1. Comprehensive Notes for the LCVP exam

2. Link Module 1- Preparation for the world of work
Introduction to Working Life
Job-Seeking Skills
Career Investigation
Work Placement
Link Module 2 - Enterprise Education
5. Enterprise Skills
6. Local Business Enterprises
7. Local Voluntary Organisations/Community Enterprises
8. An Enterprise Activity

3. 1. Introduction to Working Life

4. Working Life
Work can be defined as an activity which requires effort, e.g. Washing the dishes at home.
Employment is when payment is received for working, e.g. Washing dishes in a canteen and getting paid.
Employers are people who hire workers in return for payment.
Employees are people who work for employers
Self-employed people work for themselves.

5. School to Work
When leaving school to start work, you will face a lot of challenges:
Time management
Money Management
New relationships and different roles
Rights
Responsibilities
Freedom and independence
Others

6. Different Types of Work
Employment
Self-Employment
Voluntary work
Homework
Housework
Charity work

7. Voluntary Work
Voluntary organisations rely on people to work for nothing e.g. St Vincent de Paul.
Very important to our society and has many benefits.
E.g.
You can help others, improve your self-esteem and acquire new skills.

8. Self-Employment
This is where you work for yourself, e.g. Butchers, shop owners, builders and hairdressers.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
You're the boss
You have to work long hours initially.
You keep all the profits after tax
You alone are responsible for the business
You can develop a hobby
No one shares any losses with you
It's an alternative to unemployment
There is a risk of failure
You decide your working hours
You have limited finance
You make the decisions

9. Permanent Full-Time Employment
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Regular Income
No incentive to move job
Don't have to worry about finding a job
Work tends to be less varied
You can join the pension scheme
Less leisure/family time is available
Easy to plan your own finances
You may lose flexibility
Security of employment gives independence
Moving house becomes difficult
Promotion prospects exist
Motivation may decrease

10. Part-Time Work
With part-time work, you work a minimum of eight hours a week on a regular basis.
Time Rate:
If an employee is paid by time-rate, their hours must be monitored.
E.g.
Sign in an attendance book
Clock in/clock out cards
Personal checks
Video cameras
Scan in ID cards

11. Why monitor time-keeping?
Workers will learn to be punctual
Wages can be calculated accurately
One can check if employees are reliable
Checks are a must for flexitime as employees will have a range of starting times.

12. Contract of Employment
When working you must receive a contract of employment. This document sets out all the terms and conditions relating to the position offered.
A contract of employment will contain the following:
Employers name and address
Employees name and address
Job Title
Job Description
Date of commencement
Salary
Holiday entitlements
Duration of contract
Pension arrangements

13. Unemployment
Many people are unable to find suitable employment and are said to be unemployed. This could happen for many reasons:
Closure of a business, Change in the economy, Improvements in technology.
Training Schemes for the Unemployed:
FAS
Runs large no. of training courses/receive weekly training allowance.
Community Enterprise Scheme (CES)
For long-term unemployed/advise & training is given to a community-based group that has a plan to create local employment.
Failte Ireland
The national tourism development authority, provides opportunities for people over 17, to train for employment in the Irish tourist industry.
VTOS Courses (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme)
Run by the Department of Education and operated through the VEC's. Unemployed adults are given the opportunity to learn new skills and prepare for the world of work.

14. FAS Employment Services
FAS is the National Training and Development Authority. It provides training for job-seekers, helps the unemployed return to work and provides recruitment services.
FAS provides the following services:
Initial guidance interviews to help build up your profile.
Career information including guidance, planning and support.
Advice on employment incentives e.g. Assistance for disabilities.
Information on FAS programmes and training.
Access to a wide range of job vacancy information.
They can submit your details to employers with suitable vacancies.

15. Financial Assistance to the Unemployed
Jobseekers Benefit - weekly payment payable to those who have lost their jobs.
Jobseekers Allowance - weekly payment to those not eligible for jobseekers benefit.
Family Income Supplement (FIS) - in order to qualify, the net average family income must be below a specified amount.
Revenue Job Assist - a tax allowance for people returning to work.
Part-time Job Incentive Scheme - allows people who have been receiving jobseekers allowance for at least 15 months to take up part-time work and still receive a part-time allowance.
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance - encourages unemployed people to return to work by setting up their own enterprises.
Back to Education Allowance - encourages unemployed people to return to education and acquire extra qualifications or retraining.

