To: Nancy Myers

From: Jeff Johns

Date: May 13, 2021

Subject: APLED 121- Chapter 17 Summary

Chapter 17 Summary

Report Definition
Reports are used to supply a record, record and clarify, present information, record
problems, document schedules, recommend action, document status, or record
procedures.
Online Reports
Many organizations have developed tools for on-line and on-the-go reporting.
Types of Reports
There are many types of reports including Incident Reports, Investigative Reports, Trip
Reports, Progress Reports, Lab Reports, Feasibility Reports, Research Reports, and
Proposals.
Criteria for Writing Reports
 Organization
Every report should include five basic units: identification lines, headings and talking
headings, introduction, discussion, and conclusion/recommendations.
 Development
To figure out what to say in each section, ask who, what, when, where, why. Be specific.
 Audience
Determine what type of audience will read your report and use appropriate
terminology.
 Style
Use highlighting techniques and be concise.
Incident Reports
Incident reports document an unexpected problem that has occurred.
 Purpose and Examples
A trouble report or accident report. Example: An oven at a restaurant caught fire,
injuring a cook and damaging equipment. An incident report may be required.
 Criteria
Introduction: purpose and personnel involved. Discussion: the problems motivating the
report and follow up actions taken. Conclusion: explain what caused the problem.
Investigative Reports
Examination of the causes behind an accident or event.
 Purpose and Examples
 The report focuses on why an incident or accident occurred. Example: A theft occurred
at a bank, and a report was written after the investigation to help prevent similar thefts
in the future.
 Criteria
Introduction: purpose, personnel, location, and authorization. Discussion: document
your findings. Conclusion: what did you accomplish and what are your
recommendations.
Trip Reports
Report on job related travel.
 Purpose and Examples
Helps your employer keep up to date on your travel. Example: Writing a trip report
about a meeting you attended.
 Criteria
Introduction: purpose, personnel, and authorization. Discussion: observations, contacts
made, seminars attended, and difficulties encountered. Conclusion: what did you
accomplish or learn.
Progress Reports
Documents the status of a job or activity.
 Purpose and Examples
Documents the scheduling difficulties, and plans for the future. Example: A progress
report to help management plan what additional resources might be required.
 Criteria
Introduction: objectives, personnel, previous activity. Discussion: work accomplished,
problems encountered, work remaining. Conclusion: sum-up and make
recommendations.
Lab Reports (test reports)
Lab reports are used for documenting findings from a lab experiment, procedure, or
study.
 Purpose and Examples
Helps to communicate to colleagues your findings in a lab setting. Example: A lab report
written for a biomedical company to understand the findings of a pathology study on
tissue.
 Criteria
Introduction: purpose of report. Discussion: apparatus used, procedures followed.
Conclusion: present your findings. Recommendations: what follow up action is needed.
Feasibility/Recommendation Reports
Feasibility reports study the practicality of a proposed plan and recommend actions.
 Purpose and Examples
Determines the viability of a project. Example: To research and analyze whether the cost
of new equipment is viable, and if there are other options that may be a better fit.
  Criteria
Introduction: the objectives of the report and the personnel involved. Discussion: state
the criteria for the recommendation and an analysis to compare the findings against the
criteria. Conclusion: state the significance of your findings and recommend a course of
action.
The writing process at work
 Prewriting
Use a simple topic outline to gather data and determine objectives.
 Writing
Write a problem to solution rough draft, ask for feedback.
 Rewriting
Review suggestions and make sure the report meets company standards.