MCOMM 320 CH 10

Why is high-to-low sequencing important in decision making?

High-to-low sequencing allows you to see the more important elements first rather than the less important

Describe the executive summary. Discuss its importance in primary reports.

The executive summary is a mini-report that gives the purpose and objective of the report, a summary of the major findings, and the key recommendations. Important for outlining findings when gathering primary research.

Explain why a direct approach is best in most decision reports.

A direct approach clearly lists the objective of the report in the beginning so the reader understands the purpose of the information up front and navigate the report more easily

What is the difference between a factor and an alternative?

A factor is a trait or characteristic of an alternative; alternatives are all the options that finally be chosen. Alternatives are options and factors are traits of the alternatives.

What should be included in appendixes?

Supplemental information for the body of the report, including detailed tables and graphics

What are the 3 basic phases involved in the report-writing process?

· Gather the data · Compose the report · Review & revise the report

List 3 different categories of business reports.

· Periodic reports · Progress reports · Compliance reports

List the elements included on the title page of a formal report.

· Title · Name of person or organization for whom the report was written · Name and position of the author, and the date

What is the function of the cover letter in business reports?

A short message that conveys the report to the reader but not a report summary. May provide info from the report.

Describe the difference in using a factor-by-alternative and an alternative-by-factor approach. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each in decision reports

Factor-by-alternative presents data by factor first then lists how each alternative option is weighed according to the factor. Example would be rating 3 vehicles (alternatives) by the cost (factor), with cost as a heading and the vehicles listed underneath. This method is advantageous when you want to focus on the factors and then the alternatives. Easier for comparing alternatives by factor Alternative-by-factor presents data by alternative and then reports the selected factors under each alternative. Example would be listing a vehicle with ratings of cost, fuel efficiency, and safety (all factors). Advantage of this method is that it focuses on the traits of each alternative. You can see a total review of each alternative. Harder to directly compare alternatives side-by-side, however

List the 3 major methods of data gathering for primary research.

Interviews, questionnaires