Writing reports Written communications

The typical format is that of a scientific report (see Box 52.1), i.e. with the same headings, but with a considerably reduced content. Never be tempted to spend the minimum amount of time converting a piece of scientific writing into poster format. At scientific meetings, the least interesting posters are those where the author simply displays pages from a written communication (e.g. a journal article) on the poster board Keep references within the text to a minimum - interested parties can always ask you for further information. 

The following account differs somewhat from what I said in my lecture, where I made no attempt to decide which of these possibilities corresponds to reality. In the interval between delivering the lecture and writing this report I have been able to show that the two first possibilities are out of the question. I wish to take this opportunity of thanking Drs. Bethe and Frank for some remarks made by them during the discussion and subsequent written communications, which proved very helpful in clearing up these points. 

The preceding structure suggestions refer primarily to full-fledged, formal reports. However, the fundamental ideas apply, in mini-form, to basic written communications such as memoranda, letters, and emails. For example, if you are writing a memorandum, make your point and attach something that provides additional documentation for those who may want to go into further depth. This way not all readers will have to wade through everything to get to the bottom line. ... 

Word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software can help an author produce a better final report, but each software package has limitations. It is the author s responsibility to understand these limitations and to overcome them Some of these software problems are the results of programming errors, some arise from misunderstandings by the software developers of the rules of writing, and some represent differences between technical writing and other forms of written communication. 

A faculty advisor for an IQP may be from any disciplinary area, technical or non- technical at WPI. For the MQP the faculty advisor must be from the disciplinary area of the student. For students who carry out an off-campus project, domestic or overseas, a Preliminary Qualifying Project, PQP, is required prior to the off-campus term. Students report that they spend 45-60 hours per week on an off-campus project. Written and oral reports of a professional quality are required. When appropriate, video or audio tapes may be a portion of the report. The Writing Resources Center and the Instructional Media Center are available for the improvement of a student s oral and written communication skills. WPI places a high priority on excellence with regard to presentation, proposals, reports, and abstracts associated with projects. 

Quality-related methods and techniques Knowledge of methods applied in quality management, for example use of checklists and forms to record audit observations, sampling techniques, interview techniques, verification of information and writing audit reports must be acquired by the auditor. Communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for QA auditors to ensure adequate communication with auditees and management. 

Strong communication skills are absolutely essential for a food chemist. Besides taking notes as you conduct your research, you will be expected to publish scholarly articles and prepare reports for your boss or even the government. The food chemist job demands an enormous amount of paperwork, so you should be comfortable with spending time at the computer, writing. You must also be able to talk to people about your results, so oral communication is at least as important as written. 

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