Industrial Technology

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Industrial Technology

Written reports

This unit of work addresses aspects of the following syllabus outcomes:

H5.1 Selects and uses communication and information processing skills.

Source: Board of Studies (1999) Stage 6, industrial technology syllabus, preliminary and HSC courses. Board of Studies, Sydney.

The syllabus states the following on pages 18 and 19:

Students learn to:

Prepare a report on the organisation and structure of a range of business related to the specific organisation studied in the preliminary course

And
Incorporate the full range of literacy skills in the development of their management folio, Industry study and the production of projects.

The area of the course that you are most likely will be asked to prepare a report in this subject is for the Industry Study component. However, skills that you develop in this unit of work will also be able to be utilised in other areas of the course.

Many students will find the writing of a substantial report on their Study of Industry a daunting exercise. The organisation and presentation of the information gained from industry visits and research can be very difficult to compile and present in a logical way.

Written Reports are a specific ‘text type’ and as such will have certain characteristics. Written Reports will:

Use formal language
Use technical language related to the subject
Usually be written in the present tense

How to make Writing an Industry Study Report Easy

This task of writing an Industry Study Report becomes easier if the student has a framework or scaffold to support the information presented. A Suitable framework for the report is described in the table following.

1. Introduction
A statement explaining what the report is about It should include a short description of the subject Indicate to the audience the likely direction of the report
2. Body of the Report
A series of paragraphs about specific features of the subject. A list of suitable topics can be found in the syllabus on page 18 download the list Each paragraph may begin with a topic sentence that previews the remainder of the paragraph download a sample Following sentences provide more detail Each paragraph provides information on only one aspect of the report download a sample Technical language is used in any description show the sample Information and discussion is enhanced with pictures, graphs and tables where relevant
3. Conclusion
May summarise the report Can draw conclusions from the information provided
4. References
All reference material should be correctly acknowledged Approval for any photographs taken should be sought from appropriate people

Activity 1

Copy the following example of an introductory paragraph for an Industry Study Report, paste it into a suitable word processing program. Edit or rewrite the paragraph so that the style used is a more suitable ‘text type’ for report writing. You need to use formal language and use appropriate terminology. If you find it difficult to start, look at the suggested answer to help you.

For part of our Industry Study in Industrial Technology we visited ACME Engineering. This company began operation in 1974. While we were there we saw many things that helped us understand how the company is run. John F. Turner showed us around the site and explained to us about all the jobs the workers do and how they can all do different jobs if needed. It was especially interesting to see the new machines in operation, especially the ones that are computerised. He told us that they cost a lot to buy but explained that they will be worth it in the long run.

Answer

Activity 2

Tables are an efficient way to present a large amount of information in a concise way. They can enhance the presentation of a report. Most word processing programs have features that allow you to insert a table into a document quickly and easily. They also can be enhanced further using a variety of borders, shading and different fonts.

Using a suitable word processing program (eg MS Word) tabulate the following information so that it is easy to understand. Then insert it below your answer to Activity One.

List of Raw Material Suppliers used by ABC Kitchens and Joinery Pty Ltd.
The cabinet hardware used in production is supplied by ‘Cabinet Hardware Supplies’ Newcastle.
Manufacture Boards such as particle board and craftwood are supplied by ‘ ‘Manuboards’ Maitland.
Postformed benchtops and vacuum formed cabinet doors are supplied by a sub contractor ‘Mr Benchtops’ located in Cessnock.
Adhesives are supplied by “Strong Grip” located in Parramatta.
Finishes supplied by #8220;Super Shine” at Canterbury.
Solid Timber doors are manufactured by “Specialised and Exotic Joinery” located at Wyong.

Answer

Activity 3

The use of charts in reports is also another way to present information in an interesting and clear manner. Most spreadsheets allow you easily construct a variety of charts from data listed in them. Once the chart is generated it is easy to insert it into your report using ‘copy and paste’ functions.

Using a spreadsheet (eg MS Excel) generate a chart that presents the following information in a suitable format.

Breakdown of Production costs.

Labour 38%
Raw Materials 36%
Maintenance 6%
Power 6%
Research and Development 13%

Answer