ATAR Notes: Forum
VCE Stuff => VCE Business Studies => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Business Management => Topic started by: Emie on November 08, 2013, 03:40:38 pm
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Hi everyone :) Considering the hype of activity on this board, I thought I should help you out in preparation for the exam next Thursday.
I got a perfect score of 50 and Premier's award in Busman in 2012. I have just finished my exams (I'm a 2013 grad), so if you have any questions/queries/concerns about the subject, feel free to ask!
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How many practice exams did you do? Also when you wrote the exam did you fill up every line on the page or most?
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How long did it take you to finish the exam? Did you go right up to the 2 hours, or do it in like 1 Hour and 45 Minutes, and then re-read your work?
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1. Would you recommend taking the first 2 minutes out of your time to run through and highlight 'task words' and 'instruction' words to help ensure you tick every box with your marks on those 4> mark questions.
2. Do you think perfecting your vocabulary and understanding is essential before you start doing practice exams, or should you start anyway?
3. In regards to the 10 marker, how would you go about separating all the factors if it has multiple tasks within it, and structuring an answer? I've read over recent exams such as the 2012 one and I would have absolutely on idea how to join all those tasks of the answer into the question until I see an answer and it all makes sense.
4. I need to research an organisation and I think I am going to be doing one that nobody really does, Westfield Group - what do I have to know about them? All I've been told is I need to research an organisation and know a major change, but I'm not sure what I am expected to know about them?
5. With management structures (functional, divisional, matrix) , how do you actually 'compare' two? I don't really know a whole lot about them, how they work or anything. I have a standard definition for both describing what they are, as well as advantages and disadvantages for them. For example, 'the functional management structure is where employees and resources are divided into departments based on organisational function, such as operations, human resource, finance, research and development and marketing functions.' Currently, if I was asked a question not to dissimilar to this, I would probably just define the two and think that is comparing, and throw in some advantages and disadvantages even though I know that is wrong.
6. In regards to handwriting, my handwriting is absolutely atrocious and it looks like a 5 year old has written it, due to several things (pressure for time, back pain really kills and makes me get in a weird position). Even if my handwriting looks absolutely horrible and may take you 1-2 times to read over to actually understand what I wrote, do you think that would be a negative or it doesn't really matter? Friends have told me I will lose marks as it takes away the flow of reading; I understand completely what they mean though. Even though I can easily read my own handwriting, when I look at the finished product of a SAC or an exam it looks like some amateur crap even whilst reading it, but when I write it on my computer and it actually sounds sophisticated and in-depth (Weird).
7. As a continuation from the last strange question, with the fast handwriting I finish a practice exam in about an hour and twenty minutes minus the 10 marker (I'm saving them for later) and I write WAAAAY over the lines for literally every question as I feel like there is so much more I have to add, like when it doesn't ask for a definition but I define several things anyway just to structure myself up or I feel like it I may not be able to answer as MUCH for a part of the question, I write a tonne and address the other part later to create some sort of illusion ( :D ) - is this a bad thing? It says on the back of the VCAA exams 'a script book is available from the supervisor if you need extra paper to complete your answer;' is that after you have used the extra space on the back page, or can I request it at the start knowing I am going to write a tonne and want to save time.
8. They say you can't bring in blank pieces of paper, but can you request one to scribble some things down after reading time?
CHEERS! Sorry for some weird questions ...
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How many practice exams did you do? Also when you wrote the exam did you fill up every line on the page or most?
I completed around 50 practice exams, but I was in Year 11 so it was my only 3/4. I think that its more important to critique your practice exams and understand why you are making errors, rather than aiming to complete copious of exams.
I did fill up every line on the page; it gives you the reassurance that your answer is detailed enough for the given marks (providing you haven't rambled too much!)
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How long did it take you to finish the exam? Did you go right up to the 2 hours, or do it in like 1 Hour and 45 Minutes, and then re-read your work?
I completed the exam probably about 10 minutes before the end. I spent the majority of the remaining time going over the 10mark question, as I progressively checked each of my answers for the other questions throughout the exam.
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Is it possible to reveal which case studies you used in your last years exam?? even thought i didnt try last year lol, i know that there where like 3 questions asking you to use an organisation you have studied??
thank you.
