This presentation was on a report prepared for Ms. Shakila Yasmin, Lecturer, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), to assess the various Computer Applications in a Business Organization for the course: K503 Computer Programming & Application. She gave each team five minutes to deliver their presentation. Although we did get a good mark for this assignment she was expecting something else. She was expecting the report to contain some research data supporting our arguments, which we eventually learned in later semesters.
11/12/2011
Assignment: Presentation on Business Communication
Presentation prepared on 'Perception and Reality (chap 03)' and 'The filter of the mind (chap 04)' from the text 'Business Communication: Theory and Application' - by Lesikar, Raymond V.; Pettit, John D., for the course 'Business Communication (C501)', Institute of Business Administration (IBA)
Consumer Behavior
Course Instructor: Prof. Munir Khasru (One of my favorite teachers)
MBA from the Wharton School of Business,
University of Pennsylvania
11/08/2011
Preparing for the Interview
Honestly, my own interview didn't go well at all. At one point the interviewers were actually yelling at me. And I had earlier made a mistake. I kept the 'Extra curricular activities' field or something like that blank, so they asked me if I had knowledge of anything beyond computers. When I told them that I had regularly participated in school science fairs and participated in some BTV programs, they told me I wasn't good at selling myself. However keep your cool. And show them how desperate you are to get into this program. If they get the slightest hint that you may try elsewhere - no, they are not going to select you. You have to tell them you will apply next year if you don't make it this year. Also expect questions that are related to your previous education and your work experiences. So if you were a computer professional, you'll be asked what RDBMS is. I was asked what I understood by a computer system, and I couldn't reply because I couldn't understand the question. A computer system may imply a lot of things. What I should have done was instead of asking them to be a little more specific about what they meant, I just should have continued with whatever I understood. Just carry on. And if you don't know the answer to a question, don't pretend that you knew it and was trying to remember it. Be honest and confidently say that although you didn't have an answer to their question, that will be the first thing you will check out as soon as the interview was over. Just present a pleasant confident likable personality. This is true for job interviews as well. Be confident but not arrogant. There is a thin line. Oh, I was also asked what a "system" was, and if Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology was a "project". To answer that question, Ahsanullah is not a project since projects have an end. Below I am presenting some questions and answers I prepared before the interview. My good and genius friend Sadia Zaman, who graduated with a CGPA of 3.98 helped me with the probable questions and the possible answers.
1. Did you go through coaching for this test (they ask this a lot). What is a gerund or an infinitive (or some other grammatical thing that I didn't know very well myself)? They did teach these stuff at Mentors, but i didn't think they were worth learning).
Yes I did. Getting into IBA is very important for me, and therefore, I did not want to leave any lose ends. I wanted to make sure, I have tried hard enough and had taken help from all available sources. So, I enrolled for a coaching program. I have learned English as my first language academically, and I am comfortable conversing and writing in English. I also have a strong command over grammar, however this is a part I need to refresh my memory on. I can always look it up in grammar book.
2. How did you study for this test? Someone I know was asked this question in his BBA interview, and he had said that he studied from SAT books, and they assumed he took your SAT examination because he was planning on moving abroad. He was disqualified.
I solved question papers provided by my coaching program. I had a study plan. I also collected articles, which I thought were relevant for the preparation. I have use of the internet to prepare myself for the selection process.
3. Are u planning on going abroad? How do we know that you will not transfer to any university abroad later on?
No, I am not. I believe I can enjoy quality education from IBA. It is a combination of high standard education, which is within my means. If I had intended to I would have done so earlier for my bachelor's degree.
4. Why IBA? You will probably say, because it is the most prestigious university in Bangladesh. Then they will ask you what makes you think so.
IBA is very prestigious, and has a very good faculty (you could name some). It had an overall rating as one of the top 30 business schools in Asia (check if it is still true). I have friends who have graduated from IBA, and I was very impressed with the standard of their education. In addition, graduating from IBA entails very good career prospect. All reputed employers are keen to employ IBA graduates, and I have seen that most IBA graduates go on to enjoying a very successful career path.
5. What are your achievements? You don't seem to have much.
I have won several science fair and recitation competition. It probably does not fit career achievement profile, but it reflects my interest in extra curricular activities. I believe getting a bachelor's degree was a significant achievement for me. You could tell them that you have a knack for artsy stuff. Just set yourself apart, and show that you are a person of diverse interest. You may not have a technical background, but like to, say for example, artsy stuff. Show them that you are different and you are very determined to succeed. It is very important that they see you are driven and determined.
