Chapter 10
Business Research and
Report Writing
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 1
Learning Objective 1
Distinguish between formal and
informal reports.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 2
Formal Reports
 May
contain a title page, transmittal
message, table of contents, list of
illustrations, abstract, body, glossary,
appendix, and reference list.
 Usually written in the third person.
 Use headings.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 3
Informal Reports
 May
consist of a title page and body
or only the body.
 May be formatted as a letter or a
memo.
 Are written in the first person.
 Use headings.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 4
Learning Objective 2
Identify the types of informal
reports.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 5
Types of Informal Reports
Progress
Periodic
Technical
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 6
Learning Objective 3
Identify and use the five steps
for conducting research.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 7
Conducting Research
Plan
the research.
Gather the information.
Analyze the information.
Determine the solution(s).
Write the report.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 8
Learning Objective 4
Describe the components of a
formal report.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 9
Formal Report Components
Report
cover
Margins
Line spacing
Headings
Internal source citations
Numbering
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 10
Learning Objective 5
List the advantages of correct
report formatting.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 11
Advantages of Correct Report
Formatting
 Good
first impression
 Decreases time for the reader to gain
confidence in report writer’s credibility
 Improves readability
 Helps the reader follow the
organization of material
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 12
Learning Objective 6
Write formal and informal reports.
Student slides
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 13
Formal and Informal Reports

Formal Reports




Are normally written in
the third person
May contain visual
aids and material from
secondary sources
Have a detailed
structure
Student slides
Informal Reports




Are normally written in
the first person
Generally do not contain
visual aids or material
from secondary sources
Are less structured
May be formatted as
letters or memos
Business Communication
Krizan, Merrier, Logan, & Williams
Ch 10 - 14