Research Methods in MIS: Presenting Results: Written and Oral Reports

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Research Methods in MISPresenting Results
Written and Oral Reports
Deepak Khazanchi
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Written Research Report

• Short report
• For well-defined, limited-scope problems with
  straight-forward methodology
• Usually 5 or fewer pages
• Formats
• Findings summary (graphical or tabular) attached
  to letter of transmittal
• Business letter
• Internal memorandum

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Written Research Report

• Short Report (Memorandum)
• Reason for writing
• Answer direct inquiry with specific answer and
  supporting detail
• Expository style with brevity and directness
• Attach detailed materials as appendices when
  needed

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Written Research Report

• Long report
• Technical report
• Management report

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Long Report Components

• Prefatory Items
• Letter of transmittal
• Title page
• Authorization letter
• Executive summary
• Table of contents
• Introduction
• Problem statement
• Research objectives
• Background

• Methodology
• Sampling design
• Research design
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Limitations
• Conclusions
• Summary and conclusions
• Recommendations
• Appendices
• Bibliography

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Written Report Considerations

• Order of report
• Sentence outline
• Topic outline
• Comprehensibility
• Readability indices
• Pace
• Tone

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Presentation of Statistics

• Text paragraph format
• Semi-tabular format
• Tabular format
• Graphical format

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Graphical Formats

• Line graphs
• Area charts
• Pie charts
• Bar charts
• Pictographs/Geo-Graphics
• 3-D graphics

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Oral Presentations

• Content
• Opening
• Findings and conclusions
• Recommendations
• Delivery
• Vocal characteristics
• Physical characteristics

• Preparation
• Length
• Content
• Style
• Scripted
• Extemporaneous
• Audiovisuals
• Type
• Role

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Audiovisual Aids

• Chalkboards
• Whiteboards
• Handout materials
• Flip charts
• Slides

• Overhead transparencies
• Computer-drawn visuals
• Computer animation