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Performance reports for management

Reports for performance management

1.1 Introduction

Performance reports (output reports) are produced for managers from the MIS.

A variety of reports are produced, e.g. from general monthly management accounts
to more specific reports such as an inventory report for the production manager.

1.2 Designing a good performance management report

Four key considerations

1 Layout 2 Purpose
 The layout should help the user to  The report should reflect the
quickly understand the results, the organisation’s mission and objectives.
key trends and the reasons for these
 In the exam you may be critiquing a
 Information overload with vast report that focuses too narrowly on
amounts of numerical data is a profit.
common theme in exam questions. A
more tailored numerical presentation
with the inclusion of narrative
explanations and visual
representations (e.g. graphs and
charts) can be helpful.

3 Information 4 Audience

 The information should match the  The report must be relevant and
purpose and be a mix of financial and adaptable to the needs of the user,
non-financial (quantitative and easy to use and understandable.
qualitative).
 In the exam, consider who the user is
 A common theme in exam questions – skilled, experienced managers may
is that the organisation’s performance be able to understand the report
report focuses solely on financial without further information where as,
performance. say, the local community may have
fewer skills and require explanation.

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