ERS1 mock exam

The exam will consist of 3 sections. Here you can see some examples of the types of questions you can expect. Please be aware that the actual exam will have more questions.

I Report Writing Theory (20 points) Please answer the following questions.

1. Why is the Executive Summary the most important part of a business report? (2 points) 2. Is the following a correct reference list entry for a website? Why or why not? (2 points) http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/documents/abstract/pop2a.cfm

3. Is the following a correct reference list entry for a book. Why or why not? (2 points) Gillet, A, Hammond A., and Martala M., 2009. Inside Track: Successful Academic Writing. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.

4. In researching a proposal to expand your division, you find evidence that does not support your line of reasoning. Should you include it in your report? Why or why not? (2 points)

5. What are the three main sections of a business report? (3 points)

II Report Writing Tasks (20 points) Please complete the following tasks.

1. Place the following entries in the correct order for a Reference List (1 point)

a) Gray, K. 1998, Director, Turnstone Technologies Pty Ltd, Australia. b) Stephen, 1998, Customer Service Officer, Hewlett Packard Information Centre, Hewlett Packard, Australia.
c)

Guffey, M. 1997, Business Communication: Process and Product. Ohio: SouthWestern College Publishing.

2. Your supervisor has noticed that staff seem dissatisfied lately. He thinks it is due to the new printer, which is often out of order. However, he realizes there might be other factors involved. He has asked you to look into the issue and compile a report. Please write a purpose statement for this report. (2 points)

3. Please paraphrase the following passage. (3 points) If parties have reached an agreement on these two essential issues, object and price, then there is an agreement.

4. Correct the following Table of Contents (5 points) Methodology Introduction The Market Situation The Company Situation The Competitors Situation Comparison of the SWOTs Conclusion Recommendation Bibliography Appendices 5 7 8 12 16 21 30 32 34 37

III Writing (10 points)

1. Read the Conclusion below and: a) explain why this is a poor example of a Conclusion (3 points) b) rewrite it so that it meets the requirements for a Conclusion. Feel free to add information if you need to. (7 points)

Conclusion Competing for the consumer is a never-ending challenge that McDonalds corporation continually faces. This is due principally to the uniqueness and competitiveness of each individual market, for they are all different and all require different approaches" (Cesca, 1999, p.1) because of different consumer behaviors and factors which affect this behavior. McDonalds is one of the best marketers in the world yet even they cannot always predict consumer behavior; for example, a British promotion to celebrate McDonalds 25th anniversary attracted many more subscribers than they had expected and the company did not meet its dues. This has created many unsatisfied consumers and McDonalds was forced to spend thousands of pounds on apologies and to close some stores temporarily. This case highlights the importance of understanding consumer behavior and how it is influenced by many factors. There are many factors that affect consumer and business buyer behavior so it is important to use common buyer patterns in your marketing campaign. McDonalds has done this in its marketing for key products and services.