Report Writing Young Enterprise Scotland – Lothian Board

Report Writing  During this session we will: investigate the features of a good company report investigate the features of a good company report discuss the guidelines and marking criteria for the Young Enterprise competition discuss the guidelines and marking criteria for the Young Enterprise competition look at some examples of reports submitted in previous years (good and bad!) look at some examples of reports submitted in previous years (good and bad!)

Report Writing  As a group, have a look at the company reports provided.  Identify five features which make a good report.  Appoint one member of the group to make notes and another to report back on your findings.

Features of a good report  Business-like, but interesting  Clear structure  Good use of photos and illustrations  Not too much text per page  Accurate  Emphasise any areas of quality or innovation  Follow the competition guidelines

Guidelines for writing your report  Maximum of 10 sides of A4 plus cover  Print size – minimum 12 point  Page 1 must begin with a contents list and contain an ‘executive summary’ including Company name Company name Mission statement Mission statement Products/service Products/service Summary of financial results Summary of financial results Summary statement of company performance Summary statement of company performance

Marking Criteria - 1  Creativity & Innovation 10 Is innovation built into the company’s ethos, and is there evidence of the company actively being innovative through new ideas, suggestions etc. which added value to the company’s operations? Is innovation built into the company’s ethos, and is there evidence of the company actively being innovative through new ideas, suggestions etc. which added value to the company’s operations?  Presentation 10 This includes 5 points for including the following on the front cover: This includes 5 points for including the following on the front cover: Company nameCompany name School & link teacherSchool & link teacher Adviser & companyAdviser & company Area BoardArea Board Whether interim or final accountsWhether interim or final accounts

Marking Criteria - 2  Accounts points for P&L, 10 points for balance sheet 10 points for P&L, 10 points for balance sheet Do the accounts balance and make provision for payment of YES VAT and Corporation Tax? Have they been signed by business adviser/link teacher? Do the accounts balance and make provision for payment of YES VAT and Corporation Tax? Have they been signed by business adviser/link teacher?  Company Development points for each of the following headings: 10 points for each of the following headings: CommunicationCommunication Customer focus, marketing & salesCustomer focus, marketing & sales Problem solvingProblem solving Product developmentProduct development Skills & understandingSkills & understanding Team workTeam work

Helpful Hints  Leave yourself plenty of time.  Get someone to proof-read your report.  Check your report against the guidelines.

Company Reports

Report Writing  By now you should be able to: Identify the features of a good company report. Identify the features of a good company report. Follow the guidelines and marking criteria for the Young Enterprise competition. Follow the guidelines and marking criteria for the Young Enterprise competition. Evaluate your work. Evaluate your work.