ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

This report could not have been a success if it were not for the cooperation and

encouragements of the following people. First and foremost, I would like to give thanks to

the Almighty for granting me the wisdom and opportunity to do my work related learning at

ZISCO and come up with this work related learning report. My family for their unwavering

support and knowledge. I would also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude towards the

Training department of ZISCO for the work related learning placement they offered me

during my work related learning period and also my university supervisors, Miss Mugwenhi

and Mrs Chivivi, .Mr Mafuka and the Work Related Learning Office. They were constantly

available whenever I needed her assistance. Mr Dhege - Export Sales Manager, Mr. Mpereri-

Shipping Officer, Mr Phiri, ZISCO Marketing graduate trainees, all Export Sales Department

members and Ziscosteel Customer Services Department. They were there to assist whenever

I needed help.

To all I want to say, most sincerely, thank you.

: 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page.

0.1 Executive Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..3

0.2 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………. …..4

Chapter1 - Nature of industry and industry requirements ………………………………………...8

1.1 Michael Porter’s 5 forces.. …………………………………………………….8

1.2 SWOT Analysis………………………. ………………………………………9

1.3 Developments in the industry………………………………………………...13

Chapter 2 Product and product markets ……………………. ……………………………………15

2.1 Products Offered……………………………………………………………….15

2.2 Product Markets………………………………………………………………18

Chapter 3-Corporate culture……………………………………………………………………….22

Chapter 4-Company and Society Connection…. …………………………………………………25

Chapter 5- Expectations and Industrial reality… ………………………………………………..27

Chapter 6 – Work Related Learning Assignments and relevance

to degree programme………………………………………………………………..28

6.1 Export Sales Department………………………. ……………………………28

6.2 Customer Services Department…………………………. …………………..30

Chapter 7 Personal and professional development ……………………. ………………………32

7.1 Formal Learning Courses………………… …………………………………32

7.2 Key Skills Development……………………………………………………...33

7.3 Personal Development………………………………………………………34

7.4 Handling conflict between personal and organisational objectives…………37

Chapter 8 – Conclusions and recommendations………………………………………………..38

8.1 Recommendations……………………………………………………………38

8.2 Conclusions…………………………………………………………………..39

Chapter 9 – Re-entry………………………………………………………………………………40

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Work Related Learning programme is superb as it bridges the gap between the

theoretical part of Business Management learnt in class and the practical part of it. This work

related learning report has been prepared to outline how I gained practical experience at

ZISCO Marketing department that covers Export Sales and Customer Services during the

period of my work related learning.

It shall discuss the general company profile and historical background spanning from the

time the plant was established in Bulawayo. The subsidiaries of the company, its products

and product markets are also included. Michael Porter’s five forces, SWOT analysis and

developments in the steel industry also constitute the report showing the nature of steel

industry and its requirement. Characteristics of ZISCO in terms of dress code, working hours,

easy and frequency of internal communication among other things that depict ZISCO

corporate culture are well explained in this report. The report also explains why ZISCO has

positive relationships with the wider society.

Furthermore, it is going to highlight my experience during the work related learning.

Highlighted also are my expectations before entering the industry and what I actually

encountered. The report shall also highlight the assignments I did and their relevance to the

Business Management degree. It will explain how I was developed professionally and

personally. The recommendations and conclusions shall constitute the final part of the report.

: 3

INTRODUCTION

Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO) is a parastatal company located in Redcliff

along the Harare – Bulawayo road. It is one of the biggest steel producers in the Southern

region of Africa.It is a large-scale producer of hot rolled and semi-finished steel products

from a fully integrated iron and steel works. ZISCO plays a significant and vital role in the

Zimbabwean economy. It supports a wide spectrum of strategic industries namely,

construction, mining, manufacturing, agriculture and fabrication.

COMPANY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The steel company started operations in Bulawayo in 1938 having been formed by private

members and it was subsequently taken over by Rhodesian Iron and Steel Commission

(RISCOM), a statutory body in 1942. It also acquired the Kwekwe Lime Works and adjacent

Limestone deposits. In 1957 Rhodesian Iron and Steel Company (RISCO) was formed and a

massive expansion programme was undertaken including the commissioning of a modern

blast furnace and the installation of the first battery of the Coke Oven. Over the years the

company has continued to grow to a capacity of one million metric tonnes of molten steel

making it one of the largest integrated steel works in Southern Africa.

After independence the company was renamed ZISCO. It has continued to grow with the

growth of local regional and international markets. ZISCO became the pillar of Zimbabwe. It

was one of the largest foreign currency earners in Zimbabwe operating above 50% in

production. However, the steel company started to face some difficulties due the introduction

of the Economic Structural adjustment Programme.

In 2001 the plants became disintegrated and mills stopped functioning. Apart from what was

taking place in – house, national railway services were of poor quality as well as unreliable

supply of coal from Hwange. These companies were also going through economic hardships

mainly emanating from shortage of foreign currency.

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On January 19 2008 blast furnace number 4 stopped functioning due to load shading of

December 2007, which affected the batteries therefore leading to the collapse of Coke Ovens.

The political situation in the country also affected this company. ZISCO is one of

Zimbabwean companies mentioned on the July 25 2008 Executive Order of the US sanctions

to be under the US sanctions. World economic crisis of November 27 2008 affected ZISCO

as its major customer, Reclamation stopped dispatching from ZISCO.

All these challenges affected ZISCO to a greater extent as most of its employees failed to

acquire one of Maslow’s suggested needs –Job security. This was clearly seen through the

excessive skilled labour turnover especially Artisans. It also led to the loss of its market share

to rivals – Steelmakers, Headlane and Panolink.

Ziscosteel subsidiaries

BIMCO (Buchwa Iron Mining Company) – Owns and operates the Iron ore mines

and a limestone quarry.

Lancashire Steel - Produces rod and wire products

Ziscosteel Distribution Center (ZDC) South Africa Pvt Ltd – Distributes ZISCO

products in South Africa.

Kabwe Steel Distributors – Distributes ZISCO products in Zambia, DRC, Uganda,

Tanzania and Kenya.

Monarch steel – Produces geysers, window frames, wheelbarrows and doorframes.

Tswana/Ramotswa steel – Produces medium and light steel sections. Has distribution

centers in Gaborone and Namibia.

Zimchem Refineries – Is an associate company, which refines ZISCO by- products

for sale. Zisco holds a 45% stake in the company.

These subsidiaries were meant for widening up of the market and the diversification

of risks.

