Report Writing for Business Students

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Report Writing Topics

1. Planning

2. Structure & Content

3. Style

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1. Planning

A report is directed towards:

• Systematically answering a question or questions• May involve recommendations but will certainly

involve evaluating information and drawing conclusions

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The Report Writing Process

1. Identify your audience

2. Define your objective(s)

3. Organise your ideas, relating this to relevant theory

And then structure your argument based on points 1 to 3

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Identify your Audience

Who is your audience?• In our case -your Seminar Leader

This enables YOU to:• Write persuasively • Organise your thoughts

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1.Structure & ContentCritical success factors for communication

• The majority of your perceived ability comes from how you communicate

• This DOES NOT mean that you shouldn’t research!!

• Research is a key ingredient

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Report Format

1. Title page

2. Abstract/Executive Summary

3. Table of contents

4. Introduction

5. Discussion

6. Conclusions

7. Recommendations

8. References

9. Appendices

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Covering Page

Title

Author's name

Module Name & Number

Seminar Leader

Date of Submission

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Abstract/ Executive SummaryTable of Contents1. Introduction 12. Discussion 23. Conclusion 34. Recommendations 45. References 5

Appendices

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Executive Summary

Concise summary of the essential elements of the report• Purpose• Scope• Main points• Conclusions• Recommendations (consult assessment requirements)

• Can be read on its own• Short, only 10-15% of the length of the report

(maximum ONE side)

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Introduction

States the:• Purpose and scope• Main points • Structure of the report

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DiscussionMain body of the report

• State how it is organised up front

Headings clearly identify the content• Incorporates relevant theory• Integrate theory with specific ‘context’ related issues • Well referenced

Presented in an order that leads logically towards

the conclusions and recommendations.

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Conclusions

• No new material introduced• Follows logically from the Discussion• Conclusions section should give:

• Key points• NOT just another Executive Summary

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Recommendations

• Consult the assessment criteria as to whether recommendations are required

• Are suggestions for possible actions based on the discussion section of the report

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References

• The reference section lists all publications cited in the report

• Material not directly cited in the main text but is key to the development of the report should be listed directly after the reference section using the heading “Other sources consulted”

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Appendices

• Not usually part of the word count (check specific module requirements)

• Used to detail ‘supporting’ material;• This may include illustrations, charts, detailed

analysis which supports your key arguments within the main body of the text.

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3. Style

• Use headings and subheadings to ‘signpost’ your work

• Illustrations, charts and so on where appropriate to highlight relevant points (these should be fully referenced)

• Blank line between paragraphs

• Left-justified or blocked

• Font, font size & margins-see individual module booklets

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Easy to Read

• Clear, concise language • Short sentences• Use examples where appropriate to illustrate argument

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Effective Paragraphs

Place information where it will be seen:• First and last paragraphs• The start of the paragraph

Keep paragraphs simple:• Short paragraphs

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Time to Reflect• You should initially spend time noting key ideas/ theory and their

linkages

• Leave enough time so as to enable you to set the draft aside

• When coming back to this work:• You should find that your ideas have fallen into place and that you

can see the way ahead more clearly

• One draft is not enough. You should redraft your work to further organise your argument