16. Changes in Employment
Employees change jobs and careers many times during their life
More people work from home
Changes in technology means the types of jobs are changing
More people are working part-time/job-sharing and working flexitime.
More people are opting for self-employment
More people are working in services and trades
There are changes in economic activities
Economic Activities describes the different types of businesses that exist. These can be divided into three categories:
Primary - agriculture, fishing, forestry and mining
Secondary - manufacturing and construction
Tertiary (Services) - financial, transport, legal and medical

17. Employees Rights Responsibilities Receive a minimum wage
Have a safe place to work
Join a trade union
Be treated in an equal
Get the correct holidays
Be honest and trustworthy
An honest/fair days work
Protect the employers good name and property
Work as part of a team

18. Employers Rights Responsibilities Set up a business
Decide on the aims and objective of their organisation
Select suitable staff
Dismiss dishonest staff
Expect employees to honour their contract
Provide safe and healthy working conditions
Obey employment laws
Pay agreed wages
Keep employee records for income tax and PRSI purposes

19. Health & Safety Regulations
The Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 1989 as well as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 1993, set out the legal requirements to safeguard workplaces.
The Health and Safety Authority.
The Health and Safety Authority is a State-sponsored body, which promotes good standards, advice, research and information on health and safety in the workplace.
It is responsibly for developing new laws and standards.
It inspects workplaces and investigates any accidents.
They are responsible for both the employer and the employee.

20. Areas of concern in the workplace
Bullying
Workplace safety
Sexual harassment
Manual handling
Workplace stress

21. Causes of accidents in the workplace
Lack of training
Untidy/cluttered areas
Not following safety procedures
Not wearing protective clothing
Lack of concentration
Not using machinery correctly
Haste
Horseplay
All construction workers must have a Safe Pass: this is a one-day course organised by FAS.

22. Employees Duties
To take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and of other people in the workplace
Not to engage in improper behaviour that will endanger themselves or others
Not to be under the influence of drink or drugs in the workplace
To undergo any reasonable medical or other assessment if requested to do so by the employer
To report any defects in the place of work or equipment which might be a danger to health and safety
To use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and protective clothing, if required.
To ensure there is no bullying in the workplace.

23. Employers Duties
Provide and maintain a safe workplace which uses safe plant and equipment
Prevent risks from use of any article or substance and from exposure to physical agents, noise and vibration
Prevent any improper conduct or behaviour likely to put the safety, health and welfare of employees at risk
Provide instruction and training to employees on health and safety
Provide protective clothing and equipment to employees
Appointing a competent person as the organisation’s Safety Officer

24. Trade Unions
It is important to develop and maintain good relationships between employers and employees.
Many organisations promote good industrial relations, e.g. Trade unions.
Examples:
SIPTU(Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union)
Impact
TUI (Teachers' Union of Ireland
ASTI (Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland)

25. Functions of a Trade Union
Represent workers e.g. Negotiate for improved wages.
Negotiate for improved working conditions e.g. Holidays
Negotiate on behalf of employees when disputes with employers
National Agreements ensure that all wages are increased by a fixed percentage
Provide grants for education
Support and promote equality in the workplace
Give workers greater strength by uniting them

26. IBEC - Irish Business and Employers Confederation
Shop Steward
Elected by workers to act as their union representative in the workplace
Recruits new members to the union
Keeps members informed of any union developments
Represents workers in discussions with management
Acts as a link between union head office and the workplace
IBEC - Irish Business and Employers Confederation
This is an organisation which represents employers and businesses.

27. 2. Job-Seeking Skills

28. Qualities for employment
Energy, drive and hard work: when employees show interest and overcome difficulties.
Reliability: when employees can be trusted and depended on.
Enthusiasm and commitment: when employees show interest, eagerness, dedication and responsibility.
Adaptability: when employees are flexible and can accept change.
Good education: when employees have qualifications and experience.

29. Methods of Recruitment
Newspapers/tv/radio/internet
Recruitment agency
Work experience person
Contacts
Recruitment fairs/recruitment days
Job training agencies e.g. FAS
Word of mouth

30. Reasons for Vacancies The business could be expanding
Employees could be retiring
Employees could be leaving
Replacements due to sick/maternity leave/career breaks
Seasonal work

31. Difficulties for Employers when Recruiting
The work itself may be dull/boring
There may be a skills shortage in that field
General economic conditions may make it difficult to recruit
The location of the business may be awkward for employees
Wages and working conditions may be unattractive
Ways to overcome Recruitment Problems:
Recruit from abroad
Over part-time/job sharing/flexitime
Provide training opportunities/grants for further education
Provide accommodation

32. Benefits of using Recruitment Agencies
Offer a full range of services related to recruitment: advertising, profiling, interviewing, short-listing, checking references.
Can save the company time and money
Good recruitment agencies attract high calibre applicants
Agencies have specialised staff that will recruit more objectively
Applying for a job:
Letter
Telephone
Application form
Curriculum Vitae

33. Applying for a Job by Telephone
Pre-telephoning
Have the advertisement and your CV in front of you
Phone from landline in a quite room
Have a pen and paper ready
Have all times and dates ready
While telephoning
Speak clearly, confidently and slowly
Ask to speak to person whose contact details were given in advertisement
Record relevant information
Listen attentively to questions asked
Keep the conversation brief
Thank the receiver for his/her time