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1. Would you recommend taking the first 2 minutes out of your time to run through and highlight 'task words' and 'instruction' words to help ensure you tick every box with your marks on those 4> mark questions.
2. Do you think perfecting your vocabulary and understanding is essential before you start doing practice exams, or should you start anyway?
3. In regards to the 10 marker, how would you go about separating all the factors if it has multiple tasks within it, and structuring an answer? I've read over recent exams such as the 2012 one and I would have absolutely on idea how to join all those tasks of the answer into the question until I see an answer and it all makes sense.
4. I need to research an organisation and I think I am going to be doing one that nobody really does, Westfield Group - what do I have to know about them? All I've been told is I need to research an organisation and know a major change, but I'm not sure what I am expected to know about them?
5. With management structures (functional, divisional, matrix) , how do you actually 'compare' two? I don't really know a whole lot about them, how they work or anything. I have a standard definition for both describing what they are, as well as advantages and disadvantages for them. For example, 'the functional management structure is where employees and resources are divided into departments based on organisational function, such as operations, human resource, finance, research and development and marketing functions.' Currently, if I was asked a question not to dissimilar to this, I would probably just define the two and think that is comparing, and throw in some advantages and disadvantages even though I know that is wrong.
6. In regards to handwriting, my handwriting is absolutely atrocious and it looks like a 5 year old has written it, due to several things (pressure for time, back pain really kills and makes me get in a weird position). Even if my handwriting looks absolutely horrible and may take you 1-2 times to read over to actually understand what I wrote, do you think that would be a negative or it doesn't really matter? Friends have told me I will lose marks as it takes away the flow of reading; I understand completely what they mean though. Even though I can easily read my own handwriting, when I look at the finished product of a SAC or an exam it looks like some amateur crap even whilst reading it, but when I write it on my computer and it actually sounds sophisticated and in-depth (Weird).
7. As a continuation from the last strange question, with the fast handwriting I finish a practice exam in about an hour and twenty minutes minus the 10 marker (I'm saving them for later) and I write WAAAAY over the lines for literally every question as I feel like there is so much more I have to add, like when it doesn't ask for a definition but I define several things anyway just to structure myself up or I feel like it I may not be able to answer as MUCH for a part of the question, I write a tonne and address the other part later to create some sort of illusion ( :D ) - is this a bad thing? It says on the back of the VCAA exams 'a script book is available from the supervisor if you need extra paper to complete your answer;' is that after you have used the extra space on the back page, or can I request it at the start knowing I am going to write a tonne and want to save time.
8. They say you can't bring in blank pieces of paper, but can you request one to scribble some things down after reading time?
CHEERS! Sorry for some weird questions ...
1. I think it would be good to underline the task words for each question, but not necessarily all at once. Just try and focus on one question at a time, rather than going over all the task words in a few minutes.
2. Hopefully you should understand most concepts in the course by now, but practice exams will help you to refine the technicalities. Given there is less than a week left, try to tackle as many different types of questions as you can and this will support both your understanding of the course and the way that questions should be approached.
3. The 10 marker basically tests to see how well you understand the interrelationships in the course. Plan it like an essay in English; introduction, key points, then conclusion. The best way to ensure your answer has cohesion is to continuously refer to your change management issue/organisation. Discuss the way in which each facet of the question is evident in your example and hopefully this will enable you to address all the areas.
4. You need to know the process of change in the organisation i.e. what the change was, how it was enacted and the implications. You also need to know how the change management theory that you have learnt is specifically reflected in the example e.g. driving and restraining forces, Kotter principles, low-risk and high-risk practices, leadership etc.
5. Try and look at key differences between them e.g. functional groups according to tasks whereas division groups according to sections within the organisation. If you have got time, create a table of similarities and differences, this will help you frame your answers.
6. As long as the assessor can read your handwriting, it will be fine. They can't ever deduct marks for aesthetics, only for not addressing the entire question. Don't rush and make sure that it is vaguely legible (I know it's easier said than done!)
7. It's okay to go over the lines as long as you don't 'undo' your answer. By this I mean that you shouldn't just write for the sake of it or write things that are irrelevant for the question.
8. I don't think the invigilators can provide you anything other than the additional script book, and asking for another page may just waste time. Just start writing your answers!
Hope that helps!
