INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PART -A
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
UNIT-I-Communication Skills-II
Session 1: Methods of Communication
The word ‘communication’ comes from the Latin word commūnicāre, meaning ‘to share’.
Clear and concise communication is of immense importance in work and business
environment as there are several parties involved.
Communication has three important parts:
1. Transmitting — The sender transmits the message through one medium or another.
2. Listening — The receiver listens or understands the message.
3. Feedback — The receiver conveys their understanding of the message to the sender in
the form of feedback to complete the communication cycle.
Communication Process and Elements
The various elements of the communication cycle are:
Sender: the person beginning the communication.
Message: the information that the sender wants to convey.
Channel: the means by which the information is sent.
Receiver: the person to whom the message is sent.
Feedback: the receiver’s acknowledgment and response to the message.
Methods of Communication
· Face-to-face informal
· communication
· e-mail
· Notices/Posters
· Business Meetings
· social networks, message, phone call for communication, newsletter, blog, etc
Choosing the right method of communication depends on
• Target audience
• Costs
• Kind/type of information
• Urgency/priority
Methodds of Communication
· Face-to-face informal
· communication
· e-mail
· Notices/Posters
· Business Meetings
· social networks, message, phone call for communication, newsletter, blog, etc
Choosing the right method of communication depends on
• Target audience
• Costs
• Kind/type of information
• Urgency/priority
Session 2: Verbal Communication
Verbal communication includes sounds, words, language, and speech. Speaking is one of
the most effective and commonly used ways of communicating. It helps in expressing our
emotions in words.
Type of Verbal Communication
Interpersonal Communication: This form of communication takes place between two
individuals and is thus a one-on-one conversation. It can be formal or informal.
Written Communication: This form of communication involves writing words. It can be
letters, circulars, reports, manuals, SMS, social media chats, etc. It can be between two or
more people.
Small Group Communication: This type of communication takes place when there are
more than two people involved. Each participant can interact and converse with the rest.
Public Communication: This type of communication takes place when one individual
addresses a large gathering.
Advantages of Verbal Communication
It is an easy mode of communication in which you can exchange ideas by saying what you
want and get a quick response.
Disadvantages of Verbal Communication
Since verbal communication depends on written or spoken words, sometimes the meanings
can be confusing and difficult to understand if the right words are not used.
Mastering Verbal Communication

Think Before You Speak

• Think about your topic.
• Think about the most effective ways to make your listeners

Understand the topic.

Write or note down whatever you plan to say.

Concise and Clear
Speak clearly, loudly and at moderate speed.
Be sure the information you want to share is to the point.
Do not repeat the same sentences.
Confidence and Body Language
Be confident.
Maintain eye contact, stand straight and be attentive.
Be friendly.

Session 3: Non-verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication is the expression or exchange of information or messages
without using any spoken or written word.

Importance of Non-verbal Communication

In our day-to-day communication
• 55% communication is done using body movements, face, arms, etc.
• 38% communication is done using voice, tone, pauses, etc.
• only 7% communication is done using words.

Types of Non-verbal Communication

• Facial Expressions
• Posture
• Gestures or Body Language
• Touch
• Space
• Eye Contact
• Paralanguage : tone, speed and volume of our voice.

Examples of Visual Communication

Session 4: Communication Cycle and the Importance of

Feedback
For effective communication, it is important that the sender receives an acknowledgement
from the receiver about getting the message across. While a sender sends information, the
receiver provides feedback on the received message.

Types of Feedback
• Positive Feedback
• Negative Feedback
• No Feedback

A good feedback is one that is:

• Specific: Avoid general comments. Try to include examples to clarify your statement.
Offering alternatives rather than just giving advice allows the receiver to decide what to do
with your feedback.

• Timely: Being prompt is the key, since feedback loses its impact if delayed for too long.

• Polite: While it is important to share feedback, the recipient should not feel offended by the
language of the feedback.

• Offering continuing support: Feedback sharing should be a continuous process. After

offering feedback, let recipients know you are available
for support.

