Research Methodology Report Writing .pptx

Research Methodology
Report Writing

1. SST College of Arts & Commerce Subject: Research Methodology Topic: Research Report Unit: 5 (Part I) Class: TYBCBI - Asst. Professor Manju Jhuriani

2. Meaning of Report Writing: Report Writing is the last activity of the research process. After finalizing, conclusions and recommendations, the researcher has to communicate the details of his research work in the form of a summary document called research report. Research report is a formal systematic statement on the investigation in any matter of problem. It is the final outcome of the research project undertaken. The purpose of reporting is to supply useful information for policy decisions on the part of the management.

3. Definition of a Report: According to American Marketing Society , the purpose of report is “to convey to the interested persons the whole result of the study in sufficient detail and so arranged as to enable each reader to comprehend the data and determine for himself the validity of conclusions.”

4. Characteristics/Features of Research Report: A complete, compact, systematic and self-explanatory document Useful for solving marketing/business problem Prepared as per the standard format available Submitted by the researcher to the sponsoring agency Useful to sponsoring agency for introduction of remedial/follow-up measures Needs detailed scrutiny Different types of reports Acts as a line of communication between researcher and the sponsoring agency Acts as a permanent record Speaks about the calibre of research team and researcher

5. Advantages/Functions/Importance of Research Report: Presents data, conclusions and recommendations in an organised form Reflects quality of research work Facilitates policy decisions and follow-up measures Acts as a document of permanent record Acts as a base of follow-up measures Gives publicity to research work Management’s action on report indicates its practical utility Acts as a communication channel Miscellaneous functions/advantages of research report writing

6. Structure of Research Report: (Layout/Components/Contents of Research Report) Introduction Main Body of the Report Conclusions and Recommendations Appendices

7. A) Introduction: Title of the Report Letter of Transmittal Title Page Index of Contents Acknowledgements Description of the Marketing Problem Purpose and Scope of the Study Review of Literature Research Methodology Summary of Major Findings

8. B) Main Body of the Research Report: Analysis of the Problem Methodology used for Analysis Presentation of Findings and Limitations

9. C) Conclusions: The conclusions are based upon the analysis and interpretation of data. Conclusions constitute the core part of the report as recommendations are based on the conclusions drawn by the researcher. A researcher has to use his knowledge, experience and maturity while drawing conclusions which must be fair, logical and practical.

10. D) Recommendations: Recommendations constitute an essential aspect of reporting. Sponsoring organization is interested in the recommendations. At the end of the report, there should be signature of the researcher with date.

11. E) Appendices/Annexes: Appendices include forms and questionnaire issued, maps, tables, charts and diagrams, technical details of sample design, procedures and methodology of study, check-lists, other illustrative material and glossary of terms used in the report.

12. F) Footnotes and Bibliography in Research Report: The footnote is found at the bottom of the page, and is referenced through a superscript number within the main body of the report. The bibliography page is the last section of the report and includes the full citation information for any source cited or referenced throughout the report. It relates to books, reports, journals etc. used while drafting the report.

13. G) Index and Glossary: Finally, an index showing various topics and the relevant page numbers in the report, should be given for quick reference to any topic covered in the research report. Glossary contains meanings and definitions of difficult words or terms used in the report.

14. H) A Note on Review of Literature in Research: Normally, a researcher gives details of review of literature in research in the introductory part/section of his research report. It suggests the relevance of present research project with previous one. A literature reviewis a comprehensive summary of previous research on a specific topic. It surveys scholarly articles, books and other sources relevant to a particular area of research.

15. Oral Report Written Report Report for Publication Report for Executives (also called Popular Report) Report for Detailed Study (Technical Report) Interim Report Summary Report Research Abstract Research Article

16. Steps in Research Report Writing: Planning for Writing Research Report Deciding the Target Audience Selecting Suitable Format Logical Arrangement Drafting and Redrafting of the Report Approval of the Report Printing and Binding of Report Submission of Report Feedback of Research Report

17. Essentials/Characteristics of a Good Research Report: Firm Foundation Effective Organisation Suitable/Proper Framework Tailored to Suit Needs of Readers Informative, concise, compact, accurate and reliable document Clarity Objectivity Logical and attractive arrangement of facts Use of Visual Devices Secrecy References Impersonal Style Attractive Graphic Presentation

18. Guidelines For Good/Impressive Report Writing: Based on sound foundation and detailed study of the problem Recommendations as per conclusions drawn Simple and lucid style of writing As per well planned framework Due consideration to readers Brief and compact Adequate attention to editorial, presentation and physical appearance Attractive and persuasive presentation Accuracy in report writing Effective organisation of the report Selectivity in presentation Attention to the needs of sponsoring organisation Inclusion of essential elements in the report Read, think, plan, write and re-write

19. Thank You!