: 5

Figure 1. Shows the Organisational Structure Of ZISCO

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Board of Directors

Company Secretary

Managing Director

Marketing Executive Finance Executive Works Executive Projects and Development

Human Resources Manager

Export Sales Manager

National Sales Manager

Marketing Manager

Finance Manager

Management Accountant

Senior Projects Engineer Training

Manager

Iron Making Divisional Manager

Steel Plant Divisional Manager Rolling Mills

Divisional Manager

Technical Services Manager

Chief Engineer

Blast Furnace Manager

Coke Ovens Manager

Burden Preparation Manager

Manager

Steel Plant Manger

Casting Manager

Foundry Manager

Bar Rod Mill Manager

Section Mills Manager

Heavy Mills Manager

Chief Chemist

Works Metallurgist

Safety, Health and Environment Manager

Quality Services Manager

Refractories Manager

The above organisational structure clearly shows that ZISCO has a functional based

organisational structure. This is seen by the marketing executive, finance executive, works

executive, production manager, export sales manager, finance manager, customer services

manager only to mention a few. It is also a tall organisational structure as seen by many

levels of management supervision and a long “ chain of command” running from the top.

This structure has an advantage of a narrow span of control hence closer supervision. There

is also a clear management structure and distinctive layer functions. There are also clear lines

of responsibility and control. However, this structure results in most decisions being made by

top management at ZISCO and this has led to lack of freedom and responsibility of

subordinates. Also it took a lot of time to reach final decisions at ZISCO, as approval may be

needed by each of the layers of authority.

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CHAPTER 1

NATURE OF INDUSTRY AND INDUSTRY

REQUIREMENTS

MICHAEL PORTER’S 5 FORCES MODEL

Rivalry

The steel industry used to be less competitive with ZISCO holding the largest market share

for local sales. Although switching costs are high for local customers, lack of production in

the organisation has seen the company failing to meet customer demands. This has led to loss

of customers to a few Chinese and Indian companies that are performing well. These include

Steelmakers, Headlane and Panolink. In the international market Mital Steel (South Africa) is

a large manufacturer of steel products. Mittal Steel’s market share has collapsed in the steel

industry but there are high hopes that after rehabilitation of Blast Furnace Number 4, the

company will have a leading market share.

Buyer Power

The Iron and Steel industry is to a greater extent influenced by the buyer power to bargain

when it comes to prices. The demand for steel influences its prices. Therefore steel demand is

directly proportional to steel prices. On the international arena steel prices are influenced by

the steel giants, which are China and India. This influence also determines local prices.

Threats of substitutes

The production cost for steel is very high, therefore steel prices are very high compared to

prices of its substitute – timber, PVC (plastic). Steel products that can be substituted are

fencing poles and rounds. It is expensive for some people especially rural people, to buy steel

products, therefore they switch to timber products. Also unreliable supply by Ziscosteel due

to zero production and limited stock has forced most customers to switch to substitutes,

which are readily available.

: 8

Barriers to entry

Capital is the major barrier to enter the steel industry. Heavy machinery and a lot of expertise

required in establishing a steel plant creates a barrier to enter the steel industry. Also the steel

industry has a high Most Cost Efficient Level of Production (MCEP). This is the point at

which unit cost of production is at minimum. So the steel industry deters entry of start up

business because of high MCEP. The steel industry has high exit cost because it has many

specialised assets. Many potential entrants therefore fear such an industry because of the high

risk associated when the business fails to prosper. Few players therefore make it into the steel

industry. These are small Chinese and Indian mills, which however cannot be equated to

ZISCO in terms of size.

Supplier power

To a greater extent, ZISCO has power over its suppliers. It integrated backwards with

BIMCO, which supplies limestone and iron ore (some of the major raw materials in steel

production). Also it is strategically located nearer to its source of labour. It obtains recruits

from MSU and colleges in Kwekwe and Gweru. However Wankie Colliery company, our

sole supplier of coal has power over ZISCO. Coal is one of our major raw materials and

Wankie sets prices for us. Although we are one of the major buyers it won’t be affected

greatly because it has some major customers for example ZESA.

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

Produces virgin steel

ZISCO has got a high comparative advantage when it comes to raw materials. It produces

steel from original raw materials not from steel scrap like other companies do. Therefore

ZISCO has the capacity to produce high quality steel that competes well in the market.

There are only two companies in this country that have such plants, ZISCO being the bigger

one thus a greater competitive advantage.

: 9

Strategic location

ZISCO is located near raw materials, human resources, the main road, the railway line as

well as a reliable water supply. It is located near Cactus dam, Kwekwe river and Dutchman

Pools therefore abundance of water which is used for cooling during steel production. The

company is just a few metres away from the limestone and iron ore supplier – BIMCO. It is

also located near Rutendo, Redcliff and Torwood residential areas therefore closer to labour

supply. It also is only 13km away from the city of Kwekwe where it obtains human resources

from Mbizo, Amaveni and Masasa residential areas.

The company is accessibly located only 7km from the Harare – Bulawayo highway. Its

location has resulted in it being one of the first priorities for nearby universities and colleges.

It is accessibly linked through a railway network and thus facilitates the transportation of coal

– a major driver of its operations.

Backward Integration

ZISCO integrated backwards with BIMCO, a company located a few metres from away,

which supplies limestone and iron ore. It installed a 17km conveyor belt, which transports

iron ore to its plants from Ripple Creek. This integration has enabled the company to have

control over its raw material supplies whilst at the same time obtaining them at lower cost

thereby enabling the company to enjoy low cost producer advantages.

Forward Integration

ZISCO owns companies that add value to its products. It owns Lancashire steel, a company

that produces rod and wire products from steel and Ziscosteel Agricultural Implements

Manufacturing Company (ZAIM), a company that produces agricultural implements from

steel. These companies add value to ZISCO products. ZISCO also owns strategically

positioned distribution centres (ZDCs) in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia,

Kwekwe, Harare, Kadoma and Bulawayo, the last four being in Zimbabwe. These companies

widen up ZISCO’s market. This integration has enabled ZISCO to have an edge over its

competing suppliers, have greater ability to reach its customers and have better access to

information on end customers.

