An HVAC designer is almost certain to be faced with the need to write reports. The ability to produce an organized, understandable, and succinct report will go far toward establishing credibility with both superiors and clients. Writing a good report requires the same attributes needed for success in any other area: understanding of basic principles, planning and organization, and careful investigation. | Source HVAC Systems Design Handbook Chapter 15 Technical Report Writing Introduction An HVAC designer is almost certain to be faced with the need to write reports. The ability to produce an organized understandable and succinct report will go far toward establishing credibility with both superiors and clients. Writing a good report requires the same attributes needed for success in any other area understanding of basic principles planning and organization and careful investigation. Most reports are written in response to a problem and describe the results of a study of that problem and its possible solutions. Thus the problem-solving pattern outlined in Sec. applies. Organization of a Report Figure shows a typical report outline. There may be additional topics but these are the essential items in any report. Section 1 is sometimes called an executive summary because it is written for the executive who is not concerned with details but needs a synopsis. The authorization describes the purchase order letter or other legal basis which led to the production of the report. The scope is usually a part of the authorization and describes the objective and problems to be addressed. It is really a specification and often provides the basis by which the report is judged for completeness and payment is authorized. Definition of the scope is the first step in the problem-solving process and the value of the final report will relate strongly to the clarity of this definition. 439 Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill Copyright 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use as given at the website. Technical Report Writing 440 Chapter Fifteen SECTION TOPIC PAGE I SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Authorization 1-1 B. Scope 1-1 C. Acknowledgements 1-1 D. Summary 1-1 1. Existing Conditions 2. Alternatives 3. Cost Analysis E. Recommendations I-2 Figures Tables II .
