DESCRIPTION
This assignment is intended to test your ability to a) synthesize research findings from various secondary sources, and b) structure and design a technical research report.
INSTRUCTIONS
Write an 800-1000 word report (excluding front and end materials) that outlines your chosen research topic (technical problem and technology that can help resolve it).
Please see the attached document for further instructions. Additionally, check the sample reports in Module 8 of the Learning Materials.
Your assignment will be marked on:
Included report elements (front documents, main report sections, and end documents)
Use of secondary research
Please be sure to include at least three secondary sources and use them effectively to support your points.
Included technical content
Use of a graphic
Correct report format (appropriate style and structure, with headings and sub-headings as necessary)
Writing and grammar
Appropriate APA documentation
Fully or partially plagiarized assignments will receive a grade of zero.
SAVING AND SUBMITTING YOUR FILE
Your assignment should be a Microsoft Word document submitted through this Assignment page.
All report elements should appear within a single document. Please do not submit multiple files.

WRIT 220: Technical Research Report

Length: The body section should be between 800-1000 words (with executive summary).   

• Front and end materials are not factored into the word count


• The entire report will likely be around 7-10 double-spaced pages

Required Content: The problem and solution must be specific, technical, adequately researched, and thoroughly explained:

• The solution must respond to the problem.


• You must define all terminology for a novice.  


• The report must have at least one mechanism description or process analysis.


• The solution section must be supported with at least 1 visual element (schematic, graph, table, diagram, etc.) that supplements the process or component analysis.


• All material and visuals must be properly cited in APA format.

Structure: The report must have a clear problem/solution structure, feature effective headings, and contain all of the necessary sections and elements explained on the following page.

General Guidelines:

You must use at least 3 secondary sources in the final report:  

• At least 1 of these sources must come from Humber Library’s database system.


• Other sources such as industry publications, magazines, newspapers, and books may be used.


• Commercial internet sites may be used, but they will not count towards your three mandatory sources.

In addition to completing the necessary research, you should ensure the pages are clear and effective:

• Use full-block format


• Single space the writing


• Number the pages


• Create specific headings and subheadings using a decimal hierarchy system


• Include visuals (images, charts, graphics)


• Write plainly and accessibly (for a general reader)


• Use correct grammar and a professional tone

Final report section details

Each section is described briefly below, but you should consult the Modules 7 & 8 in the Learning Materials for a more thorough description of the report components and writing strategies.

Additionally, check the sample reports in Module 8, but if the samples differ from these instructions, please adhere to the assignment guidelines. 

Front documents 

• Write this section last; you cannot develop much of this material until the body is complete.


• Number sections 2-5 with lower case Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv, v) because they are supplemental material.

1. Title page

• Include a title, the receiver (your professor), the author (you), and the date.

1. Executive Summary (approximately 150 words)

• Condense the whole report down into a summary – do not merely create an introduction.

1. Table of Contents

• Include the glossary (if your report features one)


• Begin the decimal order with Introduction and end with the Conclusion.


• Include all section headings and sub-headings.


• Use the exact wording of the headings in the report.


• Match the headings to the page numbers on which they appear.

1. List of Figures 

• Create a table of contents for the visuals (schematics, graphs, tables, diagrams, etc).


• Assign each graphic a number based on the section it is in.


• List each graphic by number and title, with the page number where each appears.

1. Glossary (only if you have three or more terms that need defining)

• Provide definitions for technical terms that non-specialized readers may find unfamiliar.


• Order alphabetically.

Main report sections 

• Write these sections first.


• Number the pages, and create headings and subheadings specific to your problem and solution.


• Use a decimal hierarchy system to organize the material clearly into manageable chunks of information


• Refer to at least 3 sources in the main sections.


• Include at least 1 visual, but more is preferable.

6. Introduction

• Begin with a clear purpose statement.


• Clearly state the problem and the solution you propose.


• Include any necessary background information, based on the body sections and the knowledge level of your audience.


• Indicate the type of research you completed, and concisely summarize your main information sources.


• Include a preview statement that outlines the report’s main sections.


• Orient readers to the structure and tell them how to locate specific information needed to understand the report (glossaries, list of figures and tables, appendices, etc).

1. Body sections (Problem /Solution)

• Use a clear problem/solution structure.


• Feature a clear hierarchy of sections.


• Use effective headings, font sizes, and parallel structure.


• Include at least ONE process analysis or mechanism description in this section.


• Explain the problem and solution thoroughly using specific technical details.


• Cite all researched material.


• Place visuals in relevant sections and explain the visuals.

1. Conclusion

• Summarize the relevance of the body sections and emphasize the overall relevance of the research (What does it all mean? Where can we go from here? What are the implications of your research?).

End documents

1. References (at least 3, of which at least 1 comes from the Humber Libraries System)

• Include all sources quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.


• Use APA style, and list the entries alphabetically by authors’ last names.

10.  Appendices (optional)

• Add any extra information (calculations, charts, etc.) as an appendix.