question

Which of the following types of reports would not be sent to someone outside the organization?

answer

Memo format

question

Paraphrasing

answer

involves accurately presenting ideas from another source in your own words and sentence structure.

question

The two types of search tools are subject directories and search engines.

answer

True

question

Which of the following reports is an example of an analytical report?

answer

A report recommending one of four building alarm systems

question

Sandra wants to illustrate how her company's sales have increased over the past five years. She should use a pie chart to do this.

answer

False

question

Primary data can be generated through surveys, interviews, observation, and experimentation.

answer

True

question

Google, Yahoo, Bing, About, and Ask are examples of

answer

search tools.

question

Pamela will be writing a complex report about a research study she's conducting. Which of the following should she do?

answer

All of these choices

question

Table 4 shows that three fourths of the respondents oppose the proposed tax is an effective reference to a visual aid in a report.

answer

True

question

Readers usually find reports organized in an indirect pattern most rational because this organizational pattern follows the normal thought process.

answer

True

question

The best survey questions provide quantifiable data.

answer

True

question

Which of the following reports is an example of an informational report?

answer

A report showing how a company has complied with SEC regulations

question

A directly organized informational report might follow which outline?

answer

Introduction/Background, Facts/Findings, Summary

question

An indirectly organized analytical report might follow which outline?

answer

Introduction/Problem, Facts/Findings, Discussion/Analysis, Conclusions/Recommendations

question

Brad started his report with a description of the problem. He followed this with his facts and findings. Finally, he ended his report with his conclusions and recommendations. Brad has used the direct pattern to write his report.

answer

False

question

Which of the following is an effective statement of purpose for an informational report?

answer

To inform the reader of the many different features offered on the Apple iPad

question

Long formal reports are usually printed on plain paper in

answer

manuscript format.

question

The two most common citation formats are those presented by the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

answer

True

question

Which of the following reports would most likely be written using an informal writing style?

answer

A summary report written to your supervisor about a conference you attended

question

Everett's boss has asked him to research and recommend a new insurance provider for employees' health insurance. Everett should write an analytical report.

answer

True

question

Nadia will carefully document her sources in a report she must submit to her boss. Which of the following is a reason that Nadia should document her sources?

answer

All of these choices are reasons for documenting report data.

question

Lydia is anticipating the audience for a report she is writing. What question should she ask during this stage of the writing process?

answer

Lydia should ask all these questions about her audience.

question

In which of the following situations should the direct pattern of organization be used for a business report?

answer

When readers are familiar with the topic

question

Documenting data is necessary in academic reports but not in business reports.

answer

False

question

Business report writers should anticipate primary audiences only.

answer

False

question

Which of the following is an example of a digital report?

answer

All of these choices are examples of digital reports.

question

Short (eight or fewer pages) informal reports addressed outside an organization are usually presented in

answer

letter format.

question

Informal reports are written in a style that uses

answer

contractions.

question

ABI/INFORM, Factiva, LexisNexis Academic, and Academic Search Elite (EBSCO) are

answer

electronic databases.

question

Trace needs to illustrate the percentage each expense represents of total company expenses. His best choice is a(n)

answer

pie chart

question

What is the purpose of business reports?

answer

To solve problems

question

Knowledgeable report writers use direct quotations to

answer

All of these choices.

question

Tarryn, a student who is researching forensic accounting, is preparing to interview an experienced accountant. To conduct an effective interview, Tarryn should

answer

learn as much as possible about the forensic accounting field before conducting the interview.

question

The best question to include in a survey is

answer

Do you approve of a flat-rate income tax?

question

Which of the following statements about business reports is most accurate?

answer

The larger an organization, the more vital the exchange and flow of information becomes.

question

Sources of primary information include

answer

surveys and interviews.

question

Which of the following situations would most likely require observation or scientific experimentation?

answer

You need to determine the average time it takes your line employees to produce a single piece of furniture.

question

An individual who is caught plagiarizing or using another's words or ideas without giving proper credit faces the possibility of losing his or her job.

