Analysis and conclusions

1. Analysis and conclusions Where you say what it all means

2. After the results section • Analysis • Challenges • Lessons • Recommendations • Conclusions • Probably don’t need all of these

3. Analysis • What the results mean in a larger context • Show how project was successful (or failed) • Relate to • The real world • Other situations • Theoretical framework • Discuss problems and successes

4. Challenges • What problems remain? • What challenges can be expected in future? • Keep the list short

5. Lessons • Not “Lessons learned”! • If it’s a lesson, then presumably it’s been learned! • Most important lessons • Can be applied elsewhere • Don’t say the obvious • Keep the list short

6. Recommendations • What should the project do differently? • What should others do to benefit from the approach? • What should they not do? • Say who should implement the recommendations • Keep the list short

7. Conclusion • Summarize the main argument in the manuscript • Relate to a larger field • No new information • Suggest further research or action • Relate back to the lead (in a feature-type article) • Gives a sense of finality, wraps up loose ends • Leaves the reader with a single thought, final impression