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Is it possible to reveal which case studies you used in your last years exam?? even thought i didnt try last year lol, i know that there where like 3 questions asking you to use an organisation you have studied??
thank you.
I used Linfox - try to learn one organisation inside and out, then you can use this for any examples required.
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yo man, did you get your school to buy you practice exams? i did all the vcaa exams 2002-2012 and compak and thats only 25 LOL.
also is it good to study on the day of the exam?? or should i just get my teacher to ask me short questions like 1-2marks which i can say off the top of my head?
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yo man, did you get your school to buy you practice exams? i did all the vcaa exams 2002-2012 and compak and thats only 25 LOL.
also is it good to study on the day of the exam?? or should i just get my teacher to ask me short questions like 1-2marks which i can say off the top of my head?
Haha I was lucky, my teacher seemed to have an endless supply. Just do as many as you can get hold of!
I didn't actually do much the day of the exam; go over anything you're not sure of but make sure that you're fresh for the afternoon.
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what were your marks throughout the year on SAC's, what was your rank and what did you achieve on the exam? I'm also doing business in year 11 :D
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Haha I was lucky, my teacher seemed to have an endless supply. Just do as many as you can get hold of!
I didn't actually do much the day of the exam; go over anything you're not sure of but make sure that you're fresh for the afternoon.
Sweet man, Being both of us sat the 2012 exam last year, how did you determine if the prompt given had to be linked to your explanation, sometime their was 4 marks and then 6 marks you know what i mean?? was common in explaining Ms glass's national parcel delivery and the improvment of quality at websters lol Q1, q2
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what do you recommend as a study plan for 5 days out from the exam, 3 days and day before? When should I stop doing practice exams? thanks!
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what were your marks throughout the year on SAC's, what was your rank and what did you achieve on the exam? I'm also doing business in year 11 :D
I was rank 1, SACs 199/200 and got 100% on the exam :)
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what do you recommend as a study plan for 5 days out from the exam, 3 days and day before? When should I stop doing practice exams? thanks!
5 days out: revise over the course intensively, keep doing practice exams and look at any errors you are making
3 days out: keep revising your notes, pick out tricky questions from practice exams, dot point some 10mark questions
Day before: Don't do any practice exams as this might stress you out unnecessarily! Just study your notes thoroughly and review any mistakes that you've made in previous practice exams
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Hey man thanks for answering these questions, helps everyone!
my questions are:
1. if there is a case study with an organisation, do you ONLY need to refer to that particular organisation?
2. should organisations that we've studied throughout this year only be used in specific marks questions? for example >4?
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Hey man thanks for answering these questions, helps everyone!
my questions are:
1. if there is a case study with an organisation, do you ONLY need to refer to that particular organisation?
2. should organisations that we've studied throughout this year only be used in specific marks questions? for example >4?
No worries, glad to help out!
1. Yes, one of the biggest nuances in BusMan is incorporating the case study into your answer. If it provides a case study, only draw your examples from what is given.
2. It's always good to give examples, regardless of the marks. While you don't necessarily have to give examples for a 2-3 mark question, I always added them in to further prove to the assessor that I really understood what the question is asking!
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How did you deal with the stress days leading towards your exam?
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How did you deal with the stress days leading towards your exam?
In the last few days before the exam, I tried to not do more than 4hours of study a day so that I had sufficient time to rest. Try not to study excessively at the last minute and have some relaxation time where you are not thinking about Busman! Just remember that you can't do any more than your best :)
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In the last few days before the exam, I tried to not do more than 4hours of study a day so that I had sufficient time to rest. Try not to study excessively at the last minute and have some relaxation time where you are not thinking about Busman! Just remember that you can't do any more than your best :)
Thanks for the advice, it is really helpful.
How did you actually attempt your exam? Did you start with the hardest question(e.g 10 marker) or did you tackle other 6 markers and leave the 10 marker until the very end.
And did you ever feel the pressure to succeed seeing that this was your only 3/4 subject?
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Thanks for the advice, it is really helpful.
How did you actually attempt your exam? Did you start with the hardest question(e.g 10 marker) or did you tackle other 6 markers and leave the 10 marker until the very end.
And did you ever feel the pressure to succeed seeing that this was your only 3/4 subject?