34. Tips for Letter Writing
Letters should be typed and no longer than one page
Use high quality, clean, A4 size paper
Use black ink
Do not use Tipp-Ex
Do not photocopy
Use Times New Roman and spell-check

35. Guidelines for filling out Application Forms
Read the form carefully and thoroughly
Have your CV beside you so that you can copy from it
Photocopy the form and practise filling it in
Begin with the easiest questions
Draft answers to complex questions on a rough piece of paper
Fill in ALL the boxes truthfully.
If a questions doesn’t apply, write N/A (not applicable)
Double-check spelling/grammatical errors
Use black pen and BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERING
Do not use Tipp-Ex or similar correction products

36. Curriculum Vitae
A CV is a summary of your education, skills and experience.
The purpose of a CV is to help you get and interview for a job.
Examples of Skills and Qualities
Personal Skills Qualities: Honest/dependable/willing to learn/confident/creative/self-motivates.
Technical/Practical Skills: Writing reports/foreign languages/computer skills/researching/numbers.
Interpersonal/Group Skills: Working with others/ communication skills/ deal with conflict/chair meetings.

37. Preparing for an Interview
Pre Interview:
You need to be prepared- research the job and the workplace – use the internet – update CV – add new qualifications.
Practice possible questions and responses – roll-play an interview – Always stress the positive in answers to questions.
Organise what to wear and dress neatly and appropriately.
Plan to get to the interview on time
Know your strengths and weaknesses. Do a SWOT analysis.

38. Preparing for an Interview
During the Interview:
Start with firm hand shake and smile.
Establish and maintain eye contact.
Communicate positively, clearly and with confidence.
Sit with both feet on the floor and don’t slouch.
Listen attentively and answer truthfully.
Expect the unexpected e.g. awkward questions.
Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet you.
If you get interview, evaluate it and consider what improvements could be made for the next interview.

39. 3. Career Investigation

40. Planning your Career Investigation
In planning your Career Investigation you must set yourself goals. Consider the following SMART: S
Goals must be Specific
Write them down M
Goals should be Measurable
I hope to study or work at a particular subject so that I achieve a certain grade. A
Goals should be Attainable
Starting with short-term goals, can make long-term goals more attainable. R
Goals should be Realistic
They should provide neither too great nor too small a challenge T
Goals should have Times attached
Allow enough time to achieve the goal and evaluate.

41. Stages of a Career Investigation
Compile a personal profile e.g. assess you skills, qualities, aptitudes, interests and work preferences.
Select your preferred job and conduct research, e.g. career path, skills, qualities, training necessary.
Draw up a contingency plan.
Interview and/or work shadow in your chosen career.

42. Work Shadowing Watching rather than doing.
Work shadowing is an excellent opportunity to improve your communication skills.
Provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn about careers of interest to you.

43. Planning and Preparing Work Shadowing
Generate a list of questions
Explain the purpose of this experience
Document what you learn
Be aware of the assessment criteria
Be courteous at all times
Allow time for reflection and evaluate
Thank employer

44. Find a Work Shadow Placement
Guidance Counsellor
Family, friends
Newspapers, magazine
Internet
Writing to or ing an employer

45. 4. Work Placement

46. Advantages of Work Experience
Offers an insight into the duties, tasks and responsibilities associated with a particular type of work
Can relate directly to your career aspirations.
Can make contacts for future work, get content for your CV and acquire references.
Can help develop and improve interpersonal, communication, organisational skills.
Can motivate you to work harder when you return to school.
Chance to interact with adults in the working world.

47. Advantages of Work Shadowing
Exposed to variety of careers by doing couple of shorter placements
Improve interpersonal and communication skills
Suitable for careers that don’t lend themselves to work experience e.g. social work
Make contacts for future work

48. Finding Work Experience
When looking for work experience you should do the following:
Decide on the career/experience you would like
Identify the business in your locality that would be suitable, e.g. a primary school or creche for childcare
Write a letter to/telephone/or personally visit the business Ask family members/relatives if they have contacts
Ask your LCVP teacher for advice or assistance
Identify and research placement opportunities
Prepare CV and Letter of Application
Liaise between employer and school
Accept responsibility for planning/organising placement

49. Preparing for Work Experience
Pre-Placement:
Set your objectives
Develop organisational and communication skills
Prepare a CV
Revise letter writing and write a letter
Revise telephoning/
Revise interview techniques
Organise transport
Inform your principal
Get Insurance forms
Get employers’ report forms

50. Preparing for Work Experience
During Placement:
Find out about the company
Make a note of your duties
Make a note of training
Write down your observations
Make a note of interactions with staff
Describe a dress code
Describe a typical day
Describe your highs & lows
Make a note of safety, health and welfare regulations