Importance of Feedback
• It validates effective listening: The person providing the feedback knows they have been
understood (or received) and that their feedback
provides some value.

• It motivates: Feedback can motivate people to build better work relationships and
continue the good work that is being appreciated.

• It is always there: Every time you speak to a person, we communicate feedback so it is

impossible not to provide one.

• It boosts learning: Feedback is important to remain focussed on goals, plan better and
develop improved products and services.

• It improves performance: Feedback can help to form better decisions to improve and
increase performance.

Session 5: Barriers to Effective Communication

What is Effective Communication?
Effective communication follows the basic principles of professional communication skills.
Barriers to Effective Communication
Physical Barriers
Physical barrier is the environmental and natural condition that act as a barrier in
communication in sending message from sender to receiver. Not being able to see gestures,
posture and general body language can make communication less effective.

Linguistic Barriers
The inability to communicate using a language is known as language barrier to
communication. Language barriers are the most common communication barriers, which
cause misunderstandings misinterpretations between people

Interpersonal Barriers
Barriers to interpersonal communication occur when the sender’s message is received
differently from how it was intended.

Organisational Barriers
Organisations are designed on the basis of formal hierarchical structures that follow
performance standards, rules and regulations, procedures, policies, behavioural norms, etc.
All these affect the free flow
of communication in organisations

Cultural Barriers
Cultural barriers is when people of different cultures are unable to understand each other’s
customs, resulting in inconveniences and difficulties.People sometimes make stereotypical
assumptions about others based on their cultural background

Ways to Overcome Barriers to Effective Communication

• Use simple language
• Do not form assumptions on culture, religion or geography
• Try to communicate in person as much as possible
• Use visuals
• Take help of a translator to overcome differences in language
• Be respectful of other’s opinions
7C's of Communication
Session 6: Writing Skills — Parts of Speech
Writing skills are part of verbal communication and include e-mails, letters, notes, articles,
SMS/chat, blogs, etc.
Capitalisation Rules
Punctuation : Full stop, Comma, Question mark, Exclamation mark
Basic Parts of Speech
The part of speech indicates how a particular word functions in meaning as well as
grammatically within the sentence. Some examples are nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs
,adverbs , Conjunctions, Prepositions, Interjections

Session 7: Writing Skills — Sentences Active and Passive

Sentences

Types of Sentences

1. Statement or Declarative Sentence

2. Question or Interrogative Sentence
3. Emotion/Reaction or Exclamatory Sentenc
4. Order or Impe rative Sentence
 UNIT-II-SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Self Management:

Self-management, also referred to as ‘self-control,’ is the ability to

control one’s emotions, thoughts and
behaviour effectively in different situations.

Basics of Self-management:

To perform well at work and life in general, we must be able to

manage and improve ourselves in various skills
including discipline and timeliness, goal-setting, problem solving,
teamwork, professionalism, etc.

Some of the basic skills everyone should master to succeed in life:

1. Self-awareness:
Self-aware means that we can identify our strengths and
weaknesses. Self-awareness, therefore, will help us in converting
our weakness into strength and strength into an exceptional
talent.

2. Responsibility :

Taking responsibility for the tasks which has been assigned to us

is the step towards self-development.

3. Time Management :

We should make a time table and follow it diligently.

4. Adaptability :

We should prepare ourselves for new changes, so that we can

transition seamlessly.

Stress can be defined as our emotional, mental, physical and social

reaction to any perceived demands or threats. These demands or
threats are called stressors. Stressors are the reasons for Stress

Meaning and Importance of Stress Management :

Stress Management refers to focusing human efforts for

maintaining a healthy body and mind capable
of better withstanding stressful situations.

The ultimate goal of Stress management is to strike a balance

between life, work, relationships, relaxation and fun.

Stress Causal Agents

1) Mental: Students can be left overwhelmed, if they are unable to

handle their assignment submission deadlines and examinations
grades.

