Business Communication - The Importance of Information Technology in Business

Information technology drives innovation and innovation is the path to business success. Innovation in business has the same impact that steam had on the industrial revolution.Technology has important effects on business operations. No matter the size of your enterprise, technology has both tangible and intangible benefits that will help you make money and produce the results your customers demand. Technological infrastructure affects the culture, efficiency and relationships of a business. It also affects the security of confidential information and trade advantages.

There are several kinds of technology that can be used to support business, such as:

1. E-mail
E-mail is widely used as a form of business communication and overall it is a highly effective communication tool. Email is inexpensive, only requiring an Internet connection that is generally already present in the business. Although a printout of emails is possible, emails often stay as soft copies because archiving and retrieving email communications is easy to do. From the CEO to the janitorial staff and even temporary employees of the business can send and receive email communications.

2. Internet
It is very difficult to imagine how any business could operate during this time without the use of the internet. The development of the internet has significantly altered the day to day operations of a business; including how they communicate with each other and their audience. Information can be easily transmitted to any destination in a matter of seconds.

The internet has become an essential tool for marketing and advertising. A business can present itself to customers with the use of a website or online advertisements. Many businesses now use the internet as a means of making customers aware of their current promotions. This can be very beneficial to businesses that are targeting a younger audience.

3. Voicemail
Voicemail, like other communications technologies, can be a boon to productivity or a center of inefficiency for a business. There is almost no doubt that you will wish to use voice mail in some ways -- unless your business eschews telephones entirely -- but the proper application of voicemail will determine its usefulness.

4. Teleconference
Teleconferencing among multiple participants in two or more locations is a strategic communication tool deployed by many companies with multiple locations and dispersed employees. Business cyclical shifts and economic downturns tend to see a rise in the use of teleconferencing facilities. Used judiciously and strategically, teleconferencing can enhance organizational productivity, engage employees at all levels and reduce travel budgets.

Business Report
Business reports are a type of assignment in which you analyze a situation (either a real situation or a case study) and apply business theories to produce a range of suggestions for improvement.
Business reports are typically assigned to enable you to:
• Examine available and potential solutions to a problem, situation, or issue.
• Apply business and management theory to a practical situation.
• Demonstrate your analytical, reasoning, and evaluation skills in identifying and weighing-up possible solutions and outcomes.
• Reach conclusions about a problem or issue.
• Provide recommendations for future action.
• Show concise and clear communication skills.

Types of Business Report

Reports may be classified based on several criteria, including their use (progress reports and financial reports), purpose (informational, analytical and persuasive reports), frequency of preparation (annual, monthly, weekly and hourly reports), length (short and long reports) and whether they are internal to the business, or are used outside the business.

The most common types of business reports may be divided into the following categories –

1. Periodic reports – These are reports that are prepared on a regular basis, for both internal and external audiences. Their purpose is solely to inform. Examples of this type of report are –

a) Routine management reports – These are reports such as equipment reports and sales updates and are prepared for internal audiences.

b) Compliance reports – These are submitted to external stakeholders, such as the government, stating compliance with regulations such as environmental norms.

c) Progress reports – These reports may be prepared for both internal audiences such as top management and shareholders, as well as for external audiences such as customers. A project report stating progress on a long-term project is an example of this type of report.

2. Proposals – Unlike periodic reports, the purpose of a proposal is to persuade. Proposals may be prepared for both internal and external audiences. Examples of proposals include research proposals and marketing strategy proposals to top management, proposals to the government to grant funds for building a research facility and proposals to consumers to buy a company’s products.

3. Policies and Procedures – The purpose of these reports is solely to inform. They are also prepared only for internal audiences. Examples include reports on company policies and procedures, written by top management and sent to all employees. This is part of downward communication.

4. Situational reports – These are one-time, exceptional reports that are prepared when a unique event occurs. For example, if sales of the company has shown a significant decline, a study may be carried out to determine the reasons for declining sales and a report prepared on the findings. Similarly, a market feasibility study may be carried out before launch of a new product and a report prepared, based on the study. The purpose of such reports is usually to inform, analyze and persuade.

Source:

http://www.business2community.com
https://www.oksbdc.org
http://smallbusiness.chron.com
http://www.cns-it.co.uk
http://owll.massey.ac.nz

http://jb-karki.blogspot.co.id

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Business Communication - Structure of Decision Making

Business organizational structures came about to simplify decision-making. The typical organization chart depicts a hierarchy of authority starting with the chairman, CEO and other executive officers at the top because the executive officers set the goals and direction of the company. Supporting layers of managers under the executive level are tasked with applying these goals to their areas of responsibility or departments, which are arranged in order of appropriate information flow from management.

