executive summary of a dissertation

The First Impression: Executive Summary In A Research Paper

Having trouble writing the executive summary for your research paper? Learn how to write it in a research paper with our step-by-step guide.

Do you think a scholar has the time to read all the content of your research paper? They will have infinite papers to check, so they definitely won’t read it thoroughly, so how do they know if it is worth reading or not? Now, you must’ve seen short summaries in front of every research paper; ever wondered what that is? 

Well, that is your first impression of the article and as the saying goes, “first impression is always the best impression”, it is important to make sure that the summary is catchy and perfect to grab the scholar’s attention. 

Those types of summaries are known as Executive Summaries and in this article, we are going to learn in-depth about the executive summary in a research paper, along with tips and guidelines for writing them.

What Is An Executive Summary In A Research Paper?

In a research paper, the executive summary serves as a condensed version of the entire paper. It provides a snapshot of the key elements and findings of the research, allowing readers to quickly grasp the purpose, methodology, and main outcomes without having to read the entire document.

Why Do We Compose An Executive Summary?

We compose an executive summary for several important reasons:

1. Decision-Making Support

Executives, stakeholders, or decision-makers rely on executive summaries to make informed decisions. By presenting key information clearly and concisely, an executive summary helps decision-makers understand the essence of the document and evaluate its significance and potential impact.

2. Accessible To A Wide Audience

Executive summaries are shared with diverse audiences, including those without specialized knowledge. By distilling complex information, executive summaries make the content more accessible to a broader range of readers.

3. Overview Of Research Or Project

An executive summary offers a high-level overview of the research or project, outlining objectives, methodology, and main findings. It provides a snapshot of the work, allowing readers to quickly assess its relevance and determine if they need to explore the full document. Also Read: How to Write a Summary of an Article

The Executive Summary Length And Placement

The length and placement of an executive summary can vary depending on specific requirements and guidelines. However, there are some general considerations to keep in mind:

• Length : Executive summaries are typically kept relatively short, ranging from a few paragraphs to a couple of pages. They aim to provide a concise overview of the main points and findings of the document.
• Placement : In most cases, the executive summary is placed at the beginning of the document, before the main body or introduction. This allows readers to quickly access the key information without having to go through the entire document. However, in some cases, it may be placed at the end, serving as a summary or recap of the main points for those who have already read the document.

It’s important to note that the length and placement of the executive summary can be influenced by specific guidelines or requirements set by the organization or publication. 

Structure Of An Executive Summary For A Research Paper

The structure of an executive summary for a research paper can vary slightly depending on the specific requirements and nature of the research. However, a commonly used structure includes the following key elements:

Introduction

Provide a brief introduction that sets the context for the research. Clearly state the purpose, objectives, and significance of the study.

Research Methodology

Summarize the research methodology used in the study. Briefly explain the data collection methods, sample size, research design, and any statistical analyses employed. This helps establish the credibility and reliability of the research.

Key Findings

Present the most significant findings of the research. Summarize the main results, trends, or patterns that emerged from the data analysis. Focus on the key outcomes that directly address the research objectives.

Conclude the executive summary by summarizing the main points and emphasizing the overall significance of the research. Restate the main findings and their implications in a concise manner. Also read our content about Thesis Conclusion: Making Your Research Paper Outstanding .

Executive Summary For A Research Paper Formatting

When formatting an executive summary for a research paper, it’s important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the target journal or publication. General formatting considerations to keep in mind:

• Title : Include a clear and descriptive title for the executive summary at the top of the page. It should reflect the content and focus of the research paper.
• Length : The length of the executive summary can vary, but it is typically recommended to be concise, ranging from a few paragraphs to a maximum of one or two pages. Adhere to any specified word count or page limit guidelines.
• Formatting Style: Follow the formatting style required by the target journal or publication. This may include font type, font size, line spacing, and margins. Typically, a professional and readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial with a standard font size of 12 points is used.
• Structure and Subheadings: Use clear and informative subheadings to structure the content of the executive summary. This helps guide the reader through the main sections, such as Introduction, Methodology, Key Findings, Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusion .
• Concise Writing: Write in a concise and focused manner, using clear and simple language. Avoid unnecessary technical jargon or complex explanations. Use bullet points or numbered lists to present key findings or recommendations, making them easy to read and comprehend.
• Proofreading and Editing: Before finalizing the executive summary, carefully proofread and edit the content for clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness. Ensure that the summary is free from errors and presents a professional image.

