What is Report??

Report, according to me, is a note that contains the summary of a project. Report is usually used for analyzing the performance of the project and as a comparison between the plan and the result. Report is always done when the project has been done and usually it will be communicated to other people (it can be both internal side and external side). The report that is communicated to the internal side will contain different format and message, if it is compared with report done for the external side since the aim of each report is different. Report for the internal side is usually more transparant. I don't say that report that is done for external side is not frank or be manipulated. What I mean is the report for the internal side is usually to find what is the problem in the project in order to fix the problem while the report for the external side normally functions as a messenger to inform business partner about the project or apply a proposal. That is my opinion about the definition of report.

According to business dictionary.com, report means a document containing information organized in a narrative,graphic, or tabular form, prepared on ad hoc, periodic, recurring, regular, or as required basis. Reports may refer to specific periods, events, occurrences, or subjects, and may be communicated or presented in oral or written form.

Some forms of business report are accounting, finance, management, marketing and commerce. Unilearning stated that:

Often the type of assignment set is a practical learning task requiring you to apply the theories you have been studying to real world (or realistic) situations; for example, accounting and finance students may be asked to analyse a company’s financial data and to write a report detailing their findings, marketing students may be asked to research and develop a marketing campaign for a product and to write a report presenting the proposal to the company, management students may be asked to report on the management structure of a company and make recommendations for its improvement. Learning how to report on financial information, marketing and management strategies and issues to others is an important component of business studies.

Esl summarized some important points to remember in conducting a report.

Important Points to Remember

• A report is divided into four areas:
  • Terms of Reference- This section gives background information on the reason for the report. It usually includes the person requesting the report.
  • Procedure- The procedure provides the exact steps taken and methods used for the report.
  • Findings- The findings point out discoveries made during the course of the report investigation.
  • Conclusions- The conclusions provide logical conclusions based on the findings.
  • Recommendations- The recommendations state actions that the writer of the report feels need to be taken based on the findings and conclusions.
• Reports should be concise and factual. Opinions are given in the "conclusions" section. However, these opinions should be based on facts presented in the "findings".
• Use simple tenses (usually the present simple) to express facts.
• Use the imperative form (Discuss the possibility ..., Give priority ..., etc.) in the "recommendations" section as these apply to the company as a whole.

Report is a crucial thing in business. With well conducted report, certain message can be delivered to focused target and fulfill the goal of the message. Hope this 'bit' information can add your knowledge about report. :)