History

The concept of studying and using organizational structure to improve on enterprise performance dates back to the late 19th century and the writings of sociologist and engineer Max Weber, who examined the dependence of capitalism upon bureaucracy. During the early 20th century, companies used organizational structure to enhance performance by creating specialization within the company and departmental authorities who managed those specialized areas. Henry Ford developed his assembly line production methods as a result of the then-groundbreaking theories of organizational structure.

Function

Each specialized unit is managed by its own decision maker, who theoretically is best able to understand the needs and problems of that particular unit. This allows a consolidation of performance information in the managerial level where the executive level may access only the most pertinent information for goal and directional purposes. This filters out the details of company operations and feeds only the results of operations up the ladder to the executives and board of directors.

Significance

An organizational structure that divides the operations of a company into specialized departments empowers the managers of those departments to deal with problems and create efficiencies of process and production that are customized to their particular departments. It also creates a corporate management level where enterprise knowledge is developed, tested and preserved for the future efficient operation of the department, as well as easy accessibility by those in higher management charged with enterprise planning.

Benefits

A filtered flow of information from the production level of an enterprise allows executive management to focus on the goals of the company and compare the production and administration performance with their intended corporate direction. This assists their decision making by focusing on intended results rather than the detailed process of individual management of departmental operations.

Considerations

No organizational structure works unless the flow of information works. The purpose of organizational structure is to distribute the decisions of executive management down through administrative levels where the managers interpret those decisions and put them into practice. It also creates a way for managers to send feedback and performance information up the line to assist in future executive decisions. If the line of communication in either direction does not operate, the system breaks down.

Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/organizational-structure-decision-making-3825.html

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Business Communication - Example of Inquiry Letter and Thank You Letter

1. INQUIRY LETTER

TENFOLD & CO. LTD

Jln. Margonda Raya No. 1

Depok

Ref. DS/AC

March, 14^th 2017

Moonlight Ltd

Sixth Avenue Street

New York, NY

Dear Sir,

We have seen your advertisement in the International Men’s Grooming Exhibition, and we are interested to buy different types of men’s grooming  that you offer.

For that we ask you to send some of the information that we need the following

1.      Details of the items in more detail

2.      Price list

3.      How to purchase the following method of payment

We will book after we learn and reconsider from the above information that we receive later. Hopefully this letter will be a good beginning of cooperation between our companies.

Yours faithfully,

 

        Cahyono

Purchase Manager

2. THANK YOU LETTER

We appreciate your recent purchase of a Dino Vacuum Cleaner. You will find your room cleaner and your energy costs less by purchasing this new model.

Another advantage of owning a Dino Vacuum Cleaner is our full two-year warranty on parts and labor. And with the purchase of your Vacuum Cleaner, you qualify for our Christmas drawing for a Maldives vacation.

But Vacuum Cleaner are not the only great deals we offer. Come and see us during our Thanksgiving Sale and see what we have for Christmas.

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Softskill - Business Communication

Definition
The sharing of information between people within an enterprise that is performed for the commercial benefit of the organization. In addition, business communication can also refer to how a company shares information to promote its product or services to potential consumers.

Elements of Communication

1.  Source

The source is the person (or thing) attempting to share information. The source can be a living or non-living entity.  The only qualifications necessary for a source are an origin of information (in Information Theory, the source generates data that one would like to communicate) and an ability to transmit this information, through a channel, to a receiver.

2.  Message

At first glance, the message is simply the information you want to communicate. But it goes deeper than that. Communication theorists examine messages from a semiotic perspective (the study of signs and symbols, and how meaning is created through them; note: it is not the study of meaning, just how meaning is created).

3.  Encoding

Encoding is the process of assembling the message (information, ideas and thoughts) into a representative design with the objective of ensuring that the receiver can comprehend it.  

4.  Channel

An encoded message is conveyed by the source through a channel. There are numerous channel categories: verbal, non-verbal, personal, non-personal, etc.

5.  Decoding

This is where listening, and reading directions carefully, makes its claim to fame—decode with care.  In Encoding, communication is only successful when it results in both the source and the receiver understanding the same information.  For this to happen, there can be no errors in processing.

