FINAL ONLINE SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

PROGRAMME Bachelor of Commerce in Corporate Communication

MODULE Applied Communications Skills
YEAR Two (2)
INTAKE January 2024 Semester 1
DATE 20 June 2024
SECTION A [100 MARKS]
Answer ALL the questions in this section.

QUESTION 1 (45 Marks)

The following report has FIFTEEN (15) errors. Identify and list the errors. Explain the type of error it is
and correct it.

Background
On July 17, 2010 one of the warehouse workers at NBR packaging fell off a step ladder while loading heavy boxes into an
eight-foot high storage unit he sustained numerous injuries including several broken bones. However, this incident follows
other similar incidents where workers have suffered minor injuries using ladders in our various warehouses.
As a member of the Health and Safety Committee for NBR, I was asked to look into the possible causes of these
accidents and provide recommendations on how you guys can stop them from happening in the future. This report is
based on my observations of how ladders were being used in our three warehouses over a 10-week period from April to
June 2010. Me and the workers also met to talk about what I observed.
Observations
I observed several unsafe practices involving: the step ladders and extension ladders in the three warehouses.
· Their were several instances where step ladders was used in a folded position and leaning against a wall because
there was no extension ladder available.
· At times when people were using extension ladders, they were not far enough away from the wall to be in a safe
position.
· Workers were standing on the rear part of step ladders rather than on the front steps which is also unsafe.
· In one instance, a worker places an extension ladder in front of a door without blocking the door before climbing
the ladder.
· Some of the ladders in the warehouse are old and are no longer in good condition.
Recommendations
I would recomend that the following actions be taken:
· Create an information sheet with tips on the proper use of ladders to be distributed to all warehouse staff.
· Provide safety training for staff on a regular basis.
· Replace some of the ladders with new ones that are longer and have safety grips on the bottom.
· Consider investing in rolling safety ladders which are safer than step ladders and extension ladders. Rolling safety
ladders they may be costly but they are worth the investment if accidents and injuries are minimized in the future.

QUESTION 2 (30 Marks)

Using the five Ws and an H principle of news writing, write a one-page newsletter article in which you
describe, with facts and direct quotes, an incident of your choice (your own original story).
QUESTION 3 (25 Marks)
Read the except below and answer the questions that follow.
“South Africa's ex-Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has been charged with 12 counts of
corruption and one count of money laundering. She made her first court appearance after handing herself
over to a police station on Thursday morning. The politician is accused of soliciting bribes in return for
awarding contracts during her time as defence minister. She denied any wrongdoing in court and said: "I do
not have a propensity to commit crime." But prosecutor Bheki Manyathi told Pretoria Magistrates' Court
there was "ample evidence" against Ms Mapisa-Nqakula.”

Source: Jenny Hill & Danai Nesta Kupemba, BBC News, Johannesburg & London

3.1 Define what is meant by media ethics and, assuming you are a journalist and at the same time, a close (7 Marks)
relative of the former Speaker of Parliament, discuss some of the ethical challenges that you might
encounter in your endeavour to report on this matter in the media.
Mark breakdown:

- Define what is meant by media ethics (3 Marks)

- Assuming you are a journalist and at the same time, a close relative of the former Speaker of Parliament, (4 Marks)
discuss some of the ethical challenges hat you might encounter in your endeavour to report on this matter in
the media.

3.2 In line with the given context (the story, and your relations to the former Speaker), highlight the important (8 Marks)
ethical considerations in this matter.
3.3 As you want to report on this matter, you remember that the accused has got the right to privacy. Explain (10 Marks)
what this means and give reasons that could justify reporting on this matter. You may refer to some of the
provisions of the code of ethics and conduct for South African media.

END OF PAPER