Discuss the main purposes of general business reports

Part -1:

Question 1: Business Memos, Emails and Letters: Describe the most important features of each of the 3 categories of business correspondence (include their essential elements)

BUSINESS MEMOS

EMAILS

BUSINESS LETTERS

Question 2: Which software tools can be used to improve the standard of these types of correspondence? (explain how you have used them)

Question 3: List some things to consider when planning and writing an email and explain the “tone” that is appropriate when writing to different business associates and clients.

Question 4: List some email etiquette and explain why they are important to follow.

Question 5: The writing process: Draft an email to a client to invite them as your guest to a corporate function that your organisation is hosting.

Part -2:

Question 1: Discuss the main purposes of general business reports. Why are they useful? When are they not useful? (200 words)

Question 2: Write a simple explanation to an office junior about the various types of fraud and unethical behaviours which are not acceptable in the workplace.

Part -3:

Question 1: Detail the main focus, format and essential information content of a promotional flyer for a business to succeed.

Question 2: Collect a range of sample business newsletters or bulletins. Using some newsletter conventions, as well as tips given in class, write a short article (250 words) for an industry newsletter.

Part -4:

Question 1: Discuss the nature of relationship building and its potential to improve business and client relationships.

Question 2: When comparing Eastern and Western traditions, what are the main similarities and differences in business relations? Provide at least 5 examples.

Western business tradition Eastern business tradition

Part -5:

Question 1: In Australian workplaces, what are the main aspects of team building and conflict resolution?

Question 2: Describe why assertive communication is often preferred in an Australian workplace (if possible, give some historic and cultural background to this).

Part -6:

Question 1: Detail some techniques which you could use to ensure your assessment presentation is a success. (At least 10 examples of things you could do)

Question 2: Give examples of language devices which can be used to ‘soften’ a harsh or unpleasant message or news.

Euphemism (eg: he passed away (“soft”) = he died (“Harsh”)

Modal Verbs

Passive voice structures

Positive character adjectives

Evading questions or avoiding the issue

Part -7:

Question 1: Based on your research of the Australian Human Rights Commission web site and class discussions answer the following questions:

What are the main categories of discrimination?

Describe the complaints resolution process

Where and how can you register your complaint?

What personal problems can you see with discrimination in a workplace?

How can you best avoid it?

Question 2: Based on your research of the Fair Work Australia web site and class discussions answer the following questions:

What are the main employer responsibilities under the Fair Work Australia legislation?

What are the main employee responsibilities?

Part -8:

Question 1: From your internet research on the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth), answer the following questions:

Describe in your own words the main aims (object) of the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011.

What does ‘reasonably practical’ mean in the WHS Act?

What are the main employer responsibilities under the WHS act?

What are the main employee responsibilities under the WHS Act?

Question 2: Do an internet search and find a Workplace Health and Safety Policy of a University in your state. If you are working find the policy of where you work.

Describe the correct seating position when working with computers.

Describe what a critical incident is and how QIBA can reduce the risk of a critical incident.

Part -9:

Question 1: List actions you should be taking to ensure that you clearly understand instructions and/or information being presented to you by a Manager.

Question 2: What must you ensure you provide when reporting back or responding to instructions and/or information given to you by a Manager?

Part -10:

Question 1: Describe a range of recruitment and selection processes, used in different industries. Include: Government- (Commonwealth, State and Local council), private practice, public practice and not-for-profit organisations.

Question 2:

a) Describe the difference between qualified and unqualified professionals.

b) What are the limitations in work options for unqualified professionals?

Question 3: Describe the opportunities for job search networking through professional organisations in your specific industry (eg. CPA)?

Question 4: Choose one of each of your professional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats from your SWOT analysis and discuss them in detail.

Strength Weakness

Opportunity Threat

Question 5: Research some CV examples (from the internet or from a friend), critique it and comment on three areas you would improve and how you would plan to make these changes. Reflect on aspects that you would personally use in your own CV.

Part -11:

Question 1: Based on your class discussions, describe the most common selection criteria for jobs in your professional field:

Question 2: In your chosen job description (from the assessment for this module), find a part of the selection criteria which you feel you can’t meet sufficiently. How can you use your professional weakness in this area and address it positively (as a strength) in your cover letter and/or CV.

Question 3: You should have received some constructive feedback from your CV and cover letter throughout the week. Do you agree or disagree with the feedback you received? Why?

Question 4: Reflect on the areas of improvement you feel you need to address in your CV. What are they and how will you make these changes?

Part -12:

Question 1: “You only get one chance to make a first impression”. Explain this statement and give reasons why first impressions are so important.

Question 2: Do you believe having a LinkedIn Profile will assist you in obtaining a professional job and network within your field? Provide your reasoning.

Question 3: What are some other things you could do to gain experience in your field?

Question 4: Give some examples of things you can do in your community to network with business people or to “step out of your comfort zone”. (Provide at least 5 examples)

Question 5: List ways in which you can guarantee “error free” written work. How can you ensure your written English is professional and correct?

Part -13:

Question 1: “If you have made a mistake, there is always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down”. Explain this statement and give reasons why persistence is so important.

Question 2: Reflect on your Five Year Plan sheet from this unit. Choose one from each of the categories and detail how you plan to work towards achieving these goals in the coming months.

3-6 month goal:
6-12 month goal:
1-3 year goal:
1-3 year goal:
5 year goal:

Question 3: Do you expect your goals to change in the next 12 months? Why or why not?

Question 4: Give an example of a personal or professional decision you have had to make where the outcome has not been favourable. If you had to make this decision again using the Eight Steps to Decision Making, what might the outcome look like?

Part -14:

Question 1: Shortlist the ten most important interview techniques you believe make a successful interview.

Question 2: a) What are ‘behavioural questions’ in a job interview?

b) Give some examples (for your profession)
c) How can you best prepare for these?

Question 3: Provide some examples of things you could do to prepare for a job interview. What can you do before your interview to give you confidence and assist with your performance?

Question 4: List some questions you could ask your potential employer in an interview. Why is it a good idea to ask questions?

Question 5: Choose three questions from the handouts about the most common interview questions. Write how you would respond to those questions.

Part -15:

Question 1: Find a free on-line selection/psychometric test

SHL Direct,

Test Grid

Kenexa

One Test

Psych Press

Practice Psychometric Tests

Kent University Careers Advisory Service

Complete one and reflect on how you think this matches with who you are and what you believe in. Was this test accurate?

Question 2: Your employment usually contains a “Probation Period”. What does this mean?

Question 3: How should you prepare for a telephone interview? How should you behave throughout the interview?

Question 4: What would you do to follow up from a job interview? Why are these things important?