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. Strictly FOCUS ON THE REQUIREMENTS

5. Use of FORMAT IS MANDATORY when required

6. Conclusion not required unless specifically required in the question

 Analysis
 Investigate reasons for variances from the Exhibits

 Support your answer with facts provided in the case study

Hint: If financial data is given, then analyze the variance by identifying the
reasons for variances from the case

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
 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’
 Formats

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

Introduction:
This report {copy from question}

Body of the report

Your sincerely
 Briefing Paper / Note / MEMO

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

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

Body of the report

Your sincerely
 Presentation Slide

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}
 Letter
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 / Website Release
{Subject}
{From}
{Company Name}
{Date}

Body of Your Answer

For further details, please contact our Communications Department

Weakness and Recommendation:
Weakness Recommendation

Risk and Mitigation Factors:

Risks Mitigation Factors
 Business Case

Current Situation
XXX XXX XXX

Proposed Option
XXX XXX XXX

Benefits of Proposed Option

XXX XXX XXX
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  Quality risk

 Time overrun
 Cost overrun

Constraint  Human resource / expertise

 Funding

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

Monitoring Monthly progress report