2) Physical: As children grow up, they may become critically

conscious of their looks. Issues related to general well-being and
health of an individual can lead to low self-esteem and cause
stress.
3) Social : Discord amongst family members, peer pressure for
doing things which children would generally avoid , maintaining
balance in relationships amongst friends, status show off may lead
to stress at times.

4) Financial: Youngsters may have aspirational financial stress.

This may be of becoming financially independent.

Advantages of Stress Management :

1. It help us to have a joyful life.

2. It help us to focus and complete tasks on time.
3. It help us to be a happy person as we are stress free.
4. It help us to be more energetic.

ABC of stress management

A: Adversity or the stressful event

B: Beliefs or the way you respond to the event
C: Consequences or actions and outcomes of the event

Steps to Manage Stress :

1. Be aware that we are stressed: Keep a check for signs of stress,

such as headache, sleeplessness, sadness, excessive worrying,
nervousness

2. Identify what is causing you stress : Find the reason for your
stress. Is it because of exams, family pressures, money etc.

3. Apply stress management methods : Use time management

tools, take good sleep etc.

Stress Management Techniques

Few simple stress management techniques are:

1. Time management
2. Do physical exercise in fresh air.
3. Eating a balanced diet, such as Dal, Roti, vegetables and
fruits.
4. Focusing on positive aspects of life.
5. We should get a good night’s sleep for at least 7 hours.
 6. Going on vacation with family or friends.

Importance of Stress :

Stress management is vital because it leads to following benefits:

1. Improves mood
2. Boosts immune system
3. Promotes longevity
4. Leads to burst of physical strength, which is vital for
reaching goal.
5. Complete mental and physical engagement for task
accomplishment.
6. Increases efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Prevents psychological disorders and behavioural problems.

Symptoms of Stress :

Physical signs which may suggest stress are: breathlessness, dry

mouth, butterflies in stomach, indigestion, nausea, acidity,
fatigue, sweaty palms, cold hands and feet, irritation hyperactivity
etc.

At the mental level following symptoms may reflect stress:

irritation, impatience, loneliness, upset mood, anxiety, ,
depression, frustration, boredom, guilt, insecurity and
forgetfulness.

Stress Management Techniques :

Following activities aid in stress management :

1) Physical Exercise : Physical exercise in the form of walking,

skipping or for that matter indulging in any sports has been found
to relieve stress as they stabilize mood, improve self-esteem and
induce sleep.

2) Yoga : Yoga is a school of Hindu philosophy that reduces stress.

Yoga includes a series of postures and breathing exercises
practiced to achieve control of body and mind.

3) Enjoying : Recreational activities like watching movies,

attending concerts, playing games, singing, dancing or even
sketching can help individuals transcend to a happier mental state
and help manage stress.

4) Meditation : It is a practice where an individual is supposed to

focus his/her mind on a particular object,
thought or activity to achieve a calm mental state reducing stress.

5) Going On Vacations with Family and Friends

Importance of The Ability to Work Independently :

Everyone on this earth should learns the art of working

independently. This typically means that one must learn to take
ownership of the task assigned and leave no stone unturned in
accomplishing the task. Following are the benefits of working
independently.

1. Ensures greater learning.

2. Individuals feel more empowered and responsible.
3. It provides flexibility to choose and define working hours and
working mechanisms.
4. Failure and success of the task assigned are accounted by
individuals.
5. Individuals become assets to organizations, groups and
nations at large.
6. It ensures creativity and satisfaction amongst individuals.

Enhancing Ability to Work Independently :

Ability to work independently can be enhanced by being self-

aware, self-motivated and self-regulated

1) Self-Awareness : Having conscious knowledge of your own self,

capabilities, feelings and one’s own character is called as self-
awareness.

2) Self-motivated : Self-motivated individuals have an inner urge

to do something, achieve their goals without any external pressure

3) Self-regulated : Self – regulation inculcates discipline that helps

in consistent efforts to move towards goal.

