Understanding the Organization and External Influences

1. Examine two key external influences impacting or likely to impact the activities of your organization. (AC 1.1)
   Analyze external factors such as economic conditions, technological advancements, competition, government regulations, or social trends that significantly influence the organization’s operations.

2. Discuss the main business goal of your organization and why planning is crucial to achieving it. (AC 1.2)
   Identify the organization’s primary goal (e.g., increasing market share, profitability, or customer satisfaction) and explain the importance of strategic planning in aligning resources and efforts toward achieving it.

3. Discuss the products and/or services of your organization and identify its main customers. (AC 1.3)
   Describe the key offerings of your organization, whether products or services, and define the primary customer segments or stakeholders that the organization serves.

The Role of Technology in the Workplace

4. Review how file sharing technology and video conferencing can improve working practices and collaboration. (AC 1.4)
   Highlight the benefits of these technologies, such as enhancing communication, enabling remote collaboration, reducing time spent on physical meetings, and improving document sharing and version control.

Organizational Culture and Its Importance

5. Define organizational culture and explain its importance in fostering an appropriate and effective workplace environment. (AC 2.1)
   Define organizational culture as the shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape the work environment. Discuss why cultivating a positive culture is critical for employee engagement, productivity, and organizational success.

6. Explain how culture is part of a whole system and how people professionals’ work impacts other areas of the organization. (AC 2.2)
   Discuss how organizational culture interacts with business systems such as leadership, communication, and decision-making. Explain how actions by people professionals, such as hiring practices or training programs, can ripple across departments and influence overall performance.

Managing Organizational Change

7. Explain the importance of planning and managing change driven by economic downturn and challenging trading conditions. (AC 3.1)
   Discuss why proactive planning is vital to mitigate risks, maintain stability, and adapt effectively to economic challenges. Highlight the role of change management in minimizing disruptions and maintaining employee morale.

8. Explain the role of people professionals in managing change during an economic downturn. (AC 3.2)
   Explore the role of HR in communicating changes, supporting workforce transitions, and aligning talent strategies with organizational needs during challenging economic periods.

9. Discuss how organizational change, driven by economic downturn, could impact people in your organization. (AC 3.3)
   Analyze potential effects, such as increased stress, job insecurity, or shifts in responsibilities. Discuss how these changes may influence employee engagement, productivity, and overall morale, and recommend strategies to address them.