Page 17 - Mini-Module 11

Figure 3: Report Sample A

2.2 Members of both departments have a positive attitude towards
the merger and are committed to its future success.
2.3 The new management structure should consist of the Head of
English Language and Liberal Studies and an advisory group of
three.
2.4 The Department will be responsible for staff identification and
selection.
2.5 The Panel Chairs will be members of senior management team
and liaise with the 3 main feeder primary schools.

You will notice that Figure 3 comprises recommendations, and they are in
the second section of the report. The author decided that this was the part
the principal was waiting for, so why keep her waiting? It was a final report.
Figure 4 is from an 'interim' report, a description of work in progress on the
report.

Figure 4: Report Sample B

Reorganisation of two existing departments is never comfortable; for
every person who gains, there are those who suffer a loss of identity.
Whilst most of us try to manage in our jobs at the level of the
rational and logical, the emotional and gut reaction is never far from
the surface.

It would be unforgivable not to record the feelings and
disillusionment expressed by some of the teachers interviewed,
when they reviewed the present situation in which they found
themselves in relation to past experience or hopes. Little can be done
with such a depth of feeling at the rational level save to understand
how it arises. What must be said is that the frustration felt by some
has a disproportionate effect.

Note the use of language which creates images in the mind. Despite the fact
that there are certain guidelines, they are not 'rules' and there are times
when you can deviate from established procedures to create the sort of
effect you are after. Many reports are a bit too formal and some are even a
few years out of date (herein contained, thereafter)! There are many
circumstances where it is better to be more conversational to avoid
obscuring what you are trying to say by using over‐formal expressions.

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