Words: 514
Management reports have a particular style that IS clear, concise, written in aromatically English and organized in such a way that allows the reader to quickly access and digest the content of the report. Avoid clicks and substitute short, simple words. Write to inform rather than impress. Remember the importance of editing keeping in mind both the purpose of the report and the reader. The report should be carefully proof read several times.
A standard approach is to use plenty’ of headings and sub-headings and devices such as bullet points. Wherever possible, graphs, tables, charts and diagrams should be used to illustrate and clarify arguments. These should be incorporated into the text, each numbered according to the appropriate section and referred to in the text, which should give an interpretation or extract key points or lessons from them. A good report is persuasive and convinces the reader that the conclusions and recommendations make good sense.
Note that, in a report the Title page, Executive Summary, Contents, Bibliography and Appendices do not count towards the word allowance. Title page This normally carried the title, sub-title, if any, date, author’s name and position and the intended recipient of the report. Don’t overcrowd the page clear simple layout is always the best. Executive summary This is an important part of a report. Its purpose is to summaries the main points of the report for the busy reader who does not have time to read the full-length document.
The following is a list of elements that may be included but you should choose the elements that make sense for your assignment and omit the ones that do not. The amount of space that you give to each element will depend on the purpose and nature of your assignment. 2. 3. 4. Purpose and scope of assignment Results Conclusion Recommendations Contents list List the major sections of chapters, sub-sections if any, and appendices, and give their page numbers. It should be laid out clearly so as to show the relationship between them.
Introduction This gives the background to the report and shows why it was necessary. It usually states the objective of the report (in formal terms) and who called for it. Body of the report This contains your detailed facts and findings, shows how they were arrived at, and indicates the inferences to be drawn from them. Conclusions Here you draw out the main points of your report and present a considered judgment on them. Finally, set down any recommendations, relating them clearly to what has gone before.
In a good report, the reader is carried along by the argument, so that by the time he/she reaches the end, he/she will need no further convincing. Appendices Some reports need detailed supporting information, or perhaps information that only some readers need. All this goes in the appendices. Bibliography This lists the materials (books, articles, websites, etc. ) cited in the body of the report. Please follow the referencing conventions in the Student Handbook.