The Executive Summary Mistakes To Avoid

When crafting an executive summary, it’s important to be mindful of certain mistakes that can diminish its effectiveness. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Lack Of Clarity

Ensure that the executive summary is clear and concise. Avoid using jargon, complex language, or technical terms that may confuse readers. Aim for straightforward and accessible language that can be understood by a diverse audience.

Excessive Length

Remember that an executive summary is meant to be a condensed version of the main document. Avoid making it too long or including unnecessary details. Keep it concise and focused on the most important information.

Lack of Context

Provide sufficient context to help readers understand the research and its significance. Avoid jumping straight into the findings without setting the stage. Briefly explain the background, objectives, and methodology to provide a clear context for the research.

Inconsistent Tone

Maintain a consistent and professional tone throughout the executive summary. Avoid using overly casual language or an inconsistent writing style that may undermine the credibility of the research.

Missing Contact Information

Include relevant contact information, such as names, email addresses, or phone numbers, so that readers can reach out for further inquiries or discussions. This ensures that interested parties can easily connect with the authors.

Executive Summary Writing Tips And Recommendations

When writing an executive summary, consider the following tips and recommendations to ensure its effectiveness:

• Start Strong : Begin the executive summary with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Clearly state the purpose, importance, and relevance of the research to engage the audience from the start.
• Be Succinct: Keep the executive summary concise and to the point. Focus on the most critical information and avoid unnecessary tangents or excessive details. Use clear and concise language to convey the key points effectively.
• Structure with Headings: Organize the executive summary with headings and subheadings to create a logical flow of information. This helps readers navigate the content and locate specific sections quickly.
• Maintain Consistency: Ensure that the executive summary aligns with the main document in terms of key points, language, and style. Avoid introducing new information or contradictory statements that may confuse the reader.
• Use Visuals Sparingly: Incorporate visuals such as charts, graphs, or diagrams if they significantly enhance the understanding of the research. Ensure they are clear, well-labeled, and easy to interpret.
• Seek Feedback: Consider sharing the executive summary with colleagues, mentors, or experts in the field for feedback and suggestions. Incorporate their insights to improve the clarity and effectiveness of the summary.

In conclusion, the executive summary plays a crucial role in research papers by providing a condensed yet comprehensive overview of the study’s main points and findings. It serves as a valuable tool for busy readers, decision-makers, and stakeholders who require a concise understanding of the research without delving into the full document.

Also Read: How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper (Example and Tips)

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About Sowjanya Pedada

Sowjanya is a passionate writer and an avid reader. She holds MBA in Agribusiness Management and now is working as a content writer. She loves to play with words and hopes to make a difference in the world through her writings. Apart from writing, she is interested in reading fiction novels and doing craftwork. She also loves to travel and explore different cuisines and spend time with her family and friends.

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How to Write a Great Executive Summary For Your University Thesis (First Conditionals)

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How to write a great executive summary.

INTRODUCTION:

In business, a lot of information is conveyed through lengthy, comprehensive documents like white papers, business plans, case studies, and research reports. A lot of money and other resource investments are on the line in most business decisions, so leaders and investors need to understand every factor and variable involved before making those decisions.

But the business world tends to move quickly, and that means professionals often don’t have the time to read extensive reports before starting projects or making decisions. This is where the executive summary comes in. An executive summary is a condensed version of a longer business document that enables readers to absorb the same information more quickly.

QUESTION: ASK ME ONE QUESTION ABOUT THE CONTENT IN THIS PARAGRAPH:

WRITING:   WRITE A SHORT SUMMARY OF THE INFORMAION IN THIS PARAGRAPH:

In your text add one example of the first conditional using the structure below.

SECTION ONE:

What is an executive summary?

