Business Case Writing Executive Summary Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which best describes the key difference between an executive summary and an abstract?
- They are identical documents used interchangeably
- An abstract is longer and more detailed than an executive summary
- An executive summary can stand alone as a decision-making document, while an abstract merely describes the content (Correct answer)
- An abstract includes financial recommendations while an executive summary does not
Correct answer: An executive summary can stand alone as a decision-making document, while an abstract merely describes the content
Unlike an abstract that simply describes what a document contains, an executive summary is self-contained and provides enough information for a decision-maker to act without reading the full document.
Question 2: How should financial information be presented in a business case executive summary?
- With full spreadsheet breakdowns and detailed formulas
- As high-level figures such as total investment, expected ROI, and payback period (Correct answer)
- Only as percentages without absolute dollar amounts
- Financial information should not appear in an executive summary
Correct answer: As high-level figures such as total investment, expected ROI, and payback period
Financial information in an executive summary should be presented at a high level — total costs, expected returns, and key metrics — not with granular spreadsheet detail.
Question 3: What should the closing section of an executive summary contain?
- A list of all project team members and their responsibilities
- Technical specifications for the proposed solution
- A clear call to action or recommendation for the decision-maker (Correct answer)
- A bibliography of all sources cited in the business case
Correct answer: A clear call to action or recommendation for the decision-maker
The closing section should include a clear recommendation and call to action, guiding the decision-maker toward the desired outcome.
Question 4: How should competing solution options be handled in an executive summary?
- All options should be listed with equal weight and no recommendation
- Briefly mention that options were evaluated and state the recommended option with key reasons (Correct answer)
- Describe each option in full detail with complete analysis
- Competing options should never be mentioned in an executive summary
Correct answer: Briefly mention that options were evaluated and state the recommended option with key reasons
A good executive summary briefly acknowledges that alternatives were considered while clearly stating the recommended option and the primary reasons for selecting it.
Question 5: Which writing technique is most effective in an executive summary?
- Passive voice to avoid assigning responsibility
- Dense paragraphs to convey thorough analysis
- Active voice with strong, action-oriented verbs (Correct answer)
- Heavy technical terminology to demonstrate expertise
Correct answer: Active voice with strong, action-oriented verbs
Active voice with strong verbs creates clear, direct communication that is easier for executives to read quickly and act upon.
Question 6: A business case executive summary for a $5M IT investment should primarily focus on:
- Detailed system architecture and technical requirements
- The business problem, strategic alignment, expected ROI, and approval request (Correct answer)
- A full list of vendor comparisons and technical specifications
- HR implications and staffing changes in complete detail
Correct answer: The business problem, strategic alignment, expected ROI, and approval request
Regardless of investment size, the executive summary must focus on business justification, strategic fit, financial returns, and the specific approval being requested.
Question 7: What is the most effective way to open an executive summary?
- Start with a thank-you to the project sponsor
- Begin with the proposed solution to immediately grab attention
- Open with a compelling statement of the problem or business opportunity (Correct answer)
- Start by introducing the project team and their qualifications
Correct answer: Open with a compelling statement of the problem or business opportunity
Opening with the problem or business opportunity immediately establishes why the business case matters and draws the reader into understanding the need for action.
Business Case Writing Executive Summary Writing 2
Which best describes the key difference between an executive summary and an abstract?