SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt

Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Chapter 10
Professional Marks & Formats

Professional Marks

General Professional Guidelines As per Examiner

1. Linking answer to EXHIBIT IS A MUST. No marks for general answer

2. Mention most important or crucial points FIRST

3. DO NOT INCLUDE unnecessary points

4. DO NOT REPEAT same points in one answer

5. Strictly STICK TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND THE MARKS, do not give excessive information

6. Answer should follow a LOGICAL FLOW rather than haphazard points

7. Report, Briefing Note, Letter, Press Release or Slides FORMAT TO BE USED when required

8. Conclusion not required unless specifically required in the question

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 SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt
Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Analysis
Thoroughly review given information and investigate reasons of the current status

Hint: Explain and comment in detail on a particular set of info / data and
question appropriateness of any assumptions used

Evaluation
Assess proposals or arguments in a balanced way (i.e. giving both pros and cons) so that it
could be used for decision making. Demonstrate professional judgement

Hint: Mention both pros and cons

Communication
Express clearly and convincingly keeping in mind the target audience, for e.g. are you writing
to Chairman, NED, Finance Director, HR Director, Shareholders, General Public, etc.

HINT: Use appropriate format for Report, Briefing Notes, Presentation Slides,
Letter or Press Release wherever required

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 SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt
Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Commercial Acumen
Understanding of overall business and external factors. To be able to able to give
commercially sound comments and recommendations.

HINT: Use words like opportunities, threats, customers, competitors, market-

share, risks, etc.

Scepticism
Ask questions or challenge someone’s views or opinions with facts and figures in order to
present the complete issue picture or issue

Hint: Adopt a questioning tone in your answer, using words like ‘I disagree’, or
‘its incorrect’, or ‘its not clear’ or ‘should be further investigated’

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 SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt
Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Formats
Report Format:
Report
To: {Addressee}
From: {Your role}
Subject: {From question}
Date: dd-mm-yyyy

Introduction:
This report {copy from question}

Conclusion :
IF required in the question, otherwise NO

Briefing Paper / MEMO Format:

Briefing Paper / MEMO
FAO: {Addressee}
From: {Your role}
Subject: {From question}
Date: dd-mm-yyyy

Opening Para (for e.g. this briefing paper analysis …….)

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 SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt
Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Presentation Slide Format:

Slide 1:
HR Issues

▪ High turnover

▪ Low staff morale

▪ Salaries not aligned with market

Supporting notes:
{Explain above headings in paragraph form in 7-10 lines in total}

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 SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt
Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Letter Format:
Assistant Auditor
National Audit Authority
Beeland
DATE: dd-mm-yyyy
Chairman
Rail Co Trust Board
Beeland

Subject: Internal Controls and CEO Fiduciary Duties

Respected Chairman,

I have reviewed the effectiveness of the internal controls and below are my
findings and comments:

Press Release / Web Release Format:

Press / Website Release
{Subject}
{From}
{Company Name}

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 SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt
Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Business Case Format:

Current Situation
XXX XXX XXX

Proposed Option
XXX XXX XXX

Benefits of Proposed Option

XXX XXX XXX

Weakness and Recommendation:

Weakness Recommendation

Risk and Mitigation Factors:

Risks Mitigation Factors

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 SBL Notes – JUNE 2020 Attempt
Sir Hasan Dossani – MHA

Project Initiation Document (specimen answer for online system):

Scope & Objective Implement online system to increase revenue and customer
satisfaction

Cost Benefit Analysis Detailed CBA to be undertaken

Costs:
Hardware, software, website development, maintenance,
licenses, etc.

Benefits:
Increase in revenue

Project Sponsor IT Director

Project Manager IT manager / consultant

Project Team Full time team

Key Stakeholders ▪ Customers

▪ Board of Directors

Duration 12 months

Key Risks ▪ Technical issues

▪ Time overrun
▪ Cost overrun
▪ Internet related risks (cyber, outage, hacking, virus, etc.)

Constraint ▪ Human resource / expertise

▪ Funding

Governance / Reporting Board of Directors (or Project Steering Group)

Monitoring Monthly progress report

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