© Laureate International Universities 2016 SECTIONS OF A BUSINESS REPORT© Laureate International Universities 2016 Sections of the Business report • Title page • Table of Contents • Executive Summary • Introduction • Discussion – glossary, data commentary, discussion • Recommendations • References • Appendices© Laureate International Universities 2016 Executive Summary The executive summary: • provides an overview of the report’s essential information. • is designed to be read by people who may not have time to read the whole report • should briefly outline the subject matter, the background problem, the important findings/issues/arguments raised in the discussion, the conclusion, and recommendations. • is not just an outline of the points to be covered in the report • is an overview at the beginning of the report but is also designed to be read in isolation • is usually written last and is approximately two hundred to three hundred words long. (Unilearning, 2000)© Laureate International Universities 2016 The purpose of this report was to analyse two portable computers and recommend a suitable machine for training staff to use at client sites. This report has considered two machines suitable for corporate use that can accommodate modern facilities such as e-mail, video conferencing and assist staff with training courses. The Hewlett Packard Omni book 3000CTX model 5/233 is a well made portable computer with a good size screen and keyboard. For the price of this model more memory is expected, as well as a CD drive and a Windows based power management set. Like the Hewlett Packard model the Micro-pro 8500 Series has a good size screen and keyboard but also comes with a numeric pad. This machine is ideal for the business user who wants usability, comfort and performance. After taking both machines into consideration, it is recommended that the Micro-pro 8500 Series would be the most suitable computer due to its value for money, durability and standard features. (Adapted from Monash University, 2014) Example of an Executive Summary© Laureate International Universities 2016 Introduction The introduction provides information regarding: • the background to the issue (i.e. why is the report being written), • the purpose of the report • a definition of the research problem/topic • an outline of the report’s structure • an overview of the report’s sections and focus • the scope of the report (the specific areas of the topic that are being explored) • the outcome (position statement , recommendation)© Laureate International Universities 2016 Example of an introduction Legend: Context (bold) Purpose (italics) Position statement (red) There has been a great increase in the use of personal mobile phones over the past five years with every indication that this usage will continue to increase. Indeed, widespread use of mobile devices in educational contexts for non educational purposes has been reported as distracting and disruptive to learning environments. Recently a number of university teaching staff have proposed that an institution wide policy be developed regarding student mobile phone use during tutorials and lectures. This report will discuss research into staff attitudes to the issue of student mobile phone usage in the teaching and learning environment and will highlight the need for strict guidelines for use in educational settings. (Adapted from RMIT University, 2014)© Laureate International Universities 2016 Discussion The body section of the report; • expands and develops the research in a logical and coherent manner following the structure outlined in the Introduction. • contains a detailed description of the findings and a discussion of them. • includes an analysis of the findings. • includes supporting evidence, including visual data. Source: www.someecards.com© Laureate International Universities 2016 Recommendations The recommendations section suggests suitable actions, outcomes, changes or solutions to the problem(s) identified in the research. The recommendations are generally listed in point form.© Laureate International Universities 2016 • Tentative language is used when making recommendations. • Words such as ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘may’ are used as the recommendations are merely suggestions. • Recommendations often start with 'It is recommended that...' Language of recommendations© Laureate International Universities 2016 Example of recommendation: It is recommended that the university develops official guidelines regarding the use of mobile phones in tutorials. The guidelines should recommend: • Teaching staff have the right to restrict mobile phone usage according to their discretion. • Mobile phones may only be used by students in exceptional circumstances. Finally, the guidelines need to be university wide and clearly communicated to all staff and students.© Laureate International Universities 2016 Monash University, 2014. Case study report, Available: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/general/report/1.xml (accessed 12 Dec, 2013) RMIT University, 2014. Report sample introduction description, Available: http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/report-sample-introduction-description (accessed 13 Dec, 2013) UniLearning, 2010. Executive Summary, Available: http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/4bi.html (accessed 12 Dec, 2013) References: