Reports are documents to record and convey information to a reader. They are a part of any business or organization. Reports come in all sizes but range from longer than a page to shorter than a book. Report length will depend on its function and overall purpose.
Reports can be categorized into two types:
Here are a list of the types of informational and analytical reports you might have write or read:
Report Type | Function |
---|---|
Laboratory Report |
Communicate the procedures and results of laboratory activities. |
Research Report |
Study problems scientifically by developing hypotheses, collecting data, analyzing data, and indicating findings or conclusions. |
Field Study Report |
Describe one-time events, such as trips, conferences, seminars, as well as reports from branch offices, industrial and manufacturing plants. |
Progress Report |
Monitor and control production, sales, shipping, service, or related business process. |
Technical Report |
Communication process and product from a technical perspective. |
Financial Report |
Communication status and trends from a finance perspective. |
Case Study |
Represent, analyze, and present lessons learned from a specific case or example. |
Needs Assessment Report |
Assess the need for a service or product. |
Comparative Advantage Report |
Discuss competing products or services with an analysis of relative advantages and disadvantage. |
Feasibility Study |
Analyze problems and predict whether current solutions or alternatives will be practical, advisable, or produced the desired outcome(s). |
Instruction Manuals |
Communicate step-by-step instructions on the use of a product or service. |
Compliance Report |
Document and indicate the extent to which a product or service is within established compliance parameters or standards. |
Cost-Benefit Analysis Report |
Communicate costs and benefits of products or services. |
Decision Report |
Make recommendations to management and become tools to solve problems and make decisions. |
Benchmark Report |
Establish criteria and evaluate alternatives by measuring against the establish benchmark criteria. |
Examination Report |
Report or record data obtained from an examination of an item or conditions, including accidents and natural disasters. |
Physical Description Report |
Describe the physical characteristics of a machine, a device, or object. |
Literature Review |
Present summaries of the information available on a given subject. |
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