Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/392122
30 Reporting More sound projects are ruined by a poor final report than by any other single error. Assuming that the key deliverable from the assignment is a report, then you need to set aside considerable time to write and check it. Remember that the report is for the client's benefit, and should be structured accordingly. Rather than being a novel-like 'story of the project', the report needs to give the conclusions rapidly and support them by appropriately detailed evidence. You may want to give the answer, followed by some general reasons why you believe it to be the answer, followed by a detailed review of the methodology used and any necessary experimental results. Some of the latter sections can be written up as the project progresses – or better, the written output of the project work can be formatted in such a way that it will not need to be re-written for the report. Note that you may need to have access to all the project staff (to clarify issues, or to ask where they put the final version of their output) right up to the final project completion date. In writing a report, and particularly in the sections on the key findings and recommendations, you should be careful to choose your words judiciously. There is a balance to be struck between clarity and caution. It is also important not to go beyond the facts. If, for example, you have been asked to check whether a material is fit for a particular purpose, it requires very high levels of confidence and certainty to state 'the material is fit for purpose'. It might be more prudent to say that 'the work we have done shows the material to be fit for purpose in that ...' and then list the reasons why you believe this to be the case. Remember, though, that the client will be looking for a short and simple answer where possible, and that excessive caution can undermine the value of your work. Finally, you should, if at all possible, have your report read by someone who has not been closely associated with the project work before the client sees it. Only a fresh pair of eyes can see obvious mistakes. Operating Section 5