The document outlines guidelines for writing reports, emphasizing that their structure varies based on purpose and assignment requirements. It distinguishes reports from essays, detailing the necessary components such as preliminary pages, main text sections, recommendations, and appendices, while providing tips on using graphics and proper formatting. Additionally, it includes advice on ensuring the report is well-researched, logically structured, and adheres to academic standards for citation and presentation.

1. Reports
For many of your assignments, you will be asked to write a
report. However,
it is important to understand that the structure of a report
depends on its
purpose. Therefore, any general advice about report writing
needs to be
balanced with the specific requirements of your assignment, as
presented in
the course outline, and any instructions given by your lecturer.
A sample report has been included in the Appendices.
The Purpose of a Report
The most common purpose of a report is to provide
comprehensive
information and analysis about a situation. Quite often – but
not always – you
will be asked to provide recommendations based on that
analysis. In a real
world context, this information and analysis would provide
management with a
foundation to making decisions, planning future strategies,
evaluating current
strategies, or measuring the progress of existing plans. In
writing for your
lecturer, keep this approach in mind.
The Difference between a Report and an Essay
There are some identifiable differences between a report and an
essay, which

2. can give you a general idea about what a report should look
like. The
differences are summarized in this table:
Report Essay
Purpose Presents information and analysis
about a problem, and often suggests
a solution.
Argues a position in
response to an issue or a
proposition, drawing
conclusions about it.
Structure &
Format
Has Preliminary pages, including an
executive summary & table of
contents (see below);
Has Clearly divided sections with
numbered headings (and often sub-
headings); cohesion (“flow”) of ideas
is often achieved by the logic of these
headings;
Brief paragraphs and dot points are
acceptable so the reader of a report
can extract information quickly;
Tables and figures are often included
as a way of showing information
quickly and easily;

3. Often makes recommendations
Has Introduction, body and
conclusion; sometimes you
may be asked to provide
headings for these;
Cohesion is achieved by the
flow between paragraphs,
and strong paragraph
structure;
Dot points are not
appropriate because an
essay aims to provide a
more reflective reading
experience.
Essay discussions may
sometimes include a table or
figure, but not usually.
Page 50
General Report Structure
The structure of a report is generally divided into sections.
Preliminary Pages
Check with your lecturer about whether
all of these items are necessary for your
assignment.

4. The convention is to use small case
Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv) for page
numbering in this section.
Letter of Transmittal (if required)
Assignment cover sheet
Executive summary (or abstract)
A contents page
A list of tables (if relevant)
A list of figures (if relevant)
Main Text
Use decimal outlining for numbering
sections in the main text.
Number the pages of your assignment
using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…)
Introduction
Body sections
Conclusion
Recommendations (usually, but not
always )
Appendices
Must be referred to within the main text

5. Appendix A, Appendix B etc.
References
All references must have in-text
citations
The Preliminary Pages
Letter of Transmittal
The letter of transmittal is a cover letter for a report. This letter
is addressed to
the person who requested or authorised the report. Its purpose is
to formally
state that the report is completed and it mentions when it was
authorised, and
the report’s purpose and scope. Additionally, it highlights
points of special
interest in the report and whether further research is required. A
letter of
transmittal is not part of the formal report. (First check with
your lecturer to see
if this is required).
Assignment Cover Sheet
An assignment cover sheet includes the title of the assignment,
the name of the
lecturer and course along with the student’s details. The NBS
provides an
assignment cover sheet that is available through Blackboard.
Table of Contents
The table of contents is essential to a report. Its purpose is to
list the
information contained in the report and indicate where it is

6. located. It also
demonstrates the structure of the report. It should:
Page 51
Be on a separate page.
Have sections that include headings and subheadings which
match
the headings and subheadings in the text.
Have the page numbers clearly placed alongside the headings
and
subheadings.
Have the sections with a corresponding numbering system to the
text. There are several different ways of numbering the sections
of a
report but the one adopted almost universally in Australia is the
decimal system. Under this system, each chapter bears a major
number, each section bears a decimal point of its chapter, each
subsection a lower decimal point, each paragraph another point
lower.
1. First-degree heading
1.1. Second-degree heading
1.2.
1.2.1 third-degree heading
1.2.2
2. First-degree heading
2.1. Second-degree heading
2.2
N.B. Avoid using more than 3 subsections. i.e. 1.2.2.1