An executive summary is the abridged form of a business document. Although it can be tempting to compare an executive summary to an abstract for an academic report or paper, there is a key difference between these two types of document: An abstract is a synopsis of a report or paper that sums up the document, while an executive summary is a shortened version that still hits all the main document’s key points.

An executive summary gives readers, often business leaders, investors, partners, or purchasers, a sneak peek of the full contents so they can make decisions about how to proceed with the company or proposal. In this way, it’s similar to an elevator pitch , except it’s representing a piece of writing rather than an individual’s goals.

Continuing with the first conditional:

Now answer the first conditional questions below.

SECTION TWO:

What types of documents or projects require an executive summary?

Often, executive summaries are associated with business plans. When an executive summary is part of a business plan, its purpose is largely to engage prospective investors and buyers.

But a business plan isn’t the only place you might find an executive summary. They’re also used with:

In your text include another example of the first conditional.

SECTION THREE:

Sections of an executive summary

Generally, an executive summary for a business plan includes the following sections:

• Table of contents

The table of contents lists the sections included in the main document. This gives an even more concise overview of the document and the executive summary itself.

• Company background/About

In the company background/about section, the reader learns about the company’s mission statement , market position, niche, and goals. In some cases, this section also includes a brief history of the company. This section provides context for the goals and strategies explained in the rest of the executive summary and the plan as a whole.

SECTION FOUR:

Market opportunities

This section discusses the opportunities present in the current market. It may present these opportunities as a problem to solve or as a need that can be fulfilled.

After introducing the opportunities, problems, or needs present in the current market, the solution section discusses how the company can capitalize on them.

• Competitive advantages

This section discusses how the business is uniquely positioned to succeed in reaching its goals through its plans.

• Financial highlights

The financial highlights section includes any financial insights relevant to the plan, such as current profit levels and expenses, and any funding the company hopes to secure.

These sections can vary somewhat depending on the document being summarized. For example, an executive summary for a project proposal might include a section that analyzes the state of the company’s industry as well as its specific market. It might also include a section that justifies the proposed course of action, citing internal concerns and how it fits into the company’s overall strategy.

Despite variations in their sections and content, every executive summary has the same goal: to provide a concise, informative look at the document so readers can engage with the company or plan more easily.

LISTENING SECTION:

Watch the video below and answer the questions below.

• What are the two parts of a first conditional sentence called?
• What are the two tenses used in a first conditional sentence?
• Give me an example of a first conditional sentence without using the words  “IF” and “WILL”

SECTION FIVE:

How to write an executive summary

Create an outline.

With just about any kind of writing, the best way to start is by creating an outline. An outline achieves a few goals:

• Organizes the key points into a coherent narrative
• Makes it easy to understand which points to include and which to omit
• Gives you a road map to follow as you write

Your outline serves as a useful tool when you prewrite . Ideally, the executive summary is the part of your document you write last, since you can’t summarize the full document if you don’t yet have a full document. With the full document in hand, jot down the key sections you need to include in your executive summary and the points to hit in each section. By doing this, you’re creating an outline after you’ve written (or been given) the full document and before you write the executive summary.

SECTION SIX:

State and define the purpose or problem

As you write, remember your executive summary’s purpose. This should drive everything you write, including how you frame the problem the project aims to solve and where you include relevant statistics to support the proposed solution.

When writing about the purpose or problem the plan solves, give as much context as necessary without overexplaining. Remember, your readers will get the full story from the main document. However, the executive summary should give them a strong enough grasp of the problem that they aren’t surprised by anything they read in the full document.

SECTION SEVEN:

Solution or next steps

After clearly defining the purpose or problem, explain the solution to that problem or the next steps outlined in your strategy. Similar to the section about the document’s purpose, this section should be comprehensive enough to give the reader a solid understanding of the solution without getting bogged down with lengthy explanations.

An executive summary’s conclusion is, in a lot of ways, just like any other conclusion . It reiterates the key points you made in the executive summary’s body sections, answers any questions the reader might have, and leaves them with a clear sense of what to do next (which is usually to read the full document).

