FAQS

A technical report can be described as "a written scientific document that conveys information about technical research in an objective and fact-based manner". Technical writing shares many similarities with business writing however the main difference is in terms of purpose.

Technical reports typically focus on standard operating procedures, instructional guides and manuals, safety reports, troubleshooting analysis, specifications, etc. Technical reports are often targeted at specific audiences such as developers, technical specialists, and programmers.

Business reports tend to have wider audiences such as organizational clients, employees, and shareholders, which tend to require professional but common language, easily understood by multiple recipients.

When writing technical reports, it is not only useful but expected for specific professional verbiage and technical language to be used, based on the needs of the audience. 

Technical writing should be concise and precise. By following the 5 C's, you can craft a technical report that meets the needs of your audience.

1. Correct: Writing should be grammatically and technically correct. Run your paper through Grammarly to catch common grammatical issues. Additionally, proofread your report to catch any numerical or technical errors. For example, if your report says "the automobile weighs 400 pounds" instead of 4,000 pounds, your report would be inaccurate. As a rule, it's best to always double check numbers, specifications, and other technical reporting for accuracy. 
2. Clear: Statements in your report should only have one interpretation. In other words, they should be straightforward and not ambiguous. It may be beneficial to add charts, graphs, and images to ensure clarity and reduce potential ambiguity. 
3. Concise: Eliminate unnecessary words and ensure the words you use are specific, concise and direct. For example instead of "The system has many errors, most of which can be easily addressed", you might write "The system has 11 errors, 9 of which can be easily addressed." 
4. Complete: Ensure your report includes all relevant and necessary information for the audience. For example, if you are using acronyms but leave out the definition, it may be difficult your audience to follow along. Or if you are writing a standard operating procedure but leave out a critical step, the report will be incomplete. 
5. Consistent: When writing a technical report, you will want to ensure that your report does not contradict itself. For example, if more than one term can be used for an item or process, choose one and use only that one in your report. 

For additional guidelines on specific assignment expectations, please reach out to your Instructor. 

References

• Technical Writing by Philip LaPlante
• Technical Report: What is it & How to Write it?
• Difference Between Technical Report and Business Report