Emotional Intelligence :
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage one’s
own emotions, as well as the emotions
of others. It generally include at least three skills:

1. Emotional awareness
2. Harnessing Emotions
3. Managing Emotions

Steps to manage emotional intelligence are as given below:

1. Understand your emotions: We should observe our behavior

and work on things that we need to improve.
2. Rationalise: Do not take decisions abruptly; be rational in
your thinking.
3. Practice: Do meditation and yoga to keep yourself calm.

Session 2: Self-awareness — Strength and Weakness

Analysis
Being self-aware means that we can identify our strengths and
weaknesses. Self-awareness, therefore,
will help us in converting our weakness into strength and strength
into an exceptional talent.

In other words, being self-aware actually means knowing our inner

strengths, hidden talents, skills and even weaknesses

Examples of strengths

1. I am good at creative writing.

2. I am confident of speaking in front of an audience.
3. I play guitar very well.

Examples of weakness

1. I find it difficult to solve mathematics problems.

2. I would like to speak English fluently.
3. I do not like to lose in any game or sports

Difference between Interests and Abilities

 Interests Abilities

Things that we like to do in our free time. An acquired or natural capacity

Things we are curious about or would do even Enable us to perform a particular job or task
if no one asked you to do it. with considerable proficiency.

Session 3: Self-motivation
Self-motivation is simply the force within us that drives us to do
things. Self-motivation is what pushes
us to achieve our goals, feel happy and improve our quality of life.

In other words, it is our ability to do the things that need to be

done without someone or something influencing us.

Types of Motivation

1. Internal Motivation: LOVE

We do things because they make us happy, healthy and feel good.

For example, when we perform in
our annual day function and we learn something new, such as
dancing, singing, etc., so we feel good.

2. External Motivation: REWARD

We do things because they give us respect, recognition and

appreciation. For example, Suresh participated
in a 100m race and won a prize. This motivated him to go for
practice every morning.

Qualities of Self-motivated People

1. They know what they want from life.

2. They are focussed.
3. They Know what is important
4. They are dedicated to fulfill their dreams

Building Self-motivation
There are four steps for building self-motivation

1. Find out your strengths

2. Set and focus on your goals
3. Develop a plan to achieve your goals
4. Stay loyal to your goals

Session 4: Self-regulation — Goal Setting

Goals : They are a set of dreams with a deadline to achieve them,

for example, saving pocket money to buy a
favorite mobile phone by a particular date.

Goal setting : It is all about finding and listing our goals and then
planning on how to achieve them.

SMART method

We can use SMART method to set goals. SMART stands for:

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Time bound

Session 5: Self-regulation — Time Management

Time management is the ability to plan and control how you spend
the hours of your day well and do
all that you want to do.

Example of Time Management

1. Sameera is always punctual at school.

2. Simple has a regular schedule that she follows everyday.

3. Mohini plans for study and play time in advance

Example of non-Time Management

1. Nisha usually arrives late to work.

2. Hema does not submit her assignments on time.

3. Sheetal sometimes gets carried away in certain activities and

forgets the main tasks in hand.

Four Steps for Effective Time Management

1. Organise: We should plan our day to- day activities.

2. Pritortise : We should make a to-do list and rank them in the
order of importance.
3. Control : We should have a control over our activities and
time.
4. Track : We should identify and note where we have spent our
time.

Tips for Practicing the Four Steps for Effective Time Management

1. Avoid delay or postponing any planned activity.

2. Organise your room and school desk.
3. Prepare a ‘To-do’ list

UNIT 3: Information and Communication

Technology Skills[ICT]
Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system consists of two main part:

Hardware: The physical parts that we can see and touch are called hardware. It is
the machinery of a computer. These are the keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc.

Software: Though we cannot see it, it makes the hardware work the way we want.

Examples of HW and SW

The most important software in any computer is the Operating System (OS).
Starts working as soon as we switch on a computer.
It displays the desktop on the monitor.
Eg: Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
Mobile devices also have an operating system. Eg Apple iOS and Google Android

All the computer applications, such as browsers, games, Office tools, etc., are also
software programs that perform particular functions.

