What is the Purpose and Function of Writing a Progress Report?

Back to: Academic and Professional Writing Unit 3

What is the Purpose and Function of Writing a Progress Report?

A progress report refers to the description of an ongoing project. It is used to communicate time. It shows what happened and at times, can also predict what can happen. It shows the progress of a team towards the completion of a given project. It updates the concerned team about the progress of various tasks being carried out by someone. In simple terms, it shows how much work has been done upon a certain task.

Purpose and Function of Writing a Progress Report

1. Provide Clarity:

The main purpose of writing a progress report is to offer clarity on the progress of a concerned project. 

2. Highlight Key Elements:

Rather than stating each and every little detail of the progress, the report must highlight all the key elements so that it is easy to read and understand. 

3. Inform the Reader:

The progress report is also used to inform the reader about an ongoing project’s current status.

4. Indications:

The report is used to indicate various progress points such as the amount of work done, the type of work done, who is doing the work, how well is the work done, and the time required for completion. 

5. Useful for Project Manager:

Progress reports are mostly used for tactical purposes and are highly useful for project managers. 

Sam M. Walton states,

“A progress report is a report in which you are updating information about a project. Progress reports make it possible for management and clients to stay informed about a project and to change or adjust assignments, schedules, and budgets. These types of reports are used for projects that have many steps from onset to completion and are issued at regular intervals. If you are sending your progress report within your company, send a memo, but if it is going outside of your company you should send a letter.”

A progress report lays stress on events and is relatively longer. It can also be referred to as a sort of historical report.