report_writing_skills

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Report Writing forBusiness

Students


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Business School

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 & Content

Critical success factors forcommunication

The majority of your perceived ability comes fromhow you communicate

This DOES NOT mean that you shouldnt research!!

Research is a key ingredient


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Report Format

1. Title page

2. Abstract/Executive Summary

3. Table of contents

4. Introduction5. Discussion

6. Conclusions

7. Recommendations

8. References


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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 Summary

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Discussion 2

3. Conclusion 3

4. Recommendations 4

5. References 5


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Executive Summary

Concise summary of the essential elements of thereport 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 onthe discussion section of the report


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References

The reference section lists all publications cited in thereport

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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3. Style

Effective White Space

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

Each paragraph should contain one main point


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Time to Reflect

You should initially spend time noting key ideas/ theory and theirlinkages

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

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