
A business report, which is also known as a formal report, is a data compilation, a short account, or a plan, or even summarized minutes of a certain meeting. Such a business report is basically a way communicating logically summarized and formatted information to associates, superiors, or subordinates.
The term business report is very broad, and its scope extends up to almost all reports that are formally written to fulfill some or the other business motive or objective. Technically, you can write a business report even on a small discussion you had with your boss.
Features
- The report has a specified objective, motive, or aim, such as a proposition, proposal, or simply a general report.
- Rationality is the second most important feature of a business report. The facts that have been included in the report need to be backed by a rational figure or logical thought. It can never be abstract.
- Thirdly, time frame is a crucial feature, as the time frame of execution of tasks needs to be included in the report.
- Lastly, a backup plan is also needed to restore the original targets, as there is always a high probability that the original plan may not be completely executed.
- Lastly, you can also include a protocol for the same, which can include definitions, internal norms, and rules, in relation to the report.
Thus, to sum up, a business report should be an A.R.T.B.P (aim, rationality, time-frame, backup plan and protocol), so that it becomes a success.
Features
There are approximately 10 elements of a business report. These segments are basically set in such a manner that they fulfill the aforementioned features of the report. It is a convention that usually one element is included on one page or a couple of pages, depending upon the size of the report.
- Title of the Report
- Letter of Transmittal
- Table of Contents
- Summary/Synopsis
- Introduction: Main content
- Discussion of the main content
- Conclusions drawn
- Recommendations
- Bibliography/Source
- Appendices
These elements have been explained in an example provided below that will help better illustrate the point.
Sample Report
Now, note that, this business report is just an example, and is thus quite short and simple. In reality, an actual report is much longer and also tends to provide much more precise and intricate information.
Report on Eco-Homes Project
1. Title of Business Report
2. Letter of transmittal 3. Table of Contents
4. Summary and Synopsis 5. Discussion and Details
6. Conclusion 7. Recommendation |
The aforementioned project, names of companies, and people are fictitious. Apart from that, the report in itself usually tends to be huge.