Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

Executive Summary Outline:

 I.                   Background

--purpose / main point of report

--situation

 (II.              Methods

– Include methods only if they are important or briefly mention them in the results

    paragraph.)

III.       Major findings and their implications

            -- Explain the major results and what they mean.

            -- Use a short paragraph to summarize each main section in the body of the report.

IV.             Conclusion

--Use your conclusion section if it is short.

V.                Recommendations

Notes:

·         This should be a one page summary of your whole report.

·         Keep the level of technicality low.  Write this for managers.

+ Depending on the project, focus on business/cost issues rather than technical issues.

·         Emphasize your conclusion and recommendations.

·         Keep the organization simple

·         Reflect the organization of the final report.

·         Emphasize key words in your topic sentences.

·         Avoid passive (but don’t use “I”).

·         Consider format:

·         double space

·         title:  Executive Summary

·         Section 1.   

·         p. 1