academic report writing school of the built environment

Academic Report Academic Report WritingWriting

School of the Built School of the Built

Environment Environment

Heriot-Watt University – Dubai CampusHeriot-Watt University – Dubai CampusSources: HWU SBE Programme Handbook/Dissertation GuideSources: HWU SBE Programme Handbook/Dissertation Guide

Sources:HWU SBE Dissertation Guide & CMS Programme PG Handbook

PreparationPreparation

StructureStructure

Citation/ReferencingCitation/Referencing

PlagiarismPlagiarism

Example – case of plagiarismExample – case of plagiarism

Good PracticeGood Practice

SubmissionSubmission

Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation


Understand ‘what is required (being asked)’Understand ‘what is required (being asked)’

Identify relevant sources of information/material.Identify relevant sources of information/material.

Plan your approach.Plan your approach.

Marking criteria – this will be issued or explained by the module Marking criteria – this will be issued or explained by the module leader.leader.

Early start clarifies thinking and reveals weaknesses while there is Early start clarifies thinking and reveals weaknesses while there is still time to take remedial action. still time to take remedial action.

PreparationPreparation

Literature ReviewLiterature Review

Forms the basis of any research; Forms the basis of any research; Purpose:Purpose:

Demonstrate skills in Demonstrate skills in information seekinginformation seeking and and critical appraisalcritical appraisal

Two types:Two types:1.1. Critical Review of ‘the literature’ on a Critical Review of ‘the literature’ on a

particular topic;particular topic;

2.2. Critical Review of one paper. Critical Review of one paper.

Literature search & critical review

What are the key theories?

What are the main questions andproblems addressed to date?

How is the knowledgestructured?

What are the key sources?

What are the major issues andcurrent debates about the topic?

Origins?

Definitions?

Information Seeking: SourcesInformation Seeking: Sources

Articles from journals (in print/ electronic)Articles from journals (in print/ electronic) Industry ReportsIndustry Reports BooksBooks Newspaper articles/websites (caution!!)Newspaper articles/websites (caution!!) Commercial reports and statsCommercial reports and stats Govt reports and statsGovt reports and stats Theses and dissertations (internal/external)Theses and dissertations (internal/external) Professional bodies (RICS, CIOB,ICE,APM,PMI)Professional bodies (RICS, CIOB,ICE,APM,PMI)

Questions to ask about the studyQuestions to ask about the study

What is the problem/issue?What is the problem/issue? Has the author evaluated the literature relevant Has the author evaluated the literature relevant

to the problem/issue?to the problem/issue? How good is the study design? How good is the study design? In what way does the article contribute to our In what way does the article contribute to our

understanding of the problem/issue?understanding of the problem/issue? In what ways is it useful to practice?In what ways is it useful to practice? What are its strengths and limitations?What are its strengths and limitations?

Consideration of the issues:Consideration of the issues: ProvenanceProvenance—What are the author's credentials? —What are the author's credentials?

Are the author's arguments supported by Are the author's arguments supported by evidence? evidence?

ObjectivityObjectivity—Is the author's perspective even-—Is the author's perspective even-handed or prejudicial? Is contrary data handed or prejudicial? Is contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information considered or is certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author's point? ignored to prove the author's point?

PersuasivenessPersuasiveness—Which of the author's theories —Which of the author's theories are compelling (or not)? are compelling (or not)?

ValueValue—Does the work ultimately contribute in —Does the work ultimately contribute in any significant way to an understanding of the any significant way to an understanding of the subject? subject?

Critical Appraisal – Critical Appraisal – Hierarchy of LearningHierarchy of Learning

When writing for academic purposes: When writing for academic purposes: DescribeDescribe SummariseSummarise ClarifyClarify Evaluate andEvaluate and IntegrateIntegrate

Critical Appraisal – Tips on how to do it?Critical Appraisal – Tips on how to do it?

