IGNOU Solved Assignment: Final_BCA SEMESTER-V 2022-23: Bachelor's Degree Programmmes Solved Assignment, with Answers

 

Course Code : BCS-055 

Course Title : Business Communication 

Assignment Number : BCA(5)/055/Assignment/2022-23 

Maximum Marks : 100 

Weightage : 25% 

Last date of submission : 31st October, 2022 (For July, Session) 15th April, 2023 (For January, Session) 

This assignment has 10 questions. Answer all questions. Assignment is for 100 marks. You  may use illustrations and diagrams to enhance the explanations. Please go through the  guidelines regarding assignments given in the Programme Guide for the format of  presentation. 

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow: 

Job interviews can be difficult and stressful. If you are currently looking for work and  preparing yourself for an interview there are a few areas to consider in order mastering an  interview. They are: 

Practice: The first thing needed is practice, as “practice makes perfect’”. This is especially true  when it comes to job interviews. The more you practice, the better you will become. The best  way to practice for an interview is to look at the typical questions that are asked during the  interview. While some of the questions may be different, there are a few generic questions that  will be asked commonly. However, it isn’t just enough to know the answers to these questions.  You must know how to answer them. The way you answer is just as important as the questions  themselves.  

When attending an interview, you should be able to explain with examples how you’ve used  your skills and experience to solve problems. You thus build your credibility and impress the  person interviewing you. Anyone can list their skills on a piece of paper. However, it takes a  high level of skill to explain these things in detail during the interview process. 

Prepare: The next thing needed is to be prepared. The best way is to review the common questions which will be asked. Never allow yourself to be caught off guard. Surprises lead to  failure, and can stop you from getting the job. Learn the name of the person who is conducting  the interview, and use it while speaking to them. This conveys the message that you are  professional and polite.  

Attire: Once you are prepared, you will next need to dress appropriately for the interview.  Proper interview etiquette requires interviewees to be in an attire that is fitting to the  environment around them. Always remember not to overdress and under-dress. Along with  dressing well and decently, neatness in appearance matters a lot, too. Clothes should be well 

pressed and aptly worn. Shoes should be polished and must be appropriate for the occasion. A  pair of black shoes for men is a neutral and safe colour that goes along with any colour of the 

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suit. Ladies must refrain from shoe colours that are too bright especially if it does not  complement the dress worn. Hair should be well-combed and nails must be properly trimmed .  Keep the make-up and cologne or perfume light. Make sure you wear minimal and unobtrusive  jewellery. Do not wear bracelets, bangles or anklets that make a rattling sound.  

Body language: Everybody uses body language, but it takes place mostly at a subconscious  level. It gives out a lot of information on the type of person one is. Based on the body language  it can be seen if one comes across as insecure or self-assured, a busy or a quiet type, stressed  out or relaxed and whether one is speaking truthfully or not.  

Q1. Say whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements. (5)
(a) In any interview situation most of the questions are those which are commonly asked in all interviews. - True

(b) It is important to answer all the questions asked in an interview. - False, it's important to know how to answer the questions effectively, not necessarily answer all of them.

(c) How one uses one’s previous experience and skill set to solve problems at the workplace makes a positive impression in an interview. - True

(d) It is not important to know the name of the person who is interviewing you. - False, it's important to know the name of the interviewer and use it during the interview.

(e) Ladies must wear makeup and wear jewellery so that they look good at an interview. - False, it's suggested to wear minimal and unobtrusive makeup and jewellery.

Q2. Answer the following questions. You may also include your own views if required.
(a) What do you think are some of the generic questions that are commonly asked at interviews? List four such questions. (2)

• "Tell me about yourself?"

• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

• "Why do you want to work for this company?"

• "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

(b) Keeping the suggestions given in the section on attire, how would you dress for an interview? (2)

• Dress in attire fitting to the environment around, neither overdress nor under-dress.

• Clothes should be well-pressed and aptly worn.

• Shoes should be polished and appropriate.

Hair should be well-combed and nails must be properly trimmed.

c) Give an appropriate title to the passage. (1)

• "Tips for Mastering a Job Interview"

Q3. Give the opposite of the following words. You will find these words in the passage. (6)

(a) Peaceful - Unpeaceful

(b) Previously - Presently

(c) Specific - General

(d) Unusual/Unique - Common

(e) Success - Failure

(f) Rude - Polite

Q4. Find the meaning of the following words/phrases and use them in sentences of your own: (4)
(a) build your credibility - to establish trust and reliability in the eyes of others. Example: By demonstrating my expertise and providing references, I was able to build my credibility with the client.

(b) caught off guard - to be surprised or unprepared for something. Example: The difficult question caught me off guard during the interview.

(c) Etiquette - the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Example: Good business etiquette requires prompt responses to emails and phone calls.

(d) refrain from - to avoid doing or saying something. Example: I refrained from making any comments during the heated debate to avoid escalating the situation.

Q5. Complete the following sentences by putting the verbs in the Simple Past, Past Perfect or Past Continuous Tense: (10)

(a) Although we invested (Invest) a lot of money in the project, we decided (decide) to pull out of it.

(b) When his father died (die), he ran (run)the business.

(c) Arjun Sembale was (be) in charge of the shop in Gurgaon before he took (take) over the company.

(d) While my father was  building up (build up) the business in the North, I was doing (do) the same in the South.

(e) While Natalia was talking (talk)to the Manager, the workers were packing (pack) the garments ready for dispatch.

Q6. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles (a/an, the or no article Ǿ): (10)

(a) People often say that a writer's life is unimportant, and all that matters is in the books. That is usually an exaggeration. Books are important but lives are important too.

(b) Mangoes are selling at Rs. 40 a kilo.

(c) Is this the book you were telling me about? Yes, it is about the life of Ambedkar.