6.  Receiver

Ultimately, the message is delivered to the receiver.  A good communicator takes the receivers preconceptions and frames of reference into consideration; how they will react, where common ground is shared, their sense of humor, their moral conduct, etc. All of these things will affect how the receivers decode messages.

7.  Feedback

A better word might be “reaction” or “responses.”  The source judges its success based on the feedback it receives, so pay close attention. Whether things go right or wrong, it serves as one of the most important learning opportunities we have.

What is the Major Mistake in Communication?

I thought the answer is misunderstandings. While communication is critical in any business, misunderstandings can cause more harm than good. Garbled instructions and misread attitudes waste time, create safety hazards or cause ill will between you and your client. To prevent misunderstandings, your directions must be clear and without your emotions getting in the way.

Why is Desirable to Avoid the Use of Jargons in Business Communication?

1. There is often a better way to say things.

2. Some development speak words carry connotations that only hurt people.

3. Buzzwords lose meaning.

4. Using jargon doesn’t make us sound smarter.

Guidelines for Effective Communication

1. Clarity of Purpose: The message to be delivered must be clear in the mind of sender. The person to whom it is targeted and the aim of the message should be clear in the mind of the sender.

2. Completeness: The message delivered should not be incomplete. It should be supported by facts and observations. It should be well planned and organized. No assumptions should be made by the receiver.

3. Conciseness: The message should be concise. It should not include any unnecessary details. It should be short and complete.

4.Feedback: Whether the message sent by the sender is understood in same terms by the receiver or not can be judged by the feedback received. The feedback should be timely and in personal. It should be specific rather than general.

5. Empathy: Empathy with the listeners is essential for effective verbal communication. The speaker should step into the shoes of the listener and be sensitive to their needs and emotions. This way he can understand things from their perspective and make communication more effective.

6. Modify the message according to the audience: The information requirement by different people in the organization differs according to their needs. What is relevant to the middle level management might not be relevant to the top level of management. Use of jargons should be minimized because it might lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretations. The message should be modified according to the needs and requirements of the targeted audience.

7. Multiple Channels of communication: For effective communication multiple channels should be used as it increases the chances of clarity of message. The message is reinforced by using different channels and there are less chances of deformation of message.

8. Make effective use of Grapevine (informal channel of communication): The employees and managers should not always discourage grapevine. They should make effective use of grapevine. The managers can use grapevine to deliver formal messages and for identification of issues which are significant for the employees. The managers can get to know the problems faced by the employees and can work upon it.

Sources:

- www.businessdictionary.com

- www.managementstudyguide.com

- www.how-matters.org

- https://blog.udemy.com

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Kepariwisataan II - Tourisms in Poland

Tourisms in Poland

Poland is a part of the global tourism market with constantly increasing number of visitors. Tourism in Poland contributes to the country's overall economy. The most popular cities are Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Warsaw, Poznań, Lublin, Toruń and the historic site of Auschwitz - German nazi concentration camp in Oświęcim. The best recreational destinations include Poland's Masurian Lake District, Baltic Sea coast, Tatra Mountains (the highest mountain range of Carpathians), Sudetes and Białowieża Forest. Poland's main tourist offers consist of sightseeing within cities and out-of-town historical monuments, business trips, qualified tourism, agrotourism, mountain hiking (trekking) and climbing among others. Poland is the 17th most visited country in the world by foreign tourists, as ranked by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2012.

1. Wroclaw Zoo

The Wrocław Zoological Garden, known simply as the Wrocław Zoo is the oldest zoo in Poland, having been opened in 1865. It is also the largest (in terms of the number of animals) zoo in Poland. The zoo covers 33 hectares (82 acres) in downtown Wrocław. It is home about 12,000 animals representing about 1,100 species. 

The zoo includes among others: Africarium-Oceanarium, Madagascar pavilion, Odrarium, Terrarium, Ropes course Zoolandia, Children's Zoo, Rancho, food and drinks outlets. Wrocław Zoo is the most visited zoo in Poland.

The Ticket Price

Individual  Tickets:

1. Normal Ticket – PLN 40/ person

2. Discount Ticket – PLN 30/ person

3. Student Ticket – PLN 35/ person

Group Tickets

1. Family Ticket – PLN 120 (2 adults + 2/ 3 Kids)

2. Normal Group Ticket – PLN 30/ person

3. Discount Group Ticket – PLN 20/ person

2. The Royal–Imperial Route in Poznań 

The Royal-Imperial Route in Poznań is a tourist walk running through the most important parts of the city and presenting the history, culture and identity of Poznań. The Route leads in a westward direction, from The Church of St. John Jerusalem behind the Wall to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Florian.

