[ COMM1020 ] Quiz 1: Report Types

Information

These reports simply collect and present information. They do not

analyze or make recommendations.

Information

[ TYPE ] Sales reports

Information

[ TYPE ] Expense reports

Information

[ TYPE ] Audit reports

Information

[ TYPE ] Meeting Minutes

Summary

These reports condense longer reports or publications, enabling quick comprehension.

Progress

These are essential project management tools. Without these, project managers and investors cannot identify problems and make corrections.

Progress

[ TYPE ] Tracks the following:

• task completion

• costs incurred

• deadlines met or missed

• materials expended and/or required

• human resources needed

Feasibility

A detailed examination of a proposed project to determine if it is likely to be successful.

Recommendation

This analytical report is an important decision-making tool.

Justification

Another name for Recommendation Report

Title Page

Contains the following:

• Descriptive title that clearly describes the purpose and

• content of the paper

• Author’s full name and student number

• Affiliation - School of General Education, College of the North Atlantic Qatar

• Course number and name & number

• Instructor’s name and title

• Date of submission

Table of Contents

A list of all the sections in your report.

False

[ TRUE OR FALSE ] For appendices, do not allow inclusion of material that is too detailed or not essential for the body of the report

True

[ TRUE OR FALSE ] For references, do not include items you do not cite in the body of the report.

Completeness

This means your message includes all necessary information (key details), answers potential questions, and provides a clear call to action to ensure the recipient fully understands and can act without further inquiry, making communication effective and efficient.

Conciseness

This means using the fewest words to convey your message, avoiding jargon, and eliminating unnecessary repetition to save time and improve focus.

It avoids unnecessary words and includes only the relevant information, making it easier for the audience to understand the messag

Consideration

This involves understanding the audience’s perspective, emotions, and needs.

It ensures that the message is tailored to the audience, keeping their background, education, and experience in mind.

Concreteness

This type of communication is specific, clear, and backed up by facts.

It uses precise words and details, leaving no room for misinterpretation

Clarity

This in communication means using simple and straightforward language. The message should be easy to understand (not vague), leaving no doubt about its meaning

Courtesy

This involves being polite, respectful, and considerate in communication. It helps to build goodwill and positive relationships with the audience.

Correctness

This in communication means ensuring the message is accurate, free of errors, and grammatically correct.

It enhances the credibility and reliability of the message

Research Topics

• are specific subjects or issues to be explored, studied, or analyzed

• focus & guide the development of research questions, methodology, and objectives for a research project

• essential for effective research to narrow the scope & provide clear direction for the investigation

Focus

Allows for concentrated analysis of specific issues, making research clearer & more manageable

Depth of Study

Enables deeper exploration of chosen topics, facilitating thorough understanding & comprehensive findings

Relevance

Increases relevance of research by targeting specific issues that are timely or significant within the broader field

Clarity

Helps to formulate a precise research question, leading to clearer objectives and outcomes

Efficient Use of Resources

Saves time & resources by narrowing the scope of research to a more feasible level

Enhanced Argumentation

Allows for a more focused and compelling argument by reducing generalizations & supporting detailed analysis

Targeted Audience Engagement

Enables researchers to tailor their work to a specific audience interested in the niche topic

Helps the researcher avoid overwhelming scop

Start with a Broad Subject

Identify general areas of interest that intrigue you

Conduct Preliminary Research

Gather background information to understand the current landscape & context of the broader subject

Identify Gaps and Limitations

Look for specific issues within the broad topic & consider any constraints (eg. time & resources)

Specify Your Focus

Choose a particular aspect or angle of the topic that can be examined in detail

Formulate a Research Question

Develop a clear and focused research question to guide your study and provide direction for your investigation

PSCR

A way to structurally analyze research questions.

Problem

The P in PSCR, where we define the ____.

Possible Solutions

The S in PSCR, where we identify 2-3 ______ or variables.

Criteria for Comparison

The C in PSCR, where we determine 3-4 ________ the solutions

Recommendation

The R in PSCR, where we conclude with a ______ based on the comparison.

Introduction

This is the first main section of your report.

Topic Announcement and Thesis

The two parts of an Introduction.

Thesis Statement

• This is around 1-3 sentences. It concisely maps out the plan of a report, research paper, or essay.

• It makes a claim or argument, directly answering a question or responding to a problem.

• Tells the reader what you intend to prove using researched evidence to support your position.

• It prepares the reader for the paper’s content, sources, and organization.

Criteria

Be sure this is

• is relevant to the problem you are exploring: Avoid randomly selecting useless attributes like colour (does it matter?), availability (if all choices are available in Qatar), cost (if all choices are inexpensive anyway)

• connects directly to stakeholders’/users’ needs: Be sure to explain this connection in your discussion

• answers the questions: What does success look like & how will this contribute to success?

• is measurable: At least 2/3 of your criteria must be measurable in numbers; consult your instructor if you have concerns

Background

Consider what information your reader needs to understand the big picture.