Key Terms:

• Informal reports – short reports, under 10 pages, that have specific topics with simple headings
• Formal reports – longer, 10+ page documents that address complex topics that require substantial description of background, research on topic, end evidence to support solutions.
• Informational reports – summarizes information and data found on a particular topic
• Analytical reports – collected information and research to provide analysis for one or more recommendations.
• Stakeholder – anyone who will be affected by the contents of what you write
• Direct Stakeholders – those initially impacted by what you write
• Indirect Stakeholders – those that are not impacted until a later time.
• Remote Stakeholders – not affected until far into the future
• Reports – documents designed to record and convey information to the reader.
• Meeting Minutes – type of informal report that summarizes the discussion and results from a meeting.
• Expense Reports – informal reports that nearly always have a prescribed format. These reports consist primarily of amount of expenditures by type of expense
• Status Updates – internal to a company in addressing a business situation, or they may be external in providing the status of a project to another organization. These reports are short and tightly focused to the purpose. They are informational reports.
• Trip or Conference Reports – used to summarize and transmit learning from a trip or conference. They are informational, and they increase the value of the trip or conference as they share what was learned with others.
• Web posting – typically used for external communication, but institutions that have private networks may use these postings for internal communication.
• Email – may be used for internal or external reports depending upon company policy.
• Research reports – gather and explain data; these reports are informational.
• Feasibility reports – for smaller or simpler projects can also be considered informal reports. These are analytical, as they provide analysis and propose a direction to take.
• Business Plans – typically informational reports about what a new or existing company plans to do over the next period of time
• Business Proposal – a written offer for sale. It is used for complex sales processes.
• Other complex recommendations – come in the form of a formal report. These recommendations result from a business problem that an individual or team has been asked to solve.

Study Questions:

SQ1 – What is the difference between formal reports and informal reports? 

• Informal Reports are shorter and more focused on specific topics with simple headings. A formal report is longer and the topics tend to be determined by the company asking for the report.
• Formal reports are more complex and require research.

SQ2 – What is a short business report and what are some of its different types? 

• A report is a business document that helps convey information. Informational and analytical reports are some of the types of business reports and they require organization and a clear purpose.

SQ3 – What is a formal business report and some of its types?

• A formal report is much broader than an informal report and it includes more research and longer sections.
• Some types of formal reports include research reports, proposals, feasibility reports, business plans, and other complex recommendations.

SQ4 – What is a business proposal? Why is it important to use them? 

Business proposals need to target a specific audience. For a successful business proposal, there are several elements that must be considered, including elements of persuasion. The typical business proposal format includes a cover page, executive summary, background, proposal, market analysis, benefits, timeline, marketing plan, finance, and a conclusion. It will use persuasive elements of ethos, logos, and pathos and will be professional (solicited or unsolicited).