CHECK YOUR WRITING

Analytical Reports
Component / Possible
Score

Professional Value

  • The problems addressed are of importance to the success of an IT organization, directly or indirectly, and the reader learns why.
  • The reader learns key findings about what is known of the root causes of the problems.
  • Potential solutions to the problems are presented and evaluated for effectiveness and possible side-effects.
  • A set of recommended solutions is proposed.
  • How these solutions might best be accomplished is put forth.
  • The resulting paper has sufficient value to be published.
  • The resulting paper has sufficient content to be valued – usually between 4 and 8 pages.
/ 15

Title Page

  • Include the title of the report.
  • Provide full identification of authority for report (the person for whom the report was prepared).
  • Provide full identification of preparer of the report.
  • Provide the report completion date.
  • Assure an attractive layout.
/ 3
Contents and Figures Page(s)
  • Use appropriate title(s) for page(s) (e.g., Contents or Figures).
  • Use indentation to indicate the heading degrees used in the report.
  • List numerous figures separately.
  • Center the entire contents outline horizontally. Allow 1½ top margin.
/ 3

Executive Summary

  • Use a one-word title (Executive Summary, Abstract, Synopsis).
  • Condense the major sections of the report.
  • Use effective, generalized statements that avoid detail available in the report. Tell what was done, how it was done, and what conclusions were reached.
/ 5
Writing Style and Mechanics
  • The rules of proper English grammar, spelling, and punctuation are followed.
  • The words are chosen to have appropriate meaning.
  • Other rules of effective expression, as given for example in the ADMG 385 reference book, are adhered to.
/ 15
Format and Layout
  • Include headings that are descriptive of the contents of the sections; use talking headings appropriately.
  • Maintain consistency in the placement of headings of the same level.
  • Use parallel construction in headings at the same level.
  • Use picture-frame layout and proper margins for all pages.
  • Number pages appropriately.
/ 15

Graphic/Tabular Support

  • Number figures consecutively.
  • Give each graphic a descriptive title.
  • Introduce each graphic within the text that precedes it.
  • Place each graphic as close to the textual reference as possible; analysis is more than repetition of ideas that can be seen in the graphic.
  • Use adequate graphic support to clarify information.
/ 25

Introduction

  • Provides a clear statement of the problem/purpose.
  • Describe the scope or limits of the study.
  • Gives the method of research, with justification.
  • Include a definition of terms section, if necessary.
/ 20

Report of Findings

  • Question each statement for its contribution to the solution of the problem. Is each statement either descriptive or evaluative?
  • Reduce large, unwieldy numbers to understandable ones through common language, such as units, percentages, or ratios.
  • Use objective reporting style rather than persuasive language; avoid emotional terms. Identify assumptions and opinions. Avoid unwarranted judgments and inference.
  • Tabulate or enumerate when it will simplify the reading or add emphasis.
  • Use primary and/or secondary data appropriately.
/ 60

Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

  • State briefly the major information in the findings section.
  • State conclusions carefully and clearly and assure that they are a logical outgrowth of findings.
  • Assure that recommendations grow naturally from conclusions.
/ 20

Citations/Referencing

Citations

  • Include a citation (in-text reference, footnote, or endnote) for material used from another source.
  • Adhere to an acceptable authoritative style or company policy.
  • Present consistent citations, including adequate information for readers to locate the source in the reference list.

References List

  • Include an entry in the reference list for every reference cited in the text.
  • Include more information than might be necessary in cases of doubt about what to include in an entry.
  • Present in alphabetic sequence by author’s surname.
/ 15

Appendix

  • Include items that are useful but not important enough to be in the body of the report (e.g., cover letter for survey instrument, maps, explanations of formulas used, etc.).
  • Label each item beginning with Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.
  • Identified each item with an appropriate title.
/ 4
(Total) / 200