1.Summary – a 1 page summary statement should begin the report and should devote one paragraph to each section of the report.  Next, report on each area in more details.

2. Problem definition.  Describe and explain the problem using statistics, graphics, anecdotes, or other devices.  Argue how the audience or client should perceive the problem.

3. Evaluate criteria – Clarify what is good.  List and explain the criteria used.  Be sensitive to political constraints

4. Alternatives Describe the alternatives.  Group similar alternatives and discuss the general types and variation.

5/ Analysis and Comparison – Explain how you evaluated the alternatives using the criteria you have described.  Use basis statistics, decision analysis, mathematical formulas, scenarios, and other techniques you can defend.  Test the sensitivity of alternatives to changes in parameters.  Summarize and compare the alternatives.  Exclude inadequate alternatives, after briefly and defensibly explaining why, and detail other alternatives.

6. Conclusion – present your conclusions and recommendations.  Report uncertainties and the effects of accepting your conclusion and following your recommendations.

7. Next steps.  Is more research and analysis needed?  What specific steps should your client take next if your recommendations are accepted?  Include plans for monitoring and evaluation.  Offer alternative steps as well, to avoid forcing the client to choose all or nothing.

Budgetary Tools – only use 3

Activity-base costing

Net Present Value

Cost Benefit Analysis

Sensitivity analysis

Return on Investment

Cost effectiveness analysis

Fiscal impact analysis