Technical Report Writing

Next Course Date: TBA

(18:00 - 21:00) 4 Evening Split Sessions

Technical Report Writing and Writing Technical Specifications for Contracts

Accredited Live Interactive Course

Presented by: Mike Lacey-Smith

2 ECSA CPD Points | 14 PMI PDUs

Certificate on completion

Original Cost: R 2999

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CPD Points

Upon successful completion of this course, professionals will be eligible to earn CPD points from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). These points are important for maintaining professional status and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and development

PMI PDUs

Upon completion of this course, PMI certificate holders will be eligible to earn professional development units (PDUs) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). These PDUs are recognized by PMI as a way for certified professionals to maintain and improve their skills, and demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional development

Live Online Training

A live webinar training is an interactive course that is conducted online in real-time. It allows professionals to participate remotely and engage with the instructor and other attendees through audio, video, and text-based communication. This accredited course will provide attendees with 3 months of access to recordings for review purposes after the live session has ended

Earn your Certificate

Upon successful completion of the course, you will earn a certificate that you can add to your portfolio and showcase to prospective companies looking to hire professionals. This certificate can demonstrate your skills and knowledge, and help you stand out in the job market.

About the course

Effective communication is the foundation of success in engineering and technical fields, and at the heart of it lies the technical report. This course equips Engineers, Technicians, and Technical Specialists with the skills to write clear, precise, and impactful reports. Learn the four C’s of technical writing—Clarity, Conciseness, Correctness, and Completeness—and understand their real-world applications, especially when crafting critical technical specifications for contracts. Gain insights into how well-structured reports drive cross-departmental decisions, ensure accurate project valuation, and prevent costly mistakes. Beyond just writing, this course strengthens your ability to communicate complex technical information with confidence. Whether preparing proposals, contracts, or stakeholder reports, you’ll refine your skills to deliver professional, high-quality documentation that stands out.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools to write with precision, persuasiveness, and professionalism—setting you apart as a skilled technical communicator.

What you will learn on this course:

Understanding that essential technical report writing skills the basis for all technical writing
Understanding the purpose of technical writing
Learning to write accurate and understandable technical reports
Appreciating the value of good written communications
Learning and applying the principles of good grammar in all forms of writing
Understanding the principles of clear, concise, correct and complete writing
Delivering clearly understandable written data
Learning how to proofread work so that writers are confident that the final product satisfies the needs of the reader/contract
Understanding the importance of accurate Technical Specifications writing for technical reports and for contracts
Clearly understanding what a contract is, and how information from a contract is used
Learning to deliver well prepared Technical Specifications that add value to any project including a contract
Appreciating the importance for accuracy of Technical Specification writing for both the contract and those who are going to use the data to successfully complete a project according to contract
Understanding that Technical Specification data should inform stakeholders in terms of decision making – it should be accurate, persuasive and clearly informative
Providing the opportunity to apply these skills in the workshop.

Accreditation for this course

This live webinar is approved by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Complete the course to earn 2 ECSA CPD Points. PMP Certificate holders will also receive 14 PMI PDUs. This certification boosts your standing in the engineering world, showcasing dedication and excellence. Regularly updating CPD points is vital with bodies like ECSA, as not doing so could affect your membership. Stay updated, prioritize your certification, and highlight your commitment to engineering growth.

Who is this course for:

All Engineers, Technicians and Technical Specialists who are responsible writing technical reports, and those who are responsible for writing Technical Specifications for any technical document including that which is required for contracts.

On completion of the course, you will receive the following:

A certificate of completion
2 ECSA CPD points
For PMP Certificate holders: 14 PMI PDUs
3-month access to recordings of live sessions (for delegates who miss a session due to load shedding)
An accredited self-paced course with additional CPD points
This is a live interactive course, allowing you to ask the presenter questions in real-time.

Note: Live sessions must be attended to qualify for the certificate; recordings are for review only.

What is covered in this course

2015-2017

Section 1:
Foundations of Technical Writing

Understanding the reason for accurate Technical Writing:

Dive into the significance of precise technical writing in both business and academia, emphasizing the consequences of inaccuracies and how it can enhance professionalism and credibility.

