8. REPORTING BUSINESS INFORMATION

Sometimes, more complex information including some findings based on observations, inspections, and/or research must be conveyed in longer documents, called reports. Reports come in different varieties: some recommend a course of action or a product, others may simply inform, while yet others will describe a problem and offer a solution.  Since reports are decision-making documents, it is critical that the information conveyed in them is supported by evidence and delivered with precision. Reports are often categorized as internal or external as well as informal or formal. You will format your report accordingly depending on the writing context and your audience. This section of the text will inform you of the different types of formats, reports, and the purposes each type serves within business contexts.