Typical Business
Reports



                   1
Business Communication
        Chapter – 13

“TYPICAL BUSINESS REPORTS”



                       2
Why we are here:

It    attempts to provide a moral
justification, rationale or even establish
clear rules as to “What is the Purpose
of Writing a Business Report and how
we give you more ideas &
comprehensive          business     report
compiling.

   What is the purpose of the
    Business Report




                       3
Basic Strategies
   Audience: When writing the report, you                                      n   ce
    need to consider the audience you are                                   die
                                                                       Au
    writing for, whether it is the CEO or will
    the report be available to all staff
    concerned?
                                                          r   ch
                                                   s   ea
   Research: The true value of the research     Re
    may be assessed through a report since
    the written report may be the "only
    tangible product of hundreds of hours of                                    ng
                                                                          p il i
    work.                                                              Com


   Compiling:      Reports    communicate
    information which has been compiled as
    a result of research and analysis of data
    and of issues.

                                                                   4
"A       Report Judges An Organization"

                                               “Good report
                                           Morton, work on it a
                                            little more until it
                                            sounds like one of
                                                   mine.”




                                                                        Brilliant report, Kimble. I
                                                                        can’t tell where the facts
  ”Nice work on this report,
                                                                       end and the fiction begins.”
Carlton. With this information
  we can easily lay-off fifty
  percent of our employees.
Unfortunately you’ll be the first
           to go.”



                                                                   5
Informational Report

Writing Informational Report
 Informational report is to provide required
  data/information to wish to know about the
  things in a specific and complete form.

   Depending on the seriousness, they may
    have to be discussed later on.. Once you
    have this list, it will be easy for you to contact
    someone to clarify any information.


                                          6
Informational Report

 4- Construct                                 8 - Make Draft
 Rough Plan                                    & Proofread

   3- Plan                                7- Start Sorting
                       Methodology
2- Brainstorm                                   6 - Revise

1- Analyze Topic                               5 - Research




                      Submit your Work


                                          7
Informational Report
Gather and Complete Report                    Business Informational Report

   Reports can cover a wide range of            Use the Business Information Report to
    topics, but usually focus on                  give you the insight you need to evaluate a
    transmitting information with a clear         firm’s operations, profitability, and stability.
    purpose, to a specific audience.              Also use it to evaluate the experience of
                                                  the business and business background of
    Good reports are documents that are           its principals.
    accurate, objective and complete.
                                                 The Business Information Report includes
   Such reports are prepared for                 valuable information that can help you
    information purposes only and do              make better business decisions.
    NOT           include         Institute
    recommendations on the course of
    action or the preferred application of       Report is packed with information, analysis,
    the data contained therein.                   and interpretations to enhance your
                                                  decision making process.
   The majority of reports are
    Informational Reports when the               Information includes payment records,
    management wish to know about the             public, filings, financial information, banking
    new company, products, operations,            commentary, business background of
    new policies or starting a business           principals and a description of the firm’s
    for mutual benefits.
                                                  operation.
                                                                        8
Comprehensive to transmit
                    Information
      Trade / Market                   Production
        Summary                          Analysis




                       Informational
Operation                                           Finance
                          Report




        Evaluate                       Special Events

                                             9
Typical Business Reports
         (Chapter # 13)




                                                     Yardstick
                                                                              Feasibility
                               Investigative




                                      of
                Periodic                                                         Justification &


                                   e s ts
                                                                                Recommendation


                                 yp o r
                                T p
Situational                      Re                              Analytical




                                               Compliance


   Convention &            Progress
   Conference              & Interim



                                                                  10
Periodic Report
 This section is traditionally allocated the most marks, so it is well worth your
  investment in time to do it thoroughly. The Periodic report is to help the
  Management to make their policies, procedures, operation, products according to
  the consumer requirement and by this report management can decide how to
  develop their organization for more mutual benefits.