7. List of Tables and List of Figures
If you only have one or two tables and/or figures list them on
the table of
contents page. If there are a large number of tables and figures
use a
separate page and have a different list for tables and figures.
The style of
these lists should match the table of contents page.
Executive Summary (or Abstract)
An executive summary, or abstract, provides the essential
information from
the whole report. In a real world context, the executive
summary may be the
only part of a report that the time-poor executive/manager has
time to read.
As such, it:
Summarises the purpose, context, (including methodology, if
that is
relevant to your report) key issues and/or main findings,
conclusions
and recommendations.
Does not include quotations, extensive background, or detailed
evidence.
Is usually at least half a page, but no more than one page in
length.
Page 52
The Sections of the Main Text
The main text consists of the introduction, body sections, the
conclusion and
the recommendations. Each section has a distinct structure and

8. purpose.
The Introduction
The introduction identifies the purpose and background of the
report.
It usually outlines the areas of analysis that will follow in the
body.
Purpose statements generally include the aim of the report, e.g.
“the
report analyses and evaluates the current marketing plan in
order to
recommend future strategies”. This may also include who
authorised the report if the assignment requires you to take on a
specific “real world” role.
Background statements provide information on the history of
the
report topic, e.g. an overview of the organisation that requires
the
report, or the history of the problem that the report is going to
address. However, this should be a summary, not a story. You
need to judge how much information is enough to enable the
reader
to understand your analysis.
You may also include terms of reference, such as any
limitations or
timeframes imposed on your analysis.
If your report is based on empirical research conducted by you,
(e.g.
you surveyed actual people, or conducted tests of some kind),
your
introduction could include a summary the type of data collected,
and
how it was collected. You would also outline your theoretical
framework, and the analysis in the body of the report would be
based on this theoretical framework.

9. The Body Sections
The body of the report expands and follows the outline that was
stated in the
introduction. Generally the body is developed in sections with
clearly defined
headings. The topic of each section depends on the purpose and
content of
your report. It is therefore not possible to prescribe this, but the
following
examples demonstrate some logical section organisation:
Example from a Management report:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ISSUES
2.1 Leadership
2.2 Decision-making
2.3 Motivation
2.4 Conflict
2.5 Stress
3. CONCLUSION
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
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Example from a Marketing report:
1. OVERVIEW OF COMPANY
2. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
2.1 Internal Factor Analysis

10. 2.2 External Factor Analysis
3. SWOT ANALYSIS
3.1 Internal Strengths and Weaknesses
3.2 External Opportunities and Threats
4. OBJECTIVES
5. STRATEGY AND POSITIONING
6. ACTION PLAN
7. MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION
The analysis in the body sections should be:
logically argued, using appropriate academic language (see
Academic Writing).
well supported with evidence.
referenced correctly according to APA 6th style.
relevant to the purpose of the report.
The Conclusion
A conclusion should:
Briefly summarise the key points of the analysis.
Draw conclusions from this analysis.
Never introduce new material.
Recommendations
The purpose of the recommendations is to propose a course of
action to
resolve the problems that were raised in the report. The
conclusion refers to
the past (what has been done or found) or the present (what is
being done or
is the current situation) while the recommendations refer to the

11. future (what
can be done or changed).
The recommendations should:
Be logically derived from the analysis and its conclusions.
As such, recommendations are actions that might be reasonably
expected.
Be focussed on the future of the situation.
Be concise and to the point.
Be realistic and achievable.
Page 54
Appendices
The appendices contain the supporting material that could not
be placed into
the body of the text. For example, statistics, tables, figures and
charts that
were too numerous to be placed in the text. Or, if surveys or
texts were used
in the data for the report you may need to include a copy as an
appendix.
Appendices are useful for any documentary evidence that is too
technical or
too long for the body of the report. Notably, appendices do not
count in the
word count of your assignment. However, appendices are
ineffective if they
are not referred to in the body of the report. If you have more
than one
appendix, for example a copy of a survey, some statistics and
charts, refer to