The Royal–Imperial Route in Poznań is an idea of a tourist product that would combine important places and historical monuments of the city. "The Royal – Imperial Route" axis provides cultural, artistic and educational events that integrate the activities of all parties concerned and are the platform for co-operation of various entities: public administration, culture and science institutions, representatives of the academic circle, and tourist organisations. That is why "The Royal–Imperial Route" is Poznań's first complete partner project in which the City Hall motivates the other parties to work for the development of cultural tourism of the city and region.

Source: 

- en.wikipedia.org

- www.zoo.wroclaw.pl

- www.google.com

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Kepariwisataan II - The Potential Tourisms of East Nusa Tenggara

The Potential Tourisms of East Nusa Tenggara 

East Nusa Tenggara (Indonesian: Nusa Tenggara Timur – NTT) is a province of Indonesia. It is located in the eastern part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and includes West Timor. It has a total area of 48,718.1 km², and the population at the 2010 Census was 4,683,827; the latest official estimate in January 2014 was 5,070,746. The provincial capital is Kupang on West Timor.

The province consists of more than 500 islands, the three largest being Flores, Sumba, and the western half ofTimor (West Timor). The eastern part of Timor is the independent country of East Timor. East Nusa Tenggara is the only province in Indonesia where Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. Nusa Tenggara Timur, inIndonesian, means "eastern southeastern islands"; compare to Nusa Tenggara Barat, which means "western southeastern islands".

The provincial government aims to promote tourism. There are various interesting locations in the province. The basic infrastructure to support the tourist sector (such as transport facilities, accommodation, and adequate and reliable information) needs to be strengthened but several main features of the tourist sector in the province include:

• Komodo Island with the well-known Komodo dragon
• Kelimutu volcano on Flores which contains 3 striking crater lakes of varying colors
• Mount Mutis to the east of Kupang, the highest point in the province and an area known for hiking & bird-watching
• Semana Santa in Larantuka
• Traditional housing and pasola in Sumba Island
• Alor Dive in Alor Island
• Nemberalla Beach in Rote Ndao
• Pink Beach in Padar island
• Taman 17 in Riung Island

Various local community groups in the province work to promote the local tourist industry although, as yet, many of these activities are still somewhat underdeveloped and need strengthening.

Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park is a national park in Indonesia located within the Lesser Sunda Islands in the border region between the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara. The park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rinca, and 26 smaller ones, with a total area of 1,733 km² (603 km² of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard. Later it was dedicated to protecting other species, including marine species. In 1991 the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Komodo National Park has been selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The waters surrounding Komodo island also contains rich marine biodiversity. Komodo islands is also a part of the Coral Triangle, which contains one of the richest marine biodiversity on earth.

How To Get There?

While most visitors enter Komodo National Park (KNP) through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo in the west of Flores or Bima in eastern Sumbawa, the departure point for your trip is actually Denpasar, Bali. 

	By Air:
	Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) Depart : Everyday DPS - LBJ : 10.00 – 11.30 LBJ - DPS : 12.00 – 13.30 Price: Y CLASS : IDR 751.000 H CLASS : IDR 696.000 Q CLASS : IDR 641.000 (NON REFUND TICKET) Trans Nusa Airlines (TGN) Depart : Everyday DPS – LBJ : 10.00 – 11.50 & 13.00 – 14.20 LBJ – DPS VIA BMU (BIMA) : 12.05 - 12.35 BMU-DPS : 12.50 – 13.45 LBJ – DPS : 14.35 – 15.15 Price Y CLASS : IDR 761.000 L CLASS : IDR 651.000 M CLASS : IDR 541.000
	By Land:
	The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo and Bima are connected to Denpasar, Bali by overland buses.
	By Sea (ferry):
	Travel time: approximately 36 hours The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo and Bima are also connected to Denpasar, Bali by inter-island ferry. Contact the Indonesia Sea Transportation Company (PELNI) at Jalan Raya Kuta No. 299, Tuban - Bali (Tel: 0361 - 763 963) to reserve a seat on the KM. Tilong Kabila, which departs Benoa Port, Bali bound for Bima and Labuan Bajo Benoa-Bima-Labuan Bajo  Fortnightly (every two weeks) on Saturdays: 09.00-20.00 (next day). One-way ticket (as of 10/6/06) from Rp. 143,000.00 - Rp. 435,000.00 Labuan Bajo-Bima-Benoa  Fortnightly (every two weeks) on Thursdays: 08.00-11.00 (next day). One-way ticket (as of 10/6/06) from Rp. 143,000.00 - Rp. 435,000.00 Note: the ferry schedule and ticket prices may change with or without prior notice
	By Sea (live-aboard):
	Komodo National Park is serviced by a wide range of live-aboard boats, with return packages to Komodo National Park from a variety of departure points, including Bali, Lombok, Bima and Labuan Bajo Prices (as of 10/6/06) are ranging from USD 230.00 - USD 295.00 / person / night.
	From Gateway Cities to Komodo National Park (KNP)
	You can easily organize a shared boat charter by local boat from either ports at Labuan Bajo or Bima (Sape) to the two major points of access in the Park: Loh Liang (on Komodo Island) or Loh Buaya (on Rinca Island) Charter price (as of 10/6/06) - excluding meals, KNP entrance fee etc: Labuan Bajo: KNP: Rp. 750,000 - 1,500,000 per boat / day Bima (Sape): KNP: Rp. 1,500.000 - 2,000.000 per boat / day Note: the charter prices may change with or without prior notice

