This document provides guidance on preparing and presenting research reports. It discusses the key elements and sections of a research report, including the title page, acknowledgements, table of contents, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. It emphasizes that research reports must be clearly organized, well-written in a simple style, and presented in an appropriate format. The document also covers preparing research proposals, literature reviews, bibliographies, and taking and organizing effective research notes to support the reporting of research findings.

1. Presentation of Results &Presentation of Results &
Preparing Research ReportPreparing Research Report
MD AZIZURMD AZIZUR
RAHMANRAHMAN
azizurmlis@gmail.comazizurmlis@gmail.com

2. PRESENTATION OF RESULTSPRESENTATION OF RESULTS
Results need to be given the fullest attention to every detail.Results need to be given the fullest attention to every detail.
Presentation of contents, the language should be simple,Presentation of contents, the language should be simple,
clear, lucid and unambiguous.clear, lucid and unambiguous.
The physical form should be in acceptable quality that aidsThe physical form should be in acceptable quality that aids
reader to use and also aesthetically appealing.reader to use and also aesthetically appealing.
The research work - M.Phil/PhD thesis, a research paper orThe research work - M.Phil/PhD thesis, a research paper or
a corporate research project report.a corporate research project report.

3. PRESENTATION OF RESULTSPRESENTATION OF RESULTS
Each one of these types of documents has special elementsEach one of these types of documents has special elements
that must get the appropriate treatment.that must get the appropriate treatment.
A number of factors that contribute in preparing a goodA number of factors that contribute in preparing a good
research report.research report.
present in an appropriate standard, qualitative form so that itpresent in an appropriate standard, qualitative form so that it
would bring credibility to the research work.would bring credibility to the research work.

4. RESEARCH REPORTSRESEARCH REPORTS
What, Why, and How?What, Why, and How?
Research reports are detailed and accurate accounts of the conduct ofResearch reports are detailed and accurate accounts of the conduct of
disciplined studies accomplished to solve problems or to reveal newdisciplined studies accomplished to solve problems or to reveal new
knowledge.knowledge.
The document that the researcher develops at the conclusion of theThe document that the researcher develops at the conclusion of the
research project.research project.
The research report is the compilation of findings from a piece ofThe research report is the compilation of findings from a piece of
research.research.
Research reports must be complete, well organised and carefullyResearch reports must be complete, well organised and carefully
prepared.prepared.
Types of Research Reports are:Types of Research Reports are:
1) Reports of Research degrees;1) Reports of Research degrees;
2) Research reports of projects funded/sponsored by research institutions2) Research reports of projects funded/sponsored by research institutions
and industries;and industries;
3) Research reports in the form of technical reports;3) Research reports in the form of technical reports;
4) Research papers published by research journals.4) Research papers published by research journals.

5. Why Research Reports?Why Research Reports?
Research reports of students and research fellows areResearch reports of students and research fellows are
generally submitted to the University or other similargenerally submitted to the University or other similar
professional institutions - M.Phil, PhD, DSc,professional institutions - M.Phil, PhD, DSc,
Research done in R&D and corporate institutionsResearch done in R&D and corporate institutions
The team leader would prepare this report, refine and editThe team leader would prepare this report, refine and edit
before its final submission.before its final submission.
Sponsored research often may be done by industries, toSponsored research often may be done by industries, to
obtain results with reference to solving a problem.obtain results with reference to solving a problem.
These reports are prepared by the project team.These reports are prepared by the project team.

6. Why Research Reports?Why Research Reports?
Research funded by governments, industries or by other bodies.Research funded by governments, industries or by other bodies.
The work is carried out by individuals or team, then project in-charge willThe work is carried out by individuals or team, then project in-charge will
prepares the reports.prepares the reports.
Research papers may be produced by researchers to announce theirResearch papers may be produced by researchers to announce their
preliminary results through publication in research journals.preliminary results through publication in research journals.
For major research projects of long duration, interim reports orFor major research projects of long duration, interim reports or
status/stage reports are also brought out to disseminate preliminarystatus/stage reports are also brought out to disseminate preliminary
results.results.
Then a consolidated report will be prepared as final report when theThen a consolidated report will be prepared as final report when the
project is completed.project is completed.

