ATTR 1150 - Technical Report Writing

Objectives:

1. In a written final examination administered by the instructor, the student will answer one or more questions about the purpose of a technical report, to the satisfaction of the instructor.
2. In a written final examination administered by the instructor, the student will answer a series of questions about the characteristics of a technical report.
3. In a written final examination administered by the instructor, the student will answer a series of questions about the structure (including the main parts and their purpose) of a technical report.
4. The student will score a minimum overall grade of 77% (C) on the final examination.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the process of developing a technical report and will be able to apply the basic skills and principles involved in technical writing.

Objectives:

1. In a written final examination, the student will answer a series of questions about the six stages of planning, researching, and writing a technical report. The student will score a minimum overall grade of 77% (C) on the final examination.
2. In a short (1500 words) written technical report on a topic approved by the instructor, the student will employ:
   1. The structure, style and organization of typical technical report
   2. The basic rules of composition and grammar
   3. The principles of objectivity (no personal opinion)
   4. The requirements for valid conclusions, to the instructor’s satisfaction

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the principles of business communications and be able to apply the basic requirements of a business letter in a technical work environment.

Objectives:

1. In a written final examination, the student will answer a series of questions about the general purpose and requirements of business communications. The student will score a minimum overall grade of 77% (C) on the final examination.
2. Given a hypothetical work-related situation and a model business letter, the student will write a one-page business letter in a standard format and using proper composition and grammar, to the satisfaction of the instructor.

1. Introduction: Description (with examples) and purpose of technical reports; typical publication channels; universal format
2. Characteristics and requirements of technical reports; identifying and writing for the target audience
3. Structure of a technical report: title; abstract; introduction; main body; conclusion; supporting sections
4. The technical report process: gathering the data; analyzing and sorting the results; outlining; writing the rough draft; editing and revising the rough draft; writing the final draft
5. Gathering the data: selecting and focusing the topic; planning the project; identifying resources and requirements; researching; evaluating the credibility and authority of sources
6. Analyzing and sorting the results: selecting relevant data; organizing data in a logical, systematic order
7. Outlining: types of outlines; characteristics of a logical, well-planned outline; the outlining process; tips for outlining
8. Writing the rough draft: using the outline; flexibility and objectivity (avoiding confirmation bias); making supportable conclusions; using proper language (style), grammar, punctuation; applying general composition rules
9. The writing process: the role of creativity; systematic, logical organization; similarities among forms of writing; rules of composition (grammar, punctuation, spelling); characteristics of technical writing (technical style); technical terminology and notation
10. The fundamentals of communication: types of communication; relationships to technical writing; risks and results of ineffective communication
11. Editing and revising the rough draft: scrupulous editing; importance of simplicity, brevity, clarity, accuracy, attention to detail; proofreading; review by subject-matter experts and other stakeholders
12. Writing the final draft: corrections and revisions; documentation (tables and figures); references; polishing the draft; proofreading; APA format
13. Professional ethics and legal considerations: plagiarism; copyright issues
14. Business writing: overview of business communications; basic formats of business letters