answer

True

question

You should begin nearly every business report assignment by

answer

evaluating the available secondary data.

question

The first step in writing a report is to

answer

analyze the problem or assignment clearly.

question

In a business report, graphics can be used to clarify data, to make numeric data meaningful, and to create visual interest.

answer

True

question

What type of data result from reading what others have experienced or observed and written down?

answer

Secondary data

question

As long as you put the research you find into your own words, you don't have to cite your source.

answer

False

question

In which of the following situations should the indirect pattern of organization be used for a business report?

answer

When readers must be educated about the topic

question

Preprinted forms are useful for presenting repetitive data, such as monthly sales reports, performance reviews, and merchandise inventories.

answer

True

question

An example of a simple statement of purpose for a business report might be To recommend a new process for handling employee grievances.

answer

True

question

Select the most accurate statement about the Web.

answer

The fastest-growing sector of the Web is social networking sites.

question

An expanded statement of purpose for a study includes three additional factors. What are they?

answer

Scope, significance, and limitations

question

Based on their function, most business reports fall into two broad categories: informational or analytical.

answer

True

question

Select the least accurate statement about the Web.

answer

The Web is a highly organized collection of information from around the world.

question

Derrick is evaluating the information he found on a Web site before he includes it in his business report. He asks, "When was this Web site last updated?" What is Derrick evaluating?

answer

The currency of the Web site

question

Michelle attended a professional conference and must submit a report to her supervisor. She should write an analytical report.

answer

False

question

Are you in favor of requiring seatbelts to save lives? is an example of a leading question.

answer

True

question

Research reports prepared by consultants for their clients tend to be rather formal.

answer

True

question

Formal experimentation produces data suggesting causes and effects.

answer

True

question

Stephanie is preparing a visual to show the chain of command and reporting structure within her company. An organization chart will best illustrate this data.

answer

True

question

Nearly every research project should begin with a search of primary data.

answer

False

question

Heidi is writing a report about ways to reduce the time it takes to process a customer return and is determining why the topic is worth investigating at this time. Heidi is looking at the

answer

significance

question

When incorporating a graphic in the body of your report, you should

answer

include a reference to the graphic in the text.

question

Select the most accurate statement about sources found on the Web.

answer

Wikis, blogs, and discussion forum entries are short-lived and change constantly.

question

In planning his report, Darren breaks the major investigative problem into subproblems. This process is sometimes called

answer

factoring the problem.

question

The ability to access information electronically has made using books for business research obsolete.

answer

False

question

All business reports have one or more of the following purposes: to convey information, to answer questions, and to solve problems.

answer

True

question

When little has been written on a research topic, some of the best information comes from interviews with experts in the field.

answer

True

question

A work plan gives a complete description of a research project, including how the investigator plans to generate or collect data.

answer

True

question

The more direct quotes you use in a business report, the more professional and credible it will seem.

answer

False

question

Which of the following is an effective question to use in a survey?

answer

Do teachers deserve a 7 percent pay increase?

question

A good work plan for a business research project includes

answer

all of these choices.

question

Yes-no questions produce the best results in an interview with an expert.

answer

False

question

Which of the following statements would need to be documented in a report?

answer

n May 6, 2010, the Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered a 998 point loss, which the media called the Flash Crash.

question

The first step in the report-writing process is anticipating how the audience will react to the information in the report.

answer

False

question

Ashley attended a professional conference and must submit a report to her boss. She should arrange her conference report chronologically and include details about every aspect of the conference.

answer

False

question

Informational and analytical reports differ mainly in that informational reports emphasize facts while analytical reports emphasize reasoning and conclusions.

answer

True

question

The conclusions and recommendations sections of a report are the most widely read parts of a report because they tell the reader what the data mean.

answer

True

question

Which of the following is a conclusion?

answer

Offering a wide range of benefits is the best way to recruit high-quality applicants.

question

Agendas, minutes of meetings, and progress reports are usually organized by component.

answer

False

question

Which of the following is most likely to be distorted by an extreme number at either end?

answer

Mean

question

Determine the median of the numbers 30, 25, 25, 45, and 70.