Kelimutu

Kelimutu (pronounced [kəliˈmutu]) is a volcano, close to the small town of Moni in central Flores island in Indonesia. The volcano is around 50 km to the east of Ende, Indonesia, the capital of Ende regency in East Nusa Tenggara province.

In the early days of developing the local national park in the Kelimutu area, there were some disputes with local communities over the use of the resources. More recently, forest rangers have worked to develop better relations with nearby village communities and overall management has improved.

Kelimutu is one of the mountains listed as a ribu in Indonesia which are mountains in Indonesia which are more than 1,000 meters high.

The area is said to have begun to attract attention after being noticed by a regional Dutch military commander, B. van Suchtelen in 1915 and became more well-known after Y. Bouman wrote about the site in 1929.

The closest airports are Maumere, and Ende. There are regular flights to Ende from Bali. The drive from Ende to Moni, the town at the base of Kelimutu where accommodation is available, takes about 3 hours, while from Moni to Kelimutu vehicle park, a 13 kilometers needs 45 minutes. Usually tourists sleep one night to catch sunrise at Kelimutu.

Get In

Airplanes from Denpasar to Maumere and Ende are limited. The ticket price is more than Rp 1 million to more than Rp 2 million for one way trip.

Buses from Bajawa (7 hr, Rp 80,000) start at 6AM. Gunung Mas runs 12-seater "Travel Bus" from Ruteng to Kelimutu (continuing to Maumere) at 7AM and 1.30~2.PM. It takes 10 hr from Ruteng to Kelimutu (6 hours from Bajawa) and they will pick up from hotels by prior arrangement.

From Ende there are more options. Public cars (2 hr, Rp 40,000), Toyota Kijang are the normally the most comfortable option. Bemos (Rp 20,000) and buses (Rp 30,000) also ply the route in 2.5 hr. If you're feeling adventurous ojeks will take you there for Rp 100,000 letting you make your way in your own pace and stop for photos along the very scenic route.

From Maumere (3-4 hr) there is the same plethora of buses (Rp 30,000) and public cars (Rp 50,000), just ask at your hotel.

From Riung, the public bus to Ende (50 000) leaves at 6am and you can catch a bus to Kelimutu from there.

Get Around

The ubiquitous ojek is never far away. Depending on your guesthouse's proximity to the national park, ojeks are between Rp 25,000-35,000 (1 way) for a ride up to see the sunrise at 4:30AM. It's best to walk back since it's a nice walk, and there's nothing worse than having an eager ojek driver pulling at you to leave the beautiful lakes just as the light is getting perfect for that moment.

You can rent a motorbike at many places around town for 100 000 for the day.

Source:

- wikipedia.org

- en.wikivoyage.org

- komodonationalpark.org

- google.com

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Love Sucks

X: I really think love isn't based on effort. Don't you think so?

Y: Then what is it based on?

X: You want cold water. I fan the cup a million times, then someone else walks by the ice.

Y: So, what?

X: You want something from someone. Maybe you have expectations. I work with blood sweat and tears to reach your expectations. And then suddenly someone else just came by and has that thing you've been looking for. So, you go with them instead.

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