Formatting tips for your FMP

Here I explain you, what are the good things to consider, in order to produce a nice looking printed FMP.

Font type: Always  Times New Roman 

Font size:  12 pt 

Page margins:  2 centimeters  on each side of the page

Line spacing

For the title page, abstract page, index pages & bibliography pages the line spacing should be double space. On the other side for the rest of the FMP you can choose between double space and 1,5 line space.

Chapters

For each chapter there should be one page that just shows the chapter number and the chapter title. After that insert a [Page Break] to be sure your chapter writing starts in the next page.

Captions

All images and tables must have a caption that explains the figure or table. Each caption should start with Fig., next should appear the chapter number, and finally the consecutive number on the chapter. For example a caption that shows Market share being it the 23rd figure of the third chapter would be like this:

Fig. 3.23 Market Share of XXX (source ABC institute)

Take a look at this video to learn how to insert a caption: Link


Cross References

After each figure or table, there should be a short explanation of the information we obtain from it, so we will refer to the specific fig. x.xx. But since the Fig. numbering will change as we include any other figure, then a good idea is to use cross referencing.

Take a look at this video to learn how to use cross referencing: Link

Header

Each page should have a header that states the FMP title ( including also the chapter could be a plus, but it is not mandatory). Also the names of the FMP member should appear. If the team members names appear at the right top of the page, then the title should appear at the left ( or vice versa).

Footer

Each page should have in its footer the page number, the business school name and if it is associated to a university then also the associated university name.

Separating line

If you want your FMP to look really profesional, then a good idea is to include an horizontal separating in the footer and in the header. In this way the text on the footer and header is separated from the main document. This horizontal line should be included inside the header or the footer.

Take a look at this video to learn how to insert a long line:   Link

Page Breaks
In order to have a FMP that is not chaotic, you need to include as many page breaks as needed, to insure that your figures and texts stay the way you want, even after you have included some new content in the middle of the document.

Take a look at this video to learn how to insert a page break:   Link

Before printing

Before printing any paper copy, print your whole document as a PDF file. Then check the layout to see if it is as you like. Once you are satisfied with the final PDF then you can print it confidently.

An Executive Summary in my FMP !

The main goal of any summary is to provide a condensed version of the content of a longer report.

Executive Summary should not be mistaken with a the FMP's Abstract. The abstract is a ultra short description (250 words) of the FMP, just for having a very general understanding of the FMP's subject.

The Executive Summary in a Master's FMP, should be longer (typically 3 to 5 pages), it objective is to help readers can rapidly become acquainted with the FMP without having to read it all, it can be thought as a miniature FMP.

• be approximately 3 to 5 pages long
• be written in the same order as the FMP
• be readable separately from the main report
• consist of short, concise paragraphs

• begin with a summary
• provide a justification
• have a conclusion
• make recommendations

Good and Poor examples of Executive Summaries ( link )

A FMP sample structure

The structure of any FMP (Final Master Project) should be such that it is easy to understand for a casual reader. One common problem of many FMP is that they are writen in such a way that there is not a conecting idea that links one chapter with the following. Each chapter should be the basement of the following chapter.

A good way to  think about the structure of a FMP is that it should resemble an hourglass. The FMP should go from a general perspective, and gradually enter in more specific matters, and once we arrive to the most particular issue, we will gradually start to implement the whole business plan. The center of the FMP (the most specifics issues) is the objective customer and the value proposition.

Each FMP is unique since the different products or services, require different studies, but as a general example check the following FMP structure...

• Front Page

• Abstract... in English and Spanish, 250 words maximum.

• Index of Contents 

• Index of tables + figures

Chapter 0: Introduction

Explanation of the problem addresed & the issues treated in each chapter of the FMP.

Usually between 7 and 15 pages long.

Chapter 1: World market trends.

Description of the world market (of our product or service), principal countries, main companies throught of the world. Growth trends in different markets, market participation, new innovations, new technologies, new tendencies arround the world.

Usually between 15 an 30 pages long.

Chapter 2: Local Market.

Explanation of how the local market (of our product or service) is different or similar to main world markets. Search of problems that can be solved with a product or service, Search of group of consumers big enough to be able to make viable a new product or service. PESTEL.

Usually between 10 and 30 pages long.

Chapter 3: Objective Customer & Value Proposition

Explanation of the characteristics that define the group of consumers that would be more interested in your product or service.   It is important to stress that this group need to be big enough in order to provide sufficient revenues in order to make the operation profitable. The value proposition should explain why the objective customer will prefer this product or service over other alternatives.
Usually between 5 and 15 pages long.

Chapter 4: Company Structure and Processes

Explanation of the company structure, headcount, department, legal status. values, mission, Product or service process.

Usually between 10 and 20 pages long.

Chapter 5: Marketing Plan.

Vision, Strategy. Brand, positioning, price policy, distribution channels, promotion, product or service design, etc..
Market data research and interrpretation of the results.
Usually between 15 and 30 pages long.

Chapter 6: Economic & Financial Plan

Breakeven point, budget, profits & looses, balance, ROI, payback, financing, etc..
Usually between 7 and 15 pages long.

Chapter 7: Conclusions

Executive Summary. Explanation of what will be achieved after the implementation of the FMP

Usually between 2 and 6 pages long.

Chapter 8: Bibliography

References with APA style format.

Chapter 9: Annexes

Any other materials of indirect importance.