                                                               11
How it is Enhancing
                       Using Periodic Report’s will help you




Make daily credit         Plan for sales calls          Check the background
 decisions                 Find out about                of
Limit your risk            changes that can                 new clients
 exposure                   impact credit                 Identify corporate
Determine the              relationships                    relationships and
 stability of new or       Evaluate potential            potential
 existing customers          vendors and suppliers           conflicts of interest
                                                          Provide business
                                                          details
                                                             for research needs


                                                               12
es
                                                    s         alu
                                                 on         ev
                                             u si        nr
                                          ncl         sio
                                        Co         clu
                                                on
                                           in c
                                         Ma
Periodic Reports – Typical Elements




                                                                                      13
                                                                                      y
                                                                                   ert
                                                                             rop
                                                                        .P
                                                                   Co
                                                ng           the
                                            ori          ing
                                         nit         ect
                                      Mo        saf f
                                            tor
                                        Fac
                                                            ity
                                                        egr       ent
                                                     Int        em
                                                  of
                                              ent           ang
                                          tem           Arr
                                      Sta          ent
                                                em
                                            nag
                                        Ma
                                                  of
                                             ent
                                          tem
                                      Sta          nce
                                               ica
                                            nif
                                        Sig
Possible Periodic Report Format -
                  matrix
 Criteria for
Organisation                Monitoring
   listing


  Subject                   Priority &
   Value                      scale

  Factors                  Lead agency
 affecting                  (& others
 products                   involved)
  values

Management                  Due date &
  Actions                   comments
                                   14
Specimen Reports
                Specimen Reports




Informational                           Periodic
    Report                               Report




                                   15
Situational Reports
   Reports that are targeted to nonrecurring
    situations .i.e. unlike periodic reports, situations
    that don’t have a definite pattern of occurrence.
    e.g.

     TripConvention & Conference reports
     Progress reports




                                            16
Situational Reports
Characteristics

   Style
    Written like Memos

   Tone
    Follow an informal tone

   Length
    Usually Short. Could vary on authorizer expectation

                                                      17
Situational Reports
Trip, Convention & Conference
reports

   Submitted by employees when they return from a
    business trip, convention or a conference.
   Keep organizations informed how well their money was
    spent.
   Also inform management about new procedures,
    equipment and laws and supply information affecting
    products operations and service.
                                            18
Situational Reports
Format of Trip, Convention & Conference
 reports
   Begin With
    Identifying the event , mention the topics to be discussed.
   Body
    Three to five important points, carefully selected.
   Expenses
    Include your expenses on a separate sheet on request.
   End With
    Expression of appreciation, synthesizing value of the event.


                                                        19
Situational Reports

Example : Trip, Convention & Conference
 reports

 Training Conference on Employment Interviewing




                                        20
Situational Reports

Things to be kept in mind.

   There could be lots and lots of information. You should
    be selective.

   Avoid using chronological order (First X happened then
    Y), organizing by importance is a good idea.

   Select topics, the reader might be most interested in.

                                               21
Situational Reports
Progress and Interim reports


   Explain continuing projects, including work completed,
    work in progress, future activities, and completion date.

   Describes the projects status and progress.

   Keeps the management informed whether the project is
    going in the right direction.

                                                22
Situational Reports
Format of Progress reports
   Begin with
    Purpose & nature of project.
   Body
     Provide background information if audience require.
     Describe the work completed.
     Current progress of work.
     Problems and possible remedies


   End With
    Discussion of future activities and completion date.
                                                    23
Situational Reports

Example : Progress reports

 Progress on research on location for a telefilm scene




                                           24
Situational Reports

Things to be kept in mind.

   Keep the audience in mind. E.g. Include background
    information for your director as he/she might not tend to
    remember the project specifications.

   Don’t hesitate to include the problems faced in the
    project.


                                               25
Investigative Reports



Investigative reports are generally assigned
reports which focus on examining a situation or
problem. e.g.

  Report
       on doing business with and Australian
  company.


