Department of Applied Language Studies | Short Courses
REPORT WRITING 
Short Learning Programme (SLP)
About this course
The Report Writing SLP aims to develop basic principles for the writing of effective reports in differing formats and contexts. Most professions require individuals to write and draft reports that are either generic in nature or customised and specific to the work environment and professional sphere. As a result, many struggle to formulate a professional report that presents information and data in a coherent manner.
The Report Writing SLP aims to develop report-writing principles to include in report structures including conciseness and clarity - leading to reports that can inform effective decision-making processes. This course includes the structuring of reports from short memo formats to lengthy formal reports.
Depending on the report writing needs of the specific group of delegates completing this course, the facilitator will often include relevant and industry-related formats of reports as part of the in-class discussions.
Who should attend?
This course is ideal for any professional who is required to write and draft reports. If you are required to arrange, structure and present information and data logically in a coherent and cohesive manner that will be easily understood by your audience, then this course is for you.
How will this course help you?
Report Writing will help you by informing your practice of writing and drafting reports.
You will be shown professional formats for different reports – enabling your future reports to be written and drafted more effectively.
What will you learn?
Learning Outcomes
A delegate of this course should be able to:
-
understand and apply principles of communication theory;
-
describe barriers to effective writing and identify strategies for effective report writing in the workplace;
-
demonstrate ability to determine the purpose and audience in writing a report;
-
differentiate between fact and opinion when gathering information for a report;
-
choose relevant information for report completion;
-
select an appropriate research procedure to investigate an area of concern;
-
choose the appropriate report format for a specific audience;
-
write (generate) a formal / memo / letter report which reflects a logical, accurate presentation of findings;
-
demonstrate ability to write meaningfully by avoiding generalisations based on too few observations and too little research;
-
demonstrate ability to write meaningfully by avoiding unsupported assumptions in written work;
-
demonstrate ability to assess writing for technical and expression errors by revising and editing work carefully;
-
apply principles of presentation by graphic aids; and,
-
choose the most effective presentation for reports which give both dignity to the document and favourably influence audiences.
Content/Modules/Units
The following will be covered in this course:
-
Communication Theory
-
Audience and Purpose in Report Writing
-
Barriers to Effective Report Writing
-
Subjectivity and Objectivity in Writing
-
Report Formats
-
Structure and Style of Reports
-
Writing Principles (clarity, conciseness)
-
Coherence and Cohesion in Writing
-
Planning Research for a Report
-
Working with Visual Aids in Reports
How will this course be taught?
This course will be taught using face-to-face instruction and self-paced learning (readings, tasks and activities, and online/home-based learning). You will be welcomed into a small group of delegates and taught by a qualified and experienced facilitator.
The face-to-face sessions will be interactive and the facilitator will engage with all delegates. Group numbers will be kept to a minimum to ensure increased delegate engagement during facilitation. The facilitator will utilise the face-to-face sessions to present the course content and interact with you by completing class-based activities and tasks that will apply your knowledge.
Depending on the delivery mode of this course, you might also be given access to our online learning platform so that you have access to course resources and be able to complete certain activities.
The language of teaching and learning (LOTL) of this course will be English.
How will you be assessed?
A final task will be assigned that has to be submitted for review and formative feedback will be provided thereafter. The course facilitator will provide the task instructions during the course.
Learning Support
Your learning will be supported by a qualified and experienced facilitator. A dedicated administrative assistant will be assigned to assist you with any administrative matters. A tutor will be assigned when group numbers are high and the facilitator requires assistance in supporting your learning.
Admission Requirements
A delegate:
-
has to be older than 16;
-
has to be able to communicate in the language of teaching and learning (LOTL) of this course; and,
-
should have completed a relevant level of education deemed suitable for entry into this course (usually a high school qualification).
No prior knowledge is required for entry into this course, however, knowledge of Business Writing will be advantageous.
Course Completion Requirements
In order to complete this course successfully, delegates have to attend the face-to-face sessions, complete assigned activities, and complete and submit the final course assessment.
Certificate
This course has been accredited by the Unit of Continuing Education of the University in accordance with the regulations of the Council of Higher Education (CHE), South Africa.
Upon meeting the requirements and successfully completing this course, you will be awarded a Certificate issued by Nelson Mandela University.
Delegates who complete their courses online or via distance learning (where applicable) will receive both a digital and hardcopy of their certificates.
A certificate of completion will be awarded to delegates who attended the course and completed the final assessment.
A certificate of attendance will be awarded to delegates who attended at least 70% of the total notional hours of the course but did not complete the final assessment.