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Adequate facilities to produce technical staff

ZISCO recruits approximately 150 apprentices yearly. It trains many fields which include,

Electronics, Mechanical engineering, Motor mechanics, Carpentry, Fitting and turning,

Boiler making, to mention, but a few. It has a training department that recruits such students

and has adequate facilities to undertake the training. Currently it is training approximately

600 apprentices. This facility has given the company a positive image throughout the country

because it is a significant role to the country. It is also a competitive advantage in itself

because after completion, the trainees are recruited as full time artisans thereby obtaining a

pool of skilled labour easily and cheaply.

Weaknesses

Zero production

ZISCO is currently not producing, since November 2007 and is relying on products in stock

and by-products. This has resulted in loss of its market share to competitors due to failure to

meet customer demand.

Poor safety at the workplace

The company no longer provides safety clothing to its workers. This is further worsened by

the inability of workers to procure such on their own. Some plant workers work with worn

out work suits, shoes. The aging plant of ZISCO has hanging roof sheets that pose as a health

hazard to its employees.

Uncompetitive incentives

ZISCOSTEEL offers less non-monetary incentives to its employees. There are no

remuneration packages at ZISCO. The workers were only given very few basic commodities

once since 2007, regardless of it being the major worker motivator especially in 2008 when

most Zimbabwean people where struggling to buy basic commodities. This has resulted in a

negative corporate image of ZISCO. This is the main reason why there is a massive exodus

of skilled and experienced manpower at this company.

Poor financial status, Undercapitalisation and Aging plants

The company has a poor financial status. This has resulted in the company facing difficulties

in rehabilitating its aging plants including the blast furnace number 4, coke oven batteries

: 11

and rolling mills. There are hanging roof sheets, absolute rail and road equipment, shortage

of consumable tools and spares and poor human resources welfare. ZISCO is failing to put all

this in order due to lack of capital.

Opportunities

Increasing mining exploration

The discoveries of minerals in the country for example diamonds in Marange and Chiyadzwa

(Mutare) are an opportunity for ZISCO to market its products. On the international arena ,the

SADC region is known for discoveries of idle minerals for example in Democratic Republic

of Congo (DRC). ZISCO will take this as an opportunity to market its grinding mill rods,

grader blades, deformed bars and axles.

China investment

Early this year (2009), China invested 9 billion US dollars in DRC mining and

infrastractuural development. Thus ZISCO will take this opportunity to market its building

and mining products to DRC.

Infrastructure development

There is a lot of construction material needed locally and regionally for example the 2010

World cup preparations and Midlands States University administration block under

construction. All these are an opportunity for the company to market its products.

Threats

United States sanctions

The sanctions imposed by the US government on ZISCO and the country at large will

continue to affect it in the near future. Its customers will lack trust and security as far as the

supply and availability of steel is concerned. In July 2008 ZISCO Foreign Currency Account

(FCA) was frozen. This resulted in its customers resorting to pay for products through agents.

This is a long process, which may result in loss of customers to competitors with shorter

delivery times. These sanctions have caused Zimbabwe to be considered as a high-risk

country for investment. Thus minimum investment is expected to take place in the short to

medium term and thereby leading to a decrease in ZISCO sales.

Global economic recession

: 12

The global economic recession currently taking place is affecting steel demand and prices.

ZISCO is already experiencing the effects since its major customer – Reclamation has

temporarily stopped buying due to decline in the demand of its products. This is a threat to

ZISCO sales.

Increased competition

The growth of Mital steel company in South Africa and Steelmakers on the local market

especially during this time of zero production at ZISCO is a threat to the future sales and

market share of Ziscosteel. The introduction of COMESA free trade area is a threat to

ZISCOS products because this development will result in the substitution of its products by

competitor inferior but cheap products.

Foreign currency shortages

The shortage of foreign currency for the rehabilitation of the plant and relining of blast

furnace number 4 will delay commencement of production at this company. Thus its market

share will continue to be affected.

DEVELOPMENTS

A lot of developments took place in the steel industry. Major emphasis shall be on

developments at ZISCO especially during my work related learning period.

Toll manufacturing

Due to zero production at ZISCO since November 2007 caused by the shutdown of the blast

furnace number 4 for relining and disfunctioning of some coke oven batteries, ZISCO saw it

incompetent to let its raw materials lie idle. It entered into a contract with Steelmakers-

Zimbabwe in November 2008 of Toll manufacturing. Under this arrangement Steelmakers

produces steel from ZISCO scrap metal on behalf of ZISCO. Steelmakers is then paid for

labour and machinery.

Relining of Blast Furnace number 4

The furnace was due for relining in 2007.It is currently under relining. The process was

delayed due to foreign currency shortages. This is a significant development since the

disfunctioning of this furnace is the major reason why production is not taking place.

Turnaround programme

: 13

ZISCO is currently under a turnaround programme. This is a development to enable ZISCO

to get out of the ‘doldrums’ it is currently in.

Establishment of Ziscosteel Agricultural Implements Manufacturing

Company (ZAIM)

This company was established in 2004 after ZISCO found an opportunity in the Agrarian

reform. It manufactures agricultural products from steel thus adding value to Ziscosteel

products.

Other developments

There are other developments at ZISCO that took place in the 1990s. These include Sinter

plant establishment – a plant that receives and prepare raw materials before they are charged

into the blast furnace and the installation of a 17km conveyor belt that transports iron ore.

Under external developments, Indians established a rivalry company, Steel makers just a few

kilometres from ZISCO in 1998. Also the Chinese and Indians installed some small steel

mills. This was a change in local industry since ZISCO used to enjoy a competitive market

situation closer to a monopoly.

Mital Steel in South Africa had a joint venture with Murray and Roberts in 2008 that made it

stronger.

: 14

CHAPTER 2

PRODUCT AND PRODUCT MARKETS

2.1 PRODUCTS

ZISCOSTEEL core product is steel. This steel is cast and rolled into different sizes and

shapes therefore bearing different names. There are also semi - finished products and by –

products produced at certain stages of production.

Blooms

These are semi-finished products produced from the continuous casting machines. Their sizes

range form 130mm to 160mm that are cut into lengths specified by the customer. They are

mainly sold to key accounts customers such as Steel makers.

Billets

These products are almost the same as blooms but they differ in sizes. Billets are smaller

than blooms and their sizes ranges from 55mm to 80mm.

Deformed bars

These are semi - finished products with a standard length of 12m+/-100m. Their nominal size

is from 10mm to 32mm.they are cylindrical in shape and their diameter varies with their

nominal size. They are mainly used as reinforcement in tall building and also in underground

mining.

Sections

: 15

These are products produced from three mills, which are medium, light mill and bar rod mill

upon which they vary from one mill to another.

