Purpose
This will be an analytical report where you will identify a problem in a business context that needs to be solved. An analytical report requires the writer to present pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, or solutions to a problem, evaluate those options, and then make a recommendation on the action the reader or decision maker should take.
You will need to define a scenario that works with the topic. The more descriptive the scenario, the easier it will be for you to stay on track for the report. You might be a consulting group that researches topics for businesses and you will write the report for a customer. You might be a manager in a company and you are writing to the executives about a problem and solutions.
The Analytical Report
Choose a topic that is easy for you to write about or one in which you have some knowledge. Your goal is to identify a problem that needs to be solved. Then you will list three options that could solve that problem.
Topics that won’t work
Identify and evaluate specific computers or individual hardware components
Evaluate software or operating systems
Evaluation of natural energy generation or sources
Buying cars, lawnmowers, or ATV’s
Evaluating countries for a business move or other reason
Topics to get you thinking:
Here is a list to get you thinking. Please use this as a starting point. You may also google “analytical report ideas” for other options.
Evaluate the pros and cons of having a diverse workplace.
Evaluate the pros and cons of outsourcing in business
Evaluate the pros and cons of starting a new business with a physical location or just a website.
Evaluate employee retention strategies. What works and what doesn’t.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a franchise over starting your own business?
Report Requirements: The report should include each of the sections listed below:
Title Page
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction
Findings or Analysis
One graphic aid
Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography
Formatting
Single space or used default spacing for Word.
Use default margin setting
Font should be 11 -12 point. Choose from a basic font like TNR, Calibri, or Garamond
Use a double space between paragraphs
Graphics should only take up about one-fourth of a page
Use text wrap as needed so there are no large spaces of empty white space
Paper should be written in third person, so no I, me, we, you or your.
Page Numbering: Use small roman numeral for the preliminary section (bottom, center)
Page Numbering: Use regular (Arabic) numbers for the body through the bibliography (top, right)
Approximate page range is 5-8 pages not counting the front matter.
