BUSINESS REPORT

Write an alpha-numeric outline of

• section4: "How to write a business report" and,
• section 5: "What are the particular sections of a business report?"

Here is a sample outline of what the finished product/answer should look like:

4. How do I write a business report? There are several major steps typically involved in writing a business report. These include: 1) planning (including determining the scope and target audience) 2) 3) 4) researching, organising, evaluating and analysing your information sources drafting the body section devising conclusions and recommendations based on the findings 5) further drafting and editing/proofreading You need first to consider exactly what you have been asked to do - that is - the overall purpose of your report. Carefully considering the assessment task and related criteria should help you clarify: your objective and readership what information you need the format and level of detail required From this, prepare an outline (including a working title and the overall structure of the report, including the major and supporting ideas). Start on your draft early so you can develop your ideas (editing can come later). Who is your audience? Your readers are your priority. Note that while business reports are typically written by 'specialists' for 'generalists' (most commonly the decision-makers in organisations), there can be a number of audiences for any one report. Therefore carefully consider your readers' likely: prior knowledge and experience with the background information, technical language, concepts and contexts covered in the report interest in and possible opinions regarding the report's topic Ask yourself the following questions: What do my readers know and think about the topic? What background, definitions and other information do they need? What questions or objections might they raise about the issue/s? Is my audience 'internal', 'external' or both? - Is it for readers up, across or down the hierarchy of the organisation and/or people from outside?