Assess logic and rationale of argumentsAssess logic and rationale of arguments Quality of substantiating dataQuality of substantiating data Recognising unstated assumptionsRecognising unstated assumptions Judging whether conclusions are warrantedJudging whether conclusions are warranted Recognise, Analyse, EvaluateRecognise, Analyse, Evaluate Developing a systematic approachDeveloping a systematic approach

HINT: Being critical is HINT: Being critical is NOTNOT rubbishing/rejecting rubbishing/rejecting someone’s work. someone’s work.

Critical Appraisal – Tips on how to do it?Critical Appraisal – Tips on how to do it?

Place your work in context of othersPlace your work in context of others Acknowledging deficiencies of bothAcknowledging deficiencies of both Move the debate forwardMove the debate forward Criticism is Criticism is evaluationevaluation (‘ (‘a considered and a considered and

justified processjustified process’)’) Perhaps look at five key areas:Perhaps look at five key areas:

Assumptions, Arguments, Methodologies, Assumptions, Arguments, Methodologies, Accuracy of data collected, InterpretationAccuracy of data collected, Interpretation

Description vs. ExplanationDescription vs. Explanation1.1. To describe = To describe =

to draw an overall picture of what happenedto draw an overall picture of what happenedto make complicated situation easier to understandto make complicated situation easier to understand

2.2. To explain =To explain = to account for what happened, how it happened and whyto account for what happened, how it happened and why to find to find reasonsreasons for things, events and situations for things, events and situations

We can describe things without explanation.We can describe things without explanation.But we cannot explain things before you can describe it.But we cannot explain things before you can describe it.

Scientific research pursues EXPLANATION, not description!Scientific research pursues EXPLANATION, not description!


Sections of the report (dissertation) should appear in the following Sections of the report (dissertation) should appear in the following order: order:

Title/cover page Title/cover page Statement of authorship/checklist Statement of authorship/checklist Table of contents (dissertation)Table of contents (dissertation) List of tables and illustrations (dissertation)List of tables and illustrations (dissertation) Acknowledgements (dissertation)Acknowledgements (dissertation) Abstract (approximately 300 words in length - dissertation) Abstract (approximately 300 words in length - dissertation) Glossary of abbreviations (dissertation)Glossary of abbreviations (dissertation) Main sections/chapters Main sections/chapters ReferencesReferences AppendicesAppendices

Structure -layoutStructure -layout


Report should be written in an impersonal style, i.e. the use of 'I'or Report should be written in an impersonal style, i.e. the use of 'I'or 'You' should be avoided. 'You' should be avoided.

Should be written in a consistent manner, i.e. in the same tense and Should be written in a consistent manner, i.e. in the same tense and format. format.

It is important to adopt a mode of writing that keeps the reader It is important to adopt a mode of writing that keeps the reader interested (and aware!), and this can be achieved more easily if the interested (and aware!), and this can be achieved more easily if the active voice is used active voice is used

PASSIVE "The site was studied and it was seen that ..." PASSIVE "The site was studied and it was seen that ..." ACTIVE "Examination of the site showed that ..." ACTIVE "Examination of the site showed that ..."

Personal pronoun can be used occasionally but should be discreet - Personal pronoun can be used occasionally but should be discreet - to establish the authorship of opinion to establish the authorship of opinion

For example: " ... and I believe that this was because ... " " ... For example: " ... and I believe that this was because ... " " ... this argument leads me to conclude that ... " this argument leads me to conclude that ... "

Structure - styleStructure - style

Structure….Structure….

Provide clear & cohesive argumentsProvide clear & cohesive arguments

Respond to the issue (s) in question.Respond to the issue (s) in question.

Font size – 12 point Times New Roman generally throughout the Font size – 12 point Times New Roman generally throughout the script script

Graphical communications are more efficient than words - but Graphical communications are more efficient than words - but choose them wisely; e.g.: -pictures, graphs, diagrams, maps, flow-choose them wisely; e.g.: -pictures, graphs, diagrams, maps, flow-charts.charts.