                                         26
Investigative Reports
Format of Investigative Reports

   Begin with
    Introducing the problem.

   Body
     Facts, findings, discussion etc.

   End With
    Summarizing
                                        27
Compliance Reports


   Compliance Reports present data in compliance with
    local, state and federal laws.
   Government regulating agencies require organizations to
    submit reports verifying compliance with laws
   Usually answer the questions to how much profit, the
    organization earned and the taxes owed.


                                             28
Compliance Reports

Format of compliance reports
   Begin with
     Background information
     Preview of major sections


   Body
       The Content. Data, figures etc

   End With
       Summary of report objective


                                         29
Compliance Reports

Example : Compliance reports

   Report
    Description

    Trucking Company Safety Compliance Report




                                          30
Compliance Reports

Things to be kept in mind.

   Correctness of data.

   Accuracy of data.




                             31
Analytical Reports




                     32
Writing Analytical Reports

 Major components:
    Introduction
    Findings
    Conclusions
    Recommendations




                             33
Writing Analytical Reports (contd..)

Introduction




     Explain why the report is being written.
     Preview the report’s organization.
     Summarize the conclusions and
      recommendations ( for receptive audiences)




                                                   34
Writing Analytical Reports (contd..)

Findings




   Discuss the pros and cons of each alternative.
   Establish criteria to evaluate alternatives.
   Support the findings with evidence(: facts,
    statistics, expert opinion, survey data, and other
    proof)
   Use headings, enumerations, lists, tables, and
    graphics to focus attention.




                                                         35
Writing Analytical Reports (contd..)

Conclusion




    Develop reasonable conclusion that answer the
     research question
    Justify the conclusion with highlights from the
     finding




                                                       36
Writing Analytical Reports (contd..)

Recommendations




     Make recommendations, if asked.
     Use action verbs. Explain needed
      action.
     Must based on the findings




                                         37
Typical Business Analytical Reports


      Justification/recommendation   reports
      Feasibilityreports
      Yardstick reports
      Research reports




                                          38
Justification/Recommendation Reports
     Purpose
          Make recommendations to management
          Provide data to solve problems and make decisions.
     Examples
          Buying equipment
          Changing a procedure
          Hiring an employee
     Contents
          Problem/Need
          Facts
          Discussion (pros & cons)
          Recommendation
     Sample
          A Justification Report


                                                    39
Justification/Recommendation Reports (contd..)

Organizing Report Data

   Indirect Approach        Direct Approach
       Problem                  Problem
       Facts                    Recommendations
       Discussion               Facts
       Recommendations          Discussion




                                            40
Justification/Recommendation Reports (contd..)

Choosing Approach
   Direct approach
       Receptive/Open-minded audience
       Nonsensitive Topic (e.g. justifying a purchase)
   Indirect approach
       Skeptical/Hostile audience
       Sensitive Topic (e.g. justifying ways for employees to quit
        smoking)




                                                          41
Feasibility Reports
     Purpose
          Analyze problems and predict whether alternatives will be practical or advisable
          Help in decision making (among alternatives)
     Examples
          Should we move to another part of the country?
          Should we rent, lease or buy?
          What is the best location for our company?
     Content
          Decision
          Background
          Benefits
          Potential Problems
          Associated Cost
          Time frame for implementing the solution
     Sample
          A Feasibility Report

                                                                   42
   Informational Reports
       Periodic Reports
       Situational Reports
       Progress Reports
       Investigative and compliance Reports


   Analytical Reports
       Justification/Recommendation Reports
       Feasibility Report
       Yardstick Reports
       Research Reports
                                               43
Yardstick Reports




                    44
Yardstick Reports
  The term "yardstick" is used in
   reference to anything which serves as a
   test or standard of measurement,
   comparison or judgment.
  Usage of Yardstick Reports.