12. them as Appendix A, Appendix B and so on.
References
All sources, for example, books, journals or websites used in
the report must
be referenced in the text and a full reference list should be
presented. Do not
include material in the reference list you have not cited in your
report.
Tables, Charts and Figures
Tables, charts and figures can be useful in a written assignment
and can be
used for various purposes:
To clarify and simplify complex material, for example, statistics
that
are referred to in the text
To summarise information
To illustrate or reiterate a point made in the text
To highlight the trends and relationships of data
To assist the reader to remember the main points emphasised in
the
text.
Using graphics can often be a very effective method of
conveying information
to the reader. It instantaneously conveys information in a simple
and efficient
way. There are numerous and different ways of presenting
information
graphically:
Column and bar charts

13. Line graphs
Scatter graphs (XY)
Pie charts
Maps
Diagrams and figures
Photographs.
Page 55
Column, bar and pie charts, line and scatter graphs can be
constructed using
Microsoft Excel (ITskills modules can be accessed from your
Blackboard
homepage.)
Points to remember when using graphics:
If you scan or copy any chart or graphic from another source it
must be
referenced.
Keep all graphics simple – cluttered charts, tables or figures can
lead to
confusion or distortion of the information.
A graphic should only elaborate upon one idea.
If you are using many graphics place them in an appendix – too
many
graphics in the text can break up the text and ruin the smooth
flow of the
text.
Ensure that the graphic is relevant to the purpose of the written
assignment
The graphic should have an explanatory and numbered caption,
these
captions are placed under the graphic and referred to in the text
by their

14. number, for example, Figure 1 or Table 3
Ensure that your word processing and graphics software
programs are
compatible before you develop your graphics.
Presentation Guidelines
The report should be typed and a file copy kept.
Ensure that your report conforms to the word count that your
lecturer
specified. Use the Microsoft Word function –from the Review
tab select
Word Count.
Leave a three-centimetre margin at the left of each page, except
preliminary and title pages.
Assignments should be double-spaced.
Insert a line space between paragraphs, and do not indent the
first line
of the paragraph.
Page 56
Mngt 1002 Essay Marking
Course Coordinator: Garry Haworth

15. Essay – Compare and contrast
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
F
P
C
D
HD
Identification and discussion of definitions of
entrepreneurship and Innovation (2 marks)
Comparison and contrasting of benefits of
entrepreneurship and innovation (3 marks)
Comparison and contrasting of detriments of

16. entrepreneurship and innovation (3 marks)
Discussion of economic and social implications
for entrepreneurship and innovation (2 marks)
Coverage of relevant theoretical issues, including
integration of relevant literature (academic and
applied industry) (2 marks)
Structure, including logic and reasoning (how well
argued) (1 mark)
Depth of research (academic and industry) ( 1
mark)
Validity of argument development, including
referencing style, spelling and grammar (1 mark)
Comments:

17. MNGT1002 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Criteria Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction
Identification and discussion of
definitions of entrepreneurship and
innovation
Very narrowly researched minimal or no
academic sources used
Narrow research, some validity using
academic sources
Widely researched and discussed with
multiple sources supporting the
ideas/issues in the definitions
Very good research and discussion
demonstrating the width and depth of
academic sources used to support the
presented definitions
Excellent

18. validated
definitions with
concise and
insightful
discussion
Comparison and contrasting of
benefits of entrepreneurship and
innovation
Very poor or NO critical analysis. No
comparative arguments. Discussion
presents strong biases.
Poor critical and comparative analysis.
Discussion presents some biases.
Good critical and comparative analysis
with two-fold arguments presenting a
balanced discussion
Very good critical and comparative analysis
with strong two-fold arguments presenting

