Individual Project
Business Report Structure
@ G. Onofrei, 2020
@ G.Onofrei 2017
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• Different methods call for different way of writing
• Common Themes in most methods:
• Third person – not I, we, me, myself
• Useful devices (rather than ‘I will attempt to answer this question’ use:
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–
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The research
The author
The writer
The researcher – The
study
– The case, etc.
• Anything that sounds too dramatic is usually journalism not academic writing
@ G.Onofrei 2017
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Basic Report Structure
• Title Page
• Table of Contents (use automated)
• Page numbers
• Font 12, 1.5 spaced, 6 point before and after paragraph
• Section Headings and Sub Headings
referencing – Harvard Style
https://www.dcu.ie/sites/default/files/library/pd
fs/harvardguidecitethemright3.pdf
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For further style/ grammar ideas see
https://owl.purdue.edu/
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• Business Report: Structure
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• Table of contents
• Executive Summary
– Summarise the report, the main themes and issues
• Introduction
– Introduce the report, set in context
• Company Background (10%)
– Brief description of the organisation and its product(s) or
services
– As is analysis – examine the chosen element/area of OSCM
@ G.Onofrei 2017
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• Critical evaluation and assessment (40%) – critically assess (not
simply a ‘passive’ description) the application and/or practice of
capacity management, inventory management and quality
management in the organization in the context of the relevant
course concepts on the topics.
• Conclusions and recommendations (50%)
– Write a report for the senior management team on
• (a) the findings and conclusions of your research;
• (b) your recommendations for improving your selected area of
Capacity Management, Inventory Management and Quality
Management functions
• (c) the potential benefits for the organization.
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• References
– Any material used in the completion of the report
• Appendices
– Any figures or tables explaining or providing extra
emphasis
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Pitfalls
• Avoid ‘Dictionary xxx defines xxx as…’
– Get definitions from specialist writers who are involved in the evolving
issue
• Avoid beginning with grand sentences
@ G.Onofrei 2017
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Too obvious to be worth reading
Oversimplifies complex matters
Begin with what you are trying to do (the question you are exploring)
• Do not write as if you are an authority, provide tentative
answers, solutions and implementation details
• Always revise your introduction last – Not until you finish do you
realise what you were trying to do
• Keep it logical
@ G. Onofrei 2017
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