To start a computer, press the Power button on the CPU. This will start the operating system
and display the desktop

Basic Functions performed when a computer starts

A computer automatically runs a basic program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output
System) as soon as it is switched on or the power button is pushed on.
The BIOS first does a self-test. If the self-test shows that the system is fine, the BIOS will
load the Operating System.

Login and Logout

To make sure your computer is locked, you have login-IDs and passwords. When you
login to the computer with your login-ID and password, the computer knows that you
are an authorised person and allows you to work on the applications in the computer.
Once you finish working, you must log out or sign out so that no one else can see your
work.

Basic Computer Operations

It is very important to properly start the computer and after finishing the work, it
needs to be properly shut down. If the power of the computer is switched off, and
the files you were working on were not closed, the files and the operating system
may get corrupted.

Using the Keyboard

A keyboard is an input device used to type text, numbers and commands into the
computer.

a) Function Keys: Keys labelled from F1 to F12 are function keys. You use them to
perform specific functions.

b) Control keys: Keys, such as Control (CTRL), SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT,

CAPS LOCK and TAB, are special control keys that perform special functions
depending on when and here they are used.

c) Enter key: The label on this key can be either ENTER or RETURN. You use
the ENTER or the RETURN key to move the cursor to the beginning of a new
line. In some programs, it is used to send commands and to confirm a task on a
computer.
d) Punctuation keys: Punctuation keys include keys, such as colon (:), semicolon
(;), question mark (?), single quotation marks (‘ ’), and double quotation marks
(“ ”).

e) Navigation keys: Keys, such as the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, and
PAGE DOWN are navigation keys.

f) Command keys: Keys, such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and

BACKSPACE are command keys. When the INSERT key is turned ON, it
helps you overwrite characters

g) Windows key: Pressing this key opens the Start menu

Using a Mouse
A mouse is a small device that you can use to move, select and open items on your
computer screen.

Roll Over or Hover: Some actions can be done by simply rolling over or hovering
over an item.

Point and Click: As you move the mouse on your desk, a pointer moves
correspondingly on your screen. The mouse allows you to select an item on the
screen. When you click a particular file, it gets selected.

Drag and Drop: To move an item, you need to click it, and then holding the
mouse button down, move the item to a new location and release the mouse button.
This is called drag and drop.

Double-click: Double-clicking means to quickly click the left mouse button twice.
When we doubleclick on a file, it will open the file.

Session 2: Performing Basic File Operations

Files and Folders
All information stored in a computer is kept in files.
Each file is given a file name and has a file name extension that identifies the file
type. The file name and file name extension are separated by a period or a ‘dot’.
Extensions like .txt, .doc, .xls, etc. An image file usually has an extension .jpg
while a sound file usually has .mp3.
Shortcut keys
CTRL+z — undo
CTRL+y — redo
CTRL+a — select all
CTRL+x — cut
CTRL+c — copy
CTRL+v — paste
CTRL+p — print
CTRL+s — save
Ctrl+z — undo
Ctrl+y — redo

A folder is a location where a group of files can be stored.

Creating a folder
The steps to create a new folder are:

1. Double-click the Computer icon. (Fig.)

2. Select the drive in which you want to create a new folder. Say, Local Disk D:.
3. Window will open up showing files and folders in Local Disc D: (Fig.)
4. Click New Folder on the toolbar.
Or
Right-click anywhere in the blank area of the right column. A shortcut menu
appears. Select New > Folder from the shortcut menu.

Session 3: Computer Care and Maintenance

Importance of Care and Maintenance of Computers

Basic Tips for Taking Care of Devices

Here are some simple ways that you can follow to take care of your computer.

