BUSINESS AND SOCIETY BSNS 111 Workshop 8 Exam Preparation MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING Student Health provides short-term mental health support and counselling to Otago students on Dunedin campus to help them to achieve their academic and personal goals. 0800 479 821 Additional support Student Learning Development runs workshops to help you prepare for exams: •Exam revision, preparation, and ways to improve your final mark •Essay Writing for Exams To attend one of these workshops, please register online at: http://www.otago.ac.nz/hedc/students/workshop/ You can also make an appointment to speak to one of our staff about and specific issues, and pick up tip sheets and planners from our office located on the ground floor of the ISB building BSNS111 S1 2024 EXAM 08 June 9.30am Essay Question Format – 2 hours Two Questions in total – 40 marks Section A - Compulsory Question – 20 marks Section B- Answer ONE question from the THREE available options -20 marks BSNS111 S1 2024 EXAM Essay Question Format – 2 hours On- Campus Invigilated In-person Handwritten No Cheat Sheet or Resources allowed Important information re examination period http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/exams • Once we set the exam – we do not have anything to do with the administration until we mark it. • Anything that arises (outside of assistance with preparation) must be communicated with the examinations office. • A recount – does not mean a remark. It literally is recounting the marks. • Final Examination Only – is not offered for BSNS111. 5 PRIOR TO EXAM Hi Kōrero / Talanoa / Office Hours • Nat Wierdak – In person ONLY Thursday 23 May 14.00 – 16.00 Tuesday 28 May 14.00 – 16.00 • Lincoln Wood - In person ONLY By appointment PRIOR TO EXAM Our teaching team will be hosting a LIVE Q&A session on Wednesday 29 May at 15.00 -15.50 at STDAV Lecture Theatre Should you have any queries regarding the Final Exam, I encourage you to post them on our Class Forum on Blackboard. We'll be addressing these during our Q&A, as well as live during our upcoming session. For clarity and to ensure we can assist you effectively, please refrain from making broad statements like "I don't understand" or "I'm confused." Instead, try to identify the specific concept or detail you're struggling with and pose a focused question about it. By doing so, you'll not only facilitate a more precise response but also enrich your own learning journey. It's essential to note that after our session, we won't be addressing any further queries about the EXAM. Hence, we urge you to seize this moment to clear any uncertainties you might have. EXAM CONTENT OVERVIEW EXAM CONTENT Keep in mind that these topics do not exist in isolation. They intersect and overlap, creating a complex and fascinating web that reflects the real-world dynamics of business and society. Diversity & Ethics Social Business & Te Ao Māori Systems Thinking & Regulations Globalisation & Sustainability This list is not exhaustive, but instead provides examples of how different topics can intersect and inform one another. It's crucial to approach your studies with this holistic mindset, seeking connections and understanding the broader picture. REMEMBER ESSAY Crafting an essay is akin to creating a compelling narrative, it's a journey we undertake together, where we will be investigating, arguing, and demonstrating our understanding of a topic. This journey typically unfolds in three stages: Introduction and Thesis Statement: This is the springboard for your journey. In the introduction, you acquaint the reader with the subject matter and articulate your central argument or thesis statement. Your thesis is your guiding star throughout your essay journey; it keeps you focused and helps the reader understand your central proposition. Body paragraphs: These are the various waypoints on your journey. Here, you will provide a clear, logical, and structured argument that supports your thesis statement. Remember, you're not just throwing in facts or ideas (just like you wouldn't randomly scatter items on a map). You're thoughtfully placing each point to create a cohesive argument. Your journey should have a purpose and direction, ensuring you don't stray off course. Conclusion: This is your journey's end, where you summarize and synthesize your main arguments. It's not a place to introduce new ideas, but a chance to remind your reader about your journey's purpose and how you've achieved it. Remember, every essay is a unique journey. Embrace the process, stay focused on your thesis, and most importantly, trust in your abilities. You've got this! QUESTION WORDS THAT REQUIRE A CRITICAL APPROACH • Analyse: When asked to analyse, you're being invited to conduct a thorough dissection of the essay subject, to critically break it down into its fundamental elements. Suppose the essay topic is "Impact of Fiscal Policies on Economic Stability." An analysis would involve dissecting fiscal policies into components such as tax laws, government spending, and borrowing, and then systematically exploring how each of these influences economic stability. • Justify: The term 'justify' asks you to put forth a robust defense of your argument, leveraging compelling evidence. Let's consider a statement like "Renewable Energy is the Future of Power Generation." To justify this, you would present evidence such as advancements in renewable technology, the environmental impact of fossil fuels, cost-effectiveness in the long run, and supportive policies or market trends favoring renewables. • Explain: we're essentially asking for a clear, detailed description of a concept, theory, or phenomenon. It's about more than just stating facts; it's about understanding and communicating the 'why' or 'how' behind those facts. • Discuss: 'Discuss' invites you into a comprehensive exploration of a topic, like an intellectual expedition. You're not taking sides, but instead examining all facets of a debate. For instance, if asked to "Discuss the Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Employment," you would delve into both the positive prospects (like increased efficiency, new tech jobs) and the potential drawbacks (job displacement), thereby giving your reader a holistic view of the subject. DURING THE EXAM • Organisation and focus are key to composing a well-written essay. • Plan your answer before writing. • Since there is limited time, budget your time accordingly to the different Essay components. • Although markers understand that, due to time constraints, students cannot write perfect essays, it is important to proofread your essay exam before submitting it. PRACTICE ESSAY QUESTION Discuss the role of government in shaping business practices towards social responsibility. In your essay, analyze the effectiveness of specific policies or regulations introduced by governments to encourage businesses to address societal issues such as environmental sustainability, labor rights, and income inequality. Provide examples of successful and unsuccessful implementations and their impact on society. 1. Identify the keywords in the essay prompt. These are the main concepts or ideas that you'll need to address in your response. 2. For each keyword you've identified, brainstorm alternative or related terms. This will help you expand your vocabulary and avoid repetition in your essay. 3. Analyse the structure of the essay prompt. What is it asking you to do, and in what order? Identifying this structure can guide the organisation of your essay. 4. Draft a thesis statement or introductory sentence that outlines your approach to answering the essay prompt. This will serve as the guiding framework for your essay, so be sure it encapsulates your main arguments and the points you plan to discuss. STUDY SMART Planning and writing assignments See: Developing a thesis statement on page 16/ 24 Guidelines for writing and editing See: Table 2 on page 4/9 “Signpost words and phrase.” Page 24/ 29 – academic tone Plus http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/editing-and-proofreading.php WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BEFORE THE EXAM Study the class materials! Review your lectures, tutorials, and readings (textbook and ereserve) it’s still important to study. The Exam is a closed book (no cheat sheet or additional resources allowed) and is invigilated. DURING THE EXAM Take a deep breath! take a moment to relax and get focused. Always relate your answer back to the course as much as possible and demonstrate mastery of the concepts/terminology relevant to address the question. Answer the question - what is the question asking? Make sure the points you raise are answering it. We do not require referencing. It is a close book Exam And … ANSWER the question. AVOID THE FOLLOWING • Not answering the question. • Not addressing the topic. • Not writing enough. • Writing too much background/context/superfluous information – not directly related to the topic or question requiring answering. • Avoid bullet points (unless you run out of time). ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR EXAMS