On my exam, there were 4 questions, so I completed the first question then moved to the 10 marker then went back and did the rest. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving the 10 mark to the end and run the risk of running out of time. At the same time, I think it's good to 'warm up' with a few short questions before you move on to the harder ones.
YES! I definitely felt the pressure but I guess it was more a motivator to do well, rather than a hindrance.
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Hi Emmie,
I'm currently in year 11 and just wanted to know how I can prepare for business management over the coming holidays. I am also aiming to get a score like yours.
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If you get a question that says 'compare' between x and x and is presumably worth four marks, should you be doing 1 similarity and 1 difference between the two and explaining the difference between the two, or should you just be starting 2 similarities and 2 differences?
e.g. Compare Herzberg and Maslow?
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Hey, do you think it is okay to use abbreviations such as Org. and Man. and am I allowed to use + instead of and? (Speed sake)
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Hey, do you think it is okay to use abbreviations such as Org. and Man. and am I allowed to use + instead of and? (Speed sake)
My teacher told me that it is not a good idea to abbreviate. He says it is informal. But i guess it is up to you.
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my last exam to make or break my atar.... considering my im aiming for an 80 atar
(non asian+ not the smartest :-[)
anyways,
i think im 193/200 in sacs, probably ranked about 8/80 students
aiming for 100% on the exam
do you think a 50 is achievable? i sort of figured that the highest i could possibly achieve is around 45-46 if the top 7 are ahead
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(non asian+ not the smartest :-[)
1. Being Asian has nothing to do with anything, i'm not Asian either.
2. It is also about handwork, and from what i've seen at least your a good at business management.
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(non asian+ not the smartest :-[)
Trust me mate, being Asian has nothing to do with it. ::)
Not all Asian are smart.
Even Science subjects.
Source: myself. hahah
You will be fine, study hard, study smart :)
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Hi Emmie,
I'm currently in year 11 and just wanted to know how I can prepare for business management over the coming holidays. I am also aiming to get a score like yours.
I didn't actually do anything over the summer holidays :) just relax, don't worry about it until you start school, but start working very hard when you hit the new school year! If you can't do that, try and read over your text book but don't start doing questions just yet.
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Hey, do you think it is okay to use abbreviations such as Org. and Man. and am I allowed to use + instead of and? (Speed sake)
Write the whole word once and put in brackets the abbreviation, then use it from there. Don't use + or - as the exam must be written in English, not symbols :)
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If you get a question that says 'compare' between x and x and is presumably worth four marks, should you be doing 1 similarity and 1 difference between the two and explaining the difference between the two, or should you just be starting 2 similarities and 2 differences?
e.g. Compare Herzberg and Maslow?
2 similarities, 2 differences ensures you get the marks :)
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my last exam to make or break my atar.... considering my im aiming for an 80 atar
(non asian+ not the smartest :-[)
anyways,
i think im 193/200 in sacs, probably ranked about 8/80 students
aiming for 100% on the exam
do you think a 50 is achievable? i sort of figured that the highest i could possibly achieve is around 45-46 if the top 7 are ahead
If you got 100% on the exam, I'm fairly sure you could get a 50 as your SACs have been all an A+.
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Sorry for bring this up. I'm currently a year 11 student, and I have such a trouble remembering everything, is advantages disadvantages features of structures the processes etc, what are your tips on this?
Also I'm doing Aos2 now, as a whole, what should I do to prepare now for exams, what should I be exposed to etc?
Thanks :)
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Hi! Just a question, when they ask about the appropriateness of different management styles do they just want you to explain the difference between them and their characteristics?
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Sorry for bring this up. I'm currently a year 11 student, and I have such a trouble remembering everything, is advantages disadvantages features of structures the processes etc, what are your tips on this?
Also I'm doing Aos2 now, as a whole, what should I do to prepare now for exams, what should I be exposed to etc?
Thanks :)
Try using mnemonics, they can be really helpful with advantages and disadvantages (and many other parts of the BM course! :)
With regards to preparing for exams, try to learn every AOS thoroughly the first time round and then review it at regular points in time in the lead up to the exams.
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Hi! Just a question, when they ask about the appropriateness of different management styles do they just want you to explain the difference between them and their characteristics?
