Chapter 30. A Report-Writing Case Study

The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate some of the principles of report writing presented in Chapter 29. In order to accomplish this, we present a written report for a project that a junior engineer might be given in the first several years of employment. This chapter is split into several sections. Each section addresses some of the common errors that are made in report writing. Examples of poor and improved cover memoranda, poor and improved graphics, and poor and improved writing styles are given. A checklist of common errors is also included. Finally, an example is presented of a improved written report that illustrates many of the principles outlined in this chapter and Chapter 29.

It should be noted that the figures and tables concerning the toluene hydrodealkylation problem are presented to illustrate examples of strong and weak graphics and to highlight common mistakes. The absolute values shown for equipment and operating costs are not necessarily accurate.