Medium Mill : It produces squares, angles, channels, rounds, flat bars, rail

standards, ploughshares, plough beam and grinding mill rods.

Squares

Square rods - They have got a standard length of 12m+/- 100mm.they differ from rounds

because of their four dimensional shape.

Squares with chamfered corners - They have got the same standard length with the

square rods. They differ from the square rods because of their chamfered corners. This gives

them an octagon shape on their face.

Rounds

Wire rods - These have got a diameter, which range from 5.5mm to 16mm.their mass in

kilograms ranges from 0.187kg to 1.58kg per metre.

Grinding mill rods - They range from 18mm to 90mm in diameter. Their mass per metre is

from 1kilogram per 2m up to 50.03 on 2m.

Flat bars

Light general-purpose flat bars - Their nominal size ranges from 20mm to 150mm. Their

thickness is from 4mm to 30mm. The length tolerance is +/-100mm.these bars’ length can be

produced as per customer’s directive. For example 95*18mm.

Medium flat bars - Their nominal size ranges from 180m to 230mm.the thickness of the

bars may range from 10mm to 25mm.

Light Mill : Produces small angles, window sections, and fencing standards. These

products are mainly for local markets.

Window sections

F7 window section

Light equal angles - These have a standard length of 6m to 12m.their length from both ends

towards the right angle where they meet is equal hence the name equal angles. Their

thickness should be within 3.5mm to 8mm.

: 16

Medium equal angles - Their nominal size ranges from 60*60 to 100*100mm. They are

slightly bigger than the light equal angles. Their thickness range starts from 6mm to 10mm.

These are used as window frames. On structures they are used on the inside part of the

frames. Their thickness can be 0.5mm.

Fx7 window section - These are slightly longer on the base than the f7 sections. On

building structures these become the outer part of the window frames.

Angles

Light equal angles - These have a standard length of 6m to 12m.their length from both ends

towards the right angle where they meet is equal hence the name equal angles. Their

thickness should be within 3.5mm to 8mm.

Medium equal angles - Their nominal size ranges from 60*60 to 100*100mm. They are

slightly bigger than the light equal angles. Their thickness range starts from 6mm to 10mm.

Bar Rod Mill:

Produces round sections coils with different ranges and includes rods of various sizes,

deformed bars and squares of various sizes. The majority of bar rod mill products are for

exports. They are mainly exported to South Africa, Botswana and China.

Foundry casts

These are products produced mainly for companies in the local markets. Foundry casts are

produced at the foundry departments in various sizes depending on customer specifications.

Rimmed Steel

Is a product that possesses a skin with high carbon, sulphur and phosphorus content. This

product meant for both domestic and international markets.

: 17

Semi- skilled Mould balanced Steel

These are products that possess uniform properties than rimmed steels through the ingot and

are suitable for structural and contraction purposes. Silicon chilled steels and hot – topped

steel also add to the list of ZISCO products.

Chilled Pool Iron

This product is produced mainly from the relining of ladles. The continuous use of ladles in

transferring liquid molten iron creates skulls in ladles, which later removed during relining.

The product is then sold as scrap metal mainly to international markets like Reclamation in

South Africa.

By- Products

Apart from the above-mentioned products, ZISCO also produces by-products from

production process. These products include slag from the Blast Furnace, which are used for

road surfacing and cement manufacturing. This product is currently sold to Pacster and Sino

Cement Manufacturing Companies. Also there is Tar, Benzol, and Ammonia, which are sold

to Zimchem, and Sable Chemical is Kwekwe and other manufacturing companies in the local

market.

Foundry Coke and Coke Breeze

Are products produced from coke ovens. They are almost similar but differ in size. They

perform same functions, that is, source of fuel in manufacturing industries. They are sold in

both domestic and international markets.

2.2 PRODUCT MARKETS

The pie chart below shows the market segments of ZISCO. It also explains the

significance of each segment in terms of revenue generation

Fig. 2

: 18

Mining Sector

The Zimbabwean economy is dominated by mining industries. These industries are located in

various parts of the country upon which they exploit gold, copper, and diamonds, among

others. Mining industries requires mill rods, grader blades, and rails for mines, axles and

other related products. Foreign markets for example DRC also provide us with opportunities

that need to be tapped.

Construction Sector

Construction companies require building materials in form of deformed bars for

reinforcement of concrete, window sections, square roads and channel section and also

billets.

Agricultural sector

The establishment of the ZAIM division has facilitated the assembling of agriculture

implements, which are made available to the farmers. ZAIM provide already assembled

equipment like ploughs cultivators and harrows. Ziscosteel as a producer of other parts like

plough beams and grader blades may supply other agriculture selling entities like SEEDCO.

Manufacturing Sector

Instead of selling our grinding mill road, axles and channels to mining sector only we can

also target manufacturing companies for example Druck Manufacturing Company.

: 19

REGIONAL MARKETS

South Africa

This country used to import a lot of steel from Zisco during the past few years. Currently the

company is exporting Chilled pool iron to Reclamation Group, Coke Breeze to Bold Moves

and Foundry coke to Reliance Foundries in South Africa. The other products, which had been

finding their way into South Africa, are blooms; cobbles and pig iron. Macsteel Company

had been importing most of the products.

Botswana

Ramotswa steel company has been importing from Zisco and the products it imported entails

billets, blooms and cobbles. This company has been Zisco’s sole outlet of its steel products in

Botswana.

Zambia

Kabwe Steel Manufacturers and Monarch Steel Pvt (Ltd) has been the major customer of

Ziscosteel. Kabwe is a distribution center of Ziscosteel whilst Monarch is a member of the

Ziscosteel group of companies. The products, which have been distributed to Zambia through

these two companies, are sections angles and deformed bars.

Mozambique

The main products distributed in Mozambique were deformed bars. This is facilitated by the

presence of a distribution subsidiary company Lancshiresteel, in Mozambique.

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

The following countries used to import steel from Ziscosteel when it was still a reliable

supplier: China (billets), India (rolls), Taiwan (billets), and Thailand (billets). However due

to unreliability in supply services which had resulted in low production, the past year has

marked no exports on the international market.

LOCAL MARKET

The following is a list of some of our current local customers and the products they purchase.

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COMPANY PRODUCT

Steel makers Steel scrap

Zimcast Pig iron.

Zimchem refineries Tar and benzole.

Lancashire Steel Billets.