7. Why Research Reports?Why Research Reports?
IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH REPORTSIMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH REPORTS
The time and effort required to produce may be given in outline.The time and effort required to produce may be given in outline.
The validity of results is examined through a system of evaluation -The validity of results is examined through a system of evaluation -
M.Phil. / PhD dissertations / theses.M.Phil. / PhD dissertations / theses.
These types of research reports are found in:These types of research reports are found in:
– As Primary publications - research papers, specialised research reports.As Primary publications - research papers, specialised research reports.
– Covered in Secondary sources – I&A sources, state-of-art reports, etc.Covered in Secondary sources – I&A sources, state-of-art reports, etc.

8. Thesis vs. DissertationThesis vs. Dissertation
ThesisThesis
a statement or theory that is put forward as aa statement or theory that is put forward as a
premise to be maintained or proved:premise to be maintained or proved:
– a proposition forming the first stage in the process ofa proposition forming the first stage in the process of
dialectical reasoning. Compare with antithesis, synthesisdialectical reasoning. Compare with antithesis, synthesis
a long essay or dissertation involving personala long essay or dissertation involving personal
research, written by a candidate for a universityresearch, written by a candidate for a university
degree:degree:
DissertationDissertation
noun a long essay on a particular subject,noun a long essay on a particular subject,
especially one written for a university degree orespecially one written for a university degree or
diplomadiploma

9. How to Prepare a ResearchHow to Prepare a Research
Proposal?Proposal?
Universities and research institutes also needUniversities and research institutes also need
adequate financial aids to take up researchadequate financial aids to take up research
projects.projects.
Proposals have to be prepared with great attentionProposals have to be prepared with great attention
so that the funding agency gets convinced andso that the funding agency gets convinced and
sanction the funds asked for.sanction the funds asked for.
Proposals may have to be prepared for gettingProposals may have to be prepared for getting
research projects to obtain contracts for researchresearch projects to obtain contracts for research
projects.projects.

10. Research Proposals containsResearch Proposals contains
……
Proposals generally have the following components:Proposals generally have the following components:
Letter of transmittal:Letter of transmittal: letter which usually identifies andletter which usually identifies and
highlights the problemhighlights the problem (covering letter).(covering letter).
Title page:Title page: statement of the problem, name of thestatement of the problem, name of the
organizations, I.D. No., date of submission and duration oforganizations, I.D. No., date of submission and duration of
project, etc.project, etc.
Executive Summary:Executive Summary:
Table of contents:Table of contents:

11. Research Proposals containsResearch Proposals contains
……
Statement of Request:Statement of Request: include the terms of reference.include the terms of reference.
Preliminary Section:Preliminary Section: subject of the report, scope, purposesubject of the report, scope, purpose
and plan of execution.and plan of execution. (briefly)(briefly)
Introduction:Introduction: statement of the problem and its background.statement of the problem and its background.
The body including the methodology:The body including the methodology: procedure,procedure,
equipment to be used for study, analysis, results,equipment to be used for study, analysis, results,
discussions, conclusions, and recommendations, etc.discussions, conclusions, and recommendations, etc.
Facilities:Facilities: include equipment, machinery, literature supportinclude equipment, machinery, literature support
facilities such as books, photocopies of documents, Internetfacilities such as books, photocopies of documents, Internet
services, etc. transport required for travel, communicationservices, etc. transport required for travel, communication
facilities like telephone, fax, etc. and others.facilities like telephone, fax, etc. and others.

12. Research Proposals containsResearch Proposals contains
……
Personnel:Personnel: This includes professionals and secretarial staff.This includes professionals and secretarial staff.
Duration:Duration: milestones, phases and completion time of themilestones, phases and completion time of the
task.task.
Cost and Funding:Cost and Funding: includes salaries, capital expenditure.includes salaries, capital expenditure.
Summary:Summary: The summary should reiterate the beneficiaries ofThe summary should reiterate the beneficiaries of
the research results.the research results.

13. RESEARCH REPORTSRESEARCH REPORTS
PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & CONTENTSPLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT & CONTENTS
A outline serves as a guide in the preparation of the finalA outline serves as a guide in the preparation of the final
report.report.
Most of the research report’s outlines are structured.Most of the research report’s outlines are structured.
Preliminaries
Title Page with author’s name, affiliation and contact address;Title Page with author’s name, affiliation and contact address;
Acknowledgements, if any;Acknowledgements, if any;
Conspectus;Conspectus;
Table of contents;Table of contents;
List of tables, illustrations, etc.;List of tables, illustrations, etc.;
Abstract/Synopsis, Executive Summary.Abstract/Synopsis, Executive Summary.

14. PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT &PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT &
CONTENTSCONTENTS
IntroductionIntroduction
Statement of the problem;Statement of the problem;
Explanation of the theoretical or practical context of theExplanation of the theoretical or practical context of the
research problem originated;research problem originated;
NeedNeed andand PurposePurpose of the study and research: theirof the study and research: their rationalerationale;;
Review of the literature;Review of the literature;
Description of the StudyDescription of the Study
Conceptual Framework of the Study:Conceptual Framework of the Study:
– Definitions of terms.Definitions of terms.
– Explanation of the Assumptions, Hypothesis of the research problem.Explanation of the Assumptions, Hypothesis of the research problem.
– Foot NotesFoot Notes

15. PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT &PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT &
CONTENTSCONTENTS
Research ProcessResearch Process
Collection of Data and AnalysisCollection of Data and Analysis
Data collection includes Explanation of procedures andData collection includes Explanation of procedures and
methods;methods;
Data Analysis techniques.Data Analysis techniques.
ResultsResults
Statistical presentation;Statistical presentation;
Data tables and figures;Data tables and figures;
Graphics.Graphics.

16. PLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT ANDPLAN OUTLINE, FORMAT AND
CONTENTSCONTENTS
DiscussionsDiscussions
– Support or Nonsupport of hypothesis;Support or Nonsupport of hypothesis;
– Practical and theoretical implications;Practical and theoretical implications;
– InferencesInferences,, ConclusionsConclusions andand RecommendationsRecommendations, if any., if any.
SummarySummary
GlossaryGlossary
ReferencesReferences
BibliographyBibliography
AppendixAppendix
IndexIndex

17. PreliminariesPreliminaries
The first page of research report is the title page.The first page of research report is the title page.
– E.g.E.g. Project Title:Project Title: analyzing and Optimizing Supply and Demand of Intermittent Renewableanalyzing and Optimizing Supply and Demand of Intermittent Renewable
Electricity through Transmission Load Flow ModelingElectricity through Transmission Load Flow Modeling
It may sometimes have a sub-title explaining the main title if need be.It may sometimes have a sub-title explaining the main title if need be.
– Sustainable Economics for a Digital Planet: ensuring long term access to digitalSustainable Economics for a Digital Planet: ensuring long term access to digital
information.information.
– Progress Report #1 on SCRI-Funded Project on IYSV and Thrips Reactions and SNPProgress Report #1 on SCRI-Funded Project on IYSV and Thrips Reactions and SNP
Development in OnionDevelopment in Onion
Titles should be very carefully drafted to give an exact statement of theTitles should be very carefully drafted to give an exact statement of the
work done.work done.
The author details, affiliation and address is given so that it wouldThe author details, affiliation and address is given so that it would
enable a person to get in touch with the author, in case there is a need.enable a person to get in touch with the author, in case there is a need.
Acknowledgements to sponsors, financial and other supports,Acknowledgements to sponsors, financial and other supports,
preparation of manuscripts, those that have provided library andpreparation of manuscripts, those that have provided library and
information support facilities.information support facilities.

18. PreliminariesPreliminaries
Conspectus giving an overview of the different chapters,Conspectus giving an overview of the different chapters,
chapter by chapter.chapter by chapter.
It is different from a synopsis or an executive summaryIt is different from a synopsis or an executive summary
which gives a quick overall review of a research document.which gives a quick overall review of a research document.
Executive Summary or Synopsis vs. Conspectus .Executive Summary or Synopsis vs. Conspectus .
Table of contents may be just simple statements.Table of contents may be just simple statements.
The lists of tables, figures, illustrations, maps,The lists of tables, figures, illustrations, maps,
photographs, etc.photographs, etc.

19. IntroductionIntroduction
The Statement of the problem.The Statement of the problem.
Explanation of the theoretical or practical context.Explanation of the theoretical or practical context.
Review of the literature -- provides a background for theReview of the literature -- provides a background for the
study,study, identifiesidentifies gaps,gaps, highlightinghighlighting somesome important workimportant work
already donealready done..
It may give total picture of the area taken up for research.It may give total picture of the area taken up for research.

20. Description of the StudyDescription of the Study
The real research work done, begins with this section.The real research work done, begins with this section.
general research problem is narrowed down and restated ingeneral research problem is narrowed down and restated in
terms of specific hypothesis or research questions.terms of specific hypothesis or research questions.
Operational definitions of concepts in the hypothesisOperational definitions of concepts in the hypothesis
TheThe theoreticaltheoretical andand practical implicationspractical implications of the study shouldof the study should
be discussed in this section.be discussed in this section.
Foot notes / references are provided to support evidences.Foot notes / references are provided to support evidences.

