1. HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT GBC REPORT David Harris FCMA, CGMA Management Consultant and Lecturer

2. 1. How the GBC works 2. Stage one – the report 3. Why a business report? 4. The purpose(s) of a business report 5. The structure of a business report (in detail) 6. Common problems/mistakes 7. What should you do now? Overview

3. Stage one – the report (covered by this presentation) Stage two – country final The four shortlisted teams are required to: write a two page synopsis of their report prepare a team introduction video based on a given brief give an oral presentation participate in a question and answer session with the judges. Stage three – global final The winning team from each country will be required to: resubmit their two page synopsis and video submit a team and university profile present to an audience, which includes a panel of high profile international judges participate in a question and answer session with the judges. How the GBC works

4. Stage one – the report Teams prepare a 3000 word report based on the GBC challenge material The challenge material includes: case study scenario tips and techniques document.

5. Commonly used in business Suitable for a large volume of data Can deal with complex issues Has a recognisable structure Effective communication tool Why a business report?

6. To communicate your views To persuade the reader to agree with you (To win the GBC!) The purpose(s) of a business report

7. Cover Contents page Introduction Key issues analysis Ethical issue(s) identification Strategic options/choices evaluation Recommendations Appendices The structure of a business report

8. Format: all reports must be submitted electronically in MS Word 2007 or PDF format Layout: left aligned, 1.5pt spacing, 1 inch margin on all sides Font: all reports must be written in Arial, 12pt Word count: 3000 words (cover page, contents page and appendices do not contribute to the word count) The rules of the game

9. Team name Names of participants Contact IDs Name of university/institution Report title Cover page

10. Enough detail so the reader can see your thought process Not so much detail that the reader does not bother to read it! Contents page

11. Sets the scene Explains the scope of the report Puts the organisation into context Introduction

12. Summarise the strategic and financial position of the organisation Identify the key issues Look for the issue(s) behind any proposals Prioritise the key issues (‘most important’ first) Explain why each is an issue (impact, risk, threat…) Use strategic models to help Key issues

13. CIMA ethical code Governance Social responsibility Ethical issue(s)

14. For each key issue: identify strategic options evaluate each option. Use strategic models to help Include ‘do nothing’ as an option Strategic options/choices

15. Be very clear DO NOT recommend: that you have insufficient information to decide that the organisation should decide. DO NOT set the company objectives Tell them: what who how when why. Recommendations

16. SWOT analysis Calculations supporting your: analysis of position analysis of issues evaluation of strategic options. Other models applied Appendices

17. Missing a ‘killer’ issue (or making it low priority) Not adding enough value to the scenario data Poor (or few) calculations Not recommending Recommending something unethical Poor communication Common problems/mistakes

18. Analyse the material Divide up tasks Meet and discuss Write (and improve) your report What should you do now?

19. The CIMA GBC is a ‘challenge’ The GBC is an opportunity to apply everything you have learned The GBC is a simulation of what really happens in business Good luck! Conclusions

20. THANK YOU! Any questions? Please type your questions into the chat section of the WebEx