Deck 12: Informal Business Reports

Question 1

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

A)195 
B)25 
C)30 
D)39

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which of the following is not one of the three Ms that measure central tendency? 

A)Mean 
B)Mode 
C)Median 
D)Margin

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Michelle 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? 

A)Write the problem statement.
B)Ask for help on a social media site.
C)Organize the data into tables.
D)Omit the data from her report to avoid confusing her readers.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

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

A)correlation.
B)standard deviation.
C)average.
D)tabulation.

Question 5

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

A)195 
B)25 
C)30 
D)39

Question 6

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

A)195 
B)25 
C)30 
D)39

Question 7

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

A)Margin 
B)Median 
C)Mode 
D)Mean

Question 8

Of the three Ms, the ____________ is especially useful when extreme figures may warp the average.

A)mean 
B)mode 
C)median 
D)margin

Question 9

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

A)the table of contents and introduction.
B)conclusions and recommendations.
C)the executive summary and letter of transmittal.
D)the appendixes and bibliography.

Question 10

Using columns and rows, _____________ help researchers summarize and simplify data and make quantitative information easier to comprehend.

A)decision matrices 
B)tables 
C)correlations 
D)pie charts

Question 11

A total of 1,000 students responded to a survey about using student fees to build a new health care center on campus. Of those responding, 700 students said they "strongly agree" with this proposal. What percentage of students strongly agree? 

A)14.28 percent 
B)30 percent 
C)70 percent 
D)Impossible to determine with data provided

Question 12

Of the three Ms, the ____________ is generally the easiest to determine.

A)mean 
B)mode 
C)median 
D)margin

Question 13

When people say average, they usually intend to indicate the __________, or arithmetic average 

A)mean 
B)mode 
C)median 
D)margin

Question 14

What is the most accurate statement about correlations? 

A)Apparent correlations between two or more variables can stimulate investigation and present possible solutions to be explored.
B)Correlations prove cause-and-effect relationships.
C)Correlations are worthless as a statistical analysis tool.
D)All of these choices

Question 15

Arianna 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? 

A)Pie chart 
B)Grid 
C)Line chart 
D)Bar chart

Question 16

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

A)Web searches.
B)reports.
C)Wikipedia entries.
D)employees' comments during meetings.

Question 17

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

A)$33,000.
B)$85,400.
C)$427,000.
D)$89,000.

Question 18

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

A)use cross-tabulation.
B)determine the range of responses.
C)determine the average response.
D)determine the standard deviation.

Question 19

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

A)pie chart.
B)flowchart.
C)bar chart.
D)table.

Question 20

Drake has been assigned the task of researching and recommending security systems for a new branch office. Some features are more important than others, and Drake 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) 

A)organization chart.
B)pie chart.
C)flowchart.
D)decision matrix.

Question 21

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

A)Introduction/background, facts/findings, summary/conclusion 
B)Introduction/background, summary/conclusion, facts/findings 
C)Summary/conclusion, introduction/background, facts/findings 
D)Introduction/problem, facts/findings, discussion/analysis, conclusions/recommendations

Question 22

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

A)importance.
B)time.
C)convention.
D)criteria.

Question 23

An informational report presenting quarterly sales data for a clothing boutique's four branches would most likely be organized by 

A)time.
B)importance.
C)component.
D)criteria.

Question 24

Knowledgeable readers go straight to the _____________ to see what the report writer thinks the data mean. Because this section summarizes and explains the findings, it represents the heart of a report.

A)executive summary 
B)introduction 
C)appendix 
D)conclusions

Question 25

The direct pattern of organization is appropriate for reports whose audience 

A)is eager to learn the results quickly.
B)needs to be educated about the report subject.
C)requires persuasion to agree with the report's conclusions and recommendations.
D)has no prior knowledge about the subject of the report.

Question 26

Eric must submit a weekly sales data report that contains headings established by his supervisor. This recurring report is organized by 

A)criteria.
B)time.
C)component.
D)convention.

Question 27

Which statement about conclusions is least accurate? 

A)Any set of data can produce a variety of meaningful conclusions.
B)The best conclusions show the audience how the data relate to the problem being studied.
C)Report writers may choose to expand the conclusion section by explaining each item and citing supporting evidence.
D)Report writers should try to draw conclusions that are subjective.

Question 28

Select the most accurate statement about organizing report data.

