management case

Academic Report Writing
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What is provided here is a possible formula for writing an academic assignment. Please remember there is no
definitive way in which to write a report.
Think of your report as a 3-part exploration and explanation of how to answer the question i.e. i) in theory, ii) with
reference to secondary information/ evidence and, iii) a critique of both i) and ii). It is a matter of exploring the
validity of various (and sometimes contradictory) perspectives on the key issues.
A report is best approached as an intellectual argument that develops from the ideas, issues, theories, concepts,
methodologies, etc. that you have covered within the module. Remember, no theory or perspective has the whole
picture. A prime purpose for a report is to critique particular ideas, pointing out how explanation A might be more
useful and valid than B in these circumstances. On the other hand, in the Conclusion of your report, you might want
to point out that in other contexts there may be other factors that need to be considered. Therefore, does this limit
or question the weight of claims you have made in the development of your current argument?
Key questions before you embark on writing your report
The Formula
This formula (of 8 paragraphs) assumes that your report has a limit of 1500-2000 words. For longer reports the
breakdown of sections is similar, but scaled up for the number of paragraphs you feel you need to realise each
part.
Paragraph 1 – The Introduction
Paragraphs 2 and 3 – Theoretical overview and general comments relevant to the perspective you are going
to employ in the following section.
Paragraphs 4 and 5 – Discuss in close detail, including secondary data and case studies/ workplace
experiences, how the perspective(s) discussed in Paragraphs 2 and 3 help to examine the key issues raised in the
title of the report.
 Have you clearly identified the key issue(s) of the assignment question?
 Have you checked the command word in the question – e.g. explain means give
details about why a certain perspective can be advocated; evaluate means make a
critical appraisal of the work and validity for a particular explanation of how topic in
question seems to work.
 In the development of your main argument, will you take a particular position that
views the key issue(s) from within a certain theoretical perspective?
 Maybe, though, you will take two slightly different positions when answering the
question. Or perhaps, you will chose to tackle the question from two contrasting
perspectives? If so, is there anything that is common for the topic to be
understood and explained in these differing views?
Academic Report Writing
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Paragraphs 6 and 7 – Critique the argument you have just made, including a discussion of the limits and
constraints of the claims which the theory and supporting evidence can provide. Are you going to offer an
alternative view (with supporting evidence) or are you going to speculate on how the existing perspective needs to
be refined? Sum up to a closing position – a semi-conclusion.
Paragraph 8 – Conclusion
Introduction
A useful way to open your report is to consider some, or all of the following:
 Rewrite, and expand on, the report title using your own (different) words (this helps you to identify the
essential claim/ assertion in the question and provides an easy to read to open the report)
 Problematize the whole (or parts) of the question – is there an element of the question which can be
contested?
 Contextualise the main issue (how have these issues/ concerns come about, and in what circumstances?)
 Suggest a perspective(s) you have selected as being of possible use for framing the argument you are
going to develop in the main section i.e., what theoretical approach(es) are you taking, and as a result what
concepts and analytical tools are available for you to examine ‘reality’?
 You can even hint at the conclusions you will reach. (Introductions are thought about early on in the report
writing process, but usually written afterwards – to incorporate all of the above).
 What theoretical and predictive implications have you uncovered for you to present your workplace
experiences/ case studies as evidence to support your claims?
 What factors, consequences etc. might be incorporated for you to understand matters better? In other
words, how does a key theory(ies) set up a view of the problem?
(Paragraphs 4 and 5)
Become more specific by referring to case studies or secondary information that examines the main issue you are
dealing with (or aspects thereof) in more detail.
Is it possible to find two effective pieces of research-based literature that gives, either, contrasting interpretations of
the problem within your chosen perspective, or perhaps highlights a different handling of the same issue from an
alternative perspective? Either approach helps you to clarify why it is difficult to pin down your problem to a
definitive solution. Describe the key factors in use.
Main Body (Paragraphs 2 and 3)
Identify the key points of your secondary information you are using as
evidence to support your position on the matter you are evaluating in relation
to the assignment’s question.
 What does this information offer as a general conception of how to
examine the key issues of the question in further detail?
Academic Report Writing
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(Paragraphs 6 and 7)
Bring the different strands of your argument together by returning to the opening question, without answering it yet.
Find your own voice here to advocate what you feel have been the useful insights provided by your analysis of the
main issue, together with a critique of the inevitable weaknesses of both the general perspective, as well as the
evaluation of the detailed case studies/ workplace experiences you have presented
Do you want to suggest any alternative interpretations or models that could be applied? If so, briefly discuss their
potential.
Conclusion
Now answer the question set, if only by further problematizing it or offering a possible alternative from how the
issue(s) in the question might be better approached. A good conclusion can usually be read as a brief summary of
the whole report.
So concisely state what the original problem was, how you have explored it and what we learned from this
exercise.
References
Peck, J. & Coyle, M. (1999) The Student’s Guide to Writing: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling. London:
Macmillan
Redman, P. (2001) Good Essay Writing: A Social Sciences Guide. Sage/ Open University
Are there insights or broader implications for how your argument
can help someone else examine similar or related issues in
other situations and circumstances?
Are there any factors which are limiting the broader validity
and relevance of your argument?
You might want to suggest a new (unanswered) take on the
problem that might put issues into a better focus, maybe
through identifying problematic areas which require further
research or theoretical analysis.

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