The accepted structure of reports:

Explore both traditional and modern report structures, the importance of consistency, and the relevance of tailoring structures to the reading audience.

The qualities of a good technical report:

Examine the cornerstones of a standout technical report, including objectivity, accuracy, relevance, and user-centricity.

Understanding the PSA methodology (Problem, Solution, Action):

Unpack the PSA methodology, its practical benefits, application, and examples in real-world scenarios.

The 4c’s of writing – Clear, Concise, Correct, and Complete:

Delve into the foundational elements of exemplary writing, focusing on techniques to ensure clarity, brevity, correctness, and completeness.

Creating a system for accurate writing:

Introduce tools and methods for systematic writing, emphasizing the advantages of forming effective writing habits.

2011-2014

Section 2:
Techniques and Tools for Enhanced Writing

Relearning the parts of speech in an easy way:

Offer a refresher on the fundamental aspects of grammar and its practical application in the realm of technical writing.

Improving writing using and practicing 7 techniques:

Navigate through seven pivotal techniques to elevate writing quality, complete with practical exercises and feedback sessions.

Understanding and Applying PAFEO (Purpose, Audience, Format, Evidence, and Organisation):

Delve deep into the PAFEO framework, highlighting its significance in planning and showcasing real-life applications.

Grammar, Punctuation, and Structure:

Reinforce the importance of impeccable grammar and punctuation, showcasing how they impact the overall quality and perception of written content.

Data Visualization and Reporting:

Equip learners with the skills to effectively present data through graphs, charts, tables, and provide insights on effective statistical reporting

Finalizing the Writing:

Emphasize the importance of refining written content through proofreading, editing, and apt formatting to cater to the target audience and purpose.

2007-2010

Section 3:
Technical Specifications in Business Contexts

Introduction to Technical Specifications:

Illuminate the unique aspects of technical specification writing and the nuances of crafting business cases around them.

Project Management Essentials:

Break down how Quality, Time, and Cost (QTC) components intertwine in projects and shed light on industry standards, legislations, and cost estimation techniques.

Contracts and Tendering:

Impart knowledge on the anatomy of contracts, potential pitfalls, and the instrumental role of technical specifications during the tendering process.

Technical Specifications in Depth:

Deep-dive into crafting precise technical specifications, touching upon their structure, the critical role they play in project outcomes, and ensuring alignment with project methodologies.

Specifications, Contracts, and Methodology:

Foster an understanding of the interplay between technical specifications and contract methodologies, along with insights into the phraseology of contracts.

Section 4:

Supplementary Resources and Best Practices

Supporting Written Documentation:

Shed light on the importance and nuances of supporting documents like letters and emails, emphasizing their significance in supplementing main technical documents.

Collaborative Technical Writing:

Discuss the dynamics of team-based technical writing, the art of gleaning information from specialists, and the nuances of clarifying writing needs.

Ensuring Comprehensive Conformity and Success:

Dive into industry standards, legislations, and methodologies to ensure alignment, and underline the importance of conformity for successful technical writing outcomes.

Your Instructor

Mike Lacey-Smith

Mike is a seasoned Psychologist and Facilitator with extensive experience in Leadership Development, Personal Effectiveness, Emotional Intelligence, Mentorship, Coaching, and various other training programs. He has a diverse background, having worked with over 250 companies globally and presented in 13 African countries and Mauritius. With a career spanning industries such as Engineering, Mining, Healthcare, Construction, and more, Mike excels in Leadership and Executive Coaching, as well as facilitating workshops on Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Design Thinking, and Innovation. As an accomplished author, Mike published "Life after the Pause" in August 2020, exploring the impact of SARS-Cov-2 on individuals, economies, businesses, and leadership worldwide. He has developed workshops based on this work, helping leaders navigate the challenges of the evolving work environment. Mike's qualifications include a BA in English, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, and a MA in Counselling Psychology. With certifications in Scrum Fundamentals, TEFL, and LEAN SIX SIGMA WHITE BELT, he continues to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Throughout his career, Mike has contributed significantly to various sectors, including Government Departments, Construction, Project Management, and Occupational Health and Safety. His expertise extends to facilitating workshops on Tender Preparation and Evaluation, reflecting his commitment to advancing professional skills.