Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Business School
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
Business School
Business School
Business School
Business School
Report Format
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Title page Abstract/Executive Summary Table of contents Introduction Discussion Conclusions Recommendations References
Business School
Covering Page
Title Author's name Module Name & Number Seminar Leader
Date of Submission
Business School
Table of Contents
Table of Contents Abstract/ Executive Summary Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Discussion 3. Conclusion 4. Recommendations 5. References
1 2 3 4 5
Business School
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)
Business School
Introduction
States the:
Purpose and scope Main points Structure of the report
Business School
Discussion
Main 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.
Business School
Conclusions
No new material introduced Follows logically from the Discussion Conclusions section should give: Key points NOT just another Executive Summary
Business School
Recommendations
Consult the assessment criteria as to whether recommendations are required Are suggestions for possible actions based on the discussion section of the report
Business School
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
Business School
3. Style
Business School
Easy to Read
Clear, concise language Short sentences Use examples where appropriate to illustrate argument
Business School
Effective Paragraphs
Place information where it will be seen: First and last paragraphs The start of the paragraph
Keep paragraphs simple: Short paragraphs Each paragraph should contain one main point
Business School
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
Business School