Unit 4: Professional Behaviour in the Creative Media Workplace
1.1: Describe and compare the cultures of different Creative Media Workplaces
There are always different work environments for different work places. For example, the work environment for a builder will be different for that of a teacher. With regards to the creative industry, it is inevitable that various cultures dominate certain parts of the industry. Different religions have different beliefs and teachings which can have an impact on decisions and the way the company is run. The UK is a multi-cultural society meaning we have a diverse number of religions and ways of life.
This can impact the creative media industry in many different ways. For example, if a Muslim woman who owned a successful website and an advertiser wanted to promote something on her site then she could turn it down because it may potentially offend Muslims or go against her religious beliefs where as if it was being run by someone who doesn't have any religious beliefs, it may not be a problem. This can occur with any other religions as well. The problem could occur more outside of the UK especially in religious countries as far as international companies are concerned.
Media companies all over the world act differently depending on what their culture is. Considering, understanding and respecting an individual's religion is extremely important when running a business.
Bullying can occur in the workplace for a number of different reasons. During your career, you are almost certainly going to meet people you don't get along with like rude customers or other members of staff. Bullying in the workplace means that someone goes out of their way to exert their authority. As an employee, not abiding by the code of conduct can be viewed as challenging behaviour such as continuous lateness, swearing or lack of professionalism with clients. More serious issues include racism, sexism, homophobia, and any other type of harassment that relates to discrimination.
Laziness
Not completing tasks set or to a high standard is deemed unacceptable by the employer as that is what you are getting paid to do. The point of going to work at 9:00 am and leaving at 5:00 pm is to actually complete the tasks set. Employers notice a lazy attitude fairly quickly and will no doubt dismiss you if it continues. Fellow colleagues also pick up on this bad trait and may either copy you or use that against you.
1.3: Explain the role of the key people to inform in relation to these examples
All of these issues stated above can be dealt with by the person's employer. They have the main power as they employ you to work for them. If you are like me and work in a company where there are a number of employers, then their line manager (the person who hires you) is the one to go to. This can prevent a problem from turning it into an even bigger problem. Part of his job is to make sure his employees turn up to work on time, and complete all work required. He also has a responsibility to make sure certain health and safety standards are maintained. He should also be the one to talk to about any problems you have and should be approachable to do so. Many see employers as being the problem but they can actually become the solution if you tell them your situation. For example, if you're constantly late, it can be fixed if you let your employer know you're having trouble getting in on time. Maybe it is because you are getting the wrong bus at the wrong time or going a longer route than necessary. If this is the case he can then look into the bus schedules and help you find an alternative route.
Your client will arrange a suitable deadline for when the project has to be completed and sent to them. Acknowledging the timescale will keep you focus on how complete work. Breaking down your workload into a timetable will help you complete your project on time and to a high standard.
Budgets are essential when working on a project as you have to know how much funds are available. This will help you to prioritize the things that you definitely need in order to complete the project. This could be software, general admin equipment and even hire extra staff.
Resources
This links into budget a bit as it sometimes depends on how much funding you have available that can determine the quantity and quality of resources you might have. Obviously the more ambitious you get the more a budget will be required to purchase extra equipment and materials. These resources might be software, packaging, stationary or any other necessity you need to have in order to complete the project.
Finally, after you have all the equipment and you have done your research you are now ready to start the video; which is obviously the most important part. Write down the key points you want to talk about in your video. What is the purpose of it? What do you hope to achieve? Who do you hope will watch? All these questions need to be considered when producing a video.
Media companies all over the world act differently depending on what their culture is. Considering, understanding and respecting an individual's religion is extremely important when running a business.
1.2: Describe examples of challenging behaviours and issues in the workplace
We all face challenging moments in our life from time to time but it is important that when in the workplace you need to react to situations in a professional and respectful manor. Below are a few examples of issues that can occur in a specific workplace such as an office.
Punctuality
Employers expect their employees to turn up to work on time as they pay them to be in the office. Most employers usually let it go if it's just on a rare occasion however repeated lateness is treated very seriously and you may be dismissed if it continues. Also, it looks bad on your part if you are late repeatedly as it will give your employer the impression that you are not committed to the job as they thought you were. It could also affect your reputation causing a domino effect where your future opportunities are diminished.
Attendance
Attendance is considered more important than punctuality by most employers as they expect you to be at work on most days. You get a set amount of days off for each year which is called holiday entitlement. For example, I am entitled to 26 days holiday pay per year and if I am off for a day because I am ill then that counts as one of my 26 days.
