Researchers must already have an idea of the outcomes they want to achieve when writing the research and development report. Since research and development reports are driven by factual information and data, there is no room for promotional stints and marketing hype. Below is a helpful guide for individuals who plan on writing a research and development report for their organization. 1. List down the project objectives Project objectives are the goals you want to achieve at the end of the research and development project. Ensure that you identify the necessary deliverables and assets you wish to accomplish, including intangible outcomes like new procedures or knowledge. The objectives you set for the research and development must follow the SMART goal setting, making them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. 2. Describe the Progress Since The Last Report Start with identifying the baseline and milestones to demonstrate the progress of the research and development project. Baselines are the state of products, services, technology, or techniques at the beginning of the activity or since the last report. Meanwhile, project milestones refer to the specific tasks and objectives that the team or individual must complete on a target due date. Milestones can include particular tests or assessments and publications from previous literature like scientific journals. 3. Identify Possible Risk Factors that Affect the Project Schedule Identify the risk factors the project can encounter by completing a project risk analysis. Conducting the analysis the researchers can indicate the possible strengths, weaknesses, and other possible opportunities after accomplishing the research and development project. It is necessary to know and be familiar with the risk that may arise during the project that can affect the project schedule. Compose a detailed list of all possible hazards that can disrupt operations, resources, and technology as the project is ongoing. 4. List the Possible Areas of Future Research Indicate possible areas of future research according to the results of the research and development activity after its accomplishment. There are different paths that a research report can lead to, including building on a particular area of the research, addressing research flaws, or examining and testing a research theory, for the first time, from a different context, for re-evaluation processes, or expanding theories, frameworks, or models. 5. Outline Possible Changes in the Key Project Personnel Changes in key personnel refer to the replacement or status change of principal investigators, researchers, and other significant members that are part of the research and development project. It is necessary to list down all the possible individuals that are part of the research project. It enables other researchers to address them when new knowledge stems from the research and development report.