5N1356: Using a method of research (e.g. Survey, PEST or SWOT Analysis), analyze the key opportunities and challenges facing the sector: Work Experience Assignment, OU, Ireland

Assignment Title: Vocational Area Profile

Compile a structured report which explores the opportunities and challenges facing your chosen vocational area.

This should be completed using the following format:

Terms of Reference

It should provide an overview of the whole report, so that the reader can get a good idea of what the report contains, without having to read the report in detail.

• General introduction
• What is the purpose of the report, who requested the report and a brief outline of what you will discuss?

Procedure

• This section of the report tells your reader how, when and from whom you collected the data for your report.

Findings

 Part 1 – (Profile of Vocational Area)

Opportunities and Challenges facing Vocational Area

• Using a method of research (e.g. Survey, PEST or SWOT Analysis), analyze the key opportunities and challenges facing the sector

Part 2 – (Work Organisations, Opportunities and Skills)

Work Organisations

• Discuss the various types of work organizations (public, private, voluntary, etc.) Job/ Career Opportunities

• Evidence of job finding strategies – online, newspaper, etc. Future Skills Needs

• What potential improvements could you identify in your vocational area?
  • What personal skills are required to work in the area?

Part 3 – (Basic rights & responsibilities of employees/employers)

Equality Legislation

• Definition of main legal Act
• Nine grounds of discrimination
• Outline the state bodies that support equality in the workplace

Employment Legislation

• Obligations of an employer in regard to pay and union representation Health and Safety
• Health and Safety and Welfare Act 2005 (outline main points)
• Obligations of an employer
• Obligations of an employee (include examples from your work placement)

Conclusion

• Outline a few key points you learned from completing your research on your vocational area

Recommendations

• Outline a few recommendations you would make in light of your findings

Bibliography

• Using Harvard referencing in alphabetical order – example

Appendices

• Are material you have referred to which are not essential for the reading of the report, examples graphs, long reports, etc.
• Appendices are numbered, for reference in the text, they can be placed in a printed format or bibliography format at the end of the report