BUS 305Introducing the analytical report

Agenda

• Business reports generally• Types of business reports• Analytical reports• Analytical report project

Business Reports

• Not all TPS• Play an important

function in group learning and knowledge sharing

• Businesses thrive on reports

Types of Business Reports

• Informational reports (easiest! Just info)

• Analytical reports (info + feedback, recommendations)

• Proposals (info + recommendations + persuasion)

• Good businesses solve problems through the reporting process

• Can be informal or formal

Three step process for writing a business report

• Plan• Write• Complete• Which is most important? Why?• Which requires the most effort? Why?

Planning the report

• Analyze the situation• Define your purpose• Gather information• Analyze information• Select the right distribution channel

or channels • Organize your information• Gather missing info/data• Understand logistics (purpose, due

date, audience, etc.)

Problem statements compared to purpose statements

• Problem statements simply articulate a problem• Purpose statements put them in context• Important when executing analytical reports and

proposals

Write the report

• Adapt to the audience• Compose the most effective message

Complete the report

• Revise for readability and effectiveness• “Produce” the message with appropriate design and

graphics• Proofread• Distribute

BUS 305 Analytical Report

• Worth 30% of grade• Executed in groups/teams of 4• Must be focused on a specific purpose• Must solve a problem and provide solutions• Should be informational, with recommendations and

persuasive• Which part will be most difficult?

Steps and milestones

• Form a group• Explore the problem; begin basic research• Come up with a statement of purpose• Outline the report• Provide a list of information sources and why they will help

you meet your purpose• Test your recommendations (online survey for example and

through additional research)• Write the report• Proofread• Produce (add graphics)

Parts of the report

• Cover letter/memo introducing the report (1 page; 2 points)• Executive summary that contains (1 page; 2 points):

• The purpose of the report/problem being analyzed• Summary of conclusions• Summary of recommendations

• The report itself (13 pages; 26 points total this section)• Description of the problem/background (1 page; 2 points)• Specific purpose of the study (1/2 page; 1 point)• Methods used to gather data (primary and secondary) (1/2 page; 1 point)• Analysis of the data including charts and graphs (5-6 pages; 10 points)• Recommendations (3-4 pages; 8 points)• Conclusion (1/2 page; 1 point)• References and in-text citations (1 page; 3 points)

• Refer to your textbook for a sample of a report that includes all of these things!

First Steps—Today!

• Form your team• Come up with an idea of what you want to analyze • Craft a statement of purpose • List the team members and what each person’s role

will be• Each of you should take a lead on one of the

following: Research; Writing; Editing/Proofing; Production (graphics, citations, references, exhibits)