What is an Executive Summary?
Answer
Executive summaries are common in the Marist School of Management programs, 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, similar to an abstract that you would see in a scholarly journal article. 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.
For example, a 35-page report may begin with a single-page executive summary of all of the main information in the longer report.
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.
If you need further help, contact a librarian