Diploma

Business Practice 301

Assessment

BLANK PAGE

ASSESSMENT COVER SHEET

Student No:
Mr

Ms

OVERALL GRADE
Mrs

(Circle one)

Initials and Surname: .............................................................

Address: ..................................................................................
....................................................................................................
Postal code:
*(Is this a new address for you?Please

YES

NO

make a cross over the correct one)

Module title:

BUSINESS PRACTICE 301

You may post, or email the assessment to assessment@oxbridgeacademy.co.za

IMPORTANT - Each page of the assessment should have your student
number on it.
- Please sign the Declaration of Authenticity on the other side
of this page.

FOR ASSESSORS USE ONLY

1

13

10

14

11

15

12

16

TOTAL MARKS:

Date graded:

______/______/20______

Senior Tutor:

*Please note: If your address has changed, please contact the college.
Questions or concerns for this assessment? e-mail: assessor@oxbridgeacademy.co.za

ASSESSMENT RULES
PLEASE ensure that your name, address and student number are written on your assessment.
Try to USE your own words and do not copy word for word from your module.
PLAN your answer before writing. This will help you to present a clear interpretation and a balanced response.
The assessment must be written in Blue or Black Ink, unless it is typed out. Photocopied assessments will not be marked
Do not use TIPPEX.
Your may work in groups to discuss questions. The answer must be your own work.
Mark questions/answers clearly
Any student who is found copying will be taken through a disciplinary process by Oxbridge Academy.
Articles and naturally occurring evidence used must not be more than 6 months old.

Extracts from External sources or naturally occurring evidence collected in the workplace can only make up 20% of your answer.

BEFORE submitting your assessment, please make a copy for yourself in case the original gets lost in the post.
READ the assessment questions carefully, as your grade will suffer if your answers are incomplete.

When you make use of other SOURCES it must compliment the information in your modules and not replace it

ALSO ENSURE that you attach sufficient postage to your envelope; if you do not do this, your assessment may be returned
undelivered
WRITE your address on the back of the envelope.
PRESENTATION is important, just as it is in writing a report in the workplace. Write neatly and clearly. If your handwriting is illegible,
please use print. (If you cannot read your own writing, neither can the assessor.)

Instructions to the Student: You must complete and sign this Declaration of Authenticity form to prove that this is your own work.

DECLARATION OF AUTHENTICITY
It will not be possible for you to complete this assessment without the use of resources. Failure to identify these resources will
result in a Not Yet Competent result.
I ..(full name)
..(ID number)
declare that the contents of this assessment is my own evidence and that everything was compiled/completed by me.

Date:
______/______/20______

Signature:
________________________________

-2

BUSINESS PRACTICE 301

MARKS: 200

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1.

Answer ALL the questions.

2.

Read ALL the questions carefully.

3.

Number the answers according to the numbering system used in this question
paper.

4.

Write neatly and legibly.

-3

SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1

Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Choose the
answer and write only 'true' or 'false' next to the question number
(1.1.1 1.1.9). Correct the statement if it is false.

1.1.1

1.1.2

1.1.3

1.1.4

1.1.5

1.1.6

1.1.7

1.1.8

1.1.9

Trade unions are controlled and paid by the South African

government.

Wage negotiations are usually a primary issue in an industrial

action.

The reason why the government supports international trading is to

increase the popularity of the country around the world.

Teamwork contributes greatly to the failure of any business

organisation.

Communication can be effective in South Africa if all the citizens

can stick to and speak their own mother tongues.

Supervisors should handle their subordinates with fear in order to

ensure that they maintain respect.

Affirmative action applies to previously disadvantaged people who

were discriminated against.

The only reason why many people travel throughout the world is to
identify business opportunities.

Taking personal cell phone calls while you are dealing with a client
at the workplace is regarded as behaving in an unprofessional
manner.

(15)

-4

1.2

Various options are given as possible answers to the following questions.

Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A D) next to the
question number (1.2.1 1.2.15).
1.2.1

The situation within a business could be influenced by

A
B
C
D

the internal environment.

the external environment.
the macro environment.
All the above-mentioned.

1.2.2

A/An can be used as a planning aid for co-ordinating workers

and their respective tasks.

A
B
C
D

task team
action plan
work schedule
diary

1.2.3

statements used in communication styles could embarrass

others.

A
B
C
D

Nonassertive
Responsive
Aggressive
Assertive

1.2.4

A should be used to get rid of confidential documents.

A
B
C
D

garbage collector
rubbish bin
storage facility
shredder

1.2.5

is the most common religion in South Africa.

A
B
C
D

Islam
Christianity
Judaism
Catholicism

1.2.6

Any misunderstanding in the workplace can be solved by

A
B
C
D

being aggressive.
remaining calm.
showing irritation.
raising ones voice to make ones point.

-5

1.2.7

communication is used when greeting visitors with eye contact

while one is still busy on the phone with another client.

A
B
C
D

Verbal
Oral
Peer
Non-verbal

1.2.8

The following is/are a sign(s) or consequences of poor delegation

at the workplace.