answer

30

question

Ricardo is writing a short report to let his client know the status of the client's project. Ricardo is writing a progress report.

answer

True

question

Brandon is writing a report to his supervisor about using social network sites to improve communication with customers. His supervisor knows nothing about using social networks for marketing. What organizational style should Brandon use for his report?

answer

Indirect pattern

question

The conclusions of a report

answer

should analyze information logically and show how the data answer questions and solve problems.

question

Which of the following transitional expressions suggest cause and effect?

answer

Accordingly, as a result, consequently, therefore

question

Analytical reports should be organized using which of the following patterns?

answer

Introduction/problem, facts/findings, discussion/analysis, conclusions/recommendations

question

By condensing data you have collected into meaningful terms using various statistical techniques, you are more likely to be able to draw valid conclusions and make reasoned recommendations.

answer

True

question

Analytical reports should always be prepared using an indirect organizational pattern.

answer

False

question

Which statement about conclusions is least accurate?

answer

Report writers should try to draw conclusions that are subjective.

question

Informational reports should be organized using which of the following patterns?

answer

Introduction/background, facts/findings, summary/conclusion

question

During his research, Brett notices that employees who dress professionally in the workplace have higher productivity figures. Brett has identified a possible

answer

correlation

question

Which statement most accurately describes recommendations?

answer

Recommendations should begin with an action verb.

question

Andrew must recommend to his reluctant boss that the company allow employees to work a compressed workweek. Andrew's justification/recommendation report on this sensitive topic should be organized directly.

answer

False

question

Which of the following is an example of a recommendation?

answer

Institute a wellness program to encourage employees to improve their health by adopting healthy habits.

question

A good introductory paragraph for a business report should

answer

All of these choices.

question

Select the best wording for a recommendation.

answer

Extend the campus café hours to meet the needs of evening students.

question

Informational reports are usually organized using the direct pattern.

answer

True

question

Numerical data from questionnaires or interviews are usually summarized using systematic columns and rows in a

answer

Table

question

Sabrina is preparing headings for a report she is writing. What is the best advice you can give her as she creates her headings?

answer

Include at least one heading per report page.

question

Gavin wants to encourage his boss to allow him to telecommute. What type of report will he most likely prepare?

answer

Justification/recommendation report

question

Which of the following transitional expressions can be used to present additional thoughts?

answer

Again, also, moreover, furthermore

question

You are responsible for recording the minutes of an important committee meeting. The best way to organize these minutes is by

answer

Time

question

The headings Implementing Security Measures, Communicating With Employees, and Organize Teams are parallel.

answer

False

question

Computer Professionals Magazine is presenting the verbal opinions of information technology experts on several leading voice-recognition devices. This information will be easiest to comprehend if presented in a pie chart.

answer

False

question

What is the most accurate statement about correlations?

answer

Apparent correlations between two or more variables can stimulate investigation and present possible solutions to be explored.

question

Which of the following headings does not belong with the others?

answer

Prevent Identify Theft

question

When using the indirect organizational pattern, refer to the recommendation in the subject line.

answer

False

question

Nick writes several monthly reports condensing financial articles he reads online. These are examples of informational reports.

answer

True

question

Conclusions will usually be more objective if

answer

consistent criteria are used in evaluating options.

question

The most widely read portions of a report are generally the sections devoted to

answer

conclusions and recommendations.

question

Progress and interim reports

answer

describe the status of continuing projects.

question

Much of the information that allows decision makers to run their organizations effectively comes to them in the form of

answer

Wikipedia entries.

question

Because Keith is sure that his boss will be interested in Keith's recommendation for a new payroll procedure that Kevin is recommending be used for processing payroll; therefore, Keith should organize his recommendation report directly.

answer

true

question

A report comparing three virus protection programs being considered for purchase would be most effective if organized by criteria.

answer

True

question

Shauna has interviewed several of her colleagues to gather their ideas for improving productivity. She now has raw verbal data to analyze. What is the best tool to analyze raw verbal data?

