How to pass E1, Enterprise Operations?

What do I need to do to pass E1? The CIMA E1 examiner keeps on stressing (amongst other things) that students do not answer the question, particularly in section C (short-scenario) questions. For instance, in the May 2012 Post Exam Guide (PEG), the examiner states, There was a lack of content in most cases indicating that insufficient time had been spent in addressing the issues in the scenarios. Not writing enough! Some answers were nothing more than outline notes when the question had more substantial requirements. The core skills needed to pass the E1 exam are: Good understanding of the concepts / theories Use reading (planning) time (20 minutes) effectively at the start of the exam Analyse the question requirement and address the exam verbs (to demonstrate required competencies) Use the scenario and make the answer relevant (section C questions) Professional communication and good answer layout (section B and C questions) How to learn E1? As a first step, you need to have a clear and thorough understanding of the Component Learning Outcomes (CLO) of the E1syllabus they form the basis of exam questions. The verbs at the beginning of each CLO relates to the skill / competency level you are expected acquire and develop because in the exam you are expected to demonstrate these skills / competencies. Once you decide the most suitable method of study for you (e.g. face-to-face or online tuition, textbooks etc), you need to prepare a detailed study plan so that you may pace your studies throughout the time you have available for study. The 2013 study wall planner may be useful. There are five syllabus topics with 20% study weighting for each. This means, you need to allocate approximately 20% of your study time for each syllabus topic. Approximately 20% of the marks will be allocated for each syllabus topic, and you will have to study the entire syllabus as some questions may test your knowledge in more than one syllabus topic. Short notes play a key role in understanding, summarising and remembering what you study in papers such as E1, as it comprises a lot of theory. Mind maps will be very useful. (Refer the sample mind map at the end of this note, on CSR) Question practice is the most effective tactic for passing the E1 exam. You can access E1 past papers, suggested answers and PEGs (post exam guides) on the Exam Preparation CIMA website free of charge. After you study / revise the material for a given CLO, you should practice writing answers to time and if possible obtain feedback from your E1 lecturer or compare your answer with the one given in the PEG. The E1 past papers by learning outcomes will be helpful for you to identify the relevant E1 past paper questions. Thorough understanding of exam verbs will be very helpful to analyse the question requirement, plan and write an answer for full potential marks. Past paper analysis of the E1 exam has shown that the two verbs that earn most of the marks are Explain and Discuss. For instance, in the November 2012 exam, 25 and 30 marks (consecutively) were for question requirements that started with these two verbs, compared with, 50 and 15 marks (consecutively) in the May 2012 exam. Read this article to learn what you are expected to do precisely for each exam verb).

Mindmap on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Mindmaps are an effective memory technique. The human brain is designed to remember patterns and not just lists. This note making method (as opposed to note taking) will help you to understand, remember and recall the theories you have studied. The mind map shown below on CSR contains 14 facts, all of which are worth a mark in relation to an exam question. If you practice using mind maps, when you get into the exam room and read the question requirements, it may trigger your brain to remember a relevant mind map you have produced, allowing you to score high marks.

Consider interests of all stakeholders in making business decisions

- Internal - External -Connected

Definition

Stakeholders

CSR
Issues Benefits

Business context -Obligation of firms to maximise benefits and minimise demerits to stakeholders -Dimensions: legal, economic, ethical etc -Element of management

-Pollution from production / consumption -Factory / product safety -Extensive use of non-renewable resources -Non degradable packaging

-Positive corporate image -Protect stakeholders (e.g. employees) -Source of differentiation

How to approach section A questions, in E1? The 10 questions in section A are designed to test your knowledge of a wide variety of topics across the entire E1 syllabus through the use of objective test questions (OTQs) in a conventional 'multiple choice' format, on the basis that there is only one correct answer. During the 20 minute reading time, you may mark the answers to all these questions in the question paper itself, and it may take less than 10 minutes. You can transfer the answers to the answer booklet later. Read the question requirement carefully. Attempt the easier questions first, and you can come back and complete more difficult questions later. Eliminate the obvious incorrect answers, if possible.

How to approach section B questions, in E1? The six sub-questions are direct and are not complicated by detailed scenarios. Therefore, accuracy, brevity and clarity are expected in the answers, and you should not spend more than 10 minutes on each sub-question that earns 5 marks. This section represents 30% of the paper and tests topics from across sections B, C and D of the syllabus. Responses for each sub-question are expected over a page or so, in a form that might include:

A few headings; Sentences (with short paragraphs); and / or Bullet points.