Text styleText style -use full left and right justification. Use bold emphasis -use full left and right justification. Use bold emphasis carefully. carefully.

Use capital letters as little as possible, usually for the first letter of Use capital letters as little as possible, usually for the first letter of headings, sub-headings, captions, names and proper nouns. headings, sub-headings, captions, names and proper nouns.

Headings, -ranged left in bold not underlined in 14 pt Times New Headings, -ranged left in bold not underlined in 14 pt Times New Roman Roman

Main headings - leave two blank lines above and one blank line Main headings - leave two blank lines above and one blank line below. Initial capital letter for first word only. below. Initial capital letter for first word only.

Number headings in sequence within a chapter - indent between Number headings in sequence within a chapter - indent between the number and the heading. the number and the heading.

Do not end headings with a full stop.Do not end headings with a full stop. Range any second line of a heading left.Range any second line of a heading left. Do not start headings at the foot of a page or with only one line Do not start headings at the foot of a page or with only one line

of text below.of text below. Sub headings – bold not underlined, in 12 point, one blank line Sub headings – bold not underlined, in 12 point, one blank line

above & no blank line below. above & no blank line below.

Structure – FeaturesStructure – Features


Poor or inadequate referencing – always use the Harvard style of referencing Poor or inadequate referencing – always use the Harvard style of referencing (e.g. Green (2009)). (e.g. Green (2009)).

Unsubstantiated assertions – always try and support what you say with Unsubstantiated assertions – always try and support what you say with RELEVANTRELEVANT and and CREDIBLECREDIBLE sources sources

Excessive amount of words – writing clear and concisely is a core business Excessive amount of words – writing clear and concisely is a core business skill!skill!

Little or no critical analysis – presenting information is the first step, Little or no critical analysis – presenting information is the first step, explaining and evaluating it is what counts!!explaining and evaluating it is what counts!!

Lack of academic rigour and clarity Lack of academic rigour and clarity

Common MistakesCommon Mistakes

Common MistakesCommon Mistakes

Inadequate evidence and lack of argument Inadequate evidence and lack of argument

Untidy or poorly presented graphics and text – standardise the Untidy or poorly presented graphics and text – standardise the presentation and make it presentation and make it

Bad spelling and poor grammar, even with spell-checking software Bad spelling and poor grammar, even with spell-checking software

Lack of focus Lack of focus

Conclusions which are not supported by the resultsConclusions which are not supported by the resultsSources:HWU SBE Dissertation Guide

& CMS Programme PG Handbook


Always indicate the exact source of material which is not your own - Always indicate the exact source of material which is not your own - direct quotations, indirect quotations, closely paraphrased material, direct quotations, indirect quotations, closely paraphrased material, facts which may otherwise be disputed opinions or authorities that facts which may otherwise be disputed opinions or authorities that you use in your arguments etc. you use in your arguments etc.

It is a matter of academic integrity - meticulously referenced piece of It is a matter of academic integrity - meticulously referenced piece of writing is a sign of academic strength not weakness and it serves to writing is a sign of academic strength not weakness and it serves to give your work authority. give your work authority.

This should be done in two ways: This should be done in two ways: by referring to source material in the text of the essay or report by referring to source material in the text of the essay or report

itself (citation) itself (citation) by including a reference list at the end (reference)by including a reference list at the end (reference)

Citation/ReferencingCitation/Referencing

Why Citation/ReferencingWhy Citation/Referencing

Demonstrate how widely you have read;Demonstrate how widely you have read;

So that those reading or listening to your work can, if they wish, So that those reading or listening to your work can, if they wish, check that facts have been reported accurately, follow up check that facts have been reported accurately, follow up opinions or arguments referred to, or find out more about the opinions or arguments referred to, or find out more about the topic from another source; topic from another source;

So that a judgement can be made about the skill with which So that a judgement can be made about the skill with which other writings or information are being used to construct other writings or information are being used to construct arguments in the essay. arguments in the essay.

Avoid plagiarism. Avoid plagiarism.