                               45
   Yardstick reports

     Problem   statement
     Alternative solutions
     Establish criteria's
     Conclusions
     Recommendations




                              46
   Example
     Comparison  of different manufactures for
     buying a piece of equipment




                                       47
Format of Yardstick Reports
   Introduction
       purpose & overview.
   Problem Statement
       background.
   Solutions & Alternatives.
   Established criteria's
   Compare Alternatives
     Use   Table or grid .
   Conclusion & Recommendations

                                   48
Sample Yardstick Report
  A popular cellular network company
 (Mobilink) is planning to open their new
   franchise at the NWFP Province of
                  Pakistan

               Sample Report



                                49
Research Studies

                   50
   Research Studies Reports

     Problem  statement
     Hypothesis
     Present data
     Perform Analysis
     Conclusions
     Recommendations (optional)




                                   51
Research Studies

   Follows Indirect Pattern
     Startswith Problem discussion
     Explore possible solutions
     Reason for selecting a particular solution




                                        52
Format of Research Studies Report
   Abstract
   Introduction
   Sources & Methods
   Results of Study
     data
   Conclusion
   Recommendation




                              53
Introduction
   Background
   Problem or Purpose
   Significance
   Scope




                                 54
Sources and Methods
   Secondary Sources
     Books,   journals etc


   Primary Sources
     Observations
     Surveys




                                 55
   Results of Study
     Present    Data
          Organize colleted data.


   Conclusion
   Recommendations
   References




                                     56
Example of Research Report



        Sample Report




                        57
Conclusion
 Periodic  Reports
 Situational Reports
 Progress Reports
 Investigative and compliance Reports
 Justification/Recommendation Reports
 Feasibility Report
 Yardstick Reports
 Research Reports




                               58
References

   MaryEllen Guffey, Business Communication
   :Process and Product
   www.glan-hafren.ac.uk/LearnCent
   www.homepages.wmich.edu/rpttypes




