Lesson Structure: Office Practices VBS102

There are 6 lessons:

1. The Modern Office
   • scope of office work
   • procedures
   • the home office vs commercial premises, etc.
2. Communication Systems
   • using the phone
   • business letters
   • faxes
   • couriers
   • postage, etc.
   • Interpersonal Communications
   • Phone Skills
3. Writing Letters and Other Documents
   • writing Letters and Reports.
   • structure of a report
   • memos
   • business letters.
4. Computer Applications
   • scope & uses of computers
   • types of computers
   • software types
   • peripherals
   • word processing
   • CD Roms
   • modems
   • setting up and care of a PC.
5. Office Organisation and Procedures
   • Stationary
   • office furniture
   • paper specifications
   • filing
   • record keeping etc.
6. Health and Safety in the Office
   • Office layout and organization
   • security.

Learning Goals: Personnel Management VBS107

• Explain how perception, learning and prior experience influence human behaviour
• Identify and practice communication skills that will improve your ability to effectively receive and transmit messages in the workplace
• Explain factors that contribute to overall workplace conditions and can affect workplace culture
• Explain basic supervising practices for controlling business or department operations
• Identify essential processes in the recruitment and induction of employees
• Describe the key elements of planning and conducting effective staff training
• Describe how team processes can be used to improve performance and productivity
• Identify methods to establish and maintain discipline through positive means, such as reinforcement and increasing motivation
• Describe strategies for reducing dissatisfaction and handling dissatisfaction when it arises
• Explain the importance of monitoring workplace processes and performance, and how to report your observations

Practicals:

• Make a list of essential equipment, stationery and other materials.
• Visit an office supply company.
• Collect catalogues or price lists for different products available.
• Compare the implications of having an office at home with leasing, buying or using a serviced office.
• Explain applications to use and apply the following office equipment:
  • computers
  • mobile phones
  • printers
  • email
  • fax
  • scanners
• Report on the range of systems covering:
  • couriers
  • postage
  • scanners
  • electronic banking
  • mobile phones
  • rail services
• Write a letter applying for this job.
• Write a letter from an organisation (real or imaginary) to another organisation.
• Ask your local computer supplier about virus removal software and hardware.
• Compile a table comparing features of different computer systems.
• What roles can computers play in business?
• Contact or visit various stationery supplies to find out about what materials are available.
• Write a report about how to design a filing system suitable for your area of work.
• Inspect various offices to see how they are utilising space and storage.
• Contact various suppliers of office furniture to see what furniture is available.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

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A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

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A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

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Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
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Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

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Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.