Recommended form of referencing to be used is the Harvard or Recommended form of referencing to be used is the Harvard or numeric system.numeric system.

Harvard system requires you to include the appropriate reference to Harvard system requires you to include the appropriate reference to the authors surname and year of publication in rounded brackets, at the authors surname and year of publication in rounded brackets, at the appropriate point in your text.the appropriate point in your text.

List of references provided at the end of the paper, sorted List of references provided at the end of the paper, sorted alphabetically, by authors’ surnames, and presented without bullets alphabetically, by authors’ surnames, and presented without bullets or numbers. or numbers.

ReferencingReferencing

Referencing - HarvardReferencing - Harvard

Referencing a paper/chapter in a book Referencing a paper/chapter in a book

Flint, F.O. (1984) Advances in light microscopy of foods. Flint, F.O. (1984) Advances in light microscopy of foods. In: In: G.G. G.G. Birch and K.J. Parker, (eds.) Birch and K.J. Parker, (eds.) Control of food quality and food Control of food quality and food analysisanalysis. London: Elsevier Applied Science Publishers. . London: Elsevier Applied Science Publishers.

Referencing an article in a periodical Referencing an article in a periodical

Wantanakorn, D, Mawdesley, M J and Askew, W H (1999) Wantanakorn, D, Mawdesley, M J and Askew, W H (1999) Management errors in construction. Management errors in construction. Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction and Architectural Managementand Architectural Management, , 66(2), 112-20. (2), 112-20.



Reference to a thesis Reference to a thesis

El-Askari Khaled Mohamed, S (2000) El-Askari Khaled Mohamed, S (2000) A methodology for A methodology for expenditure planning of irrigation infrastructure using hydraulic expenditure planning of irrigation infrastructure using hydraulic modelling techniquesmodelling techniques, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of , Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Engineering, University of Southampton. Engineering, University of Southampton.

Referencing a paper in a conferenceReferencing a paper in a conference

Ashton, P and Gidado, K (2001) Risk associated with Ashton, P and Gidado, K (2001) Risk associated with inadequate site investigation procedures under design and build inadequate site investigation procedures under design and build procurement systems. procurement systems. In: In: Akintoye, A (Ed.), Akintoye, A (Ed.), 17th Annual 17th Annual ARCOM ConferenceARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2001, University of Salford. , 5-7 September 2001, University of Salford. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Vol. 1, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Vol. 1, 961-9. 961-9.



Referencing material on the internet Referencing material on the internet

Smith, R (2004) Smith, R (2004) Regional feature- London’s DocklandsRegional feature- London’s Docklands. Hay . Hay Montrose. Updated 2004, Available: Montrose. Updated 2004, Available: http://www.hayspersonnel.com/uk/index.jsp?channelhttp://www.hayspersonnel.com/uk/index.jsp?channel. Accessed, . Accessed, 2004, June 25. 2004, June 25.

Referencing a government report Referencing a government report DoE (1990) DoE (1990) Housing and Construction StatisticsHousing and Construction Statistics 1979-1989 1979-1989

Referencing a book Referencing a book

Walker, A (2002) Walker, A (2002) Project management in construction. Project management in construction. 4th ed. 4th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Science. Oxford: Blackwell Science.



PlagiarismPlagiarism involves the act of taking the ideas, writings or involves the act of taking the ideas, writings or inventions of another person and using these as if they were one’s inventions of another person and using these as if they were one’s own, whether intentionally or not. own, whether intentionally or not.

CopyingCopying the work of others, including that of other students in the the work of others, including that of other students in the class or group, is an indication of unfair means whereby one person class or group, is an indication of unfair means whereby one person gains credit for the work undertaken by another – gains credit for the work undertaken by another – if permitted if permitted extent of reproduction permissible must be declared.extent of reproduction permissible must be declared.

