Stressed
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Writing the Executive Summary |
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An executive summary is a brief document typically directed at top-level managers who sometimes make decisions based upon a reading of this summary alone. As a result, the executive summary must be concise but comprehensive, meaning that it must present in summary form all major sections of the main report, such as: · purpose · problem · methods of analyzing the problem · results of analysis · recommendations |
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To repeat, because of the critical role it plays, the executive summary is often the first and only part read by key decision makers. Therefore, it must be designed so that it can be read independently of the main document. Typically, figures and tables are not referenced in the executive summary. Uncommon terminology, symbols and acronyms are avoided. If the executive summary is sufficiently persuasive, the entire proposal will then be read in full. Therefore, your summary is key to the success of your proposal and should reflect these characteristics: |
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Course Resource |
Course Resource
Using an Outside Organization
Requirement: Consult with your instructor
If you are not currently employed or believe your employer is not an appropriate choice for this project, you must contact your professor immediately and book a time to discuss the possible alternatives. If either of these situations apply, you must receive approval from your professor before proceeding with any steps in this project.
1. If you are not currently employed, it will be important to consult with your professor and obtain prior approval to complete this project for a specific organization you believe may be appropriate. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your discussion with your professor:
a. After reviewing the project requirements, find and select a possible alternative organization. Briefly describe the organization and your relationship with it.
b. Explain your rationale for believing the organization is a good choice.
c. Identify and make note of specific challenges you envisage encountering if the professor supports your suggested choice of organization for this project. Explain your plan for addressing these challenges.
2. If you are employed but believe you may not be able to use your organization for this project here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your discussion with your professor:
a. Review the project deliverables carefully and make note of those for which you expect you will not be able to get the needed information.
b. Identify an alternative organization you believe would work for this project and jot down the key points that support your conclusion.
c. Consider both the advantages and possible disadvantages of doing this assignment on an alternative organization. Note that this project requires no gathering or sharing of confidential or sensitive information so it is usually easy to address and resolve concerns.
Course Resource
Project 2: Situation Audit Template
Your situation audit report should include the following elements:
· cover page—not included in page limit
· executive summary—1 page; not included in page limit
· introduction—1 page
· fact sheet—1 page; see Step 2
· mission, vision, values and goals—1 page; see Step 3
· stragegy and objectives—1 page; see Step 4
· strategy types and competitive advantage—2 to 3 pages; see Step 5
· organizational size and structure—2 to 3 pages; see Step 6
· critical resources—2 to 3 pages; see Step 7
· leadership, governance, and management—2 to 3 pages; see Step 8
· strengths and weaknesses—1 to 2 pages; see Step 9
· learning and change—1 to 2 pages; see Step 10
· conclusions and recommendations—1 page; see Step 11
· references—not included in page limit
· addenda—if needed, is not included in page limit
· submit—see Step 12
Note: The Situation Audit Report is expected to be 18 to 22 pages, excluding the cover page, executive summary, and references. The page ranges listed above are guidelines. The student can decide how many pages to allocate to a given topic so long as the report does not exceed the maximum number of pages allowed. However, where the suggested page ranges are longer, the intent is to highlight the areas of the report deemed to require more analysis. These particular areas of the report go beyond a statement of organizational facts. They require significant academic readings and a grasp of relevant concepts, which are expected to be integrated into the student’s analysis. Please carefully read the Student Expectations section in Step 1, Organize Your Work.
In developing the report, students should follow the exact order of the template using the same headings to separate sections of the report. Each step is to be included in the final submission. APA format must be followed throughout. See Writing Skills under Grading in the Syllabus for writing expectations. In Step 1, Organize Your Work, please read carefully the section entitled, Student Expectations.