6. Then there's a 90% chance that they will ask you to describe yourself. Don't mention things that have already been provided in you admission form. That is a common mistake people make in their job interviews as well. This is your biggest chance to sell yourself. Tell them things about yourself that they don't already know. You may also get this question for the written section
Any attempt to use appropriate adjectives to depict oneself may be likened to constructing a balance sheet without liabilities. I consider my ability to get along with others as a major asset. Since I am personable, it helps me to accomplish the tasks on hand with a fair amount of ease. Growing up in a family of supportive and caring individuals, I recognize the importance of considering everyone’s opinion when taking major decisions. However, at the same time, having spent considerable time on my own during recent times, I value my independence and am able to take charge of situations should it be required. It would be fair to say that I consider myself, a versatile person who can adopt according to given circumstances.
I graduated as a computer engineer from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. I have had three years experience working as a software engineer. I think I can fairly say that as a student and an employee, I had been hard working and dedicated. My strong point, I would say, is my tendency to stick to something I set my heart to until the task has been achieved. My weak point however is that I am too much of a perfectionist. This can be a drawback in case of imminent deadline. I am working on it, so that I can make a balance between standard and time. My motto in life is that life is too short. We should all make the most out of it.
Other suggestions
Remember, you can steer your way out of any difficult question.
Show that you are keen, determined, positive, have good attitude to learn.
Be calm and have an approachable, and confident look.
They decide on the first few minutes, so it is largely based on first impression. So dress right, have good attitude, look confident and approachable - that should do the trick.
Remember, you can steer your way out of any difficult question.
Show that you are keen, determined, positive, have good attitude to learn.
Be calm and have an approachable, and confident look.
They decide on the first few minutes, so it is largely based on first impression. So dress right, have good attitude, look confident and approachable - that should do the trick.
Build Your Vocabulary - Practice sheet for D
A democratic leader transforms to despotism when he or she fails to listen to the voice of the people. Has the PM completely failed to listen to such lous and clear voice of the people? Her speech of despondence, unfortunately, reaffirmed this understanding. The pages of history were not very kind to the despots who had ever brought sedition(rebellion) charge against any of the popular politicians of this land. The young man quickly dissipated his inheritence and was soon broke. Even though John tried to dissemble his motive for taking modern dance, we all knew he was there not to dance but to meet girls. He is a powerful story teller, but he is weakest when he attempts to delineate character. After the new year’s party, the once orderly house was in total disarray. I will not tell you the news because I am sure you will divulge it prematurely. All attempts to denigrate our late president have failed; the people still love him and cherish his memory. Do not delude yourself into believing that he will change. The profligacy and dissolution of life in Caligula’s Rome appall some historians. She tried to dissimulate her grief by exuberant attitude. The invention of the radio helped propagandists to disseminate their favorite doctrines very well. Although I deplore the vulgarity of your language, I defend your right to express yourself freely. He had to be institutionalized because he was deranged. Do not be so dogmatic about that statement; it can be easily refuted. Do not disparage anyone’s contribution; these little gifts add up to large sums. The universe is composed of discrete bodies. Use your discretion in this matter and do not discuss it with anyone. The hoodlums defiled the church with scurrilous writing. The people derided his grandiose schemes. You make enemies of all your disdain. The blockaders hoped to achieve victory as soon as the diminution of the enemy’s supplies became serious. His digressions were always more fascinating than the topic of the day. The young Plato was drawn to the Agora to hear the philosophical discourse of Socrates and his followers. Your devious behavior in this matter puzzles me since you are usually direct and straightforward. If you do not yield, I am afraid the enemy will despoil the countryside. The reform candidates denounce the corrupt city officers for having betrayed the public’s trust. I will attempt to disabuse you of your impression of my client; I know he is innocent. Because he was considered the most discerning member of the firm, he was assigned the most difficult cases. The ships in the harbor were not discernible in the fog. The bandits desolated the countryside, burning farms and carrying off the harvest. He declaimed the purpose of the party before dinner. Such defamation of character may result in a slander suit. Shocked by the unruly behavior, the teacher criticized the class for its lack of decorum. Please be discreet in this matter since it is confidential. In deference to his desires, the employers granted him a holiday. Workers in nuclear research must avoid the deleterious effects of radioactive substances. As the fight dragged on, the champion’s style degenerated until he could barely keep on his feet. Cheerful and optimistic in nature, Beth was never downcast despite the difficulties she faced. The ships in the harbor were not discernible in the fog. Your threats cannot daunt me. To demur at this time will only worsen the already serious situation; now is the time for action. A devout Red Sox fan. Some religion regards fire as deity. He felt dejected by the gift his parents gave him, because he expected something better. He is trying to defraud you and steal all your money. He is defrauding you with spurious credentials. The police noticed some discrepancies in his description of the crime and did not believe him. She tried to unite the discordant factions. The plan was deemed impractical from the very start. It said in the decree that you give back half your sallary. They greeted his proposal with derision and refused to consider it seriously. Refusing to be depressed by her stingy apartment, Bea spent the weekend polishing the floors and windows and hanging bright posters on the wall. Her employers were greatly impressed by her diligence and offered her a partnership in the farm. In the dark, the pupils of your eyelids dilate. The dichotomy of our legislative system provides us with many safeguards. You must overcome your diffidence if you intend to become a salesperson. The spokes of the wheel diverge from the hub. Although he was young, his remarks indicated that he was disingenuous. It is difficult, it not impossible, to organize these disparate elements into a coherent whole. A firm believer in old-fashioned courtesy, Miss Post deprecated the modern tendency to address new acquaintances by their first names.