Bullying/Discrimination
Attendance is considered more important than punctuality by most employers as they expect you to be at work on most days. You get a set amount of days off for each year which is called holiday entitlement. For example, I am entitled to 26 days holiday pay per year and if I am off for a day because I am ill then that counts as one of my 26 days.
Bullying can occur in the workplace for a number of different reasons. During your career, you are almost certainly going to meet people you don't get along with like rude customers or other members of staff. Bullying in the workplace means that someone goes out of their way to exert their authority. As an employee, not abiding by the code of conduct can be viewed as challenging behaviour such as continuous lateness, swearing or lack of professionalism with clients. More serious issues include racism, sexism, homophobia, and any other type of harassment that relates to discrimination.
Not completing tasks set or to a high standard is deemed unacceptable by the employer as that is what you are getting paid to do. The point of going to work at 9:00 am and leaving at 5:00 pm is to actually complete the tasks set. Employers notice a lazy attitude fairly quickly and will no doubt dismiss you if it continues. Fellow colleagues also pick up on this bad trait and may either copy you or use that against you.
1.3: Explain the role of the key people to inform in relation to these examples
All of these issues stated above can be dealt with by the person's employer. They have the main power as they employ you to work for them. If you are like me and work in a company where there are a number of employers, then their line manager (the person who hires you) is the one to go to. This can prevent a problem from turning it into an even bigger problem. Part of his job is to make sure his employees turn up to work on time, and complete all work required. He also has a responsibility to make sure certain health and safety standards are maintained. He should also be the one to talk to about any problems you have and should be approachable to do so. Many see employers as being the problem but they can actually become the solution if you tell them your situation. For example, if you're constantly late, it can be fixed if you let your employer know you're having trouble getting in on time. Maybe it is because you are getting the wrong bus at the wrong time or going a longer route than necessary. If this is the case he can then look into the bus schedules and help you find an alternative route.
1.4: Explain the impact of different behaviours and conduct in the workplace
Whether you realize this or not the way you behave and the way you carry out your work can have a massive impact on your colleges. Like I said in 1.2, being lazy sends out the wrong impression to your colleges. It is all about giving the right impression; being eager and complete work to the best of your ability. You'll be surprised how much the atmosphere changes around you when your mood changes. For example, if you come into work with a smile on your face, being sociable with your colleges, it is easy to mentally suggest that this person is in a good mood. However, if you are slumped in your chair, typing 1 key a minute with a bland facial expression while not communicating to your colleges, it easy to pick up the fact that you are having a pretty bad day.
What I am trying to say is it is better to work in an office environment where the atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. Having a happy working environment normally means that everyone who works there is in a good mood and will improve the way you conduct yourself and the effort you put into your work. This will also have an effect on your product quality and the amount of creativity that you put into your work.
2.1: Describe effective time management skills needed to plan workload
Time management is one of the most important skills you have to try and master in order to achieve a great working life. Time management is important because your employer expects you to finish your work to deadlines. Failure to meet the arranged dates could result in being dismissed. To avoid that outcome, organizing your time effectively can help cut down your workload.
For example, you have been given a project that needs to be completed in 1 month's time. Some people may leave it until the last week and then frantically hurry to finish it, while not complete it to a high standard. This is an extremely bad way of completing work as you do not have enough time to think about what you are doing which will show in your work and will most likely be frowned upon by your employer. Other people do it the smart way and complete their work at a steady rate. This allows them to check for any grammar mistakes and if what they are doing is relevant. It also allows time for relaxation (an important part of time management) which will help you come back to your work feeling refreshed.
You also need to be organized properly so if you are tasked with a mountain of paperwork and research you are equipped. This will save time stressing and looking for things you haven't already got. Making a list of your primary objectives, like a shopping list, will help you to keep your work relevant to the questions asked.
2.2: Describe how to specify and agree timescales, budgets and resources
In order to effectively manage and maintain a project, there a three points you have to consider. These are the timescale, budget and resources. To decide these three key areas it is necessary to discuss it with management, staff, suppliers and customers.
Timescale
Your client will arrange a suitable deadline for when the project has to be completed and sent to them. Acknowledging the timescale will keep you focus on how complete work. Breaking down your workload into a timetable will help you complete your project on time and to a high standard.
Budget
Budgets are essential when working on a project as you have to know how much funds are available. This will help you to prioritize the things that you definitely need in order to complete the project. This could be software, general admin equipment and even hire extra staff.
