Arab Open University In class -Tutor Marked Assignment (In-class TMA) Academic Year Spring 2021-2022 Semester: Second Branch: Program: Business Studies Course Title: Communication Skills for Business and Management Course Code:LB170 Student Names: Student IDs: Section Number: Tutor Name: Questions Q1 Q2 TOTAL Weight 60% 40% 100 Allocated Marks Mark 20/ Tutor’s Comments: 1 Q1: In about 200 words, write an essay analyzing the below case study using the SWOT framework. ‘Students are required to define each key concept (SWOT) and to identify 4 strengths, 4 weaknesses, 2 opportunity, and 2 threats. Then to write an analytical text for the case study. Then to write an analytical essay for the case study. (60%) Nike’s Goddess Could a famously masculine company finally click with female customers? That was the challenge behind Nike Goddess, whose goal was to change how the company designed for, sold, and communicated with women. In its 30-year history, Nike had become the undisputed leader in sports marketing. But beneath the success was an Achilles’ heel. Nike is named after a woman -the Greek goddess of victory -but for most of its history, the company had been perceived as being mostly about men. Could Nike do more to realize the full potential of female customers? And how could it afford not to, given the threats to its future with Air Jordan running out of air and brands like Skechers digging into the teen market with shoes inspired by skateboarding, not basketball. That was the huge question at Nike HQ. The launch of Nike Goddess was the makings of an answer. Just Doing It Differently For much of its history, Nike’s destiny was controlled by its founders, Phil Knight and his running buddies, who signed up athletes in locker rooms and made the executive decisions. But by throwing together a diverse team of people with different backgrounds and different levels of seniority, Nike has found that it can keep many of its core attributes while adding new sources of inspiration. Take the combination of star designer John Hoke and newcomer Mindy Grossman, vice president of global apparel. Hoke designed the look and feel of the first Nike Goddess store. Then Grossman, whose career has included helping make Ralph Lauren into a retail icon, pitched1 the design ideas to Nike’s top retailers as stores within stores. Now it looks like Nike has a chance to reach a crucial objective: double its sales to women by the end of the decade. How to Sell to Women 2 Nike Goddess began as a concept for a women-only store, and there’s a reason why. Many of the retail settings in which the company’s products were found were a turnoff to female customers: dark, loud, and harsh -in a word, male. In sharp contrast, the Nike Goddess stores have the comforting feel of a woman’s own home. How to Design for Women Designing a new approach to retail was only one element in Nike’s campaign. Another was redesigning the shoes and clothes themselves. Nike’s footwear designers worked on 18-month production cycles -which made it hard to stay in step with the new styles and colors for women. The apparel group, which worked around 12-month cycles, was better at keeping up with fashion trends. But that meant that the clothes weren’t coordinated with the shoes -a big turnoff 2 for women. How to Talk to Women When Jackie Thomas, Nike’s US brand marketing director for women, first heard the phrase ‘Nike goddess,’ she wasn’t impressed. ‘I don’t like talking to women through gender,’ she says. Nike Goddess had to mean something to women and it was her job to make that happen. ‘Women don’t need anybody’s permission. We are at our best when we are showing women a place where they didn’t think they could be.’ For John Hoke, the real power of Nike Goddess is not about traffic at stores. It’s about changing minds inside the company. ‘I knew that Goddess could galvanise3 us,’ he says, ‘It was an opportunity to redefine and reenergies our entire brand around a market that was taking off.’ 3 Q2: In about 200 words, write an essay analyzing the STEEPLE Module . Students are required to define each key concept (STEEPLE) and to illustrate all concepts with examples. (40%) 4 5 6

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.