The document outlines the key elements of various technical reports, detailing specific sections for reports such as project proposals, academic proposals, feasibility reports, design reports, tender reports, operation and maintenance manuals, environmental impact assessments, and environmental audit reports. Each report type includes a defined structure comprising elements like introduction, methodology, results, and conclusions. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of abstract, references, and executive summaries in professional reporting.

1. CVE 401: Technical Report Writing
MAIN ELEMENTS OF A REPORT
Gabriel Olukayode Adunoye
Department of Civil Engineering
Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife
Reference Material: Technical Report Writing by Ogedengbe et al (2005)

2.  There are different types of reports, with different
elements, some of which are peculiar and some
are common to all the reports.
 Different kinds of report and their elements are
discussed as follows.
INTRODUCTION
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3.  Introduction
 Literature Review
 Methodology (or experimental procedure)
 Results and Discussion
 Conclusion and Recommendations
 Abstract is included but placed before the introductory
chapter.
 References are placed after the concluding chapter.
DISSERTATION OR THESIS
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4.  Project proposals are written to present suggestions for
consideration
 It could be solicited (includes Terms of Reference (TOR)) or
unsolicited.
 A typical proposal comprises of 3 or 4 main sections thus:
(i) Introduction (includes background, aim of project,
justification, objectives and scope.
(ii) Proposed Method of Work.
(iii) Cost Estimates.
(iv)Facilities, Personnel and Work Plan.
 This report also includes Executive Summary and
References.
PROJECT PROPOSALS
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5.  Written by candidate for a higher degree (e.g. PhD). This is
presented prior to conducting the research.
 Through the report the plan for carrying out the research
is presented.
 Academic proposal comprises of:
(i) Introduction (includes background, aim of project,
justification, objectives and scope).
(ii) Literature Review.
(iii)Proposed Methodology (in future tense).
(iv)Expected Contribution to Knowledge and Stage
Reached.
 This report also includes Summary (to replace Abstract)
and Reference.
ACADEMIC PROPOSAL
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6. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
7 FEASIBILITY REPORT
 Feasibility report is ordered by the Client after
the acceptance of project proposal.
 Elements of a feasibility report include:
(i) Introduction: This presents a clear expression
and understanding of the problem.
(ii) Methodology: Consideration of alternatives.
(iii) Conclusion and Recommendation: Making a
decision based on correct analysis.

7. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
8 DESIGN REPORTS
 Design report follows the decision to proceed with the
with the project after feasibility study.
 The report consists of detailed analysis, computation,
drawings (plan, profile and sections)
 Elements of a design report are:
(i) Introduction
(ii) Presentation of working drawings
(iii) BOQ/BEME
(iv) Specifications
(v) Form of tender
(vi) Form of contract

8. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
9 TENDER REPORTS
 Tender report is prepared after the preparation
of tender documents, collection of tender and
submission of bids by contractors (selective or
open tendering).
 The report is prepared by professionals after
opening the tenders.
 The main elements of a tender report are:
(i) Introduction
(ii) Method of assessment and analysis (including
visits to site and office of the contractors).
(iii) Recommendation (usually a ranking of the
contractors).

9. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
10 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS
 The main elements of this document are:
(i) Introduction
(ii) Plant or building description (with as-built
drawings).
(iii) Systems operating procedure.
(iv) Maintenance work and schedule.

10. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
11 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORT
 The main elements of EIA report are:
(i) Introduction
(ii) Project Description
(iii) Method of Baseline Data Collection
(iv) Results
(v) Conclusion and Recommendations

11. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
12 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT REPORT
The main elements of this kind of
report are:
(i) Introduction
(ii)Methodology
(iii)Results
(iv)Conclusion and Recommendations

12. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
13 SUMMARY OF MAIN ELEMENTS
 Introduction
 Literature Review
 Methodology or Materials and Methods
 Results and Discussion
 Conclusion and Recommendations
 Abstract
 Report Outlines

13. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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