Business Reports

Business Studies HSC

The Business Report StructureThere are 2 options for addressing your answer in the body of the report

I suggest you use Option 1 in case you run out of time!

How to start the Business report before you start writing it!

1 Re read stimulus2 Underline the key words3 Determine if the stimulus is drawing upon concepts covered in one or two of

the syllabus topics i.e Nature of business, Business Management, Business Planning

4 Annotate the directive verbs e.g describe, evaluate, recommend – what are these asking me to do

5 Work out what are the key areas I must address in the response – these are usually the 3 areas mentioned at bottom

6 Write down a structure using the headings in the exam answer booklet7 Write down bullet points about what you are going to mention under each of

these headings8 Remember to use third person, use business concepts and ‘speak’. Treat the

reader as if they know NOTHING and need everything explained AND of course ADDRESS the question using the stimulus information.

Example 2010 HSC

Suggested response to 2010 HSC question

2006 HSC Business Report question

Suggested structure for the 2006 question

• Executive Summary• Organisational Structure• Staffing• Human Resource Strategies to manage the

change• Conclusion

Executive SummaryMario operates a successful chocolate making business In Australia and has done so for the past 25 years. Increased labour costs in Australia, changing industry trends with regards organisational structure and the increasing demand for his product in overseas markets has led to a review of Mario’s current business practices as well as the opportunity for expansion in international markets. This next paragraph is optional – it is the recommendation which would appear in an executive summary in real life business.For the HSC (and Yr 11) you do not need this paragraph in the executive summary BUT you could use it as your conclusion (at end of report)This report recommends Mario adopts a ‘behavioural’ management structure for the business. It also recommends necessary human resource strategies that are required to manage the change within the business as he expands internationally.

Exec Summary is a 40,000 feet helicopter view

Body (although do NOT use this as a heading)

Organisational Structure (describe on alternative structure)

Current industry trends indicate a move towards a new organisational structure based on the behavioural approach to management. The behavioural management approach emphasises the need for management to develop the ability to understand and work with people and that workers have several needs other than financial needs.

Through adopting a behavioural management approach, Mario’s business will have a greater focus on leadership, motivation and communication.Leading is xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Motivation is xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and Communication is xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Define what these are etc

As Mario moves to a flatter management structure, the above functions of management will be more evident and easier to implement. Combined with a smaller chain of command and the development of work teams, the business will be in a better position to be more flexibile and responsive to change within the business. This will be advantageous as Mario moves to expand the business internationally.

Staffing

Here you need to recommend ONE staffing system (we haven’t covered this info yet, it will be in Yr 12)

Continue on with how the flatter structure will workHow this can work for his overseas business e.g employ one

person that is responsible for the business’s overseas sales/exporting

Human Resources strategies to manage changeNeed to evaluate (make a judgement based on criteria) 2 strategiesAgain, this info is covered in Yr 12

ConclusionUseIn conclusion, ……….orIn summary, …………

In conclusion, this report recommends Mario adopts a ‘behavioural’ management structure for the business. It also recommended that Mario employ one additional staff member as well as implement the suggested human resource strategies to manage the change within the business as he expands internationally.

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