Keeping a Device Clean

Cleaning a device, such as a computer or mobile means to keep the screen, keyboard
and mouse clean.
i. Keyboard: Do not eat anything over a keyboard. Crumbs can damage the
internal parts of a keyboard. You can clean a keyboard with a soft brush to
remove crumbs and dust particles.
ii. Screen: You can wipe the screen with a soft cloth to remove any finger marks.
iii. Be careful with food and drinks: Avoid eating and keeping glasses of water or
cups of coffee near a computer. Any liquid spilt over an electronic device can
spoil it beyond repair.
iv. Handle devices carefully: Handle and move your laptop carefully and avoid
dropping or banging it against a hard surface.
v. Keep the computer cool: If a computer, laptop or mobile device gets
overheated, the internal parts can be damaged. The CPU has an internal fan to
 keep it cool. We should be careful when using a laptop while sitting in bed and
make sure that the fan in not covered.
vi. Do not overcharge your battery: Sometimes we keep a device plugged in for
charging even after it is fully charged. If we leave the device plugged in for a long
time it can overheat the battery. This reduces the battery life. Always unplug the
device once it is charged 100%.
vii. Always plug in devices carefully: Any device being connected to a laptop or
computer such as a USB drive or headphones, should be done gently.
viii. Do not run too many programs at a time: When too many programs are
running at the same time the computer can become slow and even crash.

Prepare a Maintenance Schedule

We need to prepare a plan or a schedule for maintenance to keep the computer running
in perfect condition for a long time. This can include:
a) Daily Maintenance
i. Clean up your e-mail inbox
ii. Download e-mail attachments and save in proper folders
b) Weekly Maintenance
i. Clean your keyboard
ii. Clean your monitor
iii. Dust CPU and printer
iv. Backup your data to an external drive
c) Monthly Maintenance
i. Transfer photographs to computer and delete from drive
ii. Organise photos into folders or albums
iii. Clean up ‘Download’ folder
iv. Uninstall unused programs and apps
v. Run disk-cleaner software
vi. Run full system virus scan
d) Yearly/Annual Maintenance
i. Clean up contacts list on social media accounts
ii. Clean up e-mail contact list
iii. Update your operating system
iv. Check for expiry of anti-virus software and renew

Backup Your Data

Backing up data means to save the information present on your computer on another
device, such as CD/DVD drives or hard disk.

Scanning and Cleaning Viruses

Sometimes computer viruses can enter a computer. we can install anti-virus software.
This will prevent any viruses and clean any existing viruses

Increasing Computer Performance

Performance of the computer drops if hard-disk space is filled by too many files. It is
important to clean by removing any extra files. We can use disk cleaner software,
Removing SPAM from your Computer
Sometimes we get mails from companies, advertising a product. Such mails are called
SPAM. We should never respond to SPAM and delete it on a regular basis. Use filters in
the settings to prevent SPAM.

Session 4: Computer Security and Privacy

If information stored in a computer, eg bank’s computer gets leaked it can cause many people
to lose a lot of money. Hence, it is essential to keep computers secure and our data safe.

Computer Security Deals with Protecting Computers

Computer security and privacy deals with the measures used to prevent loss of data.

Reasons for Security Break

Security break is leakage of information stored in a computer.
Personal information can be lost or leaked in two ways:
1. We are not careful in giving out personal information over the Internet.
2. A person gets unauthorised access to our computer.

Threats to Computer
Threats are the ways in which personal information can be leaked from a computer without
our knowing.
a) Theft: Theft means stealing of information or hardware. These maybe of three types:
• Physical: Where a person may steal your desktop computer or laptop.
• Identity: Where a hacker steals your personal
• Software Piracy: This is stealing of software and using unlicensed and unauthorised
software.

b) Virus: Viruses are computer programs that can damage the data and software programs
or steal the information stored on a computer.
• Worms: These viruses replicate themselves and spread to all files.
• Trojan Horse: A Trojan Horse appears to be a useful software program but once it
reaches a computer it starts behaving like a virus and destroying data.
• Online Predator: Online predators are people who trap you into inappropriate
relationships. They may be older people posing to be your age, bullying you into doing illegal
activities online and sometimes face to face.
• Internet Scams: Sometimes you may receive very attractive offers saying you have won
a huge money in a lottery and that you can claim the prize by depositing a certain amount
of money. When you deposit the money using credit card or online banking, you not only
lose the deposit money but your card / account information may be misused later.

