Chapter 4 (Presenting information)

Main feature of a report

• Title page

• Contents

• Terms of Refererence, the objective of the report, who asked for it and why? who supplied the information and whether it has been reviewed/audited.

• Executive summary

• The body of the report

• Appendices

A good report should:

• Be clearly set out and follow a logical order

• Be easy to follow and interesting to read

• Be as short and simple as possible

• Contain clear conclusions and recommendations

Data visualization

The presentation of data and information using visual techniques (graphs, pies, visuals and dashboards etc.)

Principles of good tabulation

• Use headings and, if appropriate, state source.

• State the unit of measurement.

• Secondary statistics, such as percentages, can be incorporated

• Where relevant, insert column and/or row totals.

Bar chart (bar graph)

A chart with rectangular bars with lengths proportional to the values that they represent.

Component bar chart

A chart where the bars are divided into component parts. The height (or length) of each component indicates the size of the number represented.

Multiple bar chart

A chart where the components are shown as separate

Pie chart

A circular chart divided into sectors. The size of each sector is proportional to the quantity it represents.