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Business Communications >Unit 04 >Chapter 10 >Preparing Formal Business Reports

Preparing Formal Business Reports

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Author: Ryan Smith

A formal report may be defined as a document in which a writer  to solve a problem.

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A formal report may be defined as a document in which a writer analyzes findings, draws conclusions, and makes recommendations intended to solve a problem. Memos are not included in formal reports. Formal business reports offer recommendations; informal reports offer them only when requested. Both primary and secondary research can be used to write a formal report.

Formal reports are used to assist in the  process.

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Formal reports fulfill an important function and are used to provide vital data to be used in the decision-making process. Interviews are used to make decisions in the hiring process. The research process should be used to help create the formal report. Surveys are also a research tool and should be used to support the formal report.

What is the first step in formal report writing?

  • Determine the purpose and scope of the report
  • Research and analyze data sources
  • Create an outline

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Before you even begin to research and write your report, you should define the issue and describe the constraints and limitations (scope) of your investigation and analysis.

Which of the following phrases might be useful in writing the purpose statement for your formal report? Check all that apply.

  • We evaluate
  • This report will be prepared
  • The research team establishes
  • The results will be considered

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Use strong, active verbs when writing the purpose statement of your formal report. A strong purpose statement that pinpoints the research and uses action verbs will help guide your research and writing.

After collecting and analyzing your data, you will need to organize it. Choose an organizational strategy, and then outline your report.

What is enhanced by skillful organization of the information presented in a report?

  • Readability and effectiveness
  • Transfer and affectation
  • Tolerance and acceptance

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Skillful organization of the information presented in a report improves readability and effectiveness by allowing the reader to better understand the argument.

Which section of a proposal presents a list of project costs?

  • Budget
  • Staffing
  • Authorization request

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The budget section of your proposal should present a list of project costs.

What should be promoted in the staffing section of the proposal?

  • Cost savings for internal staff as well as benefits costs
  • The credentials and expertise of the project leaders and support staff
  • The credentials and expertise of the reader's company

View Explanation

Use the staffing section of the proposal to promote the credentials and expertise of project leadership and staff.

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