Short Reports: Introductory Information Communicate new information Guide decisions Present material too complex for letter or memo Short Report Format: Memo, Letter, or Booklet

Memo and Letter Format Usually two pages or more Divided into separate, labeled sections Memo report—internal Letter report—external

Short Report Types Incident: explains the circumstances surrounding a troublesome occurrence Progress: Outlines the status of an ongoing project or undertaking Travel: Identifies the purpose and results of business- related travel Recommendation: Urges that certain actions be taken in response to a problem

Overview Each type may be internal or external and use letter, memo, or booklet format. All four types typically a combination of informative and persuasive: They present information, but with the goal of affecting decision-making, policy, etc. All four types typically front-loaded with additional information specific to each type of report.

Recommendation Reports “A recommendation report [1] assesses a troublesome or unsatisfactory situation, [2] identifies a solution to the problem, and [3] persuades decision-makers to pursue a particular course of action that will improve matters” (Searles 78).

Recommendation Report Components Introduction: overview of problem and proposed solution Problem: include causes and effects Solution: include how and why Discussion: summarize impact of solutions, urge adoption See pp for sample report.