                                      59
Thank you very much for your kind consideration




                                            60

Types of business reports

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Business Communication Chapter – 13 “TYPICAL BUSINESS REPORTS” 2
  • 3.
    Why we arehere: It attempts to provide a moral justification, rationale or even establish clear rules as to “What is the Purpose of Writing a Business Report and how we give you more ideas & comprehensive business report compiling.  What is the purpose of the Business Report 3
  • 4.
    Basic Strategies  Audience: When writing the report, you n ce need to consider the audience you are die Au writing for, whether it is the CEO or will the report be available to all staff concerned? r ch s ea  Research: The true value of the research Re may be assessed through a report since the written report may be the "only tangible product of hundreds of hours of ng p il i work. Com  Compiling: Reports communicate information which has been compiled as a result of research and analysis of data and of issues. 4
  • 5.
    "A Report Judges An Organization" “Good report Morton, work on it a little more until it sounds like one of mine.” Brilliant report, Kimble. I can’t tell where the facts ”Nice work on this report, end and the fiction begins.” Carlton. With this information we can easily lay-off fifty percent of our employees. Unfortunately you’ll be the first to go.” 5
  • 6.
    Informational Report Writing InformationalReport  Informational report is to provide required data/information to wish to know about the things in a specific and complete form.  Depending on the seriousness, they may have to be discussed later on.. Once you have this list, it will be easy for you to contact someone to clarify any information. 6
  • 7.
    Informational Report 4-Construct 8 - Make Draft Rough Plan & Proofread 3- Plan 7- Start Sorting Methodology 2- Brainstorm 6 - Revise 1- Analyze Topic 5 - Research Submit your Work 7
  • 8.
    Informational Report Gather andComplete Report Business Informational Report  Reports can cover a wide range of  Use the Business Information Report to topics, but usually focus on give you the insight you need to evaluate a transmitting information with a clear firm’s operations, profitability, and stability. purpose, to a specific audience. Also use it to evaluate the experience of the business and business background of Good reports are documents that are its principals. accurate, objective and complete.  The Business Information Report includes  Such reports are prepared for valuable information that can help you information purposes only and do make better business decisions. NOT include Institute recommendations on the course of action or the preferred application of  Report is packed with information, analysis, the data contained therein. and interpretations to enhance your decision making process.  The majority of reports are Informational Reports when the  Information includes payment records, management wish to know about the public, filings, financial information, banking new company, products, operations, commentary, business background of new policies or starting a business principals and a description of the firm’s for mutual benefits. operation. 8
  • 9.
    Comprehensive to transmit Information Trade / Market Production Summary Analysis Informational Operation Finance Report Evaluate Special Events 9
  • 10.
    Typical Business Reports (Chapter # 13) Yardstick Feasibility Investigative of Periodic Justification & e s ts Recommendation yp o r T p Situational Re Analytical Compliance Convention & Progress Conference & Interim 10
  • 11.
    Periodic Report  Thissection is traditionally allocated the most marks, so it is well worth your investment in time to do it thoroughly. The Periodic report is to help the Management to make their policies, procedures, operation, products according to the consumer requirement and by this report management can decide how to develop their organization for more mutual benefits. 11
  • 12.
    How it isEnhancing Using Periodic Report’s will help you Make daily credit Plan for sales calls Check the background decisions Find out about of Limit your risk changes that can new clients exposure impact credit Identify corporate Determine the relationships relationships and stability of new or Evaluate potential potential existing customers vendors and suppliers conflicts of interest Provide business details for research needs 12
  • 13.
    es s alu on ev u si nr ncl sio Co clu on in c Ma Periodic Reports – Typical Elements 13 y ert rop .P Co ng the ori ing nit ect Mo saf f tor Fac ity egr ent Int em of ent ang tem Arr Sta ent em nag Ma of ent tem Sta nce ica nif Sig
  • 14.
    Possible Periodic ReportFormat - matrix Criteria for Organisation Monitoring listing Subject Priority & Value scale Factors Lead agency affecting (& others products involved) values Management Due date & Actions comments 14
  • 15.
    Specimen Reports Specimen Reports Informational Periodic Report Report 15
  • 16.
    Situational Reports  Reports that are targeted to nonrecurring situations .i.e. unlike periodic reports, situations that don’t have a definite pattern of occurrence. e.g.  TripConvention & Conference reports  Progress reports 16
  • 17.
    Situational Reports Characteristics  Style Written like Memos  Tone Follow an informal tone  Length Usually Short. Could vary on authorizer expectation 17
  • 18.
    Situational Reports Trip, Convention& Conference reports  Submitted by employees when they return from a business trip, convention or a conference.  Keep organizations informed how well their money was spent.  Also inform management about new procedures, equipment and laws and supply information affecting products operations and service. 18
  • 19.
    Situational Reports Format ofTrip, Convention & Conference reports  Begin With Identifying the event , mention the topics to be discussed.  Body Three to five important points, carefully selected.  Expenses Include your expenses on a separate sheet on request.  End With Expression of appreciation, synthesizing value of the event. 19
  • 20.
    Situational Reports Example :Trip, Convention & Conference reports Training Conference on Employment Interviewing 20
  • 21.
    Situational Reports Things tobe kept in mind.  There could be lots and lots of information. You should be selective.  Avoid using chronological order (First X happened then Y), organizing by importance is a good idea.  Select topics, the reader might be most interested in. 21
  • 22.
