I am doing a project for the Government for the first time. Could somebody help me with the format to be used for the same. I see a lot of policy researches that are done without following the usual format of the content (i.e., Introduction, Literature review, Methodology, Data Analysis and findings, suggestions and recommendations). My question is whether we have to follow the above order for the research report to be submitted to the Government, which will help them in policy making
Hello Lina,
'usual' formats for policy related research reports often vary among different levels of government and different ministries or departments as well as the type of policy research e.g. is it urgent/ operational or more background/ future consideration?
Commissioning agencies usually indicate what they want in the contract. You can use their brief to create your format, or you can always ask for clarification.
Most government agencies have libraries of previously commissioned research - usually online nowadays, so I always look through these for recent reports on related/ similar types of questions, whether I've received guidance or not.
In my experience, public officers want quick access to main arguments with supporting 'facts'. If in doubt, include long discussions of methodology, literature review etc as appendices.
good luck
Hello Lina,
'usual' formats for policy related research reports often vary among different levels of government and different ministries or departments as well as the type of policy research e.g. is it urgent/ operational or more background/ future consideration?
Commissioning agencies usually indicate what they want in the contract. You can use their brief to create your format, or you can always ask for clarification.
Most government agencies have libraries of previously commissioned research - usually online nowadays, so I always look through these for recent reports on related/ similar types of questions, whether I've received guidance or not.
In my experience, public officers want quick access to main arguments with supporting 'facts'. If in doubt, include long discussions of methodology, literature review etc as appendices.
good luck
Dear Lina,
There are different kinds of report. The structure you have outlined is for a scientific research report. There are also technical reports, field reports and business reports, each has a different genre. I'm not so familiar with government reports but Lorinne's advice is helpful.
You might find this site useful: https://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/rep_overview.html
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