reportmaking

Reportmaking is the process of preparing a formal document that conveys information, analysis, and recommendations to a defined audience. Reports are used to record findings, explain decisions, or propose actions, and they vary in scope from brief internal notes to comprehensive studies.

Purpose and audience guide scope, structure, and tone. Common report types include research reports, business or management reports, technical reports, incident or audit reports, and annual or progress reports.

A typical report includes a title, abstract or executive summary, introduction, methods or approach, findings or results, discussion or analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. Supporting material may appear in references, appendices, or a glossary. Longer reports may include a table of contents and figures or tables with captions.

Process: define purpose and audience; plan and outline; collect and verify data; organize information; draft sections; revise for clarity and conciseness; obtain review and approvals; finalize and format. Transparency about sources and limitations is important.

Quality and style: write clearly and objectively, cite evidence, use visuals to clarify data, and maintain consistency with style guides or organizational templates. Accessibility considerations, such as plain language and readable layout, are increasingly emphasized.

Impact and use: reports document work, support decision-making, enable accountability, and preserve records. They are produced with templates or software and may be distributed in print, electronic, or web formats depending on the setting.