Sino Zimbabwe, Unicem, Circle Cement Slag,

Steel force Deformed bars

Glacier Foundry coke

Zavil Coke breeze

Zimcast Foundry Coke

Wankie Colliery Foundry coke

Unicem Dry Slag

Oliken Coke Breeze

Others (farmers) Coke nuts

: 21

CHAPTER 3

CORPORATE CULTUREAccording to www. en. Wikipedia. Org/wiki, 28/04/09, 0715hrs corporate culture is the total

sum of the values, customs, traditions and meanings that make a company unique. Corporate

culture is often called "the character of an organization" since it embodies the vision of the

company’s founders. The uniqueness of ZISCO is seen through style of dress, length of the

work day, support for life work balance, the ease and frequency of internal communication,

support for professional growth, rate of turnover, leadership styles, organisational values,

values for employee and employee morale.

Dress code

All ZISCO plant workers wear safety clothing, which includes work suits, helmets and safety

shoes whilst office workers dress formally. Despite the failure by the company for the past

two years to buy employee safety clothing, the dress code of ZISCO is still being maintained.

Some workers choose to wear worn out work suits and shoes rather than casual wear. This

shows that dress code is a very strong culture at ZISCO.

Working hours

There are day and shift workers at ZISCO. Day workers work from 0730hrs - 1600hrs and

break for lunch from 1230hrs –1330hrs. Zisco by the nature of its industry calls for

continuous operations even during the night therefore shift workers work from 0700hrs –

1500hrs, others from 1500hrs –2300hrs then 2300hrs – 0700hrs. There is high punctuality at

ZISCO as some workers come even an hour earlier. A low percentage of latecomers is

recorded every week at this company.

: 22

Internal communication

ZISCO internal communication is easy and frequent. The information is passed mainly

through memos that are sent to every department or placed on notice boards. There is also

the use of telephone extensions to pass information within the company. An annual Public

Relations report is placed on notice boards and also sent to every department. Some of the

information contained includes the current year’s employee deaths and appointments.

Grapevine

To hear something through the grapevine is to learn of something informally and unofficially

by means of gossip and rumour. Information that concerns workers welfare is passed from

management to workers through workers’ union. However most information about salaries is

mainly passed through grapevine. This type of communication occurs mainly during lunch

hour or when entering and leaving the workplace since most ZISCO workers travel on foot.

Management gets some of the information about workers complains through relatives and

friends.

Employees’ interaction

I noticed that, ZISCO plant workers feel inferior to office employees yet they are both of

paramount importance to the organisation. In my own view this is the reason why there was

the formation of particular workers unions, which cater for a particular group of workers for

example the artisan workers committee. Apart from that, interaction of operational workers at

low level with executives is minimal neither do the management take time to interact with

operational workers. This further widens the superior – subordinate gap.

Organisational values

ZISCO management along with the generality of employees are fully committed to

the implementation of the quality system that is driven from the top management.

ZISCO in its production and related activities takes into consideration the interest of

its valued customers, employees, community and shareholders.

: 23

ZISCO manufactures steel to conform to the international specifications. It also

produces for enhanced customer satisfaction on steel products to proprietary

specification.

Stringent acceptance tests and vetting system on the provision of service, equipment

and products that will ultimately have a bearing on the quality of ZISCO products.

There is a strong inter relationship with other organisations and institutions and the

standards Association of Zimbabwe where ZISCO is a permanent member.

Specific customers requirements are actively solicitated from the broad market.

Although the company is trying by all means to maintain its culture, zero production and

poor financial status being experienced by the company is to some extent affecting its

culture. The unfavourable macro economic environment experienced by the country also

affected part of the company’s corporate culture. The present-day support for professional

growth, employee morale and support for life and work balance at ZISCO cannot be

compared to the past. However the turnaround programme in place will see the company out

of its current position by the end of 2009.

Support for professional

Currently there is no life work balance at this company. The present life work balance cannot

allow the majority of workers to raise their children in a luxurious way. However with the

turnaround programme in place the previous culture on this issue is very promising.

Employee morale

This is part of the Ziscosteel corporate culture eroded by the harsh macro economic

environment during the past few years. The company is facing difficulties in paying its

workers’ salaries on time and the allowances being given are low to fully support their

families. This has resulted in low employee morale at the workplace. The company is also

experiencing a high rate of labour turnover, which was very rare before the harsh macro

economic environment.

Support for professional growth

: 24

It is a norm at Ziscosteel for workers to be sent for training every year. Health and safety

workers are sent for competition for example on fire fighting. Engineers are sent to China for

training. However from 2007 no workers were sent for such training since it is seen as an

avoidable expense when the company is not producing.

CHAPTER 4

COMPANY AND SOCIETY CONNECTION

Ziscosteel is one of the best companies in Kwekwe in terms of company societal

connections. The company has managed to build a positive relationship with the society by

helping it in many facets of life. The following is a list of activities that Ziscosteel ventured

into for the benefit of the society.

Torwood hospital and a Medical Centre in Redcliff

ZISCO built Medical Centre in Redcliff, which is considered as one of the best hospitals in

Kwekwe. It also built Torwood hospital, an affordable hospital to all Redcliff town residents.

ZISCO emits gases, dust and waste, which are threats to the health of the surrounding people

so this activity depicts its greater concern for human health.

Educational support

ZISCO built Drake Secondary School in Torwood and has authority over that school. The

school enrols students from Torwood, Rutendo and Redcliff residential areas. It donated

deformed bars to Loreto High School, Chinhoyi University of Technology and Midlands

State University during constructions that were taking place at these institutions. ZISCO is

one of the companies that attach students from various institutions and colleges. Currently

the company has work related leaning students from MSU, Great Zimbabwe University,

: 25

National University of Science and Technology and also from colleges in Kwekwe, Gweru

and even Mutare. This shows that ZISCO has greater concern for Zimbabwean educational

development.

Assisting the Municipality of Redcliff

The unfavourable economic environment saw a high brain drain in the country, which

negatively affected Redcliff Municipality. It lost almost all of its skilled and experienced

manpower so ZISCO sends its artisans to the municipality each time when there is need to

operate pumps and other machines.

Water Supply

During my attachment period, Redcliff, Rutendo and Torwood residential areas faced severe

water shortages due to lack of chemicals. ZISCO pumped water underground and supplied

these areas free of charge. This was a greater help since people were charged ten rands to

fetch water from those people with boreholes.

Ziscosteel football club

ZISCO owns a football club, which has successfully appeared in the national league some

past years. Workers of the organisation and their families have created a bond as with the

team as it provides them with vivid social gatherings during weekends. Zisco has also

donated funds to the national team warriors for the Africa Cup of Nations 2006 showcase.

