Supporting voluntary organisations

Explain two ways that a business can support voluntary or community projects.

1.  Businesses can encourage staff to get involved in local community projects/fundraise/volunteer/ provide paid leave.

2.  Give grants to community and voluntary organisations.

3.  Provide sponsorship.

4.  Allow business premises be used for meetings etc.

Can you examples in each way?

Using ICT in business

Information and communications technology (ICT) has an important role in business. Identify four aspects of ICT which any business might be use.

1.      E-mail.

2.      Internet/website/video conferencing.

3.      Software packages, word-processing, database, spreadsheets, accounts.

4.      Payroll.

5.      Stock ordering systems/EDI.

6.      Mobile phones/laptops/fax.

7.      Diagnostic technology.

Can you give an advantage and disadvantage of each?

Qualities of an Entrepreneur

List two qualities of an enterprising person. Give one reason why each quality is important.

1.      Risk taker - Not afraid to try something new.

2.      Enthusiasm - Wants to succeed/is energetic.

3.      Innovative - Has new ideas.

4.      Has self-belief -  Has a positive attitude.

5.      Decisive - Takes opportunities quickly.

6.      Proactive - Does not rely on others to do things.

7.      Hardworking - Huge effort/hours/work.

Preparing for work experience

List four steps you might take to secure a suitable placement for your work experience/shadowing.

1. Prepare CV.
2. Research company/job, talk to careers guidance teacher.
3. Write/telephone/email letter to potential employer.
4. Telephone to confirm dates/time.
5. Prepare for interview.
6. Consent forms from parents/ Garda clearance/ insurance from school.

Generating ideas

List four methods an enterprise uses to generate ideas. 

1.      Suggestion box for customers/employees/review customer complaints.

2.      Carry out market research/survey/internet/consultants.

3.      Look at what competitors are doing/getting ideas from abroad.

4.      Brainstorm with employees/sales personnel.

5.      Research and Development (R+D).

Voluntary Organisations

Identify and explain three differences between voluntary bodies/community enterprises and

commercial business enterprises.

Three differences:

Commercial enterprises

1.      Have profit motive

2.      Self financing

3.      Paid employees

4.      Aim is to produce a product

5.      Benefits owners/investors

Voluntary bodies/community enterprises

1.      Non profit motive

2.      Fundraise/rely on donations or grants

3.      Mainly staffed by volunteers

4.      Aim is to help others

5.      Benefits the community