Writing an Executive Summary

What is an Executive Summary?

An executive summary generally offers an overview of the main arguments made in a larger report in a clear-cut and concise manner. It is often written for an individual that may not have the time to go through the entire report. The purpose of an executive summary is that the reader can understand the whole report and make a decision based only on reading the executive summary.

So keep reading if you want to learn how to write an executive summary that is flawless and to the point.

Know the Difference between Abstract and Executive Summary

Usually, students confuse abstract and executive summary with one another.  To understand the differences better we need to understand the similarities first. 

Similarities: Both abstract and executive summaries are placed at the beginning of the report which means that they are separate entities that are not part of the main body. Also, the main purpose of both abstract and executive summary is to provide an overview of the entire report.

Differences: the differences are that an abstract usually consists of up to 10 ten lines and is generally used to provide an overview of a medium length report. This enables the readers to quickly understand the report’s purpose. Whereas, an executive summary is comparatively longer than abstract and fills up to one page and is generally used in a full-length report.

What to Include in an Executive Summary?

An executive summary should include the following elements

• An explanation of why the research was conducted
• The outcome of the research
• Proposed suggestion on how to change strategies based on the findings of your research.

How to Write an Executive Summary?

 

Steps for Writing an Executive Summary for a Report

Academic writing such as a report is a long document that comprises large research performed on a topic. In order to help the reader understand the report easily and without reviewing the entire report an executive summary is written.  The tricky part is how to write one that will keep the reader interested till the very end. For this purpose, we have compiled a few steps that will guide you in writing your business report executive summary. 

These are the guidelines that will help you write an executive summary:

Read the entire research

It is important to read the entire research paper first before you write the executive summary. As we have mentioned before, a well written executive summary gives the reader an overview of the report and saves their time and efforts as well.  By reading the whole research you will be able to develop an understanding of the topic’s aim and results and you can use these to highlight the important information in the executive summary.

Length of Executive Summary

The length that is agreed upon in many books that have been written about executive summaries, as well as seminars, training courses and professional speakers, is about 5 to 10% of the length of the entire report. 

Introduction

The beginning of the executive summary should provide details about the argument and ideas the report aims to address.  It will include background information about the business and you can also write the challenges the company faces or the goals they are trying to achieve briefly. Also, remember to use positive and active language to keep the reader engaged.

Purpose of the Report

In this part you will write the details about the reasons the report was written.  Use headings or bullet points if you have more than one key point to make. Keep the information concise in order to allow your readers the option of reading the entire report to get more information. 

Methods to gather data

In this part, you will write about the method you used to compile and analyze data during the research. You can explain more than one method, but they all should point toward the main purpose of the report. Methods to gather data may include:

• Surveys
• Polls
• Focus groups
• Experimental Research
• Website Profiling
• Interviews
• Case studies

Findings 

In this part, you will provide details regarding the report’s outcome. 

Recommendations

In this part, you will offer recommended actions that the business could take based on the finding of the research. You can write everything you think is appropriate and relevant to the report. You can also add data that support your recommended actions.

Report Limitations

In this part, you will write about any factors that became a hurdle while doing the research, such as lack of data or information but only do so when it is necessary. 

Implementation

 In this part, you can provide guidance on how to implement the recommended actions. When you make an implementation plan, remember to address the following aspects:

• Required time for implementation
• Skills that are needed
• Budget requirements and management needs
• And the risk involved

Conclusion

It is not required but if your summary is longer than two pages, then you can add a conclusion and remind the readers of the purpose of the report, key findings and recommendations for the business.

Executive Summary Format for a Research Paper

To make the process easier we will provide you with a format that you can use to write your executive summary:

Introduction

• Describe the business
• Its purpose
• And the problem addressed by the research paper

Purpose 

• The main purpose of the research paper.

Methodology 

• Methods used to collect data.

Analysis

• Key findings of the research paper.

Recommendations

• Actions that should be taken based on the study results.

Implementation

• The actions should be taken to implement the recommended actions.

Conclusion (Optional)

Summarize:

• the problems
• Study points
• Recommended actions
• Implementation guidance

Through the help of this blog, you surely will come up with one of the best executive summaries. And in case you need advice from a professional or if you are feeling stuck. Then, don’t worry, Assignment Studio is here to rescue you.  Our Executive Summary Report Writing Service can help or provide you with a well-written summary at an affordable price. Our expert writers follow and stick to the format of your report to deliver top quality and plagiarism free executive summary on time. We are one of the best assignment help services in Australia so if you chose to entrust us with your academic world you will not be disappointed.