This shows ZISCO concern for employee and family interactions.

Effluent treatment plant

ZISCO emits gases, dust and chemicals that are harmful when discharged to the

environment. To avoid discharging harmful waste there is an effluent treatment plant which

treats the contaminated water biologically first and then discharge it into the river as it

becomes less harmful to the environment and the society at large. It also has gas detectors

that enable quick identification of any gas spillages. This shows ZISCO concern for societal

health and safety.

: 26

CHAPTER 5

EXPECTATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL REALITYBefore I started my work Related learning, I expected to meet strict and harsh management.

This is because the only working experience I once pass through had a tense environment.

However, at ZISCO I met friendly, patient, sociable and tolerant management. They helped

me on many facets of life that I felt at home during my Work Related Learning, which I

never expected at work.

I also expected to be treated as inferior since I was just a student who knew nothing about

working in industry. To my surprise I was treated as a team-mate and valuable human

resource asset to the Marketing department. I was even given a temporary post as an Export

Sales Administrator. That clearly showed my importance to the department.

As a Business Management student I expected to pass through all ZISCO departments during

my Work Related Learning. I expected to work in the Human Resources department,

Finance, Marketing and Production departments. This was going to enable me to place in real

world situation all the modules I covered during the first and second year at college.

However, the ZISCO training programme could only allow me to pass through the

Production and Marketing department. All the same I managed to get an insight on these

departments through asking colleagues and informal visits to these departments.

: 27

As a marketer I expected to carry out marketing tasks like advertising, going for trade fairs,

visiting potential customers and carrying out the whole selling process. However the

company was not producing and with the limited products in stock there was no need to look

for new customers as we were failing to meet the existing demand. I also failed to go for any

trade fair as to my expectation.

I thought working was a complex thing especially on a large organisation like ZISCO. I

expected to be busy with paper work, phone calls, and computer tasks all the time. I expected

to be given my own office and my own computer. However I had enough time to relax and

joke with colleagues during work. I was not given my own office neither my own computer.I

also expected to attend management meetings to equip myself with meeting skills but I was

not given the chance to attend any during my work related learning.

CHAPTER 6

WORK RELATED LEARNING

ASSIGNMENTS AND RELEVANCE TO THE

DEGREE PROGRAMME

6.1 EXPORT SALES DEPARTMENT

This was my main department and it deals with the documentation and sales agreements in

international marketing of ZISCO. The following are the tasks I carried out at this

department during my work related learning.

1. Assignment – Sanctions imposed on Ziscosteel

On arrival to the export sales department I was given an assignment to write on the effects of

sanctions imposed on Ziscosteel by the US in July 2008. I was asked to write on the effects

and the strategies that the company can venture into in order to survive in those sanctions.

Relevance

: 28

This is very relevant to my degree programme because a manager must be in a position to

know any threats to the company and must be able to come up with strategies to survive in

those threats or if possible, strategies to fight then. The assignment needed to analyse the

situation, think of the future and come up with a solution therefore it helps in building

analytical skills.

2. Marketing intelligence gathering

This required me gather and analyse information about steel products, customers, market

trends, competitors and any information that afect Ziscosteel sales.. I used the internet,

newspapers and telephone to get the information about steelprices, steel news and the

economy of the countries that Ziscosteel trade with. I was supposed to present the

information to the Ezport sales manager on weekly bases without fail.

Relevance

The task is very relevant to my degree programme since it enables me to make confident

decision-making in determining market opportunity, market penetration strategies and market

development metrics. As a management student majoring in marketing this activity was so

important in that it opened my brains when looking for factors that affect the company’s

sells. In other ways it improved my knowledge as a future manager on what I am suppose to

do to retrieve some confidential information from company managers and influential people.

3. Appointed as Export sales administrator

During my work related learning the Shipping Officer appointed me Export Sales

Administrator. The following are the duties, which I carried out with the help of the Shipping

Officer.

Duties

Processing Ziscosteel despatches before invoicing

Upon receipt of the Loader’s returns from the Despatch Controller, I verify the

information from the loaders return. I add all the Invoice Weights per particular order

and subtract it from the total Weighbridge Weight to verify the total tonnage.

: 29

I multiply the Net Weight (Invoice Weight) by the price per metric tone and then by

the exchange rate to get the Zimbabwean Dollar value for comparison purposes with

National Sales figures for planning purposes by the Marketing Team.

I then update the Export Sales Manager and Sales Administration Supervisor of what

has been despatched in terms of tonnages, monetary value and balances.

Invoicing and Report writing

I record the following details from the Loaders Returns, date of despatch, Lot No.,

tonnage despatched, and truck and trailer numbers in the computer and customer

registers. I will then send the information to MMCZ (our export agent) for invoicing.

I reconcile dispatch figures with the Despatch Controller and the MMCZ agent on a

monthly basis. We will then communicate and correct deviations if they exist and

update the information.

I was also responsible for compilation of the Export Sales month end report, which

shows the Customer, Invoice number; Lot number, section, tonnage, Price,

Zimbabwean dollar value and CD1 number. I also compile Annual Reports, which

shows total tonnage dispatched for that particular year and their values.

I also compare monthly sales dispatches and give reasons for increase or decrease in

dispatches and sales

Relevance

Giving reasons for changes in sales help in building analytical skills when one tries to figure

out the causes.

Keeping customer registers is of vital importance in marketing. This will help in relationship

marketing for the manager to choose best key account customers. So this is very relevant to

my degree programme since I’m majoring in marketing. It also helps to carry out sales trend

analysis.

A manager needs to keep a track on products in stock so recording of total tonnages

despatched is of vital importance for future references. The tasks helped me in building my

communication skills since I had to present month end reports and to update the Export sales

Manager on the prevailing situation on daily basis.

: 30

Recording of figures by nature is prone to mistakes therefore for proper management of

recordings I learnt the relevance of reconciliation differences such that at the end of the day

all recordings become the same and suspicion of embezzlement might not arise.

6.2 CUSTOMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT

This department deals with the processing of export and national sales orders. I perform

various marketing functions, which include handling customer complaints, giving price and

quality quotations, processing sales orders. Apart from that I also draft the price list together

with the cost department. I prepared sales order drafts and distribute several copies to the

production department and the warehouse as an action copy. I had to punch the customers,’

details in the computer for invoicing local material. The customer service manager

emphasized that no orders should be communicated or accepted over the telephone.

