In following with the instructions of our last written assignment, the Annual Report, your first step is to read Chapter15 in its entirety. The chapter does an excellent job at providing specific steps and vivid examples on how to build a report. Keep in mind what the content of your report will entail. Give careful consideration to your audience’s needs and knowledge of the subject matter. Go back and review the MRT discussions on both of these topics (MRT #9 & MRT #10) as these threads will help in developing your final report. As far as the categories and sections you need to include, I have listed a basic outline for you below:
Title page (Use example on Page 439. Give an appropriate title (ie., “Annual Report for XYZ Company).
Table of Contents (see Page 441 of textbook. Include any illustrations/graphs here).
A cover letter from you, the CEO or president, in full block or semi block format style (review your notes and feedback from your letter document assignment earlier in the semester; use company letterhead). Remember, memos are used for internal reports and letters are used for external reports (Annual Reports).
Executive Summary (see example on page 442 of your textbook – pay careful attention to the details highlighted in the margins.
Company Information (include background, biography of owner, how company was formed, etc.).
Company Strategy – Brief descriiption of your company’s “core competencies” and competitive advantage. What makes your company stand out from the competition? Describe what your company does. Give brief descriiptions of your company products and services. Include a section on “Innovation and Technology.” Describe your industry. What innovations and new technologies are being driven by your industry? How is your company a part of this? What problems is your company trying to solve? What is the financial and market share position for your company? You may use tables and figures to help your audience view any of this information.
Conclusions and Recommendations – (Page 451 example)