Practice Sheets for Words beginning with D
A democratic leader transforms to __________ when he or she fails to listen to the voice of the people. Has the PM completely failed to listen to such loud and clear voice of the people? Her speech of __________ , unfortunately, reaffirmed this understanding. The pages of history were not very kind to the __________ who had ever brought sedition(rebellion) charge against any of the popular politicians of this land. The young man quickly __________ his inheritance and was soon broke. Even though John tried to __________ his motive for taking modern dance, we all knew he was there not to dance but to meet girls. He is a powerful story teller, but he is weakest when he attempts to __________ character. After the new year’s party, the once orderly house was in total __________ . I will not tell you the news because I am sure you will __________ it prematurely. All attempts to __________ our late president have failed; the people still love him and cherish his memory. Do not __________ yourself into believing that he will change. The profligacy and __________ of life in Caligula’s Rome appall some historians. She tried to __________ her grief by exuberant attitude. The invention of the radio helped propagandists to disseminate their favorite __________ very well. Although I __________ the vulgarity of your language, I defend your right to express yourself freely. He had to be institutionalized because he was __________ . Do not be so __________ about that statement; it can be easily refuted. Do not __________ anyone’s contribution; these little gifts add up to large sums. The universe is composed of __________ bodies. Use your __________ in this matter and do not discuss it with anyone. The hoodlums __________ the church with scurrilous writing. The people __________ his grandiose schemes. You make enemies of all your__________ . The blockaders hoped to achieve victory as soon as the __________ of the enemy’s supplies became serious. His __________ were always more fascinating than the topic of the day. The young Plato was drawn to the Agora to hear the philosophical __________ of Socrates and his followers. Your __________ behavior in this matter puzzles me since you are usually direct and straightforward. If you do not yield, I am afraid the enemy will __________ the countryside. The reform candidates __________ the corrupt city officers for having betrayed the public’s trust. I will attempt to __________ you of your impression of my client; I know he is innocent. Because he was considered the most __________ member of the firm, he was assigned the most difficult cases. The ships in the harbor were not __________ in the fog. The bandits __________ the countryside, burning farms and carrying off the harvest. He __________ the purpose of the party before dinner. Such __________ of character may result in a slander suit. Shocked by the unruly behavior, the teacher criticized the class for its lack of __________ . Please be __________ in this matter since it is confidential. In __________ to his desires, the employers granted him a holiday. Workers in nuclear research must avoid the __________ effects of radioactive substances. As the fight dragged on, the champion’s style __________ until he could barely keep on his feet. Cheerful and optimistic in nature, Beth was never__________ despite the difficulties she faced. The ships in the harbor were not __________ in the fog. Your threats cannot __________ me. To __________ at this time will only worsen the already serious situation; now is the time for action. A __________ Red Sox fan. Some religion regards fire as deity. He felt __________ by the gift his parents gave him, because he expected something better. He is trying to __________ you and steal all your money. He is __________ you with spurious credentials. The police noticed some __________ in his description of the crime and did not believe him. She tried to unite the __________ factions. The plan was __________ impractical from the very start. It said in the __________ that you give back half your salary. They greeted his proposal with __________ and refused to consider it seriously. Refusing to be __________ by her stingy apartment, Bea spent the weekend polishing the floors and windows and hanging bright posters on the wall. Her employers were greatly impressed by her __________ and offered her a partnership in the farm. In the dark, the pupils of your eyelids __________ . The __________ of our legislative system provides us with many safeguards. You must overcome your __________ if you intend to become a salesperson. The spokes of the wheel __________ from the hub. Although he was young, his remarks indicated that he was __________ . It is difficult, if not impossible, to organize these __________ elements into a coherent whole. A firm believer in old-fashioned courtesy, Miss Post __________ the modern tendency to address new acquaintances by their first names.
