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Description

Word — Reports and Dissertations: Structuring the Outline, Automating Tables and Finalising

Produce a long document whose outline, pagination and cross-references update without manual intervention

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

An activity report, a study or a dissertation is rarely written in a single sitting. Chapters arrive from several contributors with different formatting, the outline changes along the way, annexes are renumbered by hand and the table of contents is rebuilt the night before submission.

These 14 hours are devoted to the long editorial document. Unlike a general advanced word-processing course, the common thread is a complete report built from outline to distributable version: outline view, multilevel numbering, captions and cross-references, sources and bibliography, annexes, then final quality control and export.

Learning objectives

  • Build the outline of a long document in outline view and reorganise it without losing formatting
  • Apply multilevel numbering linked to heading styles
  • Caption figures and tables, then generate the corresponding tables of contents
  • Insert cross-references, notes and a bibliography that updates automatically
  • Manage annexes, pagination and sections in a composite document
  • Assemble contributions from several writers into a consistent single document

What makes this programme different

A complete report is built from outline to distributable version over the two days
Chapters with inconsistent formatting are provided and then harmonised as an exercise
A pre-submission checklist is built and then applied to the document produced

Programme

1Framing and structuring

The outline before the writing

  • Choosing an outline suited to the type of document
  • Working in outline view and reorganising sections
  • Heading styles and multilevel numbering
  • Report template and cover page
  • Splitting the document into sections

2Integrating content

Tables, figures, sources and notes

  • Inserting and captioning tables and figures
  • Cross-references to a figure, a table or a section
  • Footnotes and endnotes
  • Managing sources and automatic bibliography
  • Text boxes and long quotations

3Assembling contributions

Several writers, one single document

  • Harmonising files from different origins
  • Comparing and merging versions
  • Track changes and handling comments
  • Master document and subdocuments
  • Allocating and monitoring reviews

4Finalising and distributing

Tables, pagination and quality control

  • Generating and updating the contents page and reference tables
  • Paginating annexes and front matter
  • Final typographic and spelling checks
  • Export and readability of the distributed document
  • Pre-submission checklist

Who is it for

Writers of reports, studies, minutes and dissertations working in companies, public entities or higher education institutions.

Prerequisites

Be comfortable with everyday document formatting and familiar with the use of styles.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.