Preparing for the CRM Examination. Part 6 The Business Cases

Transcription

1 Preparing for the CRM Examination Part 6 The Business Cases

2 Learning Objectives Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Outline the characteristics of the business case section of the CRM Exam 2. Summarize the requirements for passing Part 6 of the CRM Exam 3. Explain how to maximize the chances of successfully completing Part 6 of the CRM Exam

3 Pre-Test Preparation Location, Location, Location Ascertain if it is a PearsonVUE site or a franchised site where you will test Tests are administered through PearsonVUE Locations listed at or Recommended sites will be referred to as PVTC Any feedback on the conditions of the test center environment should be provided to PearsonVUE at the time you take the test. Know where the test is being given (do a test run) Know how to get there and how long it will take, parking availability, etc. Arrive at least 15 minutes early

4 Pre-Test Preparation Important to know Know what, if anything, you can bring to the test - PearsonVUE sites DO NOT ALLOW ANYTHING in the testing room - Some franchise sites will allow: Watch, stopwatch or digital timer (Time is also shown on the computer screen) Water, coffee, soft drinks, or snacks A sweater or jacket Check with testing site to see what is allowed

5 Before You Start Pick a seat and check Lighting Chair Ventilation (no vent blowing on you) Computer is on and working Know where the bathrooms and water fountains are, you will be given a ten minute break in between the two business cases.

6 NoteBoards for Notes **Be sure and ask for a Noteboard Booklet (five double sided, legal size pages) and fine tip markers Important! These are the only materials you will be able to take notes with. Some franchise sites will not have the Noteboards, and will offer single white boards instead Take as many as you need, at least two per business case.

7 Preparation 1. Practice writing 2. Take a business writing course, if you can 3. Be prepared with the working knowledge gained through experience, taking and passing Parts Secure a mentor to provide feedback to your writing 5. ARMA Chapter 6. ICRM Mentorship Program

8 Preparation Help Local ARMA Resources Chapter Study Groups Chapter Libraries Mentorship Program Part 6 Mentor Coordinator: mentoring@icrm.org

9 Part 6 Requirements: Things to Remember No spell check, bullets, underlining or bolding. You can not return to the first 50-Point business case once you ve selected your second 50-Point business case. Each business case will bring up each section in a single screen for you to type in your answer. No plain paper allowed for note taking - only the noteboard booklets.

10 Business Case Requirements You will prepare answers to two 50 point business cases The first business case will be required of all candidates and must be completed before you will be allowed to view and choose one of the two other business cases After completing the required business case you will choose between two additional business cases. Once you ve completed your second 50 point business case, you re finished. IMPORTANT: You cannot go back to the required 50 point business case once you ve finished the second 50 point business case, even if you have time left.

11 Time Management For this part of the exam, you will be presented with three 50 point business cases. One is required and you have your choice between the other two. You have a total of four hours and ten minutes for this exam, which includes a ten minute break between business cases. Once you complete the first business case, you need to review/edit your answer, ideally you should use no more than two hours for this. You are then asked to confirm you have finished and will then be given a ten minute break. When you return from your break, you will be given two business cases to read and select from, then write your answer for the one you select. When you have reviewed/edited your second answer and confirmed you are finished, the exam is over. You CANNOT return to the first business case, even if you have time.

12 Navigating the Business Case As you are composing your answer you may use the Exhibit Button to enable a view of the entire business case. If you are unsure of your response, mark the essay item as a reminder for additional consideration during your review. To mark an essay item for review, use the mouse to click the flag in the upper right corner of the item. You may use the navigation button at the bottom of the screen to move forward and backward through the essay items. You can toggle between the various parts of the business case, including the Executive Summary, to ensure consistency.

13 Suggested Time Management 50 Point Business Case Reading 20 Jotting Notes (bluebook or whiteboard) 10 Planning and Organizing 15 Writing 60 Reviewing and Editing 10 Important Tip! Acknowledge Non-Disclosure Agreement (beginning of test only) Use the extra 5 minutes to read, and choose between the two business cases in the second part of the test. 120 minutes

14 Writing Your Report Your answer, particularly the Executive Summary, should be concise and complete. Outlines and lists on their own are not an acceptable format (unless specified in the directions) Lists can be used, however a paragraph must precede it to explain why the actions are appropriate Make sure and read the Analysis Instructions carefully Be aware of Point Values for each section and spend your time where it counts the most. Penalty points may be deducted for poor grammar, incorrect spelling and/or poor organization of the answer

15 Writing Your Report Remember there often is more than one correct answer but there is always a BEST answer The best answer will focus on Best Practices for Records Management from a global viewpoint and applicable to all types of Organizations Don t be preoccupied with how you may be doing things in your current job, the exams are based on best practices for all types of organizations For the clarity for the graders, be sure to put in the headings to separate the areas of your answer

16 Instructions Executive Summaries for business cases are only worth 10 points so be concise but don t spend a lot of time on them. Hint: These often come easier when done AFTER the Analysis items have been completed, so at least review them to make sure you are consistent At the conclusion of each answer, you will have the opportunity to review and make changes. DO NOT PRESS the End Review button until you are ready to submit your answer. Once the End Review button is pressed you will not be able to go back to review or change your answer.

17 Writing Styles 5 Components of Effective Writing: Clear central idea Organized Supported Expression (word choice, level of formality, point of view) Correctness (grammar, spelling, punctuation)

18 Problem Solving Techniques 1. Read the business case CAREFULLY 2. Develop a plan of action 3. Have writing basic steps memorized executive summary objectives, what is the desired end result current state, identifying the problem(s) future state, identifying the solution(s)

19 Approach to Problem Solving Analyze the information in the business case Select and compare alternatives (Pros & Cons) Select the best solution and support it

20 Approach to Problem Solving Prepare to address the following: staffing, training and organization scheduling and obtaining resources and materials implementing and completing the project how to evaluate, report and audit the project

21 Conclusion Conclusion, Summary or Recommendations (as directed in Analysis area of business case) Use a managerial and professional tone Distinguish between facts, conclusions and your recommendations (supported) Include both records management theory and application

22 Editing Review business case and correct: Choppy or wordy sentences Incorrect punctuation Lengthy paragraphs Inconsistent verb tense Lack of transition Poor typing skills Inconsistent formatting Jargon and acronyms REMEMBER There is no spell-check

23 Part 6 Grading What the Graders are looking for: 1. Professionalism 2. Logic 3. Completeness 4. Condition, neatness and format 5. Reader s reception of reply *Each business case is assigned to two different graders

24 Typical Graders Comments The Candidate did not read or perform the Analysis requested in the business case Rewrote or restated too much of the printed business case rather than demonstrating concepts and conveying viable solutions Did not provide enough detail or argument and/or solutions were too basic or generic

25 Typical Graders Comments Writing is disorganized or wordy Business case was incomplete Writing style was inappropriate and/or did not follow the requirements (language too formal or casual) Did not write to the relevant audience as directed

26 Typical Graders Comments Did not answer or address the specific questions from the business case Misunderstood the problem Did not demonstrate knowledge of the capabilities of the technologies discussed in the problem

27 Typical Graders Comments Alternative solutions were not developed as to pros and cons Did not demonstrate enough knowledge and detail to provide a convincing argument Did not use suggested format with introduction and conclusions Did not provide a thorough discussion of relevant costs

28 Appeals If a Candidate s final score is 63 to 69 percent, they may make a written request to appeal the failing grade within 15 days of receiving notice from the ICRM The review shall be performed by the Examination Appeals Committee and processed within 30 days Note: Evaluative feedback on an appeal request is not provided and the decisions of the Committee are final

29 Questions