Research information has limited value unless it is collected
and published in a usable form and presented to those who may
apply it. For these reasons never assume that your job is
finished when the experimental or analytical phase has been
completed. It is also your responsibility as an engineer or
scientist to show promptly that your results are worthwhile and
that you have reason to believe the field will be advanced by
your efforts. The only way to convey these thoughts is by
writing a good report. The five major stages of report
preparation are Report preparation begins with planning the
research program. An orderly investigation is a requisite for an
orderly report. Report planning and program planning should be
considered one and the same. To become a successful technical
writer, you should develop the ability to foresee the general
content of the report before the program begins. In most cases
you should be able to prepare a preliminary report outline at
the beginning of the program. Outlining should