You need to be able to explain the features of each management style, the contexts in which they are appropriate and similarities/differences between them. Best of luck! :)
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Hey, Thanks for your reply :)
Could you give me a quick summary of when these styles would be best used for, here is what i think
Autocratic: When immediate compliance is needed
Persuasive: Shutting down of factory
Consultative: Whether or not to create uniform policy
Participative: No real example, but when heaps of time available
Laissez...: Highly skilled employees, with lots of creative in workplace
could you give me some more ideas please, Thanks :)
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Hey, Thanks for your reply :)
Could you give me a quick summary of when these styles would be best used for, here is what i think
Autocratic: When immediate compliance is needed
Persuasive: Shutting down of factory
Consultative: Whether or not to create uniform policy
Participative: No real example, but when heaps of time available
Laissez...: Highly skilled employees, with lots of creative in workplace
could you give me some more ideas please, Thanks :)
What you have is fine, but an autocratic management style is also appropriate when employees lack skills or knowledge. A persuasive management style is often needed when employees need reasons on why a decision has been made without their input. A consultative management style can also be used when employees' roles benefit from cooperation and teamwork. A participative management style is appropriate when a decision is not required imminently, or when employees have potentially effective ideas (which often comes with a high degree of experience). Laissez-Faire management styles may also be applied in scientific settings, for example, independent research.
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Hi, wondering if you would recommend working ahead of the class??
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Most definitely...
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Hey Emie, with the exams approaching, how should i begin exam prep? go through each aos and do checkpoints? and then do exams? anything else?
Thanks
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I am not sure if I should do further maths or psych? I am also doing methods. Any advice/opinion?
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Could you please explain how understanding the Kotter change management process may help managers to manage change effectively? I know how it may, but I just can't put it into a concise couple of sentences.
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Can you give some study tips on business management? How you learn all the content, practice it and answer questions?
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same here, im having trouble remembering all the content, especially AOS2, with styles, skills, structures adv/disadv/ similarities etc and bit of AOS3, such as the four strategies.
Ive been rank 1 all year dont want that to go to waste with doing poorly on exam.
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Hi Emie!
just wanted some feedback regarding the 10 marker on VCAA 2013 Bus man,
My teacher would have given it a 9 or 10, just wanted your opinion.
Here it is:
VCAA 2013 Business Management Exam Q6 (10 marks)
The movement of staff into, through and out of an organisation (the employment cycle) is generally managed by the
Human Resource Manager.
With reference to management practices and processes that are associated with each phase of the employment cycle,
discuss
• how the management role of planning could be used in the establishment phase
• how performance indicators could be used in the maintenance phase
• how the choice of management style could impact on the termination phase.
In any organisation, an employee goes through what is called the employment cycle. In this cycle, three stages are evident, the establishment phase, maintenance phase and the termination phase.
The establishment phase is the first stage and describes the initial stages of the employees life in that particular business. Managers can use the management role of planning to set objectives as to improving the performance of new recruits in the business, to ensure that new employees are productive from day one. However, if the manager does not plan effectively and cannot establish any alternate strategies to implement, then the manager’s time is wasted and the employee will just simply become another new employee.
The next stage of the cycle is the maintenance phase, and deals with the effective management of the employee during their time in the business. To maintain the employee in the current job, they must have frequent performance evaluations to ensure that the targets objectives are being met, as well as being linked to the objectives of the organisation. Additionally, employee surveys may be undertaken in the maintenance phase of the employment cycle to check whether or not the work that they are doing is being satisfied by them. If not, this can be reflected on the staff turnover rates of the organisation and can indicate whether or not the organisation has the capability to retain its employees.
Eventually an employee comes to the termination phase of the employment cycle, where the cessation of the employee’s employment is necessary and nearing. An employee can either resign (voluntary termination of employment) or retire (withdraw themselves from the workforce). Other methods of termination that could occur are when the business does not have suitable space for that employee to work and is therefore dismissed (Retrenchment) and when a job of the employee does not exist anymore due to organisational restructure (Redundancy). The management style can impact on the termination phase as it leaves the person to leave on either a position where they have learnt a lot, or where they have learnt barely little. An autocratic managerial style would assume the tiny growth of the employee, as they have had to listen to the manager. A consultative manager on the other hand would have prepared the employee to a greater depth, as they were able to contribute and gain valuable skills that may be of use in other positions (ie communication skills.)
Thanks :)