Project update 10.

Content Sections:

All written reports need to be written in MS Word or equivalent. Every student’s project report is slightly different; however, there are key items to be included in all reports:

Title Page

Table of Contents

Introduction

(Main Body)

Conclusions/Observations or Recommendations

References

Appendixes

Introduction: This is a general intro that describes the – “Who”, “What”, “Where”, and “When”, about the project. Essentially, it gives the reader the background information to your project.

(Main Body): This is where the bulk of what you are writing goes. It is not labeled “Main Body”; you will have to choose the appropriate title or titles for this section. This section covers the description about “How” the project was carried out, and is usually referred to as the procedures, results and discussion sections. Be sure to include a description of what problems you encountered and how you solved them. For projects that have multiple phases, indicate which ones were “Completed” and the date completed. For the phases that were not completed by the due date, indicate their status as “Incomplete” or “Expected Completion” with the date. It is permissible to include some pictures, screen shots, illustrations, data tables, problem solving tables, etc., in this section. However, limit yourself to one or two examples in the main body section. If you include such examples, be sure to reference them in the text.

Conclusions/Observations or Recommendations: This is the section to include what you have learned from your project. Be sure to include what you would do differently the next time you do a project similar to this one.

References: Depending on your choice of project, you may have a variety of reference material that you used to help you through some parts or even major sections of your project. You may choose the style/method of listing them, but please be consistent with your format.

Appendixes: If you have a large quantity of data or information, this is the best section for it. In addition, this is where you will place pictures, screen shots, illustrations, drawings, data tables, problem solving tables, etc. Be sure to label and identify all items placed in this section. Remember to separate your information by category into Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on.

Formatting:

Title Page: All written reports will have a title page. Please refer to the posted “Senior Project Report Template” for the format.

Table of Contents Page: All written reports will have a Table of Contents page. Please refer to the posted “Senior Project Report Template” for the format.

Main Text Size: The majority of the text in this assignment needs to be set in 12-point size. Please resist the temptation to mix and match point sizes. If you doubt your applications intentions, just select your text and insure that it is in 12-point size.

Text Spacing: For the body of your written report, set it for double spacing.

Header Text Size: All of the header text in this assignment can be set in 14-point or 16-point size. Please resist the temptation to mix and match point sizes. Pick your text size and use it consistently throughout the assignment. If you doubt your applications intentions, just select your text and insure that it is in its chosen point size.

Page Margins: Set your pages to one-inch margins. One-inch margins mean one (1”) on all sides. The only text that ends up on the outside of the one-inch margin is the page number.

Spelling/Grammar Checking: Remember to do your spelling and grammar checking before turning your assignments in. When doing the spelling/grammar checking keep in mind that some words such as mush and must, woods and words, or here and cow, will not be caught by either check. To correct these problems, you will need to proofread your work.

Page Numbers: Any assignment that has more than one page, needs to have page numbers on it. Please place your page numbers on the bottom of the page. In MS Word, use the footer selection and place the page number in the bottom center or bottom right of the page.

Helpful Hints: For a better understanding of some of the concepts behind writing a good technical report, please refer to “An Engineer’s Guide to Technical Communication” by Sorby and Bulleit. This is one of the books from the TECH 330-331 class.

Saving/Naming Your File:

When you save your file make sure that your name and the progress update number are included in it. Example: YourName491Report

Due Date: March 19th, 2018. Written Reports are to be turned in using Canvas, no later than 11:59 p.m. on its due date.

Revised 2/23/2018 TG Page 1