Relevance

In every business, customers need to be attended to and given enough care. It is essential that

one provide the customer with what he or she wants as per specifications. It is also essential

that the customer be provided with the truth about processing the product rather than

promising to deliver and then fail to meet the obligation. Saying the truth on the position of

production is good management, which I learnt, and from a marketing perspective it does not

drive away customers in the event of failing to meet the wrong picture one would have built.

Therefore this is much relevant to my degree programme since it equip me with knowledge

on how to care for customers.

: 31

CHAPTER 7

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

7.1 FORMAL LEARNING COURSES

During my work related learning I managed to pass through the following two formal

learning courses

Health and Safety at the workplace

On arrival to Ziscosteel, we were sent to the Health and safety department where we were

given one-week lecture on health and safety at the workplace. We were given a lecture on

the importance of health and safety at the workplace, effects of poor health and safety, fire

prevention and protection, how to operate a fire extinguisher, safety standards, characteristics

of a safe and healthy environment and safety minimisation actions at the work place.

Relevance

The course was of vital importance to my degree programme since a safe operation is an

efficient operation and managers must operate efficiently. Human resource is the most

important asset at any workplace and managers must take priority in health and safety when

: 32

there is conflict of interest. I’m a future manager who will be responsible for the welfare of

employees therefore this course was very relevant.

Production process

I was also given a lecture on the production process at Ziscosteel. I managed to pass through

all production departments and familiarise myself with the production process. I had lectures

from the material handling up to the production of steel. I was told all products and by-

products produced at each stage of production, there uses and differences in terns of quality.

Relevance

This course was very relevant to my degree programme. As a manager and a marketer I need

to appreciate the production process of the product I market so that I will be in a position to

answer any customer queries about the product quality. I must also be able to suggest quality

improvements. All these are only possible if I manage to familiarise myself with whole the

production process.

7.2 KEY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

The following are the key skills I developed during my work related learning.

Analytical skills

Marketing intelligence helped me to develop this skill. I was supposed to think critically on

how the information I gathered would affect the company. My supervisor used to come to me

with information or news that affects the company in an indirect way. I was supposed to

explain how the company would be affected. Every month- end I was supposed to compare

that month’s total despatches with the previous month and also the previous year’s same

month and give reasons for any increase or decrease. All these helped to built my analytical

skills.

Interpersonal skills

At college I interacted much with students who had backgrounds similar to mine. Being a

person groomed in a medium family in Manicaland, I was not comfortable in mixing and

chatting to people from other backgrounds. The WRL changed me, I was forced to mix and

: 33

talk to people from different backgrounds which I later on enjoyed. Since Ziscosteel is an

exporting company, the marketing department meets customers and truck drivers from

different countries on a daily basis. The marketing department itself had people of different

backgrounds. Having been exposed to such an environment for more than a month made me

enjoy talking to almost all kinds of people.

Initiative

The Shipping Officer played a significant role in instilling this skill in me. At first I was very

reluctant to carry out new tasks without asking my supervisors. I used to wait for them until

they came. The Shipping Officer was very tough on me whenever I fail to perform any task

because of there absents. At times he would ignore me when I ask for help. But later on I

realised that he would be very happy if I carry out assigned tasks without asking for help

even for the first time. At the end I became very initiative that I introduced a Marketing

Department social funding programme and I can introduce new ways of carrying out

marketing tasks with confidence.

Teamwork

The work related learning helped me to realise the importance of team working. The group

assignments at high school and college had low turn up and this forced me to built negative

attitude towards group or team working that I was much comfortable with lone hunting than

team working. The Ziscosteel Marketing team was a different one. All team members were

supportive and there was high morale. I saw higher effectives in team working than

individualism and this made me enjoy team working. I also realised that individualism is

very stressful especially when the task is difficult.

Organisational skills

Monday was the busiest day of the week during my work related learning. At first I failed to

accomplish all my tasks on that day. This made me feel uncompetitive and even my

supervisor was not happy with that which made me very stressful. At times I would forget to

carry out some tasks because they were too many. The reaction I got from my supervisor

totally changed my way of doing things that I later managed to accomplish all my tasks on

time. I realised that it was lack of organisation and time management. From the end of the

first two-month on work related learning to date I’m able to meet all my programme deadline

without rushing or being coerced. This shows my organisational skills and self-motivation.

: 34

Computer skills

Although I had done information technology during my first year at college I did not

managed to equip myself enough with the computer skills since I failed to have enough

practical experience with computers. Working a computer and people with vast computer

knowledge on a daily basis enabled me to gain much knowledge about computer.

7.3 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Strengths at the start of placement year

Very Punctual

I never delayed myself to work since my placement at this company. My workmates know

me as the key collector. We start work at 0730hrs and I will be at work as early as 0600hrs -

0700hrs. This has allowed me to organise my work on time and to build positive relationship

with my supervisors.

Always formally dressed

The Brand Management lecturer moulded me on formal dressing during my second year at

college. He only tolerated students who were formally dressed and this enabled me to see its

importance. My workplace supervisors never complained about my dressing and that shows

my strengths.

Communication Skills

I managed to apply practically the business communication theory I learnt from Business

Communication module I did during my first year at college. I never faced problems in

making or answering phone calls from different people.

Ability to work under minimum supervision

I was able to accomplish all the tasks we were taught even during the absents of my

supervisor. My mother instilled this strength in me since she never tolerated us to wait to be

: 35

told to perform daily chores. So I never waited to be told to perform tasks I was familiar to.

However my problem was on performing new tasks without supervision.

Numerical skills

I can safely say this was my principal strength since I was born Mathematician. I never faced

problems with numbers since I was born therefore the updating of total despatches was an

easy task for me.

Weaknesses at the start of WRL and how they were

addressed

Negative attitude towards teamwork

The group assignments at high school and college had low turn up and supportiveness. This

forced me to built negative attitude towards group or team working that I was much

comfortable with lone hunting than team working. At Ziscosteel I was treated as a significant

teammate. My contributions were recognised and appreciated. There was high morale in

team working since its results were more effective than individual results. Thus the WRL

enable me to value team working.

Lack organisational skills

At first I could not organise my resources effectively. I could not accomplish most of my

tasks on time. However at the end of the WRL I had developed these skills through one of

my supervisors explained above on personal development.

