A Solid Surface from which to Explore: The Executive Summary as the Frontispiece of a Technical Hyperdocument

This research analyzes the purpose and organization of a well-written executive summary, reviews the characteristics of hypermedia, and compares the strengths and weaknesses of a typical executive summary published originally on paper and now under consideration for transition to hypermedia in order to determine which elements of an executive summary are essential before effective transition to hypermedia. The executive summary of a technical report is a stand-alone description of what was done, how it was done, what the results were, why they matter, and where further information is found in the report body. Executive summaries have a wider audience than the entire report and thus are written in non-technical language. To use the features of hypermedia (linked text, sound, animation, pictures) to create an effective online executive summary, several crucial executive summary elements must be in place in order for it to serve as a solid hyperdocument anchor node: what was done, how it was done, what the results were, and why they matter. Traditional elements such as implications and an orientation to the body of the report need not be included in an online executive summary. (AN)