A)Poorly organized reports lead to reader frustration.
B)Analytical reports generally present data without interpretation.
C)Analytical reports should always follow an indirect method, placing the conclusions and recommendations last.
D)All of these choices are accurate statements about organizing report data.

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of a recommendation? 

A)Institute a wellness program to encourage employees to improve their health by adopting healthy habits.
B)Employees who take part in wellness programs have fewer absences.
C)A wellness program can be an effective recruiting tool.
D)Having a wellness program can lead to reduced employee absenteeism.

Question 30

Angelina is writing a report to her supervisor about implementing a new employee orientation process. Her supervisor is highly supportive of the idea and wants to learn the details quickly. What organizational style should Angelina use for her report? 

A)Direct pattern 
B)Spiral pattern 
C)Indirect pattern 
D)Any of these choices

Question 31

Which statement is incorrect? 

A)Recommendations and conclusions may be combined.
B)Short reports may omit conclusions and move on to recommendations.
C)Recommendations should be general.
D)Recommendations should focus on solutions to the reader's problem.

Question 32

Select the best wording for a recommendation.

A)Our college campus should extend café hours to meet the needs of evening students.
B)Extend the campus café hours to meet the needs of evening students.
C)Perhaps we should extend the campus café hours to meet the needs of evening students.
D)Busy students are taking more evening classes and should be able to use the campus café before class.

Question 33

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

A)Introduction/problem, facts/findings, conclusions/recommendations, discussion/analysis 
B)Introduction/problem, conclusions/recommendations, facts/findings, discussion/analysis 
C)Introduction/background, facts/findings, summary/conclusion 
D)Summary/conclusion, introduction/background, facts/findings

Question 34

The indirect pattern of organization is best for readers who 

A)must be educated or persuaded.
B)are knowledgeable about the report topic.
C)are supportive of the report content.
D)are receptive to the information.

Question 35

Which of the following is a conclusion? 

A)Offering a wide range of benefits is the best way to recruit high-quality applicants.
B)Offer a wide range of benefits to recruit high-quality applicants.
C)Change your computer passwords once every six weeks.
D)Let me know your hiring decision by Friday.

Question 36

Which statement most accurately describes recommendations? 

A)Recommendations should be general to allow readers to apply them in a variety of ways.
B)Recommendations should begin with an action verb.
C)Recommendations should include words like maybe and perhaps to show that other solutions may exist.
D)Recommendations should be prepared before interpreting data.

Question 37

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

A)Direct pattern 
B)Spiral pattern 
C)Indirect pattern 
D)Any of these choices

Question 38

The conclusions of a report 

A)should be written using command language.
B)offer specific suggestions for actions that can solve a report problem.
C)should analyze information logically and show how the data answer questions and solve problems.
D)All of these choices

Question 39

Conclusions will usually be more objective if 

A)consistent criteria are used in evaluating options.
B)the data are manipulated to support a predetermined outcome.
C)the researcher relies on personal experience related to the report problem.
D)you use strong language to sensationalize your findings.

Question 40

A report that compares the services offered by three wireless companies should be organized by 

A)time.
B)criteria.
C)component.
D)convention.

Question 41

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

A)After, before, first, finally, now, previously, to conclude 
B)For example, for instance, in other words 
C)At the same time, but, however, though, yet 
D)Accordingly, as a result, consequently, therefore

Question 42

Matt is preparing headings for a report he is writing. What is the best advice you can give him as he creates his headings? 

A)Include end punctuation in all headings for clarity.
B)Underline all headings.
C)Include at least one heading per report page.
D)Matt should do all of these.

Question 43

What is the primary difference between informational and analytical reports? 

A)Informational reports are prepared for internal audiences, and analytical reports are prepared for external audiences.
B)Informational reports emphasize facts, and analytical reports emphasize reasoning and conclusions.
C)Informational reports are always organized directly, and analytical reports are always organized indirectly.
D)All of these choices are differences between informational and analytical reports.

Question 44

A good introductory paragraph for a business report should 

A)preview the main points and the order in which they will be developed.
B)tell the purpose of the report.
C)describe the significance of the report topic.
D)All of these choices.

Question 45

Which of the following is an example of a talking heading? 