answer

Grid

question

Shane conducted research about ways to recruit high-quality job applicants and has developed a list of possible techniques. He has ranked these techniques and will present them in a report listed from most important reason to least important. What organizational method is Shane using?

answer

Importance

question

Whenever possible, recommendations should be specific and practical.

answer

True

question

Background, Findings, Staffing, and Budget are examples of

answer

functional headings.

question

Chad has noticed that employees working in offices with windows have lower absentee rates. This correlation proves that offices with natural light are healthier for employees.

answer

False

question

Good report introductions let readers know the purpose of the report, the significance of the topic, and the main points to be covered.

answer

True

question

Claire will be including large amounts of data in a business report she is writing and wants to ensure that the data are meaningful to her readers. What should she do?

answer

Organize the data into tables

question

Which of the following situations would require a yardstick report?

answer

Sam gathers information on three mid-range American-made automobiles to compare price, fuel economy, maintenance, insurance rates, and resale value before selecting a car for the company's sales force.

question

What is the primary difference between informational and analytical reports?

answer

Informational reports emphasize facts, and analytical reports emphasize reasoning and conclusions.

question

Use an informal, conversational writing style for most informational reports unless the audience expects a more formal tone.

answer

True

question

Select the most accurate statement about organizing report data.

answer

Poorly organized reports lead to reader frustration.

question

Orhan has been assigned the task of researching and recommending alarm systems for a new branch office. Some features are more important than others, and Orhan wants to be able to assign relative weights to each feature to make sure that he makes the best decision. He should use a(n)

answer

decision matrix.

question

Capitalize all words in a heading, including articles, conjunctions, and short prepositions.

answer

False

question

Leslie should use importance to organize an annual sales report covering the Medical Instruments Division, Computer Supplies Division, and Consumer Products Division.

answer

False

question

The range for daily sales for the week, $89,000, $75,000, $98,000, $66,000, and $99,000 is

answer

$33,000

question

The mode of the numbers 15, 40, 40, 25, 58, 62, and 30 is 40.

answer

True

question

Conclusions and recommendations serve the same purpose.

answer

False

question

An informational report presenting annual sales data for a restaurant's five branches would most likely be organized by

answer

component

question

An effective report conclusion might be Both managers and classified staff members report that employee absenteeism has increased since the company's relocation.

answer

True

question

A report that compares the services offered by four private security firms should be organized by

answer

criteria

question

Report recommendations should use command language such as Begin using social network sites to market our products and services to customers.

answer

True

question

To contrast responses of employees with children against responses of employees without children from a survey on attitudes toward on-site child care

answer

use cross-tabulation.

question

A progress report on the status of construction of a new high-rise office building should describe the work that has been completed so far and explain the work currently in progress, including personnel, activities, methods, and locations.

answer

True

question

Which of the following transitional expressions can be used to contrast ideas?

answer

At the same time, but, however, though, yet

question

Which of the following is an example of a feasibility report?

answer

A report to determine whether a company should provide tuition reimbursement for its employees

question

Transitional expressions such as furthermore, consequently, however, for example, and to conclude help report readers see the logical flow of ideas in a report.

answer

True

question

Rochelle is writing a report in which she will recommend a new procedure for processing customer returns. This is an example of an analytical report.

answer

True

question

Examples of talking report headings include Introduction, Background, Findings, and Conclusions.

answer

False

question

Annette has been asked to determine whether employees should be allowed to select the fringe benefits they want from a menu of choices. Annette should write a yardstick report.

answer

False

question

The primary reason that management often requires trip, convention, and conference reports is to

answer

find out whether the organization's money was well spent in funding the travel.

question

The indirect pattern of organization is best for readers who

answer

must be persuaded.

question

The direct pattern of organization is appropriate for reports whose audience

answer

is eager to learn the results quickly.

question

Ernest is writing a report to determine which of three cities should be the site for a new branch office. To select the new site, he is comparing labor costs, tax breaks, housing costs, and land availability in each city. Ernest is most likely conducting a feasibility study.

answer

False

question

Which statement is incorrect?

answer

Recommendations should be general.

