The document discusses the five steps for planning and preparing a report: 1) Define the purpose and scope, 2) Determine the audience, 3) Investigate information sources, 4) Organize the material, and 5) Create an outline. It emphasizes that the purpose and scope should guide how data is collected and presented, and that the audience's background and needs must be considered. A variety of information sources like interviews, questionnaires, and databases are described.