Research Methods for Business

RESEARCH REPORT
Session contents……
1. Introduction
2. Report components
3. Principles of report writing
4. Oral presentation

I. INTRODUCTION

I.1. Generals:
 The last stage of a research project.
 Critical to communicate the real value / quality
of the research and help readers in using its
findings properly.
 Can be short report (5 pages) or long report

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I.2. Two types of long reports:

a. Technical / scholarly report:

– Readers are other researchers or those who are
interested in both the contents and the method.
– Normally includes details on contents / method or
procedure / analysis of significant data
– In a short technical report, emphasis is placed on the
findings and conclusions

b. Management report:
– Readers are interested only on the findings and
managerial implications.
– Details on method/technical jargons may cause
headache
– Presented in inversed order with findings presented first
– Liberal use of visual displays

– Headlines / underlining theme for emphasis

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II. REPORT COMPONENTS

II.1. Prefatory items:
Front pages:
– Title (key concepts, type of relationship and
study population).
– Name of person/org. conducting the research
– Name of person/org. to be reported
– Date
Authorization:
Assigned, sponsored, funded by …

Executive summary or Abstract:

- summaries of all sections in the report; or
- only the results, implications and conclusions
- should not be > 2 pages

Table of contents:
- If the length is over 10 pages
- List of Tables, Figures
- Abbreviations

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II.2. Introduction:
Research background
Problem statement
Research objectives
Significance / Implications
Scope

II.3. Literature review and framework / model

- Essential for technical/scholarly report.
- Minimum in management report

II.4. Research method or design:

+ In management report:
Place in the “introduction” section, after “scope”.
Details should be in appendix.
+ Technical / scholarly report:
Important part
Nature of the research method.
Sample size and sampling method.
Measurement scale and data collection method
Data analysis method
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II.5. Findings / Results:

+ Normally the longest part.
+ To explain the data rather than draw interpretations
+ Should follow the sequence of research objectives.
+ Well organized, justified and logic.
+ Clarify between facts & explanations
+ Results and interpretation/discussion can be
integrated or separated
+ Justifying evidences provided.

II.6. Conclusions
+ Summary of findings (facts) and conclusions (implications)
+ Link to the research objectives and information needs.
Recommendations:
+ In applied research
+ Usually for managerial actions
Limitations:
Provide the limitations that impact on the findings’ value :
+ related to data.
+ related to analysis method.
+ related to the framework, assumptions.

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II.7. Appendices:
+ To present details of statistics or other information.
+ Provide additional information for those who want to
go deeply into the research.

II.8. References / Bibliography:

+ List all references according to an accepted STYLE
+ Include in-text and end-text citations.

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III. PRINCIPLES OF REPORT WRITING

III.1. Before…
+ Be clear in mind :
“Purpose of the report ?”
“Who are the readers ?”
“Any specific requirement on the contents or
format ?”

+ Design the outline:

Section / topic outline
Sentence outline

+ Prepare references and supportive materials

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III.2. During…
1. Present clearly the objectives, information needs and
findings
2. Objectivity
+ Be honest with the resulting facts, even unexpected
+ Subjective judgment, personal opinions should be
clarified
3. Writing style
+ Short sentence, do not over-use jargons.
+ Precise, logic, consistent, well structured.
+ Linking sentences / introductory paragraph
+ Use present tense for the findings, past tense for method,
passive voice.
+ Use demonstrative Tables, Figures, Charts, Graphics
+ Consistent in citations, footnotes, end notes, etc.
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III.3. After…

 Edit the contents

 Due attention to form and appearance

 Request others to read and get feedbacks.

 Finalizing.

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IV. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

 Can be a briefing or long presentation
 Normally followed by questions & discussions
 Preparation:
– How long is the presentation ?
– For what purposes?
– Who are the audiences?
 Major parts:
– Opening
– Findings & conclusions
– Recommendations

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 Presentation forms
– Memorized: risky & time consuming
– Reading: boring  not advisable
– Extemporaneous: conversational style
 Audiovisual aids should be utilized
 Be audience-centered
 Use note cards to assist
 Delivery/handout are very important
 Tone, speech, pause, gesture all play their part

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