A good answer demonstrates knowledge, comprehension (broader understanding) and, where applicable, analysis through a series of clear developed notes relevant to the requirements of the subquestion. A fail answer constitutes: - Limited or some knowledge of the theory / concepts involved; - Demonstrates confusion, sketchy notes or just few bullet points; and / or - Failure to demonstrate comprehension / broader understanding

How to approach section C questions, in E1? You are expected to write a structured essay answer to two compulsory, short-scenario based questions. Each question is worth 25 marks, and therefore you can afford to spend 45 minutes in total. You will be able to write a good answer for full potential marks if you plan both the structure and the content of the answer. Carefully read each question requirement a few times to ensure you understand the question. Analyse the question requirements pay attention to the verb and be very clear of the nature and the level of competency you are expected to demonstrate. Decide the time you are going to allocate for each sub question (1.8 minutes X no of marks).

Illustration section B question

An organisation has decided to outsource its IS function. Explain the main issues it needs to address. (5 marks) May 2010 Q2 a) Comment: For each issue, you will get 1 mark, so you will have to identify 5 issues and, then explain each issue. To address the verb Explain you may use what and why approach for each point.
Heading for each point

Reaction and support of the employees The employees who are potentially affected may be resistant to this change. Therefore, they have to be consulted, educated and engaged. This may reduce the level of resistance, and extend support and commitment to the outsourcing decision.
1st sentence: what is the issue? (1/2 mark)

Space between paragraphs

2nd sentence: why is it important? (1/2 mark)

Reliability of the specialist contractor The organisation will need to undertake a thorough evaluation process of the potential specialist contractor against pre-determined assessment criteria. This will ensure that the organisation selects and contracts with a specialist contractor who is technically capable of delivering high quality solutions for a sustainable time period.

Brevity Clarity Accuracy

Illustration section C question

Identify ways in which information technology and information systems might improve S1Ks operations. (10 marks), Specimen Paper - Q 4 a)
Comment: in the structure planning, you will note that there have to be two sub headings one for IS and the other for IT. To earn the full 10 marks, 10 points will be needed, ideally 5 points each for IS and IT. Out of the 18 minutes, you may spend approximately 6 minutes (1/3) to read, understand and analyse the question requirement, and then plan the answer. In content planning you may recall what you studied and revised. You may capture them in a mind map as and when the relevant points cross your mind. Then, read the scenario to pick relevant information / evidence to support your points or to add value to your answer. Ensure that you always relate your answer to the scenario and avoid making general / vague statements (e.g. provide support to business | maintain balance between business and individuals)

Answer Plan:

Faster Comms

Online booking Advertising Customer engagement Website

Expand no of shops / products Future enhancements

Internet Skill Level 2: Comprehension Collaboration between shops and HO WAN Easy and simple (from manual)

IS
MIS 10 marks Software for Finance

Identify

IT
18 minutes

Time saving

Use for other activities

Standardisation Timely, accurate info

Supports current systems Large and complex volume

You may make the answer plan on blank space in the question paper or in the answer booklet, and you can put a line through it if you dont wish your marker to read it. Preparing an answer plan will give you several benefits: Exam verb, nature and level of competency to be demonstrated, time to be allocated etc will be considered. Prioritise your points to ensure logical presentation. Identify headings, sub-headings, paragraphing, selective underlining etc that will make the answer layout more professional and easy to read by markers.

Brief introduction at the start

It is clear from the scenario that S1Ks operations might be improved considerably through both information technology and information systems. Use of information technology The new Chief Executive believes that the opportunities for the use of information technology (IT) need to be grasped. This is particularly in the implementation and running of the information system network and in support of management operations. The opportunities that IT offers are evident in a number of ways including the following: Firstly, IT will strengthen current operating and managing systems of S1K. Presently, the systems are generally weak and clearly these need to be improved upon and developed. In theory, it would be possible to have effective information systems without using information technology (IT). The size and complexity of the group means that IT is the only practical delivery option for meeting S1Ks expanding information needs arising from an expanding product range and (soon) 35 geographically diverse shops. Secondly, IT will enable standardisation of S1Ks operations. IT would allow S1K to operate a number of different types of systems each designed to assist management, group coordination and decision-making. This will involve a move from the current stand alone applications to common integrated technology and systems.

Heading for

Related to scenario information

Short / simple sentences with less punctuation Space between paragraphs

Selective underlining of key message