How to format an executive summary

An executive summary doesn’t need to stick to a specific length or word count . Usually, they’re one to two pages long. However, achieving the goal—concisely explaining the document’s main points in a way that’s both authentic and engaging—is far more important than fitting a specific format.

Because an executive summary is part of a business document, it’s important to use a professional tone. That said, keep the jargon to a minimum—many of your executive summary’s readers, such as prospective buyers, might not be in your industry and will understand the document better if you use plain language . Use your discretion, though—if you know the document will be shared and read only internally, jargon might not be a concern.

SECTION EIGHT:

Executive summary vs. an abstract

An abstract is a short overview of an academic document. It doesn’t answer everything; it acts as a teaser by giving the reader just enough information to make them start formulating questions and anticipate the answers they’ll find in the main document. In addition to this, an abstract helps the reader quickly determine whether the document contains the information they’re looking for. When the reader is doing research, abstracts save them a lot of time.

An executive summary, in contrast, provides a condensed version of the main document. Its goal isn’t to get the reader’s mind to formulate questions; it’s to give a full summary so they know what to expect from the main document.

Executive summary vs. project plan

A project plan is a blueprint for a project. It’s similar to an outline in that it maps the project’s big-picture elements, such as goals, budget, milestones, stakeholders, and success metrics. An executive summary is less technical than a project plan. It offers a rundown of the project’s most important information but doesn’t go as deep with statistics and figures.

SECTION NINE:

Executive summary FAQs

An executive summary is a condensed version of a longer business document.

What is its purpose?

The purpose of an executive summary is to provide a quick look at the content in a longer business document. This makes it easier for readers, who may be business leaders, prospective partners and vendors, or investors, to understand and engage with the full document.

What kind of documents or projects require an executive summary?

• Business plans
• Project proposals
• Market surveys
• Business proposals
• Research documents
• Project plans

SECTION TEN:

What are the sections of an executive summary?

Each executive summary is unique, but they generally include the following sections:

• Introduction
• Market opportunity

FINAL QUESTION :

Can you find an example of the first conditional in the text of this lesson?

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Common Assignments: Executive Summaries

Basics of executive summaries.

Executive summaries are common in the Walden MBA program, but they are also found as part of some government and business documents. As a student, you should complete an executive summary when specifically requested to do so. An executive summary is a comprehensive review of a larger document. For example, a 35-page report may begin with a single-page executive summary all of the main information in the longer report. Any findings, conclusions, recommendations, or other details that appear in the larger document must be touched on in the executive summary. Readers should be able to read the executive summary alone and have a complete understanding of the larger document in its entirety.

How to Write an Executive Summary

It is important to meet all length and content expectations, so be sure to review the specific directions for your assignment. Also remember that the executive summary can only be written after the full-length document is complete.

Tips for completing the executive summary from Walden University (2013) include:

• List all of the main points in the same order in which they occur in the paper that you are summarizing.
• Take each point and turn it into a sentence.
• Add additional sentences to clarify or explain each point.
• Add a short introduction and a short conclusion. Include the name of the article, report, etc. and the author(s) in the introduction.
• Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Check for plagiarism.
• Read the summary slowly and carefully to make sure it covers all of the main points clearly, yet concisely. Also, check to be sure it is interesting. You want to catch your reader’s attention.
• Set it aside. Let some time pass and read it again. Often, you will catch items that you did not see the first time.

For academic writing, be sure to include appropriate citations and a reference. This is typically not part of a business executive summary but should be included for purposes of this program.

Walden University. (2013). How to write an executive summary [Course handout]. https://class.waldenu.edu

Executive Summary Versus Abstract

Like an executive summary, an abstract is a short summary of a larger text. Both executive summaries and abstracts are meant to capture the main ideas, findings, and conclusions of a longer document.  Executive summaries, however, tend to include more details than abstracts. An abstract includes enough information for readers to decide if they want to read the full-length document. Executive summaries must include enough information for readers to understand the full-length document without reading it.

Another difference between executive summaries and abstracts are the fields where they are used. Generally, executive summaries are common in business and government, while abstracts are more common in academia and at Walden, especially when seeking publication in a professional journal.

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