Introduction

Short research reports prepare students to address issues/problems faced in the workplace, at school, in their community or in organizations and develop creative solutions while providing information to colleagues and clients.
Short reports are exactly that - short! Often, short reports are usually prepared in the memo format. They are brief and tailored to what the audience really wants to know. Resist the urge to make them too long and too involved. Get to the point and present the information that your audience wants clearly and concisely.
There are many different types of short reports, including:
- Informative reports - summarizes information needed for improvements
- Feasibility reports - evaluates several alternatives and recommends one of them
- Justifications reports - recommends or justifies a purchase, investment, hiring decision, or change in policy
To meet the learning objectives for this topic, you will complete these activities. Print this page and use it as a checklist.
- You will have two weeks to work on your short research report. Read the Introduction and Objectives page.
- Read Module 22 & 23 in your textbook. Your short research report will be 2 or more pages, memo format, with three or more sources following the MLA style outlined in Figure 22.7.
- Read Module 25 - Using Visuals. You will need to include at least one graph, table, chart, or picture in your report.
- Review Module 5 & 9.
- Complete the Learning Activities page.
- Read the online lesson Short Research Report Notes.
- Read the online lessons: A Student's MLA Tips, A Student's Short Research Report, and EasyBib Instructions.
- Read the online lesson Criteria for the Short Research Report.
- Assignment: Write a draft of short research report and submit to the correct discussion forum. Provide feeback to two or more of your classmates and always review those who have not been reviewed first. Pay attention to due dates.
- Assignment: Submit your final copy of your short research report to the drop box by the posted due date.
- Assignment: Complete the quiz by the posted due date.
Short Research Report Notes
Informational, Problem-Solving or Recommendation Reports (Short)
- Define and explain your topic.
- Describe the organizational problem.
- Show why easier or less expensive solutions will not solve the problem.
- Present your solution impersonally.
- Show that the disadvantages of your solution are outweighed by advantages.
- Summarize the action you need.