question

Which of the following is an analytical report?

answer

A report to determine whether a company should outsource its customer support function

question

Periodic reports are written at irregular intervals when requested by management.

answer

True

question

If you are writing an unsolicited proposal, your goal in the background section is to convince the reader that a problem exists.

answer

True

question

Which of the following is the most accurate statement about the executive summary?

answer

A formal proposal may contain both an executive summary and an abstract.

question

Solicited proposals are written when an individual or company sees a problem that needs to be solved and offers to solve it.

answer

True

question

Which of the following is a useful guideline for citing sources in a formal business report?

answer

Include the retrieval date on which you located an electronic reference.

question

Formal proposals must always be in submitted as printed documents.

answer

False

question

Jacqueline must send the same formal report to several readers. What should she do?

answer

Prepare a special letter of transmittal for each, anticipating how each reader will use the report.

question

In a formal report, the transmittal letter or memorandum usually

answer

highlights the report's findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

question

Talking headings, such as Giving Our Sales Force the Tools They Need to Succeed, are more informative and interesting than functional headings.

answer

True

question

If the RFP requests that an organization design an interactive Web site that will provide online customer support, the writer should repeat the language when explaining the purpose of the proposal.

answer

True

question

In an introduction to a formal business report, the section that clarifies the boundaries of the report and defines what will be included or excluded is the

answer

scope

question

Select the most accurate statement about proposals.

answer

Proposals are legal contracts.

question

The actual proposal section of a proposal must

answer

tell what you propose to do and how it will benefit the reader.

question

An appropriate statement to include in the letter of transmittal accompanying a formal proposal is This bid will be in effect until October 22, 2013.

answer

True

question

In an introduction to a formal report, what section identifies who commissioned the report?

answer

Authorization

question

Writers often include additional information in the introduction to a formal report. Which of the following would not be appropriate to include in the introduction?

answer

Providing a detailed analysis of the problem

question

Proposals should be written carefully because they represent legal contracts.

answer

True

question

The authorization request section of an informal proposal may include

answer

all of these choices.

question

An abstract included with a formal proposal is typically

answer

One page long

question

If your costs increase later, you can raise the prices listed in your proposal budget.

answer

False

question

Wait until you've completed the report to prepare the table of contents.

answer

True

question

The part of a formal report that highlights the important points for people who may not have time to read the entire report is the

answer

executive summary.

question

Which of the following statements about business plans is least accurate?

answer

Business plans are generally written in response to RFPs.

question

The table of contents for a short formal business report should

answer

include all headings.

question

The staffing section of an informal proposal may

answer

All of these choices.

question

Proposals are

answer

all of these choices.

question

Which section of a proposal typically identifies the problem and discusses the goals or purposes of the project?

answer

Background

question

Jill wants to write a persuasive business plan. What government agency will give her the most useful advice for writing the plan?

answer

Small Business Administration

question

What is the most accurate statement about the title page of a formal report?

answer

The name of the person receiving the report comes before the author of the report.

question

If you include a schedule of activities or timetable in your proposal, place it in the proposal section.

answer

True

question

A letter of transmittal submitted with a formal proposal should

answer

briefly present the major features and benefits of the proposal.

question

Tom is writing a solicited proposal in response to an RFP and is working on the background section. What is his goal in this section?

answer

To persuade the reader that he understands the problem completely

question

The executive summary included in a formal proposal is generally more technically oriented than an abstract.

answer

False

question

The longest and most substantive section of a formal business report is the

answer

Body

question

The budget included in a proposal

answer

represents a contract.

question

Formal proposals differ from informal proposals in size and format only.

answer

True

question

Which of the following appears in the market analysis section of a business plan?

answer

All of these choices

question

The conclusions should always be placed in a separate section following the body of a formal business report.

answer

False

question

Most proposals begin by briefly explaining the reasons for the proposal and by highlighting the writer's qualifications.

answer

True

question

Which of the following statements about formal business reports is least accurate?

answer

Formal reports are written for external audiences only.

