Reports help businesses plan for the future; they analyse and provide easy-to-read tables and graphs showing statistics. They reveal weak and strong areas, and provide businesses with the necessary information, so plans can be decided on and put into action. Studying reports can help businesses to stay on budget, decide on tactics, and improve procedures. Reports are a valuable tool, as they highlight problems, possible risks and provide recommendations.

Reports are based on individual requirements; however, here is the basic format for effective reports:

  • An appropriate title on the cover page to identify the report.
  • A well-designed table of contents for easy perusal.
  • An introduction that briefly indicates what is covered in the report.
  • The purpose of the report.
  • Arguments for and against changes, trends, situations or events.
  • Findings backed up with factual data.
  • Recommendations for the most appropriate actions or changes.
  • A summary of the facts and overall conclusion.
  • References and appendixes.

Reports need to be concise and clear for easy understanding while providing the appropriate diagrams, tables, flowcharts and facts. Correct formatting adds to the professional report. There are many elements to a report depending on the individual purpose, but we’ve included a few important aspects.

Facts and Figures

A report’s purpose is to display previously gathered information. Reports should be evidence of the research. Personal opinion is completely out – state the facts only.

Opinions from experts may be included if relevant and it benefits an argument, but it’s still an opinion so it needs to be handled as such.

Displaying Information

Bullet and number lists display information in a concise and easy to follow format. An introduction explains the purpose of the report and why it was required, while conclusions highlight the results of the report.

Tables, graphs, charts and illustrations are a vital key to relaying information. Facts and figures are shown as a visual comparison when implemented into a table or chart.

Citations and Referencing

Correct and relevant citations and referencing are included to provide resourced information locations. This way the reference information can be sourced at any time.

We provide polished reports from received information (notes, interviews, tables, charts, etc.).

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