51. Preparing for Work Experience
Post-Placement:
Evaluate work placement e.g. what did I learn/skills required/qualities required/am I suitable/can I improve
How did I overcome problems
How did I master unfamiliar tasks
Are there any career possibilities
Did I make contacts for the future
What would I do differently
Would I recommend the job to others
Sent a thank-you message to employer by letter/

52. Don’t forget – Law and the Workplace!
Safetly, Health & Welfare at Work Act 1993:
Follow instructions and heed training
Use protective equipment
Report any dangers or injuries
Use all equipment in the proper manner
Do not endanger others
Look out for safety signs
Ask employer for their safety statement
Give your insurance details to your employer
If harassed or bullied, inform your contact person

53. Evaluating your Work Experience
Work experience can by evaluated by;
The quality and content of your Diary of Work Experience, in particular the evaluation.
Your employer completing an Evaluation Form or by interviewing the employer
By assessing your progress in school after the placement. Maybe your more motivated and working harder (ask teacher)
Class discussions on what you have learned and how your skills have improved can be used as a method of evaluating the work placement.

54. Ways to improve your Communication Skills
Practice speaking in public: this will help with tone and speed and will help you overcome any feelings of nervousness.
Know your subject: you will come across as more confident and relaxed.
Learn to listen carefully: helps you to understand and avoid being distracted.
Do a Communication course: highlights what you need to improve
Join a club, preferably as an officer (chairperson, secretary, treasurer)
Learn to improve your body language
Practice writing reports/letters

55. Important points regarding Work Placement
Organise work experience in plenty of time.
Ensure you are covered by the school insurance policy
Work on building site requires a health and safety certificate (‘Safe Pass’) which involves training and a fee
Consent forms are required from parents/guardians for insurance purposes
Present your Employers Report Form
Keep a diary of your activities each day, including tasks performed, names, dates and evaluation.

56. 5. Enterprise Skills

57. Enterprise
Personal Enterprise: undertaking something to improve or acquire qualifications/skills, getting a part-time job, organising an activity.
Community Enterprise: People get together on a voluntary basis to improve or promote their local area e.g. Tidy towns’ committees.
Business Enterprise: An enterprising person who sets up a business to provide a good/service is called an entrepreneur.

58. Enterprise
A purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
The human ability to be innovative and willing to do something new and challenging with the risk of possible failure.

59. The Importance of Enterprise
Generates new business
Raises the standard of living
Provides business for banks and service providers.
Generates tax revenue for the exchequer.

60. Definition of an Entrepreneur
A person who applies enterprise to setting up a new business.
A person who comes up with the idea and sets up a business to develop that idea at a profit, e.g. Bill Gates (Microsoft), Richard Branson, Louis Walsh, JP McManus etc.

61. Skills and characteristics of an entrepreneur
Characteristic’s: special attribute or trait that distinguishes one person from another.
Skills: and ability people have gains through practice and knowledge.

62. Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
Analytical
Ambitious
Confident
Ruthless
Decisive
Hardworking
Risk taker
Opportunity
Pro-active
Innovative
Decisive
Highly motivated

63. Skills Inner Control Planning Setting Goals Being Realistic
Risk-Taking
Innovative
Decision Making

64. Strategies for Idea Generation
Brainstorming
Mind Maps
Thinking in new ways
Finding solutions to problems
Analysing the failures of others
Finding new uses for products/services
Identifying a niche market or a gap in the market
Creating false crises

65. Idea Generation to Sales
Market Research
SWOT Analysis
Target Market
Competition
Marketing Mix
Test Market
Sales... Profit

66. Evaluation – Conclusions-Recommendations
Where the goals achieved?
What did or did not work?
What was learned from the activity?
What problems were encountered and how were they dealt with?
What the activity worthwhile and\or cost-effective?
How well did the team work together?
How well did you perform your role?
What lessons can be learned for the future?
What changes are needed to ensure success in other activities?

67. Ownership Options Sole Trader (Business owned and run by one person)
Partnership (Business with between 2-20 partners)
Company (private & public)
The big advantage of a company is that it has limited liability, the owners/shareholders will only lose the money they invested.
The they also raise capital through issuing shares.

68. Number of Employees Micro Business (1-10 employees)
Small Business (10-50 employees)
Medium Business ( employees)
Large Business (more than 250 employees)

69. Stakeholders in a Business
Employers
Employees
Consumers
Suppliers
Investors
Government
Trade Unions
Local Community
Voluntary Organisations
Community Enterprises
Family
Competitors

70. Teamwork
A team is a group of people working together to achieve a common goal/objective.
Team building is a process to strengthen teams.
Advantages of Teams:
Work is completed faster
Responsibility is shared
Workers have responsibilities to others, therefore they take more ownership of their work
Share expertise and skills
Improve team relations
Encourages participation and communication
Improves interpersonal skills

71. Leadership
“The process of influencing the activities of an organised group towards goal setting and goal accomplishment”
A leader needs to direct and coordinate the activities of the team in order to achieve the desired objectives.
An effective leader will build on the strengths and talents of the people around them.
A leader must also provide people with the necessary resources.
They will allow others to take responsibility to work on their own initiative in order to achieve agreed objectives.
The leader also leads by example.