question

Preparing for Our Industry's Future is an example of a(n)

answer

talking heading.

question

Proposals are written offers to solve problems, provide services, or sell equipment.

answer

True

question

What is the best advice for preparing an executive summary of a formal business report?

answer

Begin the executive summary with your purpose.

question

Most proposals are internal.

answer

False

question

Most proposals are solicited.

answer

True

question

Unsolicited proposals should

answer

convince the reader that a problem exists.

question

Formal business reports are read by only the highest levels of management.

answer

False

question

All formal proposals are written for external audiences, and all formal business reports are written for internal audiences.

answer

False

question

Lydia's report contains sensitive topics that may upset her readers. What type of heading should she use in her formal business report?

answer

Functional headings

question

Informal proposals should close with a reminder of key benefits as well as a request for approval.

answer

True

question

The body of a formal business report is where you show the evidence that justifies your conclusions.

answer

True

question

The executive summary of a formal business report should include high-level technical language to show your reader that you're knowledgeable about the topic.

answer

False

question

Which statement does not describe the body of a formal business report?

answer

Incidental and supporting materials are placed strategically throughout the body of the report.

question

As long as you have at least one table or figure in your proposal, a list of figures is required.

answer

False

question

To avoid sounding repetitious in a formal business report,

answer

vary your presentation of the information slightly.

question

The company description in a business plan should

answer

identify the form of your business and its business type.

question

Do not begin writing your report until after you've drawn the primary conclusions.

answer

True

question

The financial analysis section of a business plan should

answer

explain how much money you already have.

question

Redesign the Web site to reduce the number of steps needed to place an order shows effective wording for a formal report recommendation.

answer

True

question

The letter of transmittal and/or executive summary of a business plan should

answer

All of these choices.

question

The introduction to a proposal typically

answer

highlights the writer's qualifications.

question

Which of the following statements about business plans is least accurate?

answer

Investors are looking only for unique products or services.

question

What do many investors consider to be the most important factor in assessing business potential?

answer

Whether your management team can implement the business plan

question

Omit a mission statement from a business plan because investors won't expect you to have one until you actually start your business.

answer

False

question

Which of the following statements would not be appropriate for a transmittal letter or memo?

answer

The questionnaire shown here was used to collect data for this report.

question

In the financial analysis section of a business plan, include only a start-up budget since you're not expected to already know how much you'll need for your operating budget.

answer

False

question

A copy of the RFP should be included in the front matter of a formal proposal.

answer

True

question

Whether you're using the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style, you should list all sources chronologically in the order you consulted them.

answer

False

question

Executive summaries should always be limited to one page.

answer

False

question

The appendixes of a business plan might include promotional materials and product photos.

answer

True

question

Formal business reports are similar to formal proposals in that they both make offers.

answer

False

question

A business plan is a form of proposal.

answer

True

question

The best advice for preparing a formal business report is to

answer

record ideas quickly and save revision until after the first draft is completed.

question

Use first-person pronouns such as I and we in a formal business report to make it sound more objective and believable.

answer

False

question

In the introduction section of a proposal, which of the following would be the best way to persuade the receiver to read the rest of the proposal?

answer

Mention a remarkable resource available exclusively to you.

question

The section of a formal business report that tells what the findings mean is the

answer

conclusion

question

The section of a formal business report that makes precise suggestions for actions to solve the report problem is the

answer

recommendations

question

The same information may be included in the letter of transmittal, executive summary, and introduction of a formal business report.

answer

True

question

The section in the introduction to a formal business report that tells why the report topic is important is the

answer

significance

question

An effective opening for an informal proposal might be We are pleased to submit this proposal describing how our ethics training program can help your employees make the best decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas on the job.

answer

True

question

Many investors look carefully at the experience of the management team because they consider this the most important factor in assessing business potential.

answer

True

question

The transmittal letter or memo that accompanies a formal business report is usually directly organized and written less formally than the report itself.

answer

True

question

Which of the following components is typically included in a formal proposal but is optional in an informal proposal?

answer

Table of Contents

question

The title page of a formal proposal should include

answer

...

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