectives of the research must be avoided. Affiliations in any forms, sources of funding, as well as any possible conflicts of interests have to be declared. Any type of misleading information, as well as representation of primary data findings in a biased way must be avoided.

17. Voluntary participation of respondents in the research is important. The use of offensive, discriminatory, or other unacceptable language needs to be avoided. Privacy and anonymity or respondents is of a paramount importance. Acknowledgement of works of other authors used in any part of the dissertation with the use of Harvard/APA/Vancouver referencing system.