    Situational Reports Progress andInterim reports  Explain continuing projects, including work completed, work in progress, future activities, and completion date.  Describes the projects status and progress.  Keeps the management informed whether the project is going in the right direction. 22
  • 23.
    Situational Reports Format ofProgress reports  Begin with Purpose & nature of project.  Body  Provide background information if audience require.  Describe the work completed.  Current progress of work.  Problems and possible remedies  End With Discussion of future activities and completion date. 23
  • 24.
    Situational Reports Example :Progress reports Progress on research on location for a telefilm scene 24
  • 25.
    Situational Reports Things tobe kept in mind.  Keep the audience in mind. E.g. Include background information for your director as he/she might not tend to remember the project specifications.  Don’t hesitate to include the problems faced in the project. 25
  • 26.
    Investigative Reports Investigative reportsare generally assigned reports which focus on examining a situation or problem. e.g.  Report on doing business with and Australian company. 26
  • 27.
    Investigative Reports Format ofInvestigative Reports  Begin with Introducing the problem.  Body Facts, findings, discussion etc.  End With Summarizing 27
  • 28.
    Compliance Reports  Compliance Reports present data in compliance with local, state and federal laws.  Government regulating agencies require organizations to submit reports verifying compliance with laws  Usually answer the questions to how much profit, the organization earned and the taxes owed. 28
  • 29.
    Compliance Reports Format ofcompliance reports  Begin with  Background information  Preview of major sections  Body  The Content. Data, figures etc  End With  Summary of report objective 29
  • 30.
    Compliance Reports Example :Compliance reports  Report Description Trucking Company Safety Compliance Report 30
  • 31.
    Compliance Reports Things tobe kept in mind.  Correctness of data.  Accuracy of data. 31
  • 32.
  • 33.
    Writing Analytical Reports Major components:  Introduction  Findings  Conclusions  Recommendations 33
  • 34.
    Writing Analytical Reports(contd..) Introduction  Explain why the report is being written.  Preview the report’s organization.  Summarize the conclusions and recommendations ( for receptive audiences) 34
  • 35.
    Writing Analytical Reports(contd..) Findings  Discuss the pros and cons of each alternative.  Establish criteria to evaluate alternatives.  Support the findings with evidence(: facts, statistics, expert opinion, survey data, and other proof)  Use headings, enumerations, lists, tables, and graphics to focus attention. 35
  • 36.
    Writing Analytical Reports(contd..) Conclusion  Develop reasonable conclusion that answer the research question  Justify the conclusion with highlights from the finding 36
  • 37.
    Writing Analytical Reports(contd..) Recommendations  Make recommendations, if asked.  Use action verbs. Explain needed action.  Must based on the findings 37
  • 38.
    Typical Business AnalyticalReports  Justification/recommendation reports  Feasibilityreports  Yardstick reports  Research reports 38
  • 39.
    Justification/Recommendation Reports  Purpose  Make recommendations to management  Provide data to solve problems and make decisions.  Examples  Buying equipment  Changing a procedure  Hiring an employee  Contents  Problem/Need  Facts  Discussion (pros & cons)  Recommendation  Sample  A Justification Report 39
  • 40.
    Justification/Recommendation Reports (contd..) OrganizingReport Data  Indirect Approach  Direct Approach  Problem  Problem  Facts  Recommendations  Discussion  Facts  Recommendations  Discussion 40
  • 41.
    Justification/Recommendation Reports (contd..) ChoosingApproach  Direct approach  Receptive/Open-minded audience  Nonsensitive Topic (e.g. justifying a purchase)  Indirect approach  Skeptical/Hostile audience  Sensitive Topic (e.g. justifying ways for employees to quit smoking) 41
  • 42.
    Feasibility Reports  Purpose  Analyze problems and predict whether alternatives will be practical or advisable  Help in decision making (among alternatives)  Examples  Should we move to another part of the country?  Should we rent, lease or buy?  What is the best location for our company?  Content  Decision  Background  Benefits  Potential Problems  Associated Cost  Time frame for implementing the solution  Sample  A Feasibility Report 42
  • 43.
    Informational Reports  Periodic Reports  Situational Reports  Progress Reports  Investigative and compliance Reports  Analytical Reports  Justification/Recommendation Reports  Feasibility Report  Yardstick Reports  Research Reports 43
  • 44.
  • 45.
    Yardstick Reports The term "yardstick" is used in reference to anything which serves as a test or standard of measurement, comparison or judgment.  Usage of Yardstick Reports. 45
  • 46.
    Yardstick reports  Problem statement  Alternative solutions  Establish criteria's  Conclusions  Recommendations 46
  • 47.
    Example  Comparison of different manufactures for buying a piece of equipment 47
  • 48.
    Format of YardstickReports  Introduction  purpose & overview.  Problem Statement  background.  Solutions & Alternatives.  Established criteria's  Compare Alternatives  Use Table or grid .  Conclusion & Recommendations 48
  • 49.
    Sample Yardstick Report A popular cellular network company (Mobilink) is planning to open their new franchise at the NWFP Province of Pakistan Sample Report 49
  • 50.
  • 51.
    Research Studies Reports  Problem statement  Hypothesis  Present data  Perform Analysis  Conclusions  Recommendations (optional) 51
  • 52.
    Research Studies  Follows Indirect Pattern  Startswith Problem discussion  Explore possible solutions  Reason for selecting a particular solution 52
  • 53.
    Format of ResearchStudies Report  Abstract  Introduction  Sources & Methods  Results of Study  data  Conclusion  Recommendation 53
  • 54.
    Introduction  Background  Problem or Purpose  Significance  Scope 54
  • 55.
    Sources and Methods  Secondary Sources  Books, journals etc  Primary Sources  Observations  Surveys 55
  • 56.
    Results of Study  Present Data  Organize colleted data.  Conclusion  Recommendations  References 56
  • 57.
    Example of ResearchReport Sample Report 57
  • 58.
    Conclusion  Periodic Reports  Situational Reports  Progress Reports  Investigative and compliance Reports  Justification/Recommendation Reports  Feasibility Report  Yardstick Reports  Research Reports 58
  • 59.
    References MaryEllen Guffey, Business Communication :Process and Product  www.glan-hafren.ac.uk/LearnCent  www.homepages.wmich.edu/rpttypes 59
  • 60.
    Thank you verymuch for your kind consideration 60