21. Data collection andData collection and
AnalysisAnalysis
focuses on how the research problem isfocuses on how the research problem is handledhandled and theand the
sources includingsources including methodsmethods used in obtaining them.used in obtaining them.
detailed description of all steps taken to collect data isdetailed description of all steps taken to collect data is
stated;stated;
selection of topical headings, methods used to validate andselection of topical headings, methods used to validate and
to pretest instruments.to pretest instruments.
Data analysis includes the method(s) of methods of analysis,Data analysis includes the method(s) of methods of analysis,
statistical methods used, and other related methods.statistical methods used, and other related methods.
ResultsResults
organised and should be presented in tables;organised and should be presented in tables;
proper interpretation of data analysis to arrive at aproper interpretation of data analysis to arrive at a
conclusion that may permit some generalisation.conclusion that may permit some generalisation.

22. Research ReportResearch Report
DiscussionsDiscussions deal with the results obtaineddeal with the results obtained
with reference(s).with reference(s).
SummarySummary is different from the synopsis oris different from the synopsis or
abstractsabstracts
GlossaryGlossary
References and BibliographyReferences and Bibliography
AppendixAppendix
IndexIndex

23. Preparation & Organisation of Research NotesPreparation & Organisation of Research Notes
These may include by and large groups like:These may include by and large groups like:
– Bibliographical references, bothBibliographical references, both directly relateddirectly related toto
research andresearch and additional referencesadditional references;;
– Subject notes that get formulated as the research workSubject notes that get formulated as the research work
progresses;progresses;
– Quotations, Paraphrases, Summaries, Abstracts; andQuotations, Paraphrases, Summaries, Abstracts; and
– Evaluative notes or remarks and such others.Evaluative notes or remarks and such others.

24. Bibliographical ReferencesBibliographical References
constitute two categories : those that are directlyconstitute two categories : those that are directly
concerned with the topic and those that are ofconcerned with the topic and those that are of
peripheral value.peripheral value.
these references ought to be very carefully andthese references ought to be very carefully and
systematically recorded.systematically recorded.
the references should be recorded in prescribedthe references should be recorded in prescribed
format. E.g. APA, MLA, etc.format. E.g. APA, MLA, etc.
style manuals that prescribe standard practice ofstyle manuals that prescribe standard practice of
citations and the format.citations and the format.

25. Bibliographical ReferencesBibliographical References
Example format for bibliographical reference is given below:Example format for bibliographical reference is given below:
– Title of the document with the author and other details necessary.Title of the document with the author and other details necessary.
Edition statement, if any. Year of publication. Publisher and Place,Edition statement, if any. Year of publication. Publisher and Place,
collation, if necessary.collation, if necessary.
– Subject heading of the document.Subject heading of the document.
– Name of the Library from where the reference was sought along withName of the Library from where the reference was sought along with
address, if needed; Call No.address, if needed; Call No.
– Relevant chapter or section to which the document is related.Relevant chapter or section to which the document is related.
– Specific indication of its reference value to the researchers work.Specific indication of its reference value to the researchers work.

26. Subject NotesSubject Notes
While reviewing literature, formulating assumptions and/or hypothesis,While reviewing literature, formulating assumptions and/or hypothesis,
selecting research methods, methods of data collection, their assemblyselecting research methods, methods of data collection, their assembly
in systematic order, analysis, presentation of results, interpretation,in systematic order, analysis, presentation of results, interpretation,
making inferences, conclusions, generalisation and possiblemaking inferences, conclusions, generalisation and possible
applications of results.applications of results.
TheseThese ideas and thoughtsideas and thoughts may be classified into two or three sets.may be classified into two or three sets.
a)a) Ideas pertaining to a particular aspect.Ideas pertaining to a particular aspect.
b)b) Reading relevant literature to be considered at the stage of discussions.Reading relevant literature to be considered at the stage of discussions.
c)c) Points that have emerged while discussing with seniors, peers andPoints that have emerged while discussing with seniors, peers and
colleagues or even students.colleagues or even students.