Very slow in processing information using a computer

: 36

At first I had no vast knowledge about using the computer. I did not know how to apply

certain formulas and it could take me hours to finish processing. However with the help of

colleges and the exposure I got during the WRL I became very fast that it took me few

minutes to process computer tasks.

Poor meeting skills

I have never been in a very formal so this was my weakness that needed to be addressed.

Unfortunately I could not get a chance to equip myself with such skills during my WRL. I

never attended managerial meetings at Ziscosteel. I only managed to attend meetings at the

Export Sales not for the whole marketing department. So this weakness was not fully

addressed.

7.4 Handling conflict between personal and organisational

objectives

Conflicts

As a Business Management student I expected to pass through all Ziscosteel

departments during my Work Related Learning. This was going to enable me to apply

fully into practice the theoretical part I learnt during the first two years at college. I

expected to work in the Human Resources department, Finance, Marketing and

Production departments. However, the Ziscosteel training programme could only

allow me to pass through the Production and Marketing department.

There was time when I was supposed to carry out my researches in preparation for

my dissertation and to write Work Related Learning reports. This time conflicted with

the work tasks I was assigned to. I was supposed to meet my academic supervisor’s

deadline for the submission of Work Related Learning report at the same time was

supposed to accomplish my employment supervisors tasks on time. Also the

department had one computer, which was supposed to be used by all my workmates.

So I could not spent enough time on the computer.

Handling conflicts

: 37

I managed to get an insight on these departments through asking staff from those

departments and free time visits to the departments. Therefore I managed to obtain

some of the information I needed without conflicting with the objectives of the

organisation.

I decided to come to the office as early as 06:00am and to come during the weekend

to do my Work Related Learning reports and to carry out my researches on the

Internet. This enabled me to resolve the conflict since I managed to reserve all the

working hours for my supervisor’s tasks

CHAPTER 8

RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONLUSIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

Improvements in working conditions

Healthy and safety

Even though there is conflict of interest in this industry, health and safety must take priority

at Ziscosteel. The company must renew hanging roof sheets all over the company since it is a

safety hazard. The company must buy safety clothing for the workers since the working

environment is very prone to safety hazards. The company must work on achieving

international health and safety standards through consulting International health and safety

consultants.

Worker motivation

Since the company had suffered high rate of turnover from skilled manpower it must recruit

new skilled employees develop them and provide reasonable worker incentives. The

company must build sound employee relationships. Even if the company cannot provide

financial incentives, recognition and appreciation is enough when a worker performed well.

The following can motivate Ziscosteel employees

Communication

: 38

There is need to improve downward communication at Ziscosteel especially on salaries.

Every month Ziscosteel delays issuing salaries to its workers. I noticed that most of the time

Ziscosteel workers knew about when they will get pay and how much through rumours. The

research I carried out revealed that workers knew very well that the company is facing

financial problems but what they need is communication. They only need to be told the

prevailing situation and when they will expect their salaries. Therefore management must

improve on that.

Delegation and performance appraisal

Workers are motivated when some management tasks are delegated to them. Tasks must be

delegated to subordinates and there must be performance appraisals if workers meet set

targets. Oral appraisal is enough to motivate workers than ignoring well-performed tasks.

Improving the working environment

The cleanliness of floors must be improved especially at the Ziscosteel production centre.

Export Sales department need floor tiles to be replaced with immediate effect since all

customers visits that department. It does not portray a good image to operate with such a

floor. The workers themselves are not comfortable to work in such an environment and thus

become demotivated. Therefore I recommend Ziscosteel management to do something with

the floor at Export sales Department.

Embark on relationship marketing strategy

It cost five more times to attract new customers than retaining existing ones. To increase

customer-switching costs the company must introduce relationship-marketing strategy.

Relationship marketing is the process of attracting, maintaining, and enhancing relationship

with key people. ZISCO must keep a customer database, which it will use to select key

account customers. This approach attempts to transcend the simple purchase-exchange

process with customer to make more meaningful and richer contact by providing a more

holistic, personalized purchase, and use the consumption experience to create stronger ties

Recommendations to modules covered at college

As a Business Management student majoring in marketing, I faced problems in carrying out

some assigned tasks for example Wagon Tracking because Business Management students

are not entitled to Transport and Logistics module which covers wagon tracking. I

: 39

recommend this module to be introduced to Management students majoring in Marketing. I

also recommend that the modules must be comprehensive to cover all topics since we need to

apply them into practice during WRL.

CONCLUSIONS

Ziscosteel is a large-scale producer of hot rolled and semi finished steel product from a fully

integrated iron and steel works. It sells its products both locally and internationally. The

company plays a significant role in the Zimbabwean economy but currently is facing

financial problems due to zero production which was caused by the disfunctioning of the

Blast furnace number 4 and some coke oven batteries. It is facing stiff competition from Steel

Makers Zimbabwe and Mittal steel in South Africa. The company has a positive corporate

image because of its societal support especially in Redcliff, Rutendo and Torwood residential

areas.

My placement at Ziscosteel Marketing department played a significant role in building me

practically. I managed to pass through Ziscosteeel’s Export Sales, Customer services, Health

and Safety and Production department. All the assignments I performed at these departments

were very relevant to my degree programme since them assisted me in personal and

professional development. This Work Related learning helped me in developing

organisational skills, computer skills, initativeness, and interpersonal and analytical skills. It

allowed me to apply fully into practice the modules I covered during the first and second year

at college.

: 40

CHAPTER 9

RE-ENTRY

Evaluations

Per

form

ance

Rat

ing

Impo

rtan

ce

rati

ng

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Interpersonal relationships

I am able to relate well with others. I am at easy with people from a

variety of backgrounds

X X

I am assertive. I stand up for myself well without being aggressive X X

I am sensitive to the needs and feelings of others X X

I am seen as a supportive colleague X X

I interact well with customers and clients X X

Ethical evaluations

I am clear about the codes of behaviour expected in my proposed work X X

Analytical and Problem solving

I quickly identify the main problems and key issues X X

Self-management

I tend to take the initiative and am self motivated X X

I am an organised person who likes to do things in a planned and

orderly way

X X

I enjoy learning new things and seek opportunities and challenges X X

: 41

I make good and positive contributions in meeting and discussions X X

I can make effective presentations to groups and audiences X X

I can write report and correspondence in correct English in a style

appropriate to the context

X X

Seeking, handling and interpreting information

I am through and methodical in gathering information X X

I do not take things at face value, I question and evaluate information

to get to the bottom of the problem

X X

I use information technology effectively X X

: 42