A business analysis report is typically an in-depth review on a specific topic, department, or market segment. Its format can vary based on many factors. Writing this type of report means including an executive summary, study introduction, and methodology explanation followed by a review of statistics and conclusion. Each report often has different lengths for each section. The intended audience may also be a factor on the analysis report and how it explains the material studied.
An executive summary is typically a brief statement that explains the vital aspects of the report. A business analysis report is often a long and detailed document that includes information from many perspectives. Upper management or other executives often have little time to read through these entire reports at one time. The executive summary — written after the work has been completed — presents a quick synopsis on the major aspects of the report. The summary should be about one page and exclude heavy use of tables or statistics.
After the executive summary, the report should start with a normal introduction. A formal business report typically has a short paragraph to introduce the study’s purpose. An academically based article can have a few paragraphs that explain the study and reference other works that influence the current report. The introduction should make some reference to how the researchers conducted the study. A brief look into hypotheses or expectations may also be included here.
All reports typically have a research methodology used to help prepare and analyze information in the report. Researchers need to explain the methods used to review certain information or data in the report. This section may be more prevalent in an academically based business analysis report rather than an internal business document. If statistical tables or other significant reports are in the analysis report, researchers often need to explain the data-gathering process and computations used. Including tables in the document is often necessary to provide a pictorial analysis of the data.
All reports need a final conclusion. A business analysis report may also include recommendations from the researchers. This allows the report users to understand how a third party would correct or alter operations to improve them. The conclusion may also include long-term effects of current processes or the effect of external factors. Either way, the analysis report should present a final statement on the purpose of the data analysis.