Turning complex research findings into a readable report
Client: The Procurement Intelligence Unit
Background
The Procurement Intelligence Unit carried out a survey of senior procurement managers on a range of professional issues. This was intended to form the basis for a "state of the nation" report to be used as a promotional tool with prospective clients. Headline Media was asked to write the report.
The challenge
The questionnaire had been compiled with a view to collecting detailed information. However, there was little logic in the way the questions had been ordered and there had apparently been no thought as to how the information would translate into usable themes. The challenge for Headline Media was to take a mass of information and turn it into a readable report.
The project
The first task was to examine the questions and the kinds of information they elicited and to group them within themes that could form the basis for segments of the report. We identified five main themes.
Headline Media set about collating the questionnaire information under the five themes and identifying key messages. Readable analytical commentary was produced, referring always to the data in the report and accompanied where appropriate with graphics.
Several conversations with the client took place to clarify the findings emerging from the data.
It was necessary to insist on discussing the major points arising from the survey results first before moving on to further thinking on complex relationships between different findings which were often poorly supported.
When all drafting was complete and agreed with the client three further supporting sections for the report were produced: an executive summary, an introduction and conclusions and recommendations. A title reflecting the overall theme of the report was created.
Outcomes
The report was produced under the title Playing the Full Role and was successfully used by the client in its marketing activities.
Client: The Procurement Intelligence Unit
Background
The Procurement Intelligence Unit carried out a survey of senior procurement managers on a range of professional issues. This was intended to form the basis for a "state of the nation" report to be used as a promotional tool with prospective clients. Headline Media was asked to write the report.
The challenge
The questionnaire had been compiled with a view to collecting detailed information. However, there was little logic in the way the questions had been ordered and there had apparently been no thought as to how the information would translate into usable themes. The challenge for Headline Media was to take a mass of information and turn it into a readable report.
The project
The first task was to examine the questions and the kinds of information they elicited and to group them within themes that could form the basis for segments of the report. We identified five main themes.
Headline Media set about collating the questionnaire information under the five themes and identifying key messages. Readable analytical commentary was produced, referring always to the data in the report and accompanied where appropriate with graphics.
Several conversations with the client took place to clarify the findings emerging from the data.
It was necessary to insist on discussing the major points arising from the survey results first before moving on to further thinking on complex relationships between different findings which were often poorly supported.
When all drafting was complete and agreed with the client three further supporting sections for the report were produced: an executive summary, an introduction and conclusions and recommendations. A title reflecting the overall theme of the report was created.
Outcomes
The report was produced under the title Playing the Full Role and was successfully used by the client in its marketing activities.