Integrating Business Core Knowledge Through Upper Division Report Composition

Abstract

THE MOST AMBITIOUS project of many undergraduate business communication courses is the formal report. This assignment typically requires the use of many writing skills nurtured throughout the course. Skills such as proper style, tone, organization, flow, and mechanics are enhanced through the writing of memos and various types of letters (persuasive, bad news, etc.). While these skills are all evident in a report, it is a much different kind of document. This synthesis of writing skills can be complemented by the integration of fundamental business subject knowledge. Both skill sets can be concurrently developed through business simulation report assignments, particularly in upper division business communication courses. Such courses are often required in business programs where students have already completed courses in business law, management, basic business statistics, and computer applications.Choosing an appropriate topic and scope for such a report writing assignment can be challenging. As offered in Business Communication Quarterly, many good assignments lend themselves to adoption, Executive Summary and Table of ContentsAs most report writers know, every effective report should contain an executive summary and table of contents. Executives or other high-level managers have (or are willing to spend) little time poring over the details of a lengthy report. A concise, informative executive summary allows the report reader to identify the substance of the report. The reader can then judge whether or not examining the details of the report is worth the time it will take to do so. A reasonably detailed table of contents will also help the reader refine that decision. The instructor must impress upon the students the need for an effective executive summary and table of contents. Reports without a good executive summary and table of contents should receive a lower grade, similar to the diminished decision-making capacity that results from "real-world" reports without them.