Build Your Vocabulary - Practice sheet for C
Words beginning with C
The canny Scotsman was more than a match for the swindlers. The public was more interested in carnal pleasures than in spiritual matters. The collar chafed his neck. Grandma began to chide Steven for his lying. Because of the traffic congestion on the main highways, she took a circuitous route. In order to circumvent the enemy, we will make two preliminary attacks in other sections before starting our major campaign. After avoiding their chaperon the lovers had a clandestine meeting. She presented cogent arguments to the jury. A firm beliver in the maxim ‘Divide and conquer’ the emperor by lies and trickery, sought to disrupt the cohesion of the free nations. After sleeping in small roadside cabins, they found their hotel suite commodious. Despite all the evidence Monica has assembled, Mark refused to concede that she was right. My father loved to go out for a meal with congenial companions. A conscientious editor, she checked every definition for its accuracy. If I construe your remarks correctly, you disagree with the theory already advanced. The continuation of this contract is contingent on the quality of your first output. Mr. Baret did not expect his frail daughter to contravene his will by eloping with Robert. Because much needed legislation had to be enacted, the governor ordered the legislature to convene in special session by January 15. His cryptic remarks could not be interpreted. Corrupt politicians who condone the activities of the gamblers are equally culpable. Feeling ill at ease with his new in-laws, James made a few contrived attempts at conversation and then retreated into silence. The corpulent man resolved to reduce. Night and day are counterparts. The frightened child cowered in the corner of the room. His inauguration as the President of the United Stated marked the culmination of his political career. During the coal shortage we much curtail our use of this vital commodity. In the capacious areas of the railroad terminal, thousands of travelers lingered while waiting for their train. The critics caustic remarks angered the hapless actors who were the subjects of his sarcasm. He was censured for his inappropriate behavior. Investigating before acting, she tried always to be circumspect. The clamor of the children at play outside made it impossible for her to take a nap. Solids have a greater tendency to cohere than liquids. Your use of colloquial expressions in a formal essay such as the one you have presented spoils the effect you hope to achieve. The compilation of available scholarships serves a very valuable purpose. She was still angry despite his conciliatory words. She had developed into a connoisseur of fine china. We shall consecrate our lives to this noble purpose.
chaperon - One who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people
maxim- A saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
frail- Physically weak; fragile
legislation- Law enacted by a legislative body
enact- make(a law);
legislature-Persons who make or amend laws
condone- Excuse or make allowances for; be lenient with
hapless- (archaic) unlucky
Practice sheet for words beginning with C
The ____________ Scotsman was more than a match for the swindlers. The public was more interested in ____________ pleasures than in spiritual matters. The collar ____________ his neck. Grandma began to ____________ Steven for his lying. Because of the traffic congestion on the main highways, she took a ____________ route. In order to ____________ the enemy, we will make two preliminary attacks in other sections before starting our major campaign. After avoiding their ____________ the lovers had a ____________ meeting. She presented ____________ arguments to the jury. A firm beliver in the maxim ‘Divide and conquer’ the emperor by lies and trickery, sought to disrupt the ____________ of the free nations. After sleeping in small roadside cabins, they found their hotel suite ____________ . Despite all the evidence Monica has assembled, Mark refused to ____________ that she was right. My father loved to go out for a meal with ____________ companions. A ____________ editor, she checked every definition for its accuracy. If I ____________ your remarks correctly, you disagree with the theory already advanced. The continuation of this contract is ____________ on the quality of your first output. Mr. Baret did not expect his frail daughter to ____________ his will by eloping with Robert. Because much needed legislation had to be enacted, the governor ordered the legislature to ____________ in special session by January 15. His ____________ remarks could not be interpreted. Corrupt politicians who condone the activities of the gamblers are equally ____________ . Feeling ill at ease with his new in-laws, James made a few ____________ attempts at conversation and then retreated into silence. The ____________ man resolved to reduce. Night and day are ____________ . The frightened child ____________ in the corner of the room. His inauguration as the President of the United Stated marked the ____________ of his political career. During the coal shortage we must ____________ our use of this vital commodity. In the ____________ areas of the railroad terminal, thousands of travelers lingered while waiting for their train. The critics ____________ remarks angered the hapless actors who were the subjects of his sarcasm. He was ____________ for his inappropriate behavior. Investigating before acting, she tried always to be ____________ . The ____________ of the children at play outside made it impossible for her to take a nap. Solids have a greater tendency to ____________ than liquids. Your use of ____________ expressions in a formal essay such as the one you have presented spoils the effect you hope to achieve. The ____________ of available scholarships serves a very valuable purpose. She was still angry despite his ____________ words. She had developed into a ____________ of fine china. We shall ____________ our lives to this noble purpose.
