An abstract and an executive summary may play the same role in writing, but there are differences between them that you need to understand. Ideally, both play the role of providing a summarized version of a study to give readers an overview of a whole project. But they differ in length, structure, and overall purpose.
In this abstract vs executive summary guide, you’ll learn of the similarities and the differences between the two, so you have a clear picture of what they are and the role they play in writing.
While an executive summary and an abstract present the significance of a project in a shorter form, they both have distinct level of details. An abstract condenses a document in a few words. An executive summary, on the other hand, is a standalone version of a thesis.
With that said, let’s get started.
Abstract vs Executive Summary: Learn The Differences
The following is an abstract vs executive summary teardown to help you understand the similarities and differences between the two concepts:
What is an Abstract?
An abstract is a summary of an overview of a research project important points and findings. An abstract is the first part of a research that people read, so you need to make sure you provide comprehensive and engaging information to keep them hooked.
Your abstract should:
- Include the core problem, the precise aim or target, and, if applicable, the extent of the project.
- Feature a clear description of the manner in which you carried out your research. In this respect, the section should feature the test procedures used, and the means by which you carried out the research.
- Highlight what you discovered, as well as the conclusions, suggestions, and conclusion
Despite the fact that the abstract is the initial section of your paper, we strongly recommend that you write it one you’ve worked on the other parts of the paper.
The abstract should be 150 to 300 words long, stand on its own as a summary of your whole article, and it should be clear to someone who hasn’t read your paper or any relevant materials in your work.
The abstract should be on its own page (NOT as a standalone project), following the title page and acknowledgments but before the table of contents.
What Types of Abstracts Are There?
There are two types of abstracts:
- Humanities abstract
- Scientific abstract
Abstracts in the Humanities
The purpose of a humanity abstract is to give a quick summary of the paper’s content. When writing an abstract in the humanities, it’s crucial that the abstract matches the paper’s arrangement. Also, make sure you write it in the third person present tense.
Abstracts in Scientific Papers
The objective of a scientific abstract is to tell the reader about the procedure and purpose of an experiment. You should write this type of an abstract in past tense passive voice.
What is an Executive Summary?
An executive summary is a brief document that condenses a lengthy report or proposal so that readers may quickly get familiar with a great amount of information without having to read it all.
It generally includes a brief explanation of the issue or proposition addressed in the primary document(s), background information, a succinct analysis, and key findings. The primary aim of an abstract is to make it easy for managers to make better decisions.
Executive summaries should be as brief as feasible. Your audience is pressed for time and attention, and they want to learn as much as possible about your company strategy in the shortest time. Keep your executive summary as short as two page, although you can make it longer if you have important information to share.
Related: Extended Essay Abstract
What Information Should an Executive Summary Include?
If your teacher has asked you to write a business plan, make sure the executive summary section includes the most important information about the proposed business. Here are some ideas:
1. Product Description & the Problem the Business Can Solve
Include a concise explanation of the product or service you’re selling, as well as why it’s important. Your company doesn’t have to solve a bigger societal issue, but it should meet a consumer need or a market opportunity.
2. A Definition and Explanation of Your Target Market
Your target market is people you believe will be your clients. The product name alone may be sufficient to define your target market. But if it doesn’t, a quick explanation of your target market—your major audience or the individuals you believe would be willing to pay for your solution—can suffice.
3. A Complete Overview of Finances
If you already have a business, this might be as easy as showcasing current yearly sales and growth in the previous year. It might be a quick summary of ambitions for a startup, such as a sales prediction aim for the following year. A basic highlights chart, a bar chart displaying revenue and gross margin over the next three years is something you should include in the executive summary section of your document.
4. Business Competition
Assuming that your firm will face competition (and it will), discuss how your company will set itself apart. Are you in a pricing war, a quality war, or something else entirely? Make your description as concise as possible, and remember to keep it short.
5. The People in Your Business (Or Your Team)
This is especially critical for new businesses. Investors want to know who is behind the company’s concept and why you and your team are the best individuals to run it. It’s also a good idea to point out any weaknesses in your team – and how you plan to fill them. If you have any possible partners or candidates in mind, list them briefly in your comprehensive business plan and expound on their qualities.
Related: How to Write an Abstract for a Research Proposal
Final Thoughts
Both an abstract and an executive summary are important because they present a condensed version of a research and business document respectively.
However, the executive summary tends to be longer than the abstract. Also, an executive summary has a limited audience, often focusing strictly on matter to do with business and related transactions.