72. A formal type of communication
Meetings
A formal type of communication

73. Meeting occurs when at least two people come together for one the following reasons:
To give and receive information about a particular topic
To discuss and solve a problem for example a union management meeting
To enable different groups of people to co-operate together, for example departments in a firm
To make decisions, for example board meetings

74. Planning/Organising a Meeting
Send out a notice of the meeting to invited people
Prepare an agenda
Book a room that is properly prepared
Elect a chairperson and secretary
Adhere to the items of the agenda
Allow only one person to speak at a time
Allow each item to be properly discussed
Make sure a written record is taken (minutes)
Vote properly
Decide on relevant actions

75. NOTICE OF MEETING must include the following details
Name of the business, club
The place where the meeting will take place (venue)
The date of the meeting
Time of the meeting

76. Notice and Agenda of the Meeting of the LCVP Fundraising Group
The meeting of the above group will take place in Room 4 on Wednesday 12 October 2011 at 1.15pm.
AGENDA
Minutes of last meeting
Matters arising from the minutes
Correspondence
Treasurer’s report
Fundraising ideas
Organising team tasks
AOB
Signed: Patricia Clarke Date:__________
Secretary
Example of Notice & Agenda

77. of the LCVP Fundraising Group Example Minutes of a Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting
of the LCVP Fundraising Group
The minutes of the above group took place in Room 4 on
Wednesday 12 October at 1.15pm. A total of 16 attended.
The minutes from the last meeting were read out.
There were no matters arising from the minutes.
A letter was received from a local charity organisation thanking the group for the offer of fundraising. The charity has offered the services of a guest speaker. It was decided to invite the speaker to attend the LCVP class at a mutually acceptable time.
The treasurer reported that no funds have been raised to date.
A number of fundraising ideas were suggested and the group finally decided on investigating:
A sponsored 10km walk; and (b) a Christmas calendar with adverts.
Two teams of eight people were chosen to investigate each option, draw up a plan and report back at the next meeting. Each team will meet separately to assign duties.
There was no other business, so the meeting ended at 1.45pm.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 26th October 2011 at 1.15pm in Room 4.
Signed: Patricia Clarke
Secretary
Example Minutes of a Meeting

78. Roles within a committee
Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Public relations officer

79. Chairperson
Most meetings require a chairperson in order to control and direct the proceedings.
They carry the authority to keep order and maintain progress in line with the agenda.
Functions of a chairperson:
Run (chair) the meeting
Ensure that order is maintained
Give each person an opportunity to speak
Organise a vote, if needed
Follow the order of the agenda
Represent the meeting/organisation.

80. Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for keeping records and looking after correspondence.
Functions of a Secretary:
Keep minutes of the meeting
Send out the agenda
Keep a register of members
Deal with all correspondence
Keep all official documents

81. Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for financial policies, procedures, and controls.
The Treasurer receives and disburses all funds and pays bills as they come due.
It is their responsibility to keep an accurate account of all transactions.
The Treasurer shall make financial reports to it committee.

82. Public Relations Officer
The Public Relations officer shall arrange the preparation and dissemination of news releases regarding activities etc.
They will also be responsible for all internal publications e.g. newsletter.

83. 6. Local Business Enterprises

84. Benefits of Local Enterprises in Local Area
Employ local people and have positive effect on the economy
Other businesses in the area will benefit e.g. Banks
One business can attract other businesses
Enterprises can support local projects, improving area
Enterprises can sponsor local events
They may welcome school visits
They may provide work placements
They may agree to visit a school
Local infrastructure benefits

85. Evaluating the success of a Local Enterprise
Profitability & Sales: does the business have high sales and make a profit?
Continuity of business: how long has the business been in existence?
Expansion: has the business grown/no of staff increases?
Image: how is the business regarded by customers/does it have a good brand image?
Low labour turnover: do employees stay with the business?
Rising share price: In the case of a company, has the share price risen?

86. 10 Factors to a Successful Business
Business Plan: Necessary to apply for loans/grants. Useful as a control mechanism. Used to review and evaluate, compare planned objectives to actual results
Finance: Capital/Grants/Other sources/Cash flow.
Product: Must be demand for the product (Mkt Research/Mkt Mix very important)
Staffing: must have properly trained staff (Recruiting procedures/training/incentives)
Location: consider transport services/employees/rail or port if exporting/customers/suppliers.
Managerial Experience: To run a business successfully management skills and management activities are NB.
Laws: Health & Safety/Employment Equality/Sale of Goods Act/Young Persons Act/Tax, Maternity leave, data protection/Consumer Information Act.
Economic Factors: Recession (high taxation/high unemployment)
High Quality Product/Service:
Local Environment: must obey environment laws.

87. Impact of the Single European Market
Irish companies have access to wider European markets
Irish companies face more competition, therefore must become more competitive
International companies may locate in Ireland to gain access to the European market.
Currency: the introduction of the Euro has made it easier to do business in the Euro Zone.
Irish companies have to compete with low-wage eastern European countries.
Documentation when trading with EU is easier
Recognition of qualifications within EU is better
Financial institutions are able to open in member states
Sales can increase leading to Economy of scale
Costs involved e.g. Transport/packaging/interpreters etc

88. Why should a business plan?

89. What is a Business Plan
The most important part of setting up a business is preparing a Business Plan.
“Failing to plan is the same as planning to fail”.
By having a plan a firm knows where its going and what it hopes to achieve.
A plan is essential if you wish to apply for a loan or a grant.

90. Elements of a Business Plan
Description of the Business
The business's legal structure: sole trader/partnership/company
Type of enterprise e.g. Manufacturing. Product or Service
2. Personal
Names of owners/directors. Management responsibilities. Departments and organisational structure. Qualifications/Salaries of staff.
3. Finance
Capital (money to start up bs)/Loans (money borrowed from financial institutions)/Accounts (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)/ Sources of Finance
4. Marketing
Market Research/target market/marketing mix/advertising/competition
5. Production
Job/Batch/Mass production. Quality. Safety
6. Other Relevant Information
Leases/Legal documents/CV's/Patents

91. Reasons for a Business Plan
Raising Finance
A business may require loans/grants. Planning helps decide capital requirements
2. Setting Objectives
Short-term goals (to maintain 50% market share.
Long-term goals (to expand into a foreign market)
3. Indentifying Weaknesses
Need to be aware of weaknesses - take corrective action
4. Controlling/Evaluating
A business plan helps you monitor progress, test achievements and evaluate performance
5. Timing (Schedule)
Both employees and management know what is to be done and when.
6. Decision Making
A plan helps management make day-to-day decisions and also helps them to evaluate whether or not to start/continue the business

92. Support/Training for New Business
City & County Enterprise Boards
Give advice, training, support and financial assistance to micro-businesses.
2. Udaras na Gaeltachta
They attract investment to Gaeltacht areas by offering grants
3. FAS
They provide training and employment programmes
4. LEADER Plus Programme
Promotes development in rural areas
5. Small Firms Association
They provide support and advice to small firms.
6. Enterprise Ireland
They provide support and grants to Irish firms.
7. Failte Ireland
Semi-state body that promotes tourism

93. Marketing
The management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.

94. Research Primary Research (Field research)
Takes place after secondary research, the aim is to discover new information (surveys; questionnaires; focus groups)
Secondary Research (Desk research)
First type of research, done to discover what information is already know from previous reports etc

95. Marketing Mix (5 P’s) Product: what does the consumer need/want
Price: how much should we charge, what will the consumer pay
Place: where should we sell/how will we get the goods to the consumer
Promotion: how will we encourage people to buy
Packaging: can sometimes be more important than the product

96. Product Do you have the right product
Every product should have unique selling point (USP)
Has it something that sets it apart from similar product
Ensuring we are not producing a product that won’t sell
Reaching a standard customers demand
Good design, and is quality up to standard

97. Price Do you have the right selling price/pricing strategy
What price are customers willing to pay
Do you cover the production price and make a profit
Are you in line with competitors prices

98. Place
Where to sell
Outlets, internet, direct selling, wholesaler, retailer
Looking for new places to sell
Where are the most potential customers
Distribution- how to get the product to the market
Aiming the advertising to the right type of customer

99. Promotion
How to advertise the product effectively to its target market
Sales promotional techniques, coupons, displays, etc.
PR. Advertising
How to attract new customers.

100. Promoting a product
Advertising (TV, radio, paper, billboards, receipts)
Sales promotion (coupons, special offers etc)
Publicity (contests, sponsor events, exhibition)
Branding (a name, logo, slogan, and/or design scheme associated with a product or service)

101. Merchandising
Is promoting a particular brand of products/services through direct and indirect advertising, displays and in-store sales promotional techniques.
Examples include offering free samples of goods in store (lady frying the sausages)
Stacking a special display provided by the producer.
Giving of complimentary products, buy one get one free, or at a reduced rate.
Give away items, related to the product, cuddly toys or gimmicks. (Mc Donalds toys)

102. SWOT Analysis
SWOT analysis is a way to analyse and evaluate your current situation and environment to help you identify the most beneficial strategies and goals.
Helps to identify issues that are part of current and future situation of the business.
Allows an examination SWOT of a new idea, product or service in the market place.
**Maximises the strengths, takes advantage of opportunities and minimizes weaknesses and threats, reduces the risk of failure of a new product or service**

103. SWOT Analysis Strengths Advantages/What is done well 2. Weakness
Disadvantages/What is done badly
3. Opportunities
Markets/New Trends/Events
4. Threats
Competition/Changes in Technology/Changes in legislation or government policy/Changes in consumer needs/wants.

104. 7. Local Voluntary Organisations/Community Enterprises

105. Voluntary Organisations
A group of people who have come together on a voluntary basis with the expressed aim of improving the lives of others in the community (local or national organisations)
Local Organisations
Tidy Towns Committee
Youth Club
Drama Club
Homework Club
Neighbourhood Watch
National Organisations
Society of St Vincent de Paul
Amnesty International
The Rehab Group
Trocaire
The GAA
Aware
Bothar

106. Voluntary Organisations
What do Voluntary Organisations do?
Promoting the Development of Local Community: e.g. Tidy Towns
Promoting protection of Local Community:
e.g. Neighbourhood Watch
Help disadvantaged groups within society:
e.g. Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Involvement in Sports:
e.g. GAA

107. Examples of Voluntary Organisations
GAA
Established to revive and nurture traditional indigenous pastimes
Promoting hurling/
Gaelic/football/irish dancing/music & song.
There are over 2,500 clubs in Ireland alone
St Vincent de Paul
Voluntary org.
Membership open to people of all faiths.
Aims to help people in need on an individual basis.
Provides clothing, fuel, food, beds, furniture and holidays.

108. Examples of Voluntary Organisations
Focus Ireland
Believes everyone has the right to a place that they can call home.
They try to empower homeless people so they can look after themselves
Providing them with information, resources and training, enabling them to rejoin society.
Macra Na Feirne
Aims to promote agriculture and rural development.
It organises activities around 8 different programme areas: sports and social, travel, competitions, art and culture, farming, rural development, education and leadership training.

109. Benefits of Voluntary Organisations
Provide a service not otherwise available
Help the less well off in society - so that everyone has a basic standard of living e.g. The elderly
Provide a good example to young people and encourage them to get involved and improve their skills
Foster greater community spirit - more support when community projects are undertaken
Individuals involved benefit hugely as they are committed to their local community

110. Evaluation in Voluntary Organisations
Evaluation is NB for voluntary organisations so they can take a close look at themselves and what they are doing on a regular basis.
It allows the organisation to review that it has achieved.
The organisation's achievements can be compared to its objectives.
Evaluation provides an opportunity to plan ahead, make improvements and branch out into new areas.
It is a chance to check that funds are being properly used.

111. People involved in Voluntary Organisations
Most people involved in voluntary organisations work on a voluntary basis.
Some are paid and work on a full-time or part-time basis.
People have different roles, e.g. Counsellors, fund-raisers, coaches, managers and administrators.

112. Community Enterprises
A Community Enterprise can be defined as a small commercial enterprise that has been established for the benefit of the local community rather than an individual
Promote development in particular communities
Udaras na Gaeltachta works in Gaeltacht areas
LEADER Plus programme promote rural enterprises
City and County Enterprise Boards promote the development of micro-businesses

113. Examples of Community Enterprises
FAS
FAS operates training and employment programmes and recruitment services.
It also provides support for businesses and community-based enterprises.
City/County Enterprise Boards
Provide support services to small businesses.
Provide advice and training grants.
They promote entrepreneurship through the Enterprise Awards Scheme and Enterprise Encounter.

114. Examples of Community Enterprises
Udaras Na Gaeltachta
Aim is to preserve and strengthen the Gaeltacht and the Irish language.
Encourage strong communities who achieve their full potential and enjoy a high quality of life.
Attracting investment to the Gaeltacht regions and offering grants and incentives.
LEADER Plus Programme
An EU initiative for rural development.
Enables groups in rural areas to implement their own business plans for the development of their area.
It is co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU.

115. Benefits of Community Enterprises
Help reduce unemployment
Generate income and provide services
Restore community pride
Improve the local environment
They help those who are socially excluded
They provide a service not otherwise available
Foster greater community spirit
Sometimes they receive grants which are utilised locally

116. Voluntary Organisations v's Business Enterprises
Non-profit making
Volunteers may receive payment
Finance comes from grants, fundraising, the lotto
They may not have a risk element
Business Enterprises
They trade for a profit
Staff receive payment
Finance comes from investors and they charge for product/service
They have a risk element

117. Multinational Business
The advantages of a multinational business to host countries are:
They create jobs for the local population.
The companies help the development of the country by bringing in technology and knowledge that the host country does not possess.
Transfer of technology, capital and entrepreneurship.
They increase the investment level and thus the income and employment in the host country.
Greater availability of products for local consumers.
Greater access to high quality managerial talent which tens to be scarce in host countries.
Increase in exports and decrease in imports, thereby improving the balance of payment of host countries.
The new multi-national companies act as growth poles for other similar companies. They could encourage more companies to locate in that country once they see the benefits that it brings.

