Introduction
The executive summary is a document used in government and business and summarizes extended reports. Top-level executives and leaders use these documents to inform their decisions. Learning how to concisely distill large quantities of information to leadership's pragmatic needs is helpful and often a job requirement. Many organizations have specified formats that fit their organizational needs, but the guidelines you will be using apply.
Executive Summary Format
Topic: Microbial Biotechnology
Guidelines
Read the required readings as stated in this module's "Readings and Resources" section. They are textbooks, research papers, technical instructions, and BCC reports on M06: Reading and Resources (eReserves).
Watch the "Experimental & Technical" videos to learn about the techniques used in Biotechnology.
Write an Executive Summary of What you have learned this week. Your submission should be one to two (1-2) pages, double-spaced, and about 500 words. It should contain proper grammar, be free of spelling errors, and reflect critical and original thought. Use appropriate APA formatted references and citations (references do not count towards page length).
Objectives
- Summarize microbial biotechnology, including the importance, development, and production of applications and its role in bioterrorism. [Aligns with C1, C2]
Analyze the rationale for the application of standard laboratory methods in biotechnology applications. [Aligns with C6]
- Outline
Outline for Module 6 Executive Summary: The topic for this module is Microbial Biotechnology.
- Statement of purpose: Summarize the biotechnology techniques discussed in Module 6 to answer the questions: Who are the experts in these fields? Is this your audience?
- Purpose of communication: Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How?
- Discuss the biotechnology techniques in Module 6.
Explain their significance, advantages, and limitations.
- What scientific disciplines intersect with biotechnology, and how have they historically contributed to its development?
- Summary of Results: What does this mean?
- How do the unique features of bacteria contribute to their utility in biotechnological applications, and can you provide specific examples of these applications?
In what ways do fermentation processes, such as those producing alcohol and lactic acid, play a role in the food and beverage industry, and what are some common products derived from these processes?
- Can you discuss the significance of recombinant DNA technology in the production of proteins within bacterial cells and elaborate on the impact of this technology on the development of antibiotics and vaccines?
Other examples from the material listed in Module 6 that you would like to highlight.
- Conclusions: Why does this matter?
- Use the data you have to support your findings. Cite your work.
Call to action: actions and who should take them.
- This is your opportunity to demonstrate your subject matter expertise (SME). Be clear and deliberate with your thoughts. Have confidence in your knowledge.
- Select a specific industry where the discussed techniques can be applied.
- Justify your choice with a citation or a reference to current trends or needs in the industry.
- Outline the potential benefits and challenges of implementing these techniques in the chosen industry.
Considerations
- As you develop your executive summary, you must consider several things.
- Who is your audience? Consider the area of knowledge and who the experts are, and then write to inform them.
- Defining the purpose. This is why, what, when, how, and who. Why is this worthwhile? What is the problem? When is this relevant? How can it be applied? Who benefits from it? Who is harmed?
- Consider the structure of your executive summary. Each section should be clear and appropriately headed, with the organization of the section transitioning into the next section.
- Write clearly and concisely. Edit your paper. There should be no grammatical or spelling errors. With only one or two pages, every word matters. Additionally, do not assume that readers know your abbreviations; if you have an abbreviation, include the long version first. In technical documents, vocabulary or keyword lists are included with all the abbreviations used in the document.
Use clear and quantifiable examples and data to highlight the benefits. Write concisely. For example, 200 apples double the income earned over 100 apples. Compared to: more apples means more money. While the second example is true, it has less weight for a decision-maker. While this is a silly example, use quantifiable data when possible because it will be noticed. More importantly, having appropriate data in your summary demonstrates your subject matter expertise.
- The conclusion should include a call to action. If you need funds for your project, if you need manpower, if you need their engagement, state that clearly; don’t be shy. Finally, always include a deadline when you write a summary of when you expect a response. For this assignment, the date for practice should be the date that the summary is due.