Executive Summary

Question 1

What are executive summaries?

Answer 1

-One page or shorter
-Usually contains: purpose/reason, background info, detailed contents that supports your purpose/reason, action items, etc and summary/conclusion/recommendation

Question 2

What is the histroy of A3/A4 reports?

Answer 2

· A3 reports are part of Toyota’s standardized approach to problem-solving
· A3’s facilitate communication and action
· Toyota’s approach for problem solving involved pencil, eraser and one side of a piece of paper

Question 3

When do we use executive summary?

Answer 3

-All the time, especially…
· To clearly tell a story
· To simplify or clarify a complicated issue
· To communicate with a superior, client, or customer · create consensus

Question 4

Who should use executive Summary?

Answer 4

Any staff function, forum, or group that needs to communicate succinct info should use this executive summary (1 page) as a normal part of their business

Question 5

Who benefits from an executive summary?

Answer 5

· Everybody, on a distribution list
· Especially senior management

Question 6

What are the different sections of an executive summary?

Answer 6

1. Purpose(of this document)/Background Info
2. Objectives/Background (process)
3. Analysis (discussion, Identified Issues)
4. Impact on organization
5. Requested Actions.
6. Conclusion, Summary, Recommendation