Q7. As a warden of kaveri hostel, you have noticed that some of the students residing in this hostel smoke and drink in the night. This is against the rules. Write a memo to the students: (10) 

(a) Clearly forbidding them from smoking and drinking 

(b) Stating the punishment that will be meted out to them if they are caught smoking/drinking in the hostel premises

Memo to Students:

To: All Students Residing in Kaveri Hostel

From: Warden

Subject: Prohibition of Smoking and Drinking

It has come to my notice that some of the students residing in Kaveri Hostel are smoking and drinking at night, which is against the rules of the hostel. This kind of behaviour is not only a violation of hostel rules, but it also poses a risk to the safety and well-being of other students.

I would like to remind all students that smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited in the hostel premises. Anyone found engaging in such activities will face severe consequences, including suspension and/or expulsion from the hostel.

I urge all students to adhere to the rules and regulations of the hostel and maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Warden of Kaveri Hostel

Q8. Discuss the different styles of communication. What kind of style do you prefer and Why? (20)

Communication is an important component of human life, and people utilise a variety of communication strategies to deliver their message. Communication styles include aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive communication.

Aggressive communication is a style in which people convey their thoughts and desires by aggressive, domineering language and behaviour. This style is frequently confrontational, and those who employ it prioritise their own wants and feelings over those of others. Aggressive communication is threatening and might result in confrontation.

Passive communication, on the other hand, is a communication style in which people avoid expressing their thoughts and feelings, frequently in order to prevent conflict. This approach can appear uncertain, and persons who employ it may find it difficult to assert themselves and speak for their demands.

Passive-aggressive communication mixes aggressive and passive communication components. Individuals who employ this technique may convey their unpleasant emotions indirectly or through sarcasm rather than immediately addressing the topic at hand. Others may find this style frustrating because it is difficult to understand the individual's genuine goals or motivations.

Assertive communication is a style in which individuals express their opinions and feelings in a direct, honest, and respectful manner. This style prioritises open communication and mutual understanding, and it can help to prevent conflict by allowing all parties to express their needs and perspectives.

Personally, I favour assertive communication since it effectively conveys my thoughts and opinions while also taking the thoughts and opinions of others into account. I feel that open and honest communication is vital for the development of solid relationships, and assertive communication helps me to express myself while also listening to and considering the viewpoints of others. Assertive communication also fosters mutual respect and understanding, which can aid in dispute resolution and constructive interactions.

Finally, communication styles have a huge impact on how people engage with one another. Communication styles such as aggressive, quiet, passive-aggressive, and forceful have distinct traits and effects on interpersonal interactions. While everyone has a favourite communication style, it is critical to be adaptive and adopt the proper style in various contexts in order to establish effective communication and build strong connections.

Q9. Imagine that you attended one of the following courses during the summer vacation last year: (15) 

∙ A course in Python 

∙ A course in Cyber Security 

Write a report on the course mentioning: 

(a) Factual details 

(b) Effectiveness and limitations of the course 

(c) Lab Facilities 

Ans: 

Report on a Course in Python

(a) Factual details:

During my summer break, I took a Python course at a local institute. The training lasted one month and consisted of five days of instruction per week. The course was targeted for beginners and taught the fundamentals of Python programming. The course concentrated on the practical use of Python in a variety of domains, including data analysis, web development, and automation.

(b) Effectiveness and limitations of the course:

The course was quite helpful in offering a thorough introduction to the Python programming language. The instructor was well-informed and experienced, and the course material was well-organized. The training was structured to be hands-on, allowing me to apply what I learned in class to real-world problems. By the end of the course, I had a solid understanding of Python's grammar and structure and could write simple Python programmes.

The course, however, had several limits. Because this was a beginner's course, the subject provided was confined to the fundamentals. Advanced topics like object-oriented programming and machine learning were not thoroughly covered. Furthermore, the course was fast-paced, and it was occasionally difficult to keep up.

(c) Lab Facilities:

The institute had a well-equipped computer lab with fast internet access. The lab was outfitted with the most up-to-date technology and software for Python programming. The lab facilities were available to students even after classes, allowing us to put what we learnt in class into practise.

Overall, the Python course was a beneficial learning experience. I learned a lot about Python programming and its applications. Although the course has certain restrictions, it provided a fantastic starting place for me to investigate more complex Python topics. The lab facilities were very helpful in putting what I learned in class into practise.

Q10. You are a group of 6 friends, interested in visiting Vietnam. You have seen an advertisement of Awesome Travels on the web. Write an email to them to enquire about a one week trip to Vietnam. Ask about the following: (15) 

∙ Visiting Places 

∙ Accommodation 

∙ Organization of sightseeing 

∙ Total cost per head 

∙ Itinerary

Subject: Enquiry about one-week trip to Vietnam

Dear Awesome Travels Team,

I am writing this email on behalf of my group of 6 friends who are interested in taking a one-week trip to Vietnam. We came across your website and were impressed by the services that you offer. We would like to enquire about the details of the trip that you provide.

Firstly, we would like to know about the places that are included in the itinerary. As first-time visitors to Vietnam, we are keen to explore the must-visit tourist spots in the country.

Secondly, could you please provide us with information about the accommodation that will be provided during the trip? We would like to know if we will be staying in hotels or resorts, and if meals are included in the package.

Thirdly, we would like to know how the sightseeing will be organized during the trip. Will there be a guide accompanying us or will we be exploring the places on our own?

Fourthly, could you please provide us with the total cost per head for the trip? This will help us to plan our budget accordingly.

Finally, could you please share the detailed itinerary of the trip so that we can get a better understanding of the daily activities that will be included in the package.

We would appreciate it if you could provide us with the above details at your earliest convenience. We are excited to plan our trip with Awesome Travels and look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

(Name)

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