A
B
C
D

Being stressed
Being confused
Being disorganised
All the above-mentioned

1.2.9

Which of the following negative forces affect the success of a

team?

A
B
C
D

Team members
Team roles
Team dynamics
Teamwork

1.2.10

To build relations between team members and stakeholders, the

team must be

A
B
C
D

honest and open.

willing to give up individual control.
willing to compromise.
All the above-mentioned.

1.2.11

Contractors and
stakeholders.

service

providers

are

examples

of

A
B
C
D

internal
public
external
key

1.2.12

The following organisation can negotiate for an increase in salaries

in the mining industry.

A
B
C
D

SADTU
NEHAWU
SAMWU
NUM

-6

1.2.13

Which one of the following is not a function of a trade union in any

business organisation?

A
B
C
D

Negotiating fringe benefits.

Improving working conditions.
Protecting the interests of workers.
Increasing the profits of the organisation.

1.2.14

can be regarded as one of the time wasters in the workplace.

A
B
C
D

Effective delegation
Taking regular smoke breaks
Maintaining a well organized workplace
Effective management of e-mails and phone calls

1.2.15

To use a work plan effectively and efficiently, one needs to ensure

that

A
B
C
D

activities are clearly stated.

the activities are broken down into manageable tasks.
the activities are listed in chronological order.
all the above-mentioned are in place.
(15 1)

(15)

1.3

Write the following ACRONYMS in full next to the relevant question number,
(1.3.1 1.3.5).

1.3.1

NGO

1.3.2

BEE

1.3.3

SMS

1.3.4

E-MAIL

1.3.5

UIF

(5 2)

(10)

-7

1.4

Choose a/an item/word/description from COLUMN B that matches a/an

description/word/item in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A J) next to the
question number (1.4.1 1.4.10).

COLUMN A

1.4.1

Micro environment

1.4.2

Macro environment

1.4.3

A shaper

1.4.4

Team recognition

1.4.5

Strike action

1.4.6

Grievance

1.4.7

Delegation

1.4.8

Prioritisation

1.4.9

Teamwork dynamics

1.4.10

Teamwork coherence

COLUMN B

The objective is to get a task

done by someone else in your
organisation.

Employees are unhappy with the

working conditions, for example
unfair labour practices.

Improves productivity in the

workplace because certain tasks
must be completed before less
important tasks.

Personality styles have a great

impact on whether the team will
be able to reach their goals
successfully.

All employees in a specific

department will have a common
objective.

Refers to the goals, functions and

the factors of production of a
business organisation.

The team member who is

enthusiastic about making things
happen and getting things
started.

The team members should

compliment each other on jobs
well done.

A method of displaying power by

employees when discussions
about wages or employment
conditions with management are
unsuccessful.

Refers to the political, economic

and technological business
environment.
(10 1)

(10)
[50]

TOTAL SECTION A:

50

-8

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

CODE OF CONDUCT
Nestl

Since its founding, Nestls business practices have been governed by integrity,
honesty, fair dealing and full compliance with all applicable laws. Nestl employees
worldwide have upheld and applied this commitment in their every day
responsibilities ever since, and Nestls reputation remains one of the companys
most important assets today.

Nestl and its employees are bound by the law. Compliance with all applicable laws
and regulations must never be compromised. Employees shall avoid conflicts of
interest whenever possible. Employees must never engage in fraudulent or any
other dishonest conduct involving the property or assets or the financial reporting
and accounting of Nestl or any third party. This may not only entail disciplinary
sanction but also result in criminal charges.

Nestl respects the personal dignity, privacy and personal rights of every employee
and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and
harassment. Employees who feel that their workplace does not comply with the
principle of non-discrimination are encouraged to raise their concerns with the HR
Department.

(Extract from Nestls Code of Business Conduct)

2.1

What does HR Department stand for?

(1 2)

(2)

2.2

Name THREE ways in which there can be discriminated against an employee

in the workplace.
(3 2)

(6)

No business can set organizational objectives without taking into account its
code of conduct. List any three generic purposes of all businesses when
setting their organisational objectives.
(3 2)

(6)

Name FOUR actions that a manager can take against any person who
trespasses the code of conduct of the business.
(4 2)

(8)

2.3

2.4

2.5

Name any FIVE applicable laws that Nestl will h ave to adhere to in order to
be ethical and to act within their code of conduct.
(5 2)
(10)

2.6

2.7

What does the following sentence from the case study mean: Employees
shall avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible.

Nestls code of conduct should also aid ethical marketing. Briefly discuss
any THREE forms of unethical advertising.
(3 2)

(2)
(6)
[40]

-9

QUESTION 3

WORKSHOP - TIME
MANAGEMENT

Peter Smith, the resident psychologist of the company Clockwork Precision, was
conducting a workshop on time management when he was interrupted by Terence
Lawrence, the public relations manager, 'Sure, your idea of spending one hour per
day on paper work or planning sounds great in theory. But I dont even have five
spare minutes to myself. Were hit with requests and complaints all day.'
'But surely your second in command can take some of the calls while you are taking
care of paper work or planning?'

