Other Types of Reports & Integrating Sources BBS 2nd Year Business Communication

 

Other Types of Reports

a.     Regular & Routine Reports: These are reports that are prepared regularly, such as daily, weekly, or monthly reports. They typically provide updates on ongoing activities, projects, or operations within an organization. Examples include sales reports, progress reports, and status reports.

b.     Occasional Reports: Occasional reports are prepared as needed, rather than on a regular schedule. They are typically used to address specific issues, projects, or events that are not part of the regular operations of the organization. Examples include research reports, feasibility studies, and incident reports.

c.      Commissioned Reports: Commissioned reports are reports that are requested or commissioned by a specific individual, group, or organization. They are often used to provide information or analysis on a particular topic of interest. Examples include market research reports, policy reports, and consulting reports.

d.     Annual Report: An annual report is a comprehensive report prepared by a company or organization that provides an overview of its activities, financial performance, and achievements over the past year. Annual reports are typically aimed at shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders and often include financial statements, management discussions, analysis, and highlights of key accomplishments.

e.      Analytical Reports: Analytical reports are reports that provide an in-depth analysis of a specific issue, problem, or situation. They typically include a detailed examination of data, trends, and implications, as well as recommendations for action. Examples include market analysis reports, financial analysis reports, and performance analysis reports.

Guidelines for Using & Integrating Sources (in-text citation)

Whether we write a business plan, report, or proposal, we certainly use some sources to obtain data or information, even for ideas. Any use of such information or ideas without giving proper credit to the original writer is called plagiarism. It is unethical and liable for serious consequences, including the loss of a job or termination from the institute. We should avoid such practice in writing proposals, reports, or plans. The following four brief guidelines help us to integrate sources and avoid such plagiarism:

 i.            Using Single Words: We incorporate key terms or phrases from our sources into our writing to reinforce our ideas or arguments. For example, if we're discussing marketing strategies, we might use terms like "target audience," "brand positioning," or "market segmentation" to support our points.

Example: According to noted media analyst, David Miller, social media significantly helps to get the target audience to encourage their decision to buy fashion merchandise.

ii.            Quotations: We use direct quotations from our sources to provide evidence or support for our arguments. For example, if we're discussing a specific marketing campaign, we might include a quote from a marketing expert who praises the campaign's effectiveness. Example: ‘‘He (Robert) appreciated the way we conducted the three-day campaign of designing the advertisement.’’

iii.            Paraphrasing: We rewrite information from our sources in our own words to clarify or simplify complex ideas. For example, if we're summarizing a market research report, we might paraphrase key findings to make them easier for our audience to understand. 

Three key findings are paraphrased below:

·        Finding: The market research indicates consumers' growing demand for eco-friendly packaging.

Paraphrase: Consumers are increasingly interested in environmentally friendly packaging, according to the market research.

·        Finding: The financial analysis shows that implementing a new cost-saving measure could lead to significant savings for the company.

Paraphrase: The financial analysis suggests that the company could save a substantial amount of money by implementing a new cost-saving measure.

·        Finding: Customer feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction with the company's customer service.

Paraphrase: Customers are delighted with the company's customer service, based on feedback received.

iv.            Summarizing: We provide a brief overview of the main points or findings of our sources to provide context or background information. For example, if we’re introducing a new product, we might summarize market research that highlights the demand for such a product.

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