Office Administration Level 5 Westport

Course Outline:

This course primarily focuses on preparation for work in an office environment, but many students use it as a stepping stone for entry to third level courses in the areas of business, computers and accountancy. Work placement is a mandatory element to the course and allows students to gain up to 3 weeks experience in a busy office environment. Some students also use this course as useful preparation for subsequent third level studies.

• Communications 5N0690
• Information & Administration 5N1389
• Text Production 5N1422
• Word Processing 5N1358
• Spreadsheet Methods 5N1977
• Desktop Publishing 5N0785
• Payroll – Manual and Computerised 5N1546
• Work Experience 5N1356

Course Duration:

This is a one-year full time course and runs from September to May.

Award

Entry Requirements

A Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent is required, although exceptions are given to mature students who are over 23 years of age. Acceptance to the course is subject to interview.

Course Progression

Upon successful completion of this course, learners may be eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities.

Career Options

• Office Management
• Administrative Officer (Accountants office, Solicitors office, Doctors surgery or any administrative environment in the public or private sector)
• Receptionist
• Sales assistant
• Marketing assistant
• Further studies leading to Management, Programming, Software Development, Computer Gaming, Legal Studies, etc.

Student Testimonial

Ellie

I chose to study Office Administration at Westport College of Further Education because I knew of people who had done the course before and they found a good job out of it and I hope it may do the same for me, if I don’t decide to further my studies at third-level. It seemed like an ideal course for me personally as I enjoy using a computer and learning new techniques. It’s a part-time course, therefore, it was super handy as, I could work after finishing up at college for the morning. The course offers an array of different modules. From learning about Spreadsheets to improving your typing skills in Text Production classes. I have gained many skills from this course and I have found what weaknesses and what strengths I have. I really do feel that this course has so much to offer, to both young and mature students. Web Design is another module in this course which I enjoy very much. I have met so many wonderful people coming into this course. Every one of us was shy at first but we have all come out of our shells and we are enjoying the year together. We all have different reasons for studying this course. Some want to further their education, some want to strengthen their skills and others want to get back out into the working environment.

Fees

There are no fees to study this course. .

Detailed Course Outline:

Information & Administration 5N1389

Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• Understand the different types of business organisations and the duties and functions of personnel within
• Understand how information is processed within an organisation and acquire the skills necessary to perform routine duties
• Appreciate the purpose of legislation as it applies to the workplace
• Appreciate the importance of planning and organising work related activities
• Appreciate the impact of new technology on work practices

Assessment Criteria: Skills Demonstration 30%, Project 30%, Exam 40%

Text Production 5N1422

Studying this Module Students will become learn:

• Correct Keyboard Techniques
• Attain a minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute
• Emphasis placed on the production of a variety of document such as: formal business letters, tabular statements and form tear of sections
• Proficient in the use of proof- reading symbols

Assessment Criteria: Examination 80%, Skills Demonstration 20%

Word Processing 5N1358

Students will engage in practical learning in the most current up to date Microsoft Office Word Programme available, to include:

• Formatting and Editing documents using a broad range of word processing techniques.
• Create and use Word templates and Word Documents
• Become Proficient in file Management and use of Mail Merge
• Work on a range of common everyday Documents
• Learn how to produce documents to include, Clipart, Image Display, Tables and watermarks

Assessment Criteria: Assignment 20%, Exam (x 2) 40% each

Spreadsheet Methods 5N1977

Learners will be able to:

• Investigate a range of common uses for spreadsheets
• Explore key spreadsheet elements including cells, cell references, numeric, alpha, and alphanumeric data, formulae, functions, graphs and macros
• Use spreadsheet design features involving data and cell formatting techniques which enhance understanding and legibility
• Produce a spreadsheet, with minimal supervision, that meets a simple design specification and is fit for purpose
• Demonstrate personal initiative and resourcefulness in editing and amending spreadsheets to ensure they are fit for purpose

Assessment Criteria: Exam 50%, Practical Assignment 50%

Web Authoring 5N1910

This project based module will enable students to:

• Explore the intricacies of Web Design
• Learn how to use a compensation of Code and Software to design and test a website.
• Become familiar with creating layouts and styles
• Become proficient in the basic code used in Web Design

Assessment Criteria: Project 70%, Assignment 30%

Communications 5N0690

Students studying Communications Level 5 will be able to do with the following:

• Analysis of a range of current issues in communications and information technology.
• Summarise in practical terms the elements of legislation that must be observed in a personal and/or work context, to include health, safety and welfare at work and communications-related legislation.
• Use appropriate non-verbal and visual communication in personal- and work-related settings, to include one-to-one, in a group/team, and in formal and informal interaction.
• Demonstrate verbal skills appropriate to working under general direction, to include making a case and presenting a point of view in group discussion, formal meetings, interviews.
• Demonstrate listening skills appropriate to working under general direction, to include making eye contact, receiving and interpreting information, control of personal response.
• Research a relevant vocational topic, to include use of primary and secondary sources, acknowledgement of sources, use of enquiry techniques and methods to establish validity and reliability

Assessment Criteria: Collection of Work – 50%, Skills Demonstration – 50%

Work Experience 5N1356

During this module students will plan and prepare for successful participation in a relevant work placement (a minimum of 60 hours). Students assess their present skill levels and are encouraged to research and plan for future education and employment opportunities. Students will also develop their understanding of the world of work, including the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employee. The work placement and subsequent feedback from supervisors assists students to make better informed decisions about future career choices.

Assessment technique: Collection of work: 60%; Skills demonstration: 40%

Payroll 5N1546

Process payroll for employees under appropriate tax systems