Analytical Research Report about Amazon Strategy

Components of Formal Analytical Research Reports

Formal analytical research reports are divided into many segments to make information comprehensible and accessible. Following is a list of the required components:

Cover: Enclose the report in vinyl or a heavy paper binder and spiral binding to protect the pages and to give a professional, finished appearance (For hardcopy submissions only).

Aesthetic Title Page: A title page that includes title, team name, logo, and elements of color and design as appropriate to give the report a polished appearance.

Title Page: The title page includes the name of the report; the name, title, and organization of the individual receiving the report; the author(s) name(s) plus any necessary identification; and the date of submission.

Biography Page: A picture of each team member in business attire (or one picture of all team members) and a short bio (50-75 words) of each team member by his or her picture.

Letter or Memo of Transmittal: A letter or memo of transmittal introduces the report by giving a personalized overview of the formal report. It addresses the person who is designed to receive the report and make the decision on recommendations. Use a memo if you (author) are a regular employee of the organization for which you prepare the report; use a letter if you are not. The transmittal (1) tells when and by whom the report was authorized and the purpose it was to fulfill; (2) gives an overview of the research conducted; (3) highlights the report’s findings, conclusions and recommendations; (4) indicates minor problems encountered in your investigations and how you surmounted them; (5) points out additional research that is needed; (6) closes with appreciation for the assignment, instructions for follow-up, acknowledgement of help from others, and offers assistance with questions.

Table of Contents: The table of contents shows the headings in the report and their page numbers.

List of Figures: The list of figures or illustrations may appear on the same page as the table of contents, space permitting. For each figure or illustration, include a title and page number.

Executive Summary: The executive summary presents an overview of the long report. The goal is to summarize the important points including the purpose of the report; the problem addressed; and the findings, conclusions, and recommendations. You should also summarize the research methods used, such as the CSULB library’s business databases. The executive summary’s paragraphs may be separated by headings, but it should only contain 250 words or less.

(The preceding documents are numbered separately from the report itself. Usually, Roman numerals are used.)

Introduction: (Begins on page number 1) The Introduction of a formal analytical research report describes the background, explains the purpose, and discusses the significance, scope, and organization of the topic.

Body: The principal section of a formal analytical research report is the body. It discusses, analyzes, interprets, and evaluates the research findings and solution to the initial problem. This is where you show evidence that justifies your conclusions and recommendations. Organize the body into main categories following your original outline.

Conclusions and Recommendations: This important section tells what the findings mean, particularly in terms of solving the original problem. In other words, discuss what you believe the evidence reveals and what you propose should be done about it. Give clear and concise reasons behind your conclusions and recommendations. Recommendations require an appropriate introductory sentence, such as The findings and conclusions in this study support the following recommendations.

Appendix (Optional): Incidental or supporting materials belong in appendixes at the end of a formal report.

References: The References page lists only those works actually cited in the report text. Using American Psychological Association (APA) format, list your secondary research sources. Refer to your textbook and/or the CSULB Library’s online links such as Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab (OWL) for APA format information and samples.

(The above information is based on text in Business Communication: Process & Product, 6th Edition, by Mary Ellen Guffey and Business Communication: Building Critical Skills, 3rd Edition, by Kitty O. Locker and Stephen Kyo Kaczmarek. Most business communication textbooks show samples of formal reports and their required components.)