Whilst the essay is the standard form for most term papers, on occasion one may be asked to write a business style report for an assessment. In many ways, the business report is similar to that of the essay, considering that it needs to have clear logical argument, and be written in good business English. The difference however, is one of format and structure. Here are a few items to consider in writing a business report.
How to Write a Business Style Report
In first instance one should decide upon the purpose of a report, as this will affect the way in which the subject is researched. Key questions to ask are what is the scope of the report? and what is the question actually asking the researcher to consider?
The second issue to consider is the research stage. Once the purpose of the report has been established, the writer will need to decide upon a logical approach to the gathering and analysis of data on the related subject. The recommendation of the project will be based upon this research, so it is important that sufficient data is collected which will allow the writer to justify the recommendations made.
Finally there is the write up of the report, in general terms the most logical order may be to write the report as follows:
Introduction
Findings and Analysis
Recommendations and Conclusions
Executive Summary
Appendix
Note that the writing of the executive summary is at the end of write up, although this is the first section of the report it is in essence a summary of the rest of the work and as such is best written last.
Sections to Include in a Business Report
Executive Summary This is a short round up of the whole report. The executive summary should tell the reader what is included and the overall conclusion. This is the section which will see the reader decide if they wish to continue reading the whole report.
Introduction This section will give the reader the key background information they require on the subject or given field of research. This is a good place to include headline figures and any key definitions.
Findings and Analysis This is broadly speaking the main body of the report. Here detailed information should be given of any research conducted. In addition one should not only state the results of the research, the writer should also give some comment and opinion of the findings.
Recommendations and Conclusions These sections may be written, either separately or rolled into one section. The aim of most business reports to suggest some form of improvement or a given course of action. As such thus section should see logical arguments made recommending such actions. The recommendations and conclusions should be linked to factual research conducted in the previous section.
Appendix This is the section in which the writer should present information which is nice to have but not essential. In essence if an item is critical to the readers understanding, then it should not be placed in an appendix. Appendices are often a prime place to include large data sets, graphs and other research which may be of interest but not essential to the reader.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlecoop.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
