Business Case Writing Executive Summary Writing 2

Question 1

Which best describes the key difference between an executive summary and an abstract?

Accepted Answer

An executive summary can stand alone as a decision-making document, while an abstract merely describes the content

Answer

They are identical documents used interchangeably

Answer

An abstract is longer and more detailed than an executive summary

Answer

An abstract includes financial recommendations while an executive summary does not

Question 2

How should financial information be presented in a business case executive summary?

Accepted Answer

As high-level figures such as total investment, expected ROI, and payback period

Answer

With full spreadsheet breakdowns and detailed formulas

Answer

Only as percentages without absolute dollar amounts

Answer

Financial information should not appear in an executive summary

Question 3

What should the closing section of an executive summary contain?

Accepted Answer

A clear call to action or recommendation for the decision-maker

Answer

A list of all project team members and their responsibilities

Answer

Technical specifications for the proposed solution

Answer

A bibliography of all sources cited in the business case

Question 4

How should competing solution options be handled in an executive summary?

Accepted Answer

Briefly mention that options were evaluated and state the recommended option with key reasons

Answer

All options should be listed with equal weight and no recommendation

Answer

Describe each option in full detail with complete analysis

Answer

Competing options should never be mentioned in an executive summary

Question 5

Which writing technique is most effective in an executive summary?

Accepted Answer

Active voice with strong, action-oriented verbs

Answer

Passive voice to avoid assigning responsibility

Answer

Dense paragraphs to convey thorough analysis

Answer

Heavy technical terminology to demonstrate expertise

Question 6

A business case executive summary for a $5M IT investment should primarily focus on:

Accepted Answer

The business problem, strategic alignment, expected ROI, and approval request

Answer

Detailed system architecture and technical requirements

Answer

A full list of vendor comparisons and technical specifications

Answer

HR implications and staffing changes in complete detail

Question 7

What is the most effective way to open an executive summary?

Accepted Answer

Open with a compelling statement of the problem or business opportunity

Answer

Start with a thank-you to the project sponsor

Answer

Begin with the proposed solution to immediately grab attention

Answer

Start by introducing the project team and their qualifications