This links into budget a bit as it sometimes depends on how much funding you have available that can determine the quantity and quality of resources you might have. Obviously the more ambitious you get the more a budget will be required to purchase extra equipment and materials. These resources might be software, packaging, stationary or any other necessity you need to have in order to complete the project.
2.3: Explain how to construct a simple project plan
Constructing a simple project is easy providing you outline the key points as well as how you hope to achieve certain goals. For example, if I was tasked to create a professional looking video there are a few things that need to be considered.
First is the equipment. Obviously you need a camera but the type of camera you buy depends on what quality you want your video to be in. Depending on where you are filming, additional artificial lighting may be required. A microphone would also be a necessity because you want people to be able to understand you clearly. Other equipment that you would need includes a tripod, additional lens (optional), a specially designed bag to carry it all in when on the move plus equipment that would help you in post-production such as editing software. Sometimes it maybe necessary to edit your videos if you make too many mistakes or you want to add effects so professional editing software such as Final Cut Pro/Adobe Premiere Pro are more than capable to make your videos look professional. You might also want to include a background track during editing so you are not having people just listening to your voice. The background track would obviously need to be copyright free.
Next would be research. Have a look on YouTube and find a video that relates to what you want to talk about. Write down points on how to make a great looking video and try, if you can, to incorporate their video style into yours but remember that originality is always best.
Finally, after you have all the equipment and you have done your research you are now ready to start the video; which is obviously the most important part. Write down the key points you want to talk about in your video. What is the purpose of it? What do you hope to achieve? Who do you hope will watch? All these questions need to be considered when producing a video.
2.4: Explain the use of a contingency plan
A contingency plan is a plan that is made for dealing with any unexpected future event or something that might potentially happen and cause problems for an organisation. As such, they are very important to a business and are fairly simple to do. It doesn't have to be anything complicated as a simple Word document or PowerPoint Slideshow will be effective. Many organisations construct a table of what risks could threaten the company along with a solution of how to deal with the problem directly. This is often referred to as a "plan B" or "worst case scenario" and is mostly used when all other options have failed. A contingency plan can be a last ditch effort to prevent a company from going bankrupt.
2.5: Explain the importance of storing work, using version control and observing file naming conventions
The importance of storing work on the computer is extremely significant especially when dealing with confidential information. It is equally important to store your work in a place that is easy to find. So for example, I would store this unit work in "My Documents" which I would "create a new folder" and rename it to "Unit 4: Professional Behaviour in the Creative Media Sector". I would name my work after the sub-element and finally save it in the folder I have just created. This will then save time as I know where my work is. You have to be careful with how you save the document because some formats will work on every platform while others won't. A format is basically the structure of the file so a popular file format is ".doc" which is compatible across all devices. A "pdf" file format however, might only work on certain software. Finally, the most important thing is to back your work up on your hard drive so if you lose the original, you still have the copy.
3.1: Explain what is meant by 'continuous professional development'
Continuous professional development (CPD) means you are maintaining your knowledge and skills that you have learnt relating to your professional life as well as continuing to develop growth. A great example of this is an apprenticeship; where you generally know nothing about the course from the first day but as you start going through your time with the company you start to pick up skills. This is known as a learning curve because you are learning the ins and outs of the working world (relative to the course you are taking). Certain knowledge and skills like understanding a particular terminology (jargon) will also help you with future careers not just the one you are in at the moment.
3.2: Create and justify a personal development plan
For me, I currently do not know exactly what I want my dream career to be. I do have certain aspirations that I want to achieve which will help me to decide where I went to go in the future. The aspirations that I have obtained are not only qualification based although I have achieved 10 GCSE's. I consider it an accomplishment when I break my personal best at my local running club and win a medal for coming third in a race. These may not be career achievements but they still show my determination for what I love to do.
With regards to my professional career I always try to learn as much as I can when I am in a particular job so my time there is worthwhile. I am currently in a very fortunate position being in an apprenticeship as I have the opportunity to learn a whole new range of skills in an area of work I have never studied before. I think going out of your comfort zone and trying things you wouldn't normally try would benefit you and help you set new aspirations.
Hard work, determination and a willingness to learn new skills will help you to achieve a lot of goals. The more goals you reach, the more doors are open in the future. Having said that, I believe that you should live in the present, not in the future so to speak because nobody knows what is down the line in 5, 10 and even 15 years as life has a way of throwing curve balls at you. So, I think making the most out of life and taking every opportunity offered to you is crucial which is why it is right at the top of my personal development plan.
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