9/22/2011
Build Your Vocabulary - Practice sheet for A
Please read the guidelines before you start working with the Practice Sheets
Vocabulary - Words starting with A
It took him weeks of assiduous labor before he was satisfied with his portrait of his son. He was avid for learning and read everything he could get. I must avow that I am innocent. This should alleviate the pain. Many social workers have tried to ameliorate the conditions of people living in the slums. Rather than leaving immediately, they waited for the storm to abate. They decided to wage a war of attrition rather than to rely on an all-out attack. The wealthy young man could not understand the ascetic lives led by the monks. Your messages of cheer should assuage her suffering. The land was no longer arable. Erosion had removed the valuable topsoil. The enemy in its revenge tried to annihilate the entire population. Do not pass aspersions on her character. Her ardor was contagious. Soon all her followers were busily making posters and handing out flyers, inspired by her ardent enthusiasm for the cause. It is difficult to appraise old paintings; it is easier to call them priceless. Members of the Parliament took the oath of allegiance to the Queen. Try not to allude to this matter in his presence because the topic annoys him. Throughout the altercation not one sensible word was uttered. Torn between loving her parents one minute and hating them the next, she was confused by the ambivalence of her feelings. The deal was held in abeyance until her arrival.
Practice sheet for words starting with A
It took him weeks of ____________ labor before he was satisfied with his portrait of his son. He was ____________ for learning and read everything he could get. I must ____________ that I am innocent. This should ____________ the pain. Many social workers have tried to ____________ the conditions of people living in the slums. Rather than leaving immediately, they waited for the storm to ____________. They decided to wage a war of attrition rather than to rely on an all-out attack. The wealthy young man could not understand the ____________ lives led by the monks. Your messages of cheer should ____________ her suffering. The land was no longer ____________. Erosion had removed the valuable topsoil. The enemy in its revenge tried to ____________the entire population. Do not pass ____________ on her character. Her ____________ was contagious. Soon all her followers were busily making posters and handing out flyers, inspired by her ____________ enthusiasm for the cause. It is difficult to ____________ old paintings; it is easier to call them priceless. Members of the Parliament took the oath of ____________ to the Queen. Try not to ____________ to this matter in his presence because the topic annoys him. Throughout the ____________ not one sensible word was uttered. Torn between loving her parents one minute and hating them the next, she was confused by the ____________ of her feelings. The deal was held in ____________ until her arrival.
Build Your Vocabulary - Practice sheet for B
Vocabulary - Words starting with B
When
the warden learned that several inmates were planning to escape, he took steps
to balk their attempt. The chief of police balked at sending his officers into
the riot-torn area. A balmy breeze refreshed us after the sulky blast. Basking
on the beach, she relaxed so completely that she fell asleep. One good turn may
deserve another; it does not necessarily beget another. I begrudge every minute
I have to spend attending meetings. He beguiled himself during the long hours
by playing solitaire. They were beguiled into forming an unwise alliance. Our
journey was beguiled with pleasant talk. We beguiled the children with fairy
tales. His coarse, hard-bitten exterior belied his innate sensitivity. His
benevolent nature prevented him from refusing any beggar who accosted him. The
old man was well liked because of his benign attitude toward friend and
stranger alike. He feared she would berate him for his forgetfulness. The
recent rains that filled our empty reservoirs were a boon to the whole
community.
Sultry-
Burning hot; extremely and unpleasantly hot; Characterized by
oppressive heat and humidity
Blast-
A strong current of air
Alliance - An organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or
Treaty
Practice sheet for
words starting with B
When
the warden learned that several inmates were planning to escape, he took steps
to ____________ their attempt. The chief of police ____________ at sending his
officers into the riot-torn area. A ____________
breeze refreshed us after the sulky blast. ____________ on the beach, she relaxed so completely that
she fell asleep. One good turn may deserve another; it does not necessarily ____________ another. I ____________ every minute I have to spend attending
meetings. He ____________ himself during the long hours by playing solitaire. They were ____________ into
forming an unwise alliance. Our journey was ____________ with pleasant talk. We ____________ the children with fairy tales.
His coarse, hard-bitten exterior ____________
his innate sensitivity. His ____________
nature prevented him from refusing any beggar who accosted him. The old man was
well liked because of his ____________ attitude
toward friends and strangers alike. He feared she would ____________ him for his forgetfulness. The
recent rains that filled our empty reservoirs were a ____________ to the whole community.
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