2 pages executive summmary

(FOR ALTERNATIVE STUDY PROJECTS)

(LIMIT TO 1 OR 2 PAGES.. NOTE THE REMAINDER OF THE REPORT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO ELABORATE ON EACH OF THESE AND PROVIDE MORE DETAIL, DIAGRAMS, PHOTOS, ETC.)

(MAKE REFERENCE TO OTHER SECTION OF REPORT AND PLANS AND STUDIES IN APPENDICES)

1. INTRODUCTION:

The introduction is a place where you can draw the reader's attention. Try to make it interesting. Think to yourself, what would interest you or others in the industry?  The introduction is also where you provide general information on the project from the owner's perspective. Be sure not to provide information on the project from your perspective or why you are hired. Save that information for the Purpose and Objective section. It is also a chance to let them know a little about the project and why it is so important to you.

2. BACKGROUND:

The Background section is where you give a little about the project history and existing conditions. You can also state why the project or site is where it is from a social, economic, and/or pragmatic perspective.  You can use this section as a forward to the Purpose and Objective section.  The background on a project usually sets up the purpose of the project and why you were hired.

3. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE:

This section is where you tell them why you are here - Why were you hired? What are you planning to do, and what are you expecting to find? Be sure to save your actual findings in the Findings section, but you can give a hint or a tease to your findings here.

4. FINDINGS:

Here is the opportunity to provide your brief findings.  The operative word here is “brief” - and be sure to keep it interesting. Think to yourself - what would the owner be interested in finding? The owner hired you for several reasons, but what are his or her main reason for hiring you? Get into the owner’s head.  Since you may have been hired for several different reasons - or disciplines, you may need subsections in this area to address each of the different disciplines. Be sure to only list your findings and NOT your opinions. Save your opinions for the Recommendations section.

5. RECOMMENDATOINS:

The Recommendations is where you let the owner know what your thoughts are. This is your chance to give them advice on what they should do with what you have found (and listed in the Findings section). Since this is just the Executive Summary, limit your recommendations to major decisions that will need to be made by the owner. The owner hired you for a specific reason and may be at a turning point. The owner needs to know what direction they should take after reading the executive summary.  In other words, do NOT expect the owner to read every study or recommendation in the subsequent documents.  (Secret tip:  It is always a good idea to discuss major recommendations with the owner verbally in advance of your submittal.  That way, you can either get buy-in to the recommendation, have a chance to change the recommendation, or - at the very least, not surprise or shock the owner upon reviewing your submittal).

Since you may have been hired for several different disciplines or reasons, you may need subsections in this area to address major recommendations for each discipline.  

6. CONCLUSION:

Think of the Conclusion as your overall findings and comprehensive recommendation. You will likely have several different studies, findings, and recommendations, and this is your final chance to provide your “Big Picture” advice.  When you take all of the major recommendations into consideration use this section for your final analysis. The owner will ultimately make a go or no-go decision - or a turn left/ turn right decision, and this is your chance to show your value and show why they hired you (and not just anyone else).  

Good news or bad news, this is your chance to truly help the owner and take the first step in becoming a trusted advisor by leaving a lasting impression.