How to Write a Mid-Project Report
A mid-project report is an update on an initiative. The reports are usually distributed to people affected by the project, such as managers and supervisors. A marketing director for a nonprofit organization may distribute a mid-project report on planning for a major fund-raising initiative. Or a builder may provide a bank with a mid-project report on new housing project awaiting funding. Mid-project reports are usually highly detailed and often require significant time to complete.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Review all records kept and all important correspondence about the project since its start. Also review the reasons for the projects and the anticipated outcomes. Ideally, the mid-project report should show that the project is on target and that expected outcomes are being met. However, truthfulness and transparency are most important. The mid-project report must paint an accurate picture of the project's status, even if the news is not good.
-
2
Prepare an executive summary. The executive summary is an overview of the project. It should briefly recap what the project is, why it was initiated and what it is intended to do. The summary should mention why the project is important and its potential impact on the company or organization. Finish the executive summary with two or three paragraphs summing up the state of the project at the midpoint. Present the status in the most favorable way possible while remaining truthful.
-
-
3
Provide additional detail to support the executive summary, including spreadsheets, cost analysis reports, budgets and more. Offer a detailed time line showing the start of the project and where it stands today versus projections.
-
4
Use charts and graphs as much as possible for visible impact. Use bullet points or boldface headings to draw attention to special causes of concern, such as cost overruns, insufficient funding, inadequate staffing or something else. The goal of the mid-project report is to provide stakeholders with an update -- and also sound off about problems that may jeopardize the initiative. Raising the issues in the report could lead to additional support for getting back on track.
-
5
End the report with a conclusion. Use the conclusion to reiterate problems with the project and what must be done to correct them. Or indicate that the project is pacing well and will meet expectations.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
