TOPIC FOURTEEN:WRITING AND PRESENTING

THE PROJECT REPORT

Research Methodology

In this chapter

I. IntroductionII. Getting started with writingIII. Report structureIV. Content organizationV. Writing style appropriatenessVI. Oral presentation

I. Introduction

II. Getting started with writing

Sufficient time

allocation for writing

Appropriate manners during writing

Goal-based and

objective-based

writingPlanning out the writing

process

Peer-review during

composing

III. Report structure

Suggested structureContent of the dissertation

AbstractIntroduction

Literature review & Theoretical frameworkResearch design

Results & Data findingDiscussion & Conclusions

ReferenceAppendices

III. Report structure

Difference between Academic report and Consultancy-Management report

The academic report:Tends to be longerWill be marked and gradedWill contain contextual descriptions

The consultancy report:Less focus on the development of theoryRecommendations relating to the organisation’s

business

III. Report structure

The abstract1. Research questions and proper rationale?2. How to proceed answering the research

questions?3. Findings in response to these questions?4. Conclusions can be drawn?

III. Report structure

Introduction - includeThe research questions(s) and a clear statement of

research objectivesBrief background and a guide to the storyline

Literature review - purposeTo set the study in the wider contextTo show how study supplements existing work

III. Report structure

Results chapter(s) - purposeTo report the facts your research discoveredTo support the facts with quotes from participants

Discussion chapter- purposeTo interpret results and relate the findings to the

original research goals and objectivesTo indicate implications of the research

III. Report structure

Conclusion chapter – purposeTo answer the research question(s)To meet the research objectivesTo consider the findingsTo present contributions to the topic in the literature To reflect on any implications for future research

III. Report structure

ReferencesUse a convention that is accepted by your university

(e.g. Harvard, APA)Cite all sources referred to in the textCheck all citations to prevent plagiarism

AppendicesInclude only essential supporting materialInclude copies of interview schedulesKeep appendices to a minimum

IV. Content organization

1. Choosing the title

2. Telling a clear story

3. Helping the reader by-Dividing your workPreviewing and summarising

Using suitable tables and graphics

Writing in a suitable style

V. Writing style appropriateness

Key points:

Clarity and simplicity – avoid jargon

Checking grammar and spelling

Preserving anonymity

Regularly revising each draft

VI. Oral presentation

Planning and preparation

Use of visual aids

Presenting