CVE 401: Technical Report Writing
MAIN ELEMENTS OF A REPORT
Gabriel Olukayode Adunoye
Department of Civil Engineering
Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife
Reference Material: Technical Report Writing by Ogedengbe et al
(2005)
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INTRODUCTION
There are different types of reports, with different
elements, some of which are peculiar and some
are common to all the reports.
Different kinds of report and their elements are
discussed as follows.
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DISSERTATION OR THESIS
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology (or experimental procedure)
Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
Abstract is included but placed before the introductory
chapter.
References are placed after the concluding chapter.
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ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION
The elements of this kind of report are more or less
like for dissertation.
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
References
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PROJECT PROPOSALS
Project proposals are written to present suggestions for
consideration
It could be solicited (includes Terms of Reference (TOR)) or
unsolicited.
A typical proposal comprises of 3 or 4 main sections thus:
(i)
Introduction (includes background, aim of project,
justification, objectives and scope.
(ii) Proposed Method of Work.
(iii) Cost Estimates.
(iv)Facilities, Personnel and Work Plan.
This report
References.
also
includes
Executive
Summary
and
ACADEMIC PROPOSAL
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Written by candidate for a higher degree (e.g. PhD). This
is presented prior to conducting the research.
Through the report the plan for carrying out the research
is presented.
Academic proposal comprises of:
(i)
Introduction (includes background, aim of project,
justification, objectives and scope).
(ii) Literature Review.
(iii)Proposed Methodology (in future tense).
(iv)Expected Contribution to Knowledge and
Reached.
Stage
This report also includes Summary (to replace Abstract)
and Reference.
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FEASIBILITY REPORT
Feasibility report is ordered by the Client after
the acceptance of project proposal.
Elements of a feasibility report include:
(i)
Introduction: This presents a clear expression
and understanding of the problem.
(ii)
Methodology: Consideration of alternatives.
(iii)
Conclusion and Recommendation: Making a
decision based on correct analysis.
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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DESIGN REPORTS
Design report follows the decision to proceed with the
with the project after feasibility study.
The report consists of detailed analysis, computation,
drawings (plan, profile and sections)
Elements of a design report are:
(i)
Introduction
(ii)
Presentation of working drawings
(iii)
BOQ/BEME
(iv)
Specifications
(v)
Form of tender
(vi)
Form of contract
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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TENDER REPORTS
Tender report is prepared after the preparation
of tender documents, collection of tender and
submission of bids by contractors (selective or
open tendering).
The report is prepared by professionals after
opening the tenders.
The main elements of a tender report are:
(i)
Introduction
(ii)
Method of assessment and analysis (including
visits to site and office of the contractors).
(iii)
Recommendation (usually a ranking of the
contractors).
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
10
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS
The main elements of this document are:
(i)
Introduction
(ii)
Plant or building description (with as-built
drawings).
(iii)
Systems operating procedure.
(iv)
Maintenance work and schedule.
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORT
The main elements of EIA report are:
(i)
Introduction
(ii)
Project Description
(iii)
Method of Baseline Data Collection
(iv)
Results
(v)
Conclusion and Recommendations
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT REPORT
The main elements of this kind of
report are:
(i) Introduction
(ii) Methodology
(iii) Results
(iv) Conclusion and Recommendations
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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SUMMARY OF MAIN ELEMENTS
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology or Materials and Methods
Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
Abstract
Report Outlines
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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Thank You
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife