Introduction

By completing this unit candidates will develop the ability to create files in different software
packages, including word processing or DTP, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.
They will communicate effectively using email and will search the internet efficiently for information.

Candidates will be able to show that they understand:

• good working practices, including the organisation of files using appropriate file and
  directory/folder names and the regular backing up of files
• features of email software
• methods of searching for information on the internet
• methods of integrating different types of files into a document or presentation
• the appropriate software to use for different tasks
• methods of storing, retrieving and analysing data.

Scenario - The French Trip

You have recently been appointed as an administrative officer at your school. The French Department has asked you to help them organise a five-day educational trip to Paris for the Year 11 French option students. All the students participating in the trip will spend three days working in the office of a French school and will have two days to see the sights of Paris. It is anticipated that between 20 and 25 students and 5 staff will participate in the trip. All students will be at least 16 years old on the date of the planned trip. Accommodation will be with French families.
You have been asked to research:

• sightseeing options
• evening activities
• transport options
• costs

You will need to prepare a range of documents for the staff and students to assist in the organisation of the trip. These will include a presentation, a range of word-processed and/or desktop published documents and a spreadsheet. You will also update and use a database to find specific information.

You will need to design the layout of all the documents you create (including the presentation and the spreadsheet), however, it is not necessary for you to provide evidence of the designs as these will be seen in the completed documents.

It is important that you read all of the assignment, before you begin any work, so that you are familiar with the requirements of each task. The work that you do in Task 1 will be used in Task 4, and the research that you do in Task 2 will provide information that will use in Tasks 4 and 5.

Task 1 - Safe working practices in a business environment

Assessment Objective 1 is assessed in this task.

All the students participating in the French trip will be undertaking work experience in a French office during the trip. The organisers want to make sure that the students understand safe working practices when using ICT in a business environment. You have been asked to provide the text for a document that will be given to the students. You will prepare this document in Task 4 so there is no need to format your work in this task, however, you will need to save this work.

Task 2 - Search for and store information from the internet

Part of Assessment Objective 2 is assessed in this task.

As part of your task organising the French trip, you need to find out about different options for the trip. You must store some of this information for use in Tasks 4 and 5 of this assignment.

Task 3 - Design and create a business presentation to accompany a talk on the use of email in business

Part of Assessment Objective 2 and Assessment Objective 3 is assessed in this task.

In preparation for the students’ work experience, the organisers of the French trip want to ensure that all students understand how to use email appropriately and effectively in a business context. You have been asked to use presentation software to prepare a presentation that will be delivered to all the students participating in the trip.

Task 4 - Design and create a range of business documents

Assessment Objective 4 is assessed in this task.

In this task you will use word processing or desktop publishing software to create a variety of appropriate business documents relevant to the French trip. These must include a letter and at least two other documents (eg information leaflet, flyer, brochure, newsletter, agenda, report, minutes, additional handouts to accompany the presentation you created in Task 3).

Task 5 - Design, create and use a business spreadsheet

Assessment Objective 5 is assessed in this task.

In this task you will design, create and use a spreadsheet appropriate to your work for the French trip. You will need to use appropriate information that you found in Task 2 when completing this task. Your spreadsheet should present the costs involved for at least two of the different trip options.

Task 6 - Update and use a database to search for and present information for a business purpose

Part of Assessment Objective 6 is assessed in this task.

In this task, you will update and use a database file called Hosts, which your tutor will give to you. This database contains details of host families who are able to accommodate staff and students when they are in Paris. You will enter, edit and delete data appropriate to the needs of the French department. You will search for data relevant to the trip and for the higher levels you will also sort data and print report(s).