The Recommendation

When developing a recommendation, it’s essential that the rationale behind it becomes clear by the time you present it. Your analysis and discussion of alternatives should lead naturally to this point. The recommendation should detail the decision, and you can enhance it by adding additional information in the implementation phase. This helps to summarise your analysis effectively.

The result of your analysis, along with the alternatives considered, should culminate in a clear recommendation. To reinforce this recommendation, it’s necessary to provide further details. Consider what additional support might be required, including a detailed implementation plan and financial specifics. Typically, the recommendation itself is succinct, summarising what has been decided, and it should transition smoothly into the implementation and financial plans you present.

As you craft your presentation, anticipate the key questions your audience or judges may ask: What is the cost of the solution? Is there value for money? Is it feasible and affordable? Additionally, ensure that the recommendation does not hinder the organisation's current operations. It must be affordable yet significant enough to address the problem or other outstanding issues. Be careful not to undervalue the solution; ensure that it interests your audience.

When discussing costs, make sure to distinguish between one-time costs and ongoing expenses. Clearly outline both types, indicating that these represent initial project expenses and expected future costs.

Furthermore, consider how much detail is necessary in the financials. This is a topic you will delve into more extensively in the financial slides, but the goal is to present the costs, profitability, and key figures clearly. You may need to include things like pro forma statements, but ensure that your presentation is concise and not overloaded with data that may distract from your message.

Organise the financial information logically and group expenses together meaningfully to maintain your audience's focus. Using a best-case, worst-case, and expected scenario for comparisons can be a useful technique to demonstrate the range of potential outcomes. This way, your audience understands what is most likely, as well as the potential for best and worst outcomes.

When discussing risks and mitigations, explain how you plan to achieve the expected results, avoid the worst-case scenario, and consider how to address any unintended challenges that could arise from exceeding expectations.