Unit 4

Rachel Vine

Unit 4 - Professional Behaviour in the Creative Media Sector

4.1 Understand the appropriate conduct for a particular Creative Media workplace.

1.1 Describing and comparing the culture of different Creative Media workplaces.

Creative Media industries contain a wide variety of companies and areas of expertise so there are many differences between workplaces, environments and communication. For example a radio station may seem a fun and casual atmosphere to observers and listeners but in reality behind the scenes could be quite demanding in terms of deadlines. In comparison to a high-end television station which will have a more formal approach due to their level of expectations when preparing and conducting news stories to the public. All fields of the media sector have a different image and reputation to protect so their work ethics vary depending on target audience, current project or area of work. I found some information through this link: http://www.thebigmusicproject.co.uk/how-to-become-a-music-programmer/ The big music project spoke to the Head of Music at XFM, Mike Walsh, about the role of music programming, how to get involved and his own career and within this he explains his view on working within the industry. 

1.2  Describe examples of challenging behaviours and issues in the workplace.

Every company has an area of challenging behaviour and issues but some companies may struggle in the area more depending on who they cater for. Personality differences, stress level of project and area of work are also contributing factors to this. DCAS is a good example of this due to it’s responsibility to support young people throughout their life. We run drop in sessions every evening for young people from the age of 11-19 and up to 25 (if the person has a disability). Sometimes the sizing of the group can vary from anywhere up to 40 people. For us as a group of staff to manage this amount of people in the most effective way we need to work closely and communicate well. We also run smaller sessions for more vulnerable young people who have more difficulties in learning and controlling their behaviour so the way you communicate and work will change when engaging with these people. 

1.3 Explain the role of the key people to inform in relation to these examples 

Whilst working with the smaller groups staff have a responsibility and a role to recognise behaviours and how to deal with any issue that may arises. If at any point a member of staff may feel threatened by any young person then they have the right to make the manager (Dan Oakley) aware straight away and they would then take the issue further. 

We also have the responsibility to protect any young person that walks through the doors of DCAS and we often form good relationships with the young people to a point where they are confident enough to talk to us on a personal level. It could be that one day they share information with you that you feel could be a problem or harmful to this young person and if we feel this then we have the responsibility to inform Dan Oakley so that he can deal with the issue appropriately.

Bullying within the workplace may occur at any point, this could be physical mentally or emotionally. If this was to happen there would be different people to approach depending on who the bully is. For example if I felt uncomfortable with another apprentice I would firstly go to my Line Manager Martyn Stonehouse who would then go to his manager Dan Oakley to take it further. 

1.4  Explain the impact of different behaviours and conduct in the workplace

The way you carry yourself throughout your time at work can have a positive or negative effect on not just your reputation but can also have an effect on people that surround you in the workplace. An example of this is if you was sat slumped on a chair frowning then your mood will may make other people feel on edge or uncomfortable in the same room. Whereas if you was sat up right smiling and full of enthusiasm then people around you will feel good energy from you which would persuade and influence them to be the same. Also for example if you are dealing with a difficult young person and they decide to get frustrated or angry then your reaction can determine how the situation is resolved, often young people do not deal with situations very well when the opponent is reacting in an aggressive manner. 

4.2 Know how to plan and manage workload 

2.1 Describe effective time management skills needed to plan workload

During your time at work the workload can increase rapidly without noticing so to be able to keep on top of this and manage it in an effective and sustainable way then time keeping and organisation is required. I have found during busy periods of workload I will create a list in an order depending on importance of task, deadlines and facilities needed to complete the task. This proves to be a very helpful way of calmly getting through all the work day by day. 

2.2 Describe how to specify and agree timescales, budgets and resources

Here at DCAS during most of our current projects we have the privilege of making our own deadlines through discussion, this gives us all a chance to talk about what we individually think is a realistic timescale to work on. For example recently we have been working on DCASLive and we as a group have discussed how long we think it will take to upload the footage and edit it and have decided on 2 weeks. These timescales can also change depending on the project or the clients needs. 

As DCAS are under local authority, the budgets have been cut so the level of performance we can produce is different to an independent company that have the funds to produce a highly budgeted product. 

In terms of resources there are many places that could be hired to host an event but here at DCAS we have the privilege of having our own stage and area to showcase our work and we would often use this space instead of hiring out others. 

2.3 Explain how to construct a simple project plan

First you need to read and understand your brief given from either your employer during a work based project or a client you are working for. Gathering information through this process can be important as it gives you an idea to what is being asked of you. The client could have a strict detailed brief that doesn't need any further work adding or they could be negotiable and want a professionals opinion and ideas. Through this could be opportunities to explore your own ideas, this can give you the chance to show your creative skills. Then, when you have a clear understanding of what your task entails you can begin constructing the physical plan. Within this plan you have the chance to do research on similar projects and further prior planning.

2.4 Explain the use of a contingency plan.

A contingency plan is an organised document which should be on hand at all times during production. It contains information on how to deal with unusual events that may occur. For example one of your personnel are unavailable to carry out their assigned tasks/roles, then you would refer back to your plan to help you resolve the problem. The purpose of a contingency plan is to allow an organisation to return to its daily operations as quickly as possible after an unexpected event. This protects resources, minimises customer inconvenience and cuts any time wasted.

2.5 Explain the importance of storing work, using version control and observing file naming conventions.

Working at DCAS requires a clear understanding of data protection policies. As we have the responsibility to keep the young people we serve safe and their information protected it is important that we store any documents in a secure place. Working along side other people who may also need access to this data can make you consider how to correctly label files and folders so that we all know where to find this information. Organisation is a key factor to completing your task as quickly and efficiently as possible, this can avoid any valuable time being wasted. For example here at DCAS we have particular laptops which are not accessible to anyone other than specific staff. 

4.3 Understand the importance of continuous professional development

3.1 Explain what is meant by ‘continuous professional development’

It is vital that you prioritise learning and keeping up to date with industry standard software and equipment whilst working in a creative media environment. Continuous Professional Development is a term which describes the learning and development of an individual, with the aim of contributing to a persons level of knowledge as a professional. It refers mostly to taking courses as well as passively receiving information through on the job learning and mentoring.

The importance is mainly in the fields of technology and legislation, as the techniques are constantly evolving and refining so it is important to not stop learning as the information can be quickly outdated. 

3.2 Create and justify a personal development plan

During my time as an apprentice I hope to gain valuable and transferable skills that will benefit me in my future career. 

Within the course of my apprenticeship as a music productions and marketing assistant I wish to have a wide range of knowledge when using Apple Logic. This will be a large part of my progress and will be a useful skill to have. I hope to achieve this by gaining experience through shadowing my line manager and also working hands on. 

As I work in a youth based facility I have a responsibility to work with young people of all backgrounds, so it is appropriate that I have the training required to communicate on a level to which they understand. Learning how to communicate with a variety of people will give me the ability