'Thats what you think. They all want to see the main PR man when they have a
problem. Even when Im on leave, they refuse to speak to anybody else. And my
secretary is quite scatterbrained when it comes to taking calls and keeping track of
appointments there are many times that I have had to face a fuming client because
she has forgotten to inform me about him previously.'

(Adapted from Advanced Communication for the Managers Assistant: MJ van

Schalkwyk)

3.1

3.2

It is clear that the public relations manager of this business is overloaded with
information. List SIX communication methods that this business can use in its
workplace environment to overcome this problem.
(6 1)

(6)

Explain how Terence Lawrence, the public relations manager, can manage
his diary effectively to avoid being confronted by a client of which he is not
aware.
(3 2)

(6)

3.3

Name any TWO planning aids, apart from the diary that the public relations manager
can use effectively in the workplace.
(2 1)
(2)

3.4

As secretary of this business, who can you approach whenever you need
assistance with your job? Name any THREE people.
(3 1)

(3)

-10

3.5

What is the duty of the public relations manager in the business?

(2)

3.6

List ONE objective of communication with internal customers.

(1)

3.7

'Peter Smith, a psychologist of the company, Clockwork Precision, conducted

a workshop on time management. Explain how the following external time
wasters that he referred to can affect the productivity of this business:

3.7.1

3.7.2

3.7.3

Interruptions

(2)

Telephone

(2)

Procrastinations and excuses

(2)

3.7.4

3.7.5

Not saying no

(2)

Meetings

(2)

3.8

'Terence Lawrence, the public relations manager, complains about not having
a five spare minutes for himself. The problem might be that he does not
delegate tasks.'

3.8.1

3.8.2

Define the term delegation.

Name any FOUR benefits of delegation.

(2)
(4 2)

(8)
[40]

-11

QUESTION 4

AIDS is now the single biggest cause of death in South Africa. Just over a decade
ago, one of the concerns widely expressed by management in the retail world was,
'How will I handle the situation if my customers find out I have an HIV-positive staff
member?' A couple of years later, the concern was how to replace sick or dying staff
members. With companies looking at a loss of between a quarter and half of their
workforce or more it is no wonder they have begun to take AIDS seriously. It is no
longer a case of sticking up a few posters from the Department of Health. How any
company tackles the epidemic has become a strategic decision as it also has a direct
impact on productivity. HIV/AIDS gives us a chance to question the way we have
traditionally responded to issues. What is the responsibility of a company to its staff
and to the society in which it operates?

(Adapted from The awakening by Mandy Smallhorn)

4.1

4.2

Explain the impact that HIV/AIDS can have on a business.

(5 2)

'The HIV status of an employee should be treated as confidential.' Discuss

any THREE guidelines that the business can apply to maintain confidentiality
and data protection in the workplace.
(3 2)

(10)

(6)

4.3

Suggest THREE ways in which a business can manage the impact of

HIV/AIDS.
(3 2)

(6)

4.4

4.5

Trade unions can play various roles with regard to HIV in this industry, but
also in general. Explain the roles played by a trade union in general. (5 2)

Name FOUR ways in which management can improve productivity in the

workplace.
(4 2)

(10)

(8)
[40]

-12

QUESTION 5

5.1

'Helping the poor to help themselves'

Millions of South Africans are living in poverty. Government is committed to
improving peoples lives and is putting a lot of money into poverty-relief
programmes. These programmes are aimed at empowering the poor to help
themselves, for example, three programmes aimed at developing a dairy
farm, a vegetable farm and a poultry farm have been initiated in the Free
State. The Government formed a partnership with this community and
expects them to work as a team.

5.1.1

5.1.2

5.1.3

What is specifically required of the team members to make these

programmes successful? State any FOUR requirements.
(4 1)

(4)

List any EIGHT rules of behaviour conducive or necessary for

working as a team member.
(8 1)

(8)

Explain why it is important for relationships to be built amongst the

various team members.
(2 1)

(2)

5.2

'Well strike till our demands are met', said the municipal workers union. But,
unlike previous strikes, there was no emptying of refuse bins in the streets of
Johannesburg. The strike was conducted in a very dignified manner.

5.2.1

5.2.2

Give ONE reason why employees can withhold their labour. (1 2)

(2)

Do you think it is fair for the workers to take the decision of

withholding labour? Give a reason for answering 'YES' or 'NO'.
(1 + 2)

(3)

5.2.3

Briefly discuss the 2010 Public Servant wage negotiations with

specific reference to the following issues:

(a) What the workers demanded

(2)

(b) What was finally offered to the workers

(2)

5.3

Briefly define culture and list FOUR important aspects that you will look at in
order to understand the culture of a specific nation.
(3 + 4)

(7)
[30]

TOTAL SECTION B:
GRAND TOTAL:

150
200

Please turn over