Ammended Business and Admin Unit 4.doc

Unit four: Principles of supporting change in a business environment Assessment You should use this file to complete your Assessment. The first thing you need to do is save a copy of this document, either onto your computer or a disk Then work through your Assessment, remembering to save your work regularly When you’ve finished, print out a copy to keep for reference Then, go to www.vision2learn.com and send your completed Assessment to your tutor via your My Study area – make sure it is clearly marked with your name, the course title and the Unit and Assessment number. Please note that this Assessment document has 3 pages and is made up of 3 Sections. Name: Sharonjit Kaur Section 1: Why change happens This section will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 1: Understand why change happens in a business environment. Learning objective Place in Assessment 1.1 Explain reasons for change in a business environment Question 1 Page 1 1. Explain why change happens in a business environment. You should include at least three reasons in your answer. [1.1] Change Happens in a business environment because of many reasons. It could be due to Political, Economic, Social or Technological reasons. Better known as “PEST”. Political reasons can be Government policy or regulations. Legislations can change which means the business will have to change or adjust its protocol or procedures. Economic factors could include international competitors, creating pressure for an organisation to adapt and to make changes in their business. Tax changes, interest rates can make and economical change also. Social factors relates to change in lifestyle, tastes and behaviour. Consumer behaviour is one. For example, clothing and fashion is constantly changing. An understanding of social change gives a business a better feel for the future market situation. Technological factors are variables which relate to the existence, availability and development of technology. Technology hugely dictates the way many things are done in a business or an organisation.  Section 2: Supporting change This section will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 2: Understand the purpose of supporting change in a business environment. Learning objective Place in Assessment 2.1 Identify reasons for reviewing working methods, products or services Question 1 Page 2 2.2 Describe types of support that people may need during change Question 2a Page 2 2.3 Explain the benefits of working with others during change Question 2b Page 2 1. Identify the main reasons for reviewing working methods, products and / or services in a business environment. [2.1] There are main reasons for reviewing working methods, products and/ or services in a business environment. One of them is, to improve their performance and to respond accordingly to changes. For example, difficult economic times can force change. Things such as VAT increase can also review the working methods. If VAT increases, then the business will have to review their prices. In doing this, updating computerised systems, payments accounting will affect resources and time. Reviewing methods can also be done internally, which will not affect customers. Such as, changes in employment and disability legislation. Having these may have a significant influences on personal practices, which may in turn affect recruitment policies. 2. When a business is going through change: Describe the different types of support that people may need. [2.2] There are several types of support available to people who are going through change in their business environment. Below I have given descriptions on a few of them. Clear communication and explanations. Supporting people during changes in business is to make sure that they understand, what the organisation will be once the changes have been implemented. So, having clear communication and explaining each step will be informative to the person going through this work change. Explain to the person, How the changes will affect him/her? Why the changes are being made. Giving them clarity. You cannot expect everything to run smoothly but, you may ease their minds a little. Counselling or coaching may be necessary to offer staff. Trained professional who have experience of helping people make changes. Specifically designed techniques may be used to help people work through difficult transitions at work. Whether the change is large or small, if the business offers appropriate support to their staff, there is an improved chance that minimising the issues that occur. Another positive way to support is to see how you can encourage and assistant people going through a change. Body language. By this I mean, smiling, making encouraging statements such as, the progress they are making. Asking the person if they need any help. Being optimistic in the presence of others. Having time to listen to the person. Sharing your experiences of when change happened in the past with yourself. Emphasising the positive affects change can have can help minimise stress and anxiety for the person involved. Having effective planning can make the process easier to deal with and having this planning in place can lessen the likelihood of chaos and conflict. Managers can support staff by contributing to the long-term well-being of the business. This is done by working out the most efficient and effective ways to make those changes. Meaning, the ones involved have been taken into consideration and every attempt has been made to minimise unnecessary issues. Sometimes, changes in working methods can require people to work in new ways or depending on the job, operating new equipment. These can have an effect on people making the transition, if they have not been given the appropriate training or guidance. Providing staff with knowledge and the skills that will aid their transition. This will help people feel reassured that the business is helping them to grow alongside with them. Explain the benefits of working with others. [2.3] Working with others can help people become less withdrawn as they are aware there are others who are in the same position. The benefit is that during this change, encouragement is given to each other. Minimising the risk of people becoming isolated and providing them with mutual support and problem solving.  Section 3: Responding to change This section will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 3: Understand how to respond to change in a business environment. Learning objective Place in Assessment 3.1 Explain the purpose of responding positively to changes in working methods, products or services Question 1a Page 3 Question 1b Page 3 3.2 Identify ways of responding positively to change Question 1c Page 3 1. In relation to your current business environment (or one that you are familiar with): Explain why you should respond positively to changes in working methods. [3.1] Responding positively to changes in working methods is likely to result in a smoother transition. Having the willingness to embrace change will help you and the business progress easily. Minimising frustration, delays and disruption. A smoother transition will have a positive effect on you. Explain why you should respond positively to changes in products or services. [3.1] Having a positive response to change in products or services is likely to have a smoother transition and less stress on the person going through it. For the business, it’s more likely to be able to progress because of their willingness to accept and embrace change. Employees should be given priority when change is happening in products or services in return, this will have a positive effect and will provide momentum for the change to occur. Identify ways of responding positively to change. [3.2] Having a willingness to learn new skills and procedures. Taking responsibility to seek out answers or ask questions. Can help the progression of the change become a little easy. Solving problems on your own initiative and not wait for others to sort things out. Sharing experiences and knowledge with others, helping them to adapt to the workplace change. Giving advice where needed. Also can help the progression change. Take time out to think how the workplace change will benefit you. Respond positively to them. This will help you adapt quickly and easily. Overall maintaining a positive outlook. Having a can-do attitude will help you cope far better with the situation. This will encourage your team members to do the same. Once you have completed all 3 Sections of this Assessment, go to www.vision2learn.com and send your work to your tutor for marking. Business and Administration © Creating Careers Ltd 2011-2014 Page 9 of 9