Protecting your Data

To protect our data from theft and viruses we can take the following measures:
a) Use passwords to login to your computer: Use passwords that are difficult to guess.
Passwords are difficult to hack if they are a mix of small (For example ‘a b c d’) and
capital letters (For example, ‘H J E R’), numbers (For example ‘8 7 6 5’) and special
characters (For example, ’% ^ # $’). This would prevent unauthorised people from
using your computer.
 b) Install Anti-virus and Firewall: Anti-viruses and Firewall monitor the data coming
in and out of a computer and prevent and viruses from entering.
c) Encrypt Data: This is usually done by banks and companies in which important
customer information is stored. They can encrypt their entire hard disk using
encrypting feature in Windows (Bitlocker). This would force users to use a decryption
password (or key) before starting the computer thus preventing unauthorised usage.
d) Secure sites: Give details of your credit card or bank account only on secure sites. If
the site address starts with https://and a lock symbol, then it is safe to give your credit
card and bank details.

UNIT-4: Entrepreneurial Skills

A) Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship :

An individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks to set up a
business is called entrepreneur. The pro cess of setting up a business is known
as entrepreneurship.

B) Entrepreneurship and Society :

There is a direct relationship between Entrepreneurship and Society. Due to

entrepreneurial activity, society is provided with goods and services. In turn,
society provides market for products and services provided by the
entrepreneur.
 Entrepreneurship has some positive impact on society such as:

1. Accentuates economic Growth

2. Fosters Creativity
3. Stimulates Innovation and Efficiency
4. Creates Jobs and Employment Opportunities
5. Solves the problems of the society
6. Encourages welfare of the society

Entrepreneurship has some negative impact on society such as:

1. Environmental Degradation
2. Trade imbalance
3. Labour exploitation

Society plays a role in boosting entrepreneurship by:

1. Creates needs and demands
2. Provides raw materials
3. Enables financial support
4. Creates a need for education
5. Catalyzes policy formation and reform
6. Facilitates networking
7. Supports infrastructure development

C) Some common entrepreneurship activities related to society

include :

1) Social Entrepreneurship : It can be understood as creation of sustainable

solutions for social problems that leads to social change. Many social
problems are tackled by social entrepreneurs such as low reach of quality
education, health and sanitation, unemployment, child Labour etc.

2) Agricultural Entrepreneurship: It can be defined as being primarily related

to the marketing and production of inputs and products used in agricultural
activities.

3) Women Entrepreneurship: It is referred to the entrepreneurial activity led

by women, where women undertake risks, create enterprises, organize factors
of production, innovate with products/services and generate employment
opportunities.
4) Small Scale Entrepreneurship: It refers to starting industries in which
manufacturing, trading, providing services, productions are done on a small
scale or micro scale. These businesses serve as the backbone of many
developing countries.

D) Qualities of an Entrepreneur :

1) Hard work: Without working hard, no entrepreneur can be successful. On

an average, successful
entrepreneurs are found to be working anywhere between 60 to 90 hours per
week

2) Optimism: Positivity and belief in what they do is what takes entrepreneurs

far in their journey.

3) Independence: Entrepreneurs are confident and like the independence to

drive a business on their own.

4) Energetic: Energy is always high in successful entrepreneurs which makes

them extremely proactive.

5) Self-confident : Entrepreneurs are confident to take decision.

E) Functions of an Entrepreneur :

1) Organisation Building and Management : An entrepreneur builds the

organization by taking various steps such as hiring employees, organizing the
factors of production, sourcing finance etc.

2) Risk taking: Risk taking is about taking responsibility and planning for a
loss or mishap

that may occur in the future due to unforeseen contingencies.

3) Innovation: Entrepreneurs innovate by introducing new concepts,

products, services, designs, ideas etc

4) Detailed Investigation: An entrepreneur conducts research, investigates

and evaluates an idea considering various factors and estimates the total
demand for a new product or service.