19. a balanced discussion
Excellent
formation of
comparative
argument, with
quality validation
Comparison and contrasting of
detriments of entrepreneurship and
innovation
Very poor or NO critical analysis. No
comparative arguments. Discussion
presents strong biases.
Poor critical and comparative analysis.
Discussion presents some biases.
Good critical and comparative analysis
with two-fold arguments presenting a
balanced discussion
Very good critical and comparative analysis

20. with strong two-fold arguments presenting
a balanced discussion
Excellent
formation of
comparative
argument, with
quality validation
Discussion of economic and social
implications for entrepreneurship
and innovation
Rudimentary logic with limited
connection between ideas.
OR
Lack of logic random collection of
ideas
Adequate logic, discussion and analyses of
some issues.
Sound logic, discussion and analyses all

21. issues.
Sound logic, discussion and superior
analyses of all issues
Excellent logic,
discussion and
analyses of all
issues
Coverage of relevant theoretical
issues, including integration of
relevant literature (academic and
applied industry)
Very narrow discussion around theories
and empirical issues to substantiate
arguments and very poorly integrated
OR
Discussion limited to the textbook and
course material with no empirical issues
to substantiate arguments

22. Uses a variety of theories and empirical
issues to substantiate arguments;
however not well integrated
OR
Narrowly researched; but attempted to
integrate theories and empirical issues
Uses a variety of well integrated theories
and empirical issues to substantiate
arguments
Uses a wide variety of well integrated
theories and empirical issues to
substantiate arguments
Displays excellent
integration of
academic and
industry sources
and breadth of
relevant

23. theoretical issues
Structure, including logic and
reasoning (how well argued)
Poor to Rudimentary logic with limited
connection between ideas.
OR
Lack of logic random collection of
ideas
Adequate logic, discussion and analysis of
some issues.
Sound logic, discussion and analyses all
issues.
Sound logic, discussion and superior
analyses of all issues
Excellent logic,
discussion and
analyses of all
issues

24. Demonstrated depth of academic
and applicable industry research
Very narrowly researched with hardly any
academic sources used
Narrow research, but some quality
academic sources have been used
Widely researched with multiple sources
supporting the ideas/issues in the
arguments
Very good research demonstrating the
width and depth of academic sources used
to support the presented discussion.
Excellent research
demonstrating
the width and
depth of
academic sources
used to support

25. the presented
discussion.
Demonstrated validation of
argument, including referencing
style
Sentence structure and grammar
inadequate for clarity and/or
incomplete/incorrect referencing of
sourced material.
Sentence structure and grammar
adequate, but errors cause distraction
and/or errors in referencing.
Sentence structure and grammar
adequate, with minor errors that do not
distract reader from the main message.
Some incorrect referencing maybe present
Sentence structures and grammar are good
with correct referencing of all sourced

26. material.
Excellent validity
of argument,
displaying high
standards of
academic writing
and referencing
Course Coordinator: Garry Haworth
MNGT1002 - Essay Marking GuideMNGT1002 - Essay Rubric
Report – Recent Innovation -
Value proposition and Value
Capture
F P C D HD
Analysis and discussion of the
chosen innovation (2 marks)
Discussion of the potential or
realised value proposition -
solver or opportunity seeking

27. attributes offered to (potential)
users, - the demand side 'gain
creators' & 'pain relievers' (5
marks)
Identification and description of
the market target (s) of the
innovation (3 marks)
Identification and discussion of
the USP, including,
Identification of direct & indirect
competitors, including
substitution threats (3 marks)
Discussion of attempts to
exploit knowledge and
capability, including subsequent
development to sustain
competitive position, e.g.
incremetal innovations (2

28. marks)
Display and discussion of the
Business Model used and
attempt to capture value from
the chosen innovation (3 marks)
Structure, including logic and
reasoning, how well argued (2
marks)
Depth of research - academic
and industry (3 marks)
Validity of argument
development, including
referencing style, spelling and
grammar (2 marks)
MNGT1002 Report Marking Guide
Course Coordinator: Garry Haworth