Ch. 23: Formal Analytical reports

• Appreciate the role of formal analytical reports in the workplace
• Formal analytical reports can answer these questions:
• What do we know?
• What conclusions can we make?
• What action or inaction should we consider?
• Understand the role of audience and purpose for such reports
• Formal reports are typically written for decision makers
• The writer needs to know who will be reading the report
• The purpose of the report is determined by the questions it ultimately answers
• Identify three major types of analyses: causal, comparative, and feasibility
• Causal Analysis:  Answers questions about why something happens
• Comparative Analysis: Compares competing items based on specified criteria
• Feasibility Analysis: Determines if an idea or plan is practical
• Know the criteria for sound analytical reasoning
• The problem or purpose is clearly defined
• There is a correct amount of data
• The data that is used is accurate and balanced so readers can make an informed decision
• That significance and meaning of that same data has been fully explained
• Personal bias is excluded
• Good visuals are included
• There are valid conclusions and recommendations
• Understand that things might go wrong in an analysis and you should be prepared adjust as necessary
• Identify the parts that typically accompany a long report (front matter and end matter)
• In this order:
• Letter of transmittal- acknowledges those who helped, points readers to certain sections, discusses any limitations of the study, or urges readers to take action
• Title page
• Table of contents
• List of tables and figures
• Abstract
• Text of the report
• Glossary (if necessary)
• Appendices (if necessary)
• Works Cited page