CollusionCollusion involves an agreement to deceive. This means that more involves an agreement to deceive. This means that more than one person is involved in the deception than one person is involved in the deception

Plagiarism, cheating & collusionPlagiarism, cheating & collusion

Plagiarism, cheating & collusionPlagiarism, cheating & collusion

The School treats plagiarism, cheating and collusion very seriously The School treats plagiarism, cheating and collusion very seriously in accordance with University guidance.in accordance with University guidance.

Working with other students in informal study groups is a desirable Working with other students in informal study groups is a desirable part of the academic experience but students part of the academic experience but students must ensuremust ensure that the that the work that is finally submitted is theirs and not that of anyone else work that is finally submitted is theirs and not that of anyone else

Take responsibility for applying Take responsibility for applying principles of best practice and principles of best practice and integrityintegrity within all of your work. within all of your work.

Be awareBe aware that your written work will be checked for plagiarism and that your written work will be checked for plagiarism and that all incidents of plagiarism, if found, are likely to result in severe that all incidents of plagiarism, if found, are likely to result in severe disciplinary action by the University. disciplinary action by the University.



Scenario 1: Scenario 1:

University and college managers should consider implementing University and college managers should consider implementing strategic frameworks if they wish to embrace good management strategic frameworks if they wish to embrace good management standards. standards. One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action. positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action. Managers are employed to resolve these issues effectively. Managers are employed to resolve these issues effectively.

Examples – case of plagiarismExamples – case of plagiarism

Examples – case of plagiarismExamples – case of plagiarism

Scenario 2:Scenario 2:

“ “One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Jones, and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Jones, 2001, p121).2001, p121).

Scenario 3:Scenario 3:

“ “It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s [Brown, 1991][Brown, 1991], , whereas more modern writers whereas more modern writers [Smith, 2002] [Smith, 2002] argue that the HE argue that the HE sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”.period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”.



Generally, referencing systems fall into the Harvard (where the text Generally, referencing systems fall into the Harvard (where the text citation is by author and date) and numeric (where the text citation is citation is by author and date) and numeric (where the text citation is by using a number) by using a number)

CitationsCitations: when a direct quotation, a figure, a general idea or other : when a direct quotation, a figure, a general idea or other piece of information is taken from another source, the work and its piece of information is taken from another source, the work and its source must be acknowledged and identified where it occurs in the source must be acknowledged and identified where it occurs in the text; text;

QuotationsQuotations: inverted commas must always be used to identify : inverted commas must always be used to identify direct quotations, and the source of the quotation must be cited; direct quotations, and the source of the quotation must be cited;



List of ReferencesList of References: the full details of all references and other : the full details of all references and other sources must be listed in a section at the end of any piece of work, sources must be listed in a section at the end of any piece of work, such as an essay, together with the full publication details. such as an essay, together with the full publication details.

Bibliography -Bibliography -generally contain references and sources which, generally contain references and sources which, although not directly referred to in your work, you consulted in although not directly referred to in your work, you consulted in producing your work. producing your work.



Coursework must be submitted with a School of the Built Coursework must be submitted with a School of the Built Environment Coursework Submission Cover Sheet Environment Coursework Submission Cover Sheet

Softcopy must be clearly labeled providing students details – same Softcopy must be clearly labeled providing students details – same as on the cover sheet.as on the cover sheet.

Where required – submission is to be uploaded to the “FINAL Where required – submission is to be uploaded to the “FINAL Turnitin location” prior to handing over/submitting your work. Note: Turnitin location” prior to handing over/submitting your work. Note: Refer coursework instruction/check with your module leader/tutorRefer coursework instruction/check with your module leader/tutor

SubmissionSubmission

Submission…Submission…

Important : Students who are having problems Important : Students who are having problems throughout the coursework period are requested to throughout the coursework period are requested to consult the staff member responsible for the coursework consult the staff member responsible for the coursework at least 1 week prior to the submission date at least 1 week prior to the submission date

Remember: Draft – Edit – Final document for Remember: Draft – Edit – Final document for submission.submission.


ApproachApproach

All the bestAll the best


academic report writing school of the built environment

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