Business report structure

A good business report must be developed in such a way that it is concise, clear as well as easy to understand for audience. Business report is needed to give data followed by analysis in order to assist investors and senior management or even business teams to make decisions. Various organizations have different necessities but a report generally structured in a standard format.

Ø  Title: The title of the report must state the objective of the report. It may also include student’s name along with the date of presenting the report.

Ø  Contents: A table of contents is must if the report is lengthy. This section composed of list of chapters along with section headings. Page number can also be included for every row within table of contents. \

Ø  Executive summary: Including a summary is always a good practice that starts the aim as well as purpose of the report. A good summary can include historical background of the report that eventually cause report, state issues under analysis and explanation of solutions. It also basically discloses assumptions and limitations that are taken during preparation of report. Majorly the summary is developed at the end of the report but it is placed at first place for senior management who does not have enough amount of time to read full report.

Ø  Introduction: In this section, background information is provided along with the historical developments to lead the report.

Ø  Method or procedure of gathering information: This section demonstrates the method of collecting information along with detailed limitations.  Steps for overcome from limitations of collecting information can also be discussed.

Ø  Findings: Validation of findings can be done by enough amounts of data in order to showcase that report has been carried out by going through research process. In order to justify recommendations, opinions of experts, customer reports and self-observations can be considered.

Ø  Conclusion: This particular section basically list major implications that could be taken from the analysis and purpose recommendations. It basically adds up the assessment of current condition that is based on findings, observations and future plan of action.

Ø  References: The reference list must be in alphabetical order that demonstrates all kinds of resources used in report development. Whenever individual use information from various sources such as online periodicals, books and articles that give assistance in writing report he/she must include them in the report.

There are certain things that must be keep in mind while writing a report such as spellings, grammar as well as facts must be accurate. It is important to use consistent voice weather active or passive. Each and every organization and college has their individual report format and it is better to use format that is decided by the organization.