| Research brief | Objective, audience, questions, scope, definitions, exclusions, methods, sources, and acceptance criteria | Editable document | Discovery | Decision context, stakeholders, known constraints |
| Research framework | Report outline, evidence requirements, analytical themes, source rules, and review plan | Document or workbook | Planning | Approval of approach and priorities |
| Source register | Source details, classifications, dates, relevance, ownership, access status, and citation references | Spreadsheet or database export | Research | Approved internal and licensed sources |
| Evidence matrix | Claims, supporting evidence, conflicting evidence, assumptions, gaps, and confidence notes | Spreadsheet | Analysis | Clarification of disputed or missing inputs |
| Analysis workbook | Data preparation, calculations, comparisons, trends, segments, and analytical notes | Spreadsheet or approved data tool | Analysis | Usable data and definitions |
| Draft research report | Methodology, findings, implications, options, limitations, recommendations, sources, and appendices | Editable document | Drafting | Consolidated stakeholder review |
| Executive summary | Decision context, material findings, key implications, major risks, and recommended next actions | Document or presentation | Review | Senior stakeholder priorities |
| Visual exhibits | Charts, comparison tables, process maps, matrices, and summary graphics with labels and notes | Document, presentation, or image assets | Production | Brand guidance and approved data |
| Final report pack | Approved report, appendices, references, source register, version log, and agreed supporting files | PDF plus editable files | Final delivery | Final approval and distribution rules |
| Reporting template and SOP | Reusable structure, quality checklist, naming rules, review workflow, and update instructions | Document and template files | Handover | Internal process and ownership requirements |