1. Chapter 9 Writing Reports
Business Communication
Chapter 9
Writing Reports
Copyright South-Western Cengage Learning

2. Types of Reports Style Purpose Format Formal reports Informal reports
Informational reports
Analytical reports
Format
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A report provides facts, opinions, or ideas about a specific topic or problem.
9.1 Planning Reports

3. Defining the Report Identify the problem or topic Determine the scope
Develop a timeline
9.1 Planning Reports

4. Collecting the Data Primary research Secondary research Interview
Survey
Observation
Secondary research
Evaluating data sources
Bibliography notes
Research notes
9.1 Planning Reports

5. Bibliography Notes
9.1 Planning Reports

6. Research Note
9.1 Planning Reports

7. Processing the Data Create a report outline Analyze the data
Draw conclusions and make recommendations
9.1 Planning Reports

8. Outline Examples Topical Outline Discussion Outline
I. Characteristics of IM
A. Speed
B. Cost
C. Equipment
Discussion Outline
I. IM offers the latest technology for sending messages.
A. It offers speed.
B. It is often free via the Internet.
C. All that is needed is a computer.
9.1 Planning Reports

9. Searching for Data Online
Focus your search to locate relevant data
Use advanced search techniques
Boolean operators OR
AND
NOT
AND NOT
Wildcards
9.1 Planning Reports

10. Reading for Research
Reading skills are important for secondary research
Scan material to determine relevancy
Look for keywords or phrases to use for further study
Evaluate data found for:
Relevance and timeliness
Accuracy and reliability
Bias
9.1 Planning Reports

11. Organizing Informal Reports
Direct order
Indirect order
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Reports written in direct order give the main idea early in the report.
9.2 Writing Informal Reports

12. Outlining and Writing Informal Reports
Report outlines
Writing style
Informational Report Outline in Direct Order
9.2 Writing Informal Reports

13. Formatting Informal Reports
Parts of an informal report
Letter reports
Memo reports
Manuscript reports
9.2 Writing Informal Reports

14. Organizing and Writing Formal Reports
Direct and indirect order
Writing styles
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Objective reports help managers make business decisions.
9.3 Writing Formal Reports

15. Parts of a Formal Report
Preliminary parts
Letter of transmittal
Title page
Table of contents
Executive summary
The report body
Introduction
Findings and analysis
Summary, conclusions, and recommendations
9.3 Writing Formal Reports

16. Parts of a Formal Report
Supplementary parts
Bibliography or Works Cited page
Appendix
Formatting formal reports
Margins and spacing
Headings
Visual aids
9.3 Writing Formal Reports

17. MLA Report Style Style often used for school reports
MLA Handbook shows details of this report style
Questions
When was MLA founded?
About how many people are members of MLA?
Locate the frequently asked questions about the MLA Handbook. Select one of the questions and give a brief summary of the answer.
school.cengage.com/bcomm/buscomm
9.3 Writing Formal Reports

18. Vocabulary alternative analytical report analyze appendix bibliography
conclusion
documentation
executive summary
hypothesis
informational report
interview
observation
outline
primary research
recommendation
report
scope
secondary research
survey
table of contents
timeline
wildcard