118. Multinational Business
Disadvantages include:
Destroy competition and acquire monopoly.
Often the jobs are highly skilled and so the company brings in their own people to do them. Also, the technological nature of many of these companies means that there aren’t as many jobs as there might have been.
The wages paid to local workers are often low and some companies have been accused of exploiting the local workforce rather than benefiting it.
There are often tax incentives for these companies to locate in countries in the Developing World. This added to the fact that they take most of their profits out of the country, means that the actual economic benefit to the country could be minimal.
Many multi-national companies have very poor records on pollution and worker safety. They have been accused of trying to cut corners with both safety and pollution in order to keep costs down

119. In order to reduce the fears of host countries MNC they need to:
provide employment
train managers
provide products and services that raise the standard of living
introduce and develop new technical and managerial skills
increase productivity

120. 8. An Enterprise Activity

121. Deciding on a product/service
Develop a new idea.
Copy an existing idea
Change an existing idea – develop/add to it
Identify a gap in the market
Enter a niche market, i.e. A specialised area
Do some research and development

122. Market Research Market Research is an important element of marketing.
Market research is used to identify the types of people interested in a particular product or service.
Used to find out what potential customers need and want.
It can help producers to find a suitable selling price.
Used to investigate competitors
Can help determine what standard of quality the producer should try to achieve
It reduces the risks associated with business and helps to ensure that the business is successful.

123. Types of Market Research
Desk Research
Information that has already been published
Newspapers
Central statistics office
Internet
Magazines, trade journals
Golden pages
Reports from Gov Dept, Chamber of Commerce, City & County Enterprise Boards
Field Research
Going into the market place and interviewing customers and potential customers.
Collecting information
Questionnaires
Observation
Personal interviews
Telephone interviews
Consumer panels
Retail audits

124. Questionnaires
One NB aspect of conducting a survey is designing the right questions!!!
Before you design the questionnaire brainstorm what information you need to get from the people who'll be filling it in.
Use closed questions/open-ended and multiple choice questions
Number questions
Use clear headings & instructions
Leave clear marked space for answers
Questions must be clear and easy to understand
Keep short and simple
Pilot the questionnaire
Avoid leading questions
Avoid biased questions
Select a sample that is representative
Analyse answers properly

126. The Marketing Mix (4 P’s)
Product
Produce the right produce/service to suit consumer needs
Ensure excellent quality and an ideal brand, promoting an outstanding image e.g.
Ensure the packaging enhances the product and is appropriate
Having a USP (Unique Selling Point) for a competitive advantage
Price
Choose the most suitable price for the product
Cover all costs, whilst yielding a sufficient profit
Price may be determined by demand and competitors prices
Prices may change from time to time e.g. sales
Promotion
What methods of advertising will reach target market e.g. newspapers/radio/tv
Use sales promotions – e.g. special offers, 100% extra free
Deal with public relations issues e.g. dealing with complaints, public relations
Place
Where is your market actually situated
How will you transport your goods to the market
How will you distribute your goods? (direct to the consumer/or through a retailer?)

127. Marketing
Marketing is a term used to describe all aspects of selling goods and services;
From market research to purchasing raw materials, to producing the product, to selling and distributing the product or service, to after-sales service.
Marketing identifies, anticipates and satisfies consumers’ needs, whilst still making a profit.

128. Promotion Promotion encourages customers to buy goods/services.
There are basically four methods of promotion:
1 Personal Selling
Sales people convince customers to purchase goods/services.
2 Public Relations
PR is about promoting the good image of an enterprise/product/service to the public.
3 Advertising
Advertising creates interest in and desire for the product/service, persuading customers to buy it.
4 Sales Promotion
Promotions encourage people to buy the product by giving them: Free gifts/special offers/money off

129. Advertising Reasons for Advertising
Attracts attention/inspires interest/develops desire/achieves action i.e. persuades the customer to purchase the product/service.
Forms of Advertising
Television/radio/magazines/newspapers/cinema/billboards/the internet/shopping bags/sponsorship/Competitions
Planning an Advertising Campaign
Have clear objectives
Decide on a budget
Choose an appropriate form of advertising
Decide on an advertising agency/appoint advertising manager
Decide on a target market

130. Evaluating an Advertising Campaign
After the campaign, evaluate to see:
What worked well?
What aspects were cost effective?
What would we do differently?
How to evaluate:
Identify the costs involved and see if the campaign was effective
Survey the public
Check if sales have show a significant increase
Ask employees for their opinions