ANALYSING A SPREADSHEET AND PRESENTING A BUSINESS REPORT
Porpoise Swim School is a ‘learn to swim’ centre located in the Northern
suburbs of Melbourne. Regina Sharky owns the swim centre. Regina teaches
a number of the swim classes herself and enjoys this aspect of her work. She
also handles bookings, accounts and organises the swim teaching roster for
the six long-term casual teaching staff she employs (pay rates have been
determined by both age and qualifications). She also employs a receptionist
who works on an hourly rate whenever classes are being held.
The swim school offers a range of swim programs for infants and children.
Classes are booked for the entire term. The cost per term is dependent on the
number of weeks in the Victorian school term. Parents are requested to pay
fees in advance. If fees are paid in full before term begins customers receive
a discount.
Earlier in the year, Regina was becoming increasingly concerned that her
business was behind budget.
In an effort to improve profitability she
conducted research into the type of classes offered by successful swim
schools in other areas. Based on this research she has introduced two new
class types into the term three schedule. (Penguin and Dolphin) She has also
introduced a number of Saturday morning classes and has recently employed
a new experienced swim teacher, Rachael Potter. Although Rachael is paid a
higher rate she is more qualified and has greater experience than other staff.
Regina is hoping that these measures have encouraged new customers to her
swim school and will improve the profitability of her business.
Regina has set up a spreadsheet. She has asked you to complete any
relevant calculations and to use excel ‘tools’ to analyse the data she has
given you. She then requires you to provide a business report with regards to
the effectiveness of these measures and suggestions regarding how she
should structure the timetable in term four. She realises there are other
factors that may impact the results of the data. At least two additional factors
should be considered and discussed before you make your recommendations.
A spreadsheet has been provided for you containing the data for term three
enrolments.
Report Content
The analysis, findings and recommendations which you prepare for Regina
should be outlined in a professional business report.
This report should include: A Table of Contents (TOC) generated by MS Word. Default settings for the
table of contents should not be altered. A brief Introduction that outlines clearly the purpose of the report. A brief presentation of the analysis you have carried out and a discussion
regarding the results of this analysis. Identification/discussion regarding other factors that may be affecting the
results. A short concluding summary of the content of the report. Finally, at least two clear recommendations that Regina can adopt. These
recommendations must be drawn from the analysis that you have carried out,
and must have been discussed in the body of your report.
Specifically you should:
• Ensure your report is concise: 1000 words. This word count includes title
page and TOC. It does not include appendices. (Note: a 10% variance is
acceptable.)
• Present the report in a professional, business format with no spelling or
grammatical errors. • Use appropriate headings and subheadings throughout the body of the
report.
• Align text using full justification.
• Include a page header with a suitably formatted title (the header must not
appear on the title page).
• Include at least two appropriate charts – which you have created – either
in the body of your report (appropriately labelled) or as an appendix at the
end of the report. The material in the charts must be discussed as part of the
paper.
