An entity can describe its operations by:

• Explaining the nature and types of activities undertaken by the entity (for example, mining, retail, manufacturing) and any entities it owns or controls;
• Identifying the countries or regions where the entity's operations are located or take place; or
• Providing facts and figures about the entity's operations, such as factories, offices, franchises, and/or stores.

Here are examples of the types of activities that a reporting entity might describe:

1. The direct purpose of employment of their workers. For example, a manufacturing company may describe that workers operate the company’s manufacturing facilities.
2. Processing, production, research and development, or construction activities. For example, a dairy food company may describe the processing and production of milk products. A building company may describe the construction of commercial and/or residential buildings. A mining company may describe its ore processing activities as well as activities related to the construction of new facilities to ship ore products. A medical research company may describe the development and trial of new medicines.
3. Charitable or religious activities. For example, a large bank may describe the activities of its charitable foundation, such as donations to child welfare projects overseas. An animal protection charity may describe its work to safeguard threatened habitats overseas. A religious entity may describe its provision of religious services, such as marriages.
4. The purchase, marketing, sale, delivery, or distribution of products or services. For example, a marketing agency may describe its activities to market the goods of another company. An accounting firm may describe the provision of financial services to clients. A charitable aged care facility may describe the delivery of aged care services. A bank may describe its financial lending services for its clients. A food and beverage company may describe the distribution of its products through a dedicated transport network it owns and operates. A property developer may describe the purchasing of land overseas. A hotel chain might describe how franchises deliver its services to clients across different locations.
5. Ancillary activities required for the main operations of the entity. For example, a mining company may provide transportation to remote locations for its employees. A software development company may offer child care services to its employees.
6. Financial investments. For example, fund managers may describe internally managed investment portfolios and assets. Investments may also include financial investments in joint ventures. For example, an oil company may describe investments in a non-operated joint venture for an offshore oil rig. Note: Externally managed portfolios, such as those managed by another fund manager, may be more appropriately considered part of the reporting entity’s supply chains.
7. Managed/operated joint ventures. For example, a mining company may describe domestic and overseas joint ventures that it directly manages/operates.
8. Leasing of property, products, or services. For example, a ship leasing business may describe its leasing of vessels. A property owner (or a leasing company) may describe the leasing of retail shops, commercial and/or industrial facilities.