Chapter 9- Informal Reports,

Direct Strategy

Placing the purpose for writing close to the beginning of a reports, the organizational strategy?

Reports that present data without analysis or recommendations are _____ reports

informational

Which of the following is MOST likely to be written as an informational report?

Monthly sales reports, status updates, and government compliance reports

Reports that provides data or findings, analyses, and conclusions are ____________ reports

analytical

Which of the following reports is an example of an analytical reports?

Feasibility studies, justification reports

The direct strategy of organization is appropriate for a business report when readers are __________ supportive, or eager to have the results first.

informed

when you organize an informational report directly, in what order should the ideas be presented?

Background, facts/findings, summary

the indirect strategy of organization is appropriate for business reports when readers must be _____ or educated.

persuaded

when do you organize an analytical report indirectly, in what order should the ideas be presented?

Introduction/problem, facts/finding, discussion/analysis, conclusion/recommendation

an informal writing style includes _____ (wouldn’t, don’t, they’re)

Conctration

which of the following constructions uses the BEST writing style for an informal report?

We’re pleased to announce the selection of Peck Builders as general contractor for our new office complex.

which of the following sentences demonstrates ACTIVE-VOICE verbs

Research indicates a correlation between strong writing skills and promotions.

The format of a report depends primarily on its _____, _____, _______, and __________

length, topic, audience, and purpose

Used for short informal reports addressed outside an organization. Which format would be MOST appropriate?

letter format

You are writing a short informal report that will stay inside your organization. Which format would be MOST appropriate?

memo/e-mail

For longer, more formal reports, printed on plain paper without letterheadIn what format should you develop this report?

Manuscript format

You are an inventory specialist for a retail store. Your boss has asked you to compile a year-end report listing the merchandise sold each month through the company’s website. In what format should you present this data?

per-print forms

Which statement about digital slide deck is MOST accurate?

all of the about answer choices are accurate statements about digital slide decks

Headings that show the sections of report are called

funtinal headings

heading that provide specific information about the contect of a report section are called>

talking headings

Whichh of the following is a talking heading

projected cost saving for IT outsourcing

Katherine must use headings in a report. What shouls she do to make sure that her headings are effective?

Include at lest one heading per report page.

Functional headings Examples

* background * Findnings * Personnel * Production Costs

When you receive an assignment to write a report you should begin (first-hand) the report-writing process by?

Analying the perpus

to help you clarify a report problem, you should write a (n)

problem statement

Which of the following is the BEST statement of purpose for a report?

Establish a wellness incetive programs for al employees.

one of the MOST important steps in writing an informal report is that of _____?

Data`

primary data come from _____________________ and observation.

first hand express

Summaries

Compresses the main points from a book, report, meeting

If summarizing a report,

highlight the research methods, findings, conclusions, and recommendations

Indirect strategy

Conclusions and recommendations, appear at the end of the report

Direct strategy informational report outline

* introduction/background * Facts/Findings * Summary

Direct Strategy Analytical Report outline

* Introduction/Problem * Conclusions/ Recommendations * Facts/Findings * Discussions/Analysis

Indirect Strategy report outline

* Introduciton/Problem * Facts/findings * Conclusions/Recommendations

In the formal wiriting style what person should you use?

Third person

Business writers deliver their report information in digital slideshows, that can be sent by e-mail, embedded on the Web, or posted on a company intranet.

Digital Slide Decks

Talking Headings Examples

* Lack of space and cost compound parking program * Survey shows support for parking fees

Purpose statement

limits the scope and provides a standard that keeps the project on target: uses words like * analyze * Choose * Investigate * Compare * Justify * Explain

When writing a trip report what sequencing should you use?

Chronological

Outline for trip report

1. Identifying the event 2. Body: summarize main events 3. Close by expressing appreciation, mentioning the value of the trip 4. Itemize your expenses on separate sheet

Minutes taking outline

1. Name of the groups 2. Names of attendees and absentees 3. State whether previous minutes were approved or revised 4. Record briefly the discussions of old business, new business, announcements, and committee reports 5. Include the precise wording of motions 6. Conclude with the name of person recoding the minutes

3 types of analytical reports (only provide data)

1. Justification/recommendation reports 2. Feasibility reports 3. Yardstick reports

Justification/recommendation reports

Written to justify or recommend actions, such as buying equipment, changing a procedure, hiring an employee, consolidating departments, or investing funds

Feasibility Reports

Written to examine the practicality and advisability of following a course of action. Announce your decision immediately.

Yardstick Reports

Examine problems with two or more solutions. To determine the best solution, the writer establishes criteria by which to compare the alternatives.