Analyze and Report

Table of contents – in a logical or chronological order

A clause – specifying and presenting the methods used for the activity

The main discussion – broken down into organized sections, including the heading, the sub-heading, and the discussion's body.

The conclusions – according to the results and information gathered in the report

The recommendations – given by the employee who created the report

Sections for bibliography or appendices – when necessary

To write a successful analytical report, make sure you follow these instructions: 

Identify the Problem

The first step to creating an analytical report is identifying the problem and the people affected by it. Make sure you describe the problem by including information on where it began, what techniques were used to solve it so far, and the effectiveness of them. 

A great example of an analytical report is one of student tardiness in a selected school. In this case, we have a clearly defined problem. We’ve determined that people affected by it are students, teachers, and parents. Finally, we list the methods used to fix the problem, one being a reward system, which was unsuccessful. 

Explain Your Methods

Secondly, you should list the methods you’ve used in the report to determine your actions’ success. You should also add one or two new methods to try instead. For example, a report done on a failed ad campaign may reveal that the success factor was determined by surveys conducted on a sample population. 

Analyze Data

Analytical reports display a detailed analysis of the information collected through the research methods employed. As you know, the report was built to sort out a specific issue and decide on alternative methods to try. So, it would help if you analyzed the success or failures of the solutions you tried in the first place.  

To understand the analysis process better, imagine you’re writing an analytical report on obeying speed limits. You’re assessing and comparing the success and failure of formerly proposed solutions: constructing speed bumps, posting speed limit signs, or using police traffic stops.

Analysis of the information you’ve gathered by trying these methods can help you tell which one was the most effective for your business. You may even find out that a combination of two methods brought you the most success. 

Make Recommendations

Lastly, your analytical report should include solution recommendations. And, it would help if you placed these solutions at the bottom of your report. By coming up with a few recommendations, you’ll be able to make data-based decisions instead of guessing. 

What’s the Most Important Aspect of Analytical Reporting?

Although plain data isn’t enough to solve the problem, it does provide the necessary tools to make informed decisions. Even if you don’t get the expected results, data helps you explain and justify your situation.