27. Suggested FormatSuggested Format
– Subject HeadingSubject Heading
– Chapter referenceChapter reference
– Topical statement(s); Descriptive subject headingTopical statement(s); Descriptive subject heading
– CommentsComments
– Document Reference, if anyDocument Reference, if any
– Date/Time of occurrence of ideasDate/Time of occurrence of ideas
– Names of persons consultedNames of persons consulted
– Any other important referenceAny other important reference
Bibliographical ReferencesBibliographical References
QuotationsQuotations, Paraphrases, Summaries, Evaluative notes., Paraphrases, Summaries, Evaluative notes.
Foot NotesFoot Notes are citations, comments, explanations, illustrations , etc.are citations, comments, explanations, illustrations , etc.

28. DRAFTING OF RESEARCHDRAFTING OF RESEARCH
REPORTSREPORTS
Careful outlining and notes-taking is required for drafting theCareful outlining and notes-taking is required for drafting the
final report.final report.
1. Language and Grammar1. Language and Grammar
Good writing is ease to understand the contents.Good writing is ease to understand the contents.
Style is a natural ability to write in a captivating manner.Style is a natural ability to write in a captivating manner.
Organisation of the ReportOrganisation of the Report
Example: Drafting sentence outline for aExample: Drafting sentence outline for a Library AutomationLibrary Automation
Research ProjectResearch Project
The outlines with appropriate sections are:The outlines with appropriate sections are:
– Justifying the changeover to renovating the libraryJustifying the changeover to renovating the library

29. Topical Outlines includes ….Topical Outlines includes ….
A library is a growing Organism;A library is a growing Organism;
Goal to provide high quality service;Goal to provide high quality service;
Problems of disjointed growth;Problems of disjointed growth;
Collections, Shelf space, Readers facilities, staff and others.Collections, Shelf space, Readers facilities, staff and others.
Fall in standards; Disproportionate allocations of funds;Fall in standards; Disproportionate allocations of funds;
Services and staff;Services and staff;
AlternativesAlternatives
Library automationLibrary automation
Collection development – user orientedCollection development – user oriented
Services development using network systems;Services development using network systems;
Alternative forms to print material;Alternative forms to print material;
Highly professional and computer skilled personnel;Highly professional and computer skilled personnel;
Use of Internet and Web services.Use of Internet and Web services.

30. PHYSICAL PRODUCTIONPHYSICAL PRODUCTION
Two aspects need careful attention:Two aspects need careful attention:
Preparation of the manuscript; andPreparation of the manuscript; and
The physical production of report includingThe physical production of report including
printingprinting

31. 1. Preparation of1. Preparation of
ManuscriptsManuscripts
Typesetting using a DTP Software.Typesetting using a DTP Software.
The composition and page layout and organization of the manuscript forThe composition and page layout and organization of the manuscript for
the physical productionthe physical production
Fonts type and size(s), headings and sub-headings, footnotes, theirFonts type and size(s), headings and sub-headings, footnotes, their
format and fonts, size, words in bold, or in italics or underlined, graphicsformat and fonts, size, words in bold, or in italics or underlined, graphics
to be placed at the right places, tables and figures at the appropriateto be placed at the right places, tables and figures at the appropriate
places.places.
A Style Manual would give the right format for bibliographical citations.A Style Manual would give the right format for bibliographical citations.

32. Physical Production ofPhysical Production of
DocumentDocument
Once the final copy of the manuscript is ready, theOnce the final copy of the manuscript is ready, the
physical production of the manuscript is taken up.physical production of the manuscript is taken up.
This involves four operations:This involves four operations:
– Composing the matterComposing the matter
– Page layout of the composed matterPage layout of the composed matter
– Production of the final documentProduction of the final document
– Binding and final finishBinding and final finish
– Publishing aspects, if the report is published.Publishing aspects, if the report is published.

33. SUMMARYSUMMARY
It is last major step in the conduct of a research project.It is last major step in the conduct of a research project.
All projects ends with the preparation & submission ofAll projects ends with the preparation & submission of
research reports.research reports.
Outline of research reports varies with type of researchOutline of research reports varies with type of research
report.report.
Items to be covered in the research reports.Items to be covered in the research reports.
Final production of research reports.Final production of research reports.
It is one of the most import primary information source.It is one of the most import primary information source.

34. ReadingsReadings
1. Busha, Charles H. and Harter, Stephen H. (1988).
Research Methods in Librarianship: Techniques and
Interpretations. New York : Academic Press.
2. Krishan Kumar (1999). Research Methods in Library and
Information Science. Ed.2. New Delhi: Har-Anand
Publications.

35. Thank You!!!Thank You!!!