Editor's Notes

  • #44 So far we have seen two broad categories of reports that Are …. Informational Reports. They present data but does not analyze that data or makes any conclusions. Analytical reports not only provides data but also analyze’s that data and draw conclusions. I would be presenting on Yardstick and research reports
  • #45 Think for a while about the term yardstick Yardstick >> is a stick that is about 3 feet long. It is basically a measuring tool that is used in making measurements or comparision. Same is the case here with yard stcik reports Look at the picture When ever we measure some thing we have to use a standard unit This unit becomes the criteria of measeurement.
  • #46 Used by higher level management in order to compare, measure different alternative solutions
  • #47 Lets Take a look at the definition of yardstick reports. A yardstick report is a type of report that Discusses a problem statement Provide one or more alternate solutions to the problem Each of the alternative solution is measured or weighed against the criteria. Writer then provides conclusions and make recommendations. What diffrentiates yardstick reports from other reports is the The Consistency that it provides in comparing various alternative Solutions.
  • #48 Assume your company decides to buy an equipment from a manufacturer you have to compare or evaluate different manufactures. One critera of comparison might be the cost of equipment that is provide by different manufacuters
  • #49 A typical Format of Yardstick report is given below. Report starts with the introduction This sections describes the purpose of report and provides an overview of the organization of report. Discuss the problem briefly with a little background information. This section discusses the multiple solutions and alternates that are available. Writer then tells how he has established different criteria's that he is using to evaluate alternatives. This is the main part of yard stick report where writer performs the comparison between each of the Solution and alternatives In this section the writer highlights the differences or similarities between the solutions we can use tabular format to summarize complex data Writer then provide the conclusion and gives his recommendation with an obvious reason .
  • #51 Are used by different business organizations in order to conduct a thorough studies of a particular problem. They uses a scientific approach to solve a particular problem
  • #52 Research reports discusses a problem statement or purpose statement Suggest ways on how to solve that problem. Present data that has been collected during the research leading to conclusions. Analyze that data Draw conclusions and make recommendations.
  • #53 They guide the reader through out the report so that the conclusions seems rational to the reader.