A)Findings 
B)Recommendations 
C)Labor Costs 
D)Employees Show Support for Stock Options

Question 46

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

A)A report to determine which of three firms to use for after-hours security 
B)A report to determine whether a company should provide an on-site gym for its employees 
C)A report about a firm's profitability to be sent to the company's shareholders 
D)A report on a meeting held with members of the local chamber of commerce

Question 47

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

A)After, before, first, finally, now, previously, to conclude 
B)Again, also, moreover, furthermore 
C)At the same time, but, however, though, yet 
D)Accordingly, as a result, consequently, therefore

Question 48

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

A)Yardstick report 
B)Progress report 
C)Justification/recommendation report 
D)Investigative report

Question 49

Background, Findings, Staffing, and Budget are examples of 

A)talking headings.
B)functional headings.
C)generic headings.
D)transitional headings.

Question 50

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

A)A report recommending that an organization begin offering on-site child care to employees 
B)A report describing a new procedure for submitting expense claims 
C)A report analyzing reasons for a company's high turnover rate 
D)A report determining which wireless carrier to use for the sales staff's smartphones

Question 51

Which of the following headings is not grammatically balanced with the other headings? 

A)Increasing Employee Productivity 
B)Recruiting High-Quality Job Applicants 
C)Prevent Identify Theft 
D)Improving Employee Morale

Question 52

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

A)get a thorough chronological list of everything that occurred during a trip, convention, or conference.
B)determine whether the employee can be trusted to travel alone.
C)find out whether the organization's money was well spent in funding the travel.
D)gather material for press releases.

Question 53

Which of the following transitional expressions suggest cause and effect? 

A)After, before, first, finally, now, previously, to conclude 
B)For example, for instance, in other words 
C)At the same time, but, however, though, yet 
D)Accordingly, as a result, consequently, therefore

Question 54

Which of the following situations would require a yardstick report? 

A)Christine reviews the company's financial records to verify the amount each expense has changed during the quarter.
B)Donald 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.
C)Vivian presents data supporting the decision to open the company's newest restaurant in Baton Rouge.
D)Elijah conducts a study to determine whether customers prefer to dine in a restaurant or have food delivered to their homes.

Question 55

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

A)Time 
B)Importance 
C)Component 
D)Convention

Question 56

Which of the following is an analytical report? 

A)A report to determine whether a company should outsource its customer support function 
B)A report on quarterly sales at a restaurant location 
C)A report on the progress of a task force investigating ways to decrease overtime costs 
D)A report to stockholders showing the company's profits for the last quarter

Question 57

Progress and interim reports 

A)discuss the day-to-day operations of a company.
B)describe the status of continuing projects.
C)provide conclusions based on the data provided.
D)explain the benefits of a recommendation.

Question 58

Which of the following are examples of periodic (activity) reports? 

A)Sales, accounts payable, and personnel reports 
B)Trip, convention, and conference reports 
C)Investigative reports 
D)Justification/recommendation reports

Question 59

When is the best time to write the introduction to a business report? 

A)When you first start writing the report 
B)After you have completed the report 
C)About halfway through 
D)Any time you want; there is no preferred time for writing the introduction.

Question 60

Danielle will be preparing several business reports and has asked for your advice about designing the reports professionally. What is the best advice you can give her? 

A)Use a font size that is 8 to 10 points for the body of the report so that you can fit more on the page.
B)Insert as many graphics and clip art images as possible to make your report more interesting.
C)Do not justify the right margins.
D)Use a variety of fonts within the report to keep your reader interested.

Question 61

Leanne 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.

Question 62

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

Question 63

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

Question 64

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

Question 65

Conclusions and recommendations serve the same purpose.

Question 66

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

Question 67

Transitional expressions such as moreover, therefore, however, to conclude, and for instance help report readers see the logical flow of ideas in a report.

Question 68

Rafael wants to compare managers' opinions of the company's benefits package to the classified staff's opinions. Rafael should cross-tabulate his data.

Question 69

The conclusions and recommendations sections of a report are the most widely read parts of a business report.

Question 70

The headings Implementing Security Measures, Communicating With Employees, and Organizing Teams are grammaticaly balanced.

Question 71

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

Question 72

Another word for mode is "average." 

Question 73

The magazine Social Media Today is presenting the verbal opinions of technology experts on future business uses of social media. This information will be easiest to comprehend if presented in a pie chart.

Question 74

The median of the numbers 46, 20, 20, 50, and 24 is 24.

Question 75

An example of a recommendation is Both managers and classified staff members report that employee absenteeism has increased since the company's relocation.

Question 76

A report comparing four resort facilities being considered for a firm's annual retreat would be most effective if organized by criteria.

Question 77

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

Question 78

To be effective, conclusions should be as subjective as possible.

Question 79

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

Question 80

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