5) Financing: Raising capital for a business is one of the core functions that
entrepreneurs perform themselves at all the stages of business.
6) Planning: An entrepreneur documents a business idea in the form of a
business plan, to detail each element of the business such as product or service
description, operations, marketing, finance etc.

7) Leadership: Leadership is more of a skill than a function for an

entrepreneur. As a leader, an entrepreneur guides, directs, and influences the
work of others to attain specific goals.

8) Communication : An entrepreneur has to communicate every single day, in

the form of writing, responding, drafting emails, verbal instruction, discussion
etc.

F) Role of Entrepreneurs :

1) Innovator’s Role : Entrepreneurs innovate by bringing unique and new

products and services into the market.

2) Agent’s role : Entrepreneurs act as ‘Agents of Change’ as they identify

opportunities, solve problems, offer effective solutions, establish enterprises,
set up industries and bring positive change for the economy.

3) Coordinating role: An entrepreneur coordinates many things such as

factors of production, delegated tasks, smooth functioning across different
business departments etc

4) Employment Generation role: Entrepreneurship solves the problem of

unemployment, which is a major problem in economic development.

G) Importance of Entrepreneurs :

1) Free market evolution: In a free market, entrepreneurs bring change in

technology, trends and markets. For example, with increase in digital services,
entrepreneurs have created companies that offer many home delivery services
such as groceries, restaurant food, clothes, accessories etc.

2) New values: Sometimes, entrepreneurs choose ethics over profit and offer a
more ethical product to the world and are transparent about it.

3) New markets: Entrepreneurs can often ‘redefine the rules’ of an

established industry. They do this by creating new markets for existing

products and slightly innovating in small ways to suit the needs of a new
target market.
H) Myths of Entrepreneurship :

1) Entrepreneurs are born a certain way.

2) Entrepreneurs have to take a lot of risk.

3) Businesses either skyrocket or fail.

4) A lot of money is required to start any business.

5) One must know everything before starting a business.

I) Entrepreneurship as a Career – Why Entrepreneurship for You?

1) Nurtures development of entrepreneurial skills and capabilities.

2) Develops the ability to handle failure and ambiguity.

3) Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving ability.

4) Leads to creating difference in society.

UNIT 5: GREEN SKILLS

Sustainability :
Sustainability is an art of living where we respect our environment and make
use of the available resources only to the extent where we can replenish what
is available to us for the accessibility of future generation.

Sustainability focuses on how human beings can live in peace and harmony
with nature without creating ecological disturbance.

Sustainable Development :

Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The aim is to inculcate the value of using natural resources judiciously and
still ensuring its availability for future generations.

We can contribute to create a Sustainable Society by following 4Rs’ and 1U of

Sustainability. These are REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE and
UPCYCLE.

1) REFUSE : REFUSE is to say ‘NO’ to use products that may harm the
environment.

2) REDUCE : REDUCE is minimizing the use of the products that may cause
harm to environment.

3) REUSE : REUSE the products as far as possible, in order to reduce the

waste generation.

4) RECYCLE : After reusing the product, we must try to recycle it as far as

possible.

5) UPCYCLING : UPCYCLING is giving a new look to the old product and

making it look desirable.

Importance of Sustainable Development :

In the 21st Century the importance of adopting sustainable techniques for

sustainable development is
of grave importance.

1) Judicious use of resources is of prime importance since the exploitation of

resources is causing its depletion.

2) The uneven distribution of available resources across different economic

fronts is giving rise to
 crime and creating social imbalance. To ensure proper balance Sustainability
is important.

3) Environmental problems like Climate Change, Emission of Green House

gases are alarming. We will be able to combat these issues with the help of
Sustainable Development.

4) Adoption of Sustainable Development in our daily life and at our work

place will also promote economic growth.

Sustainable Development Goals :

United Nations in 2015 adopted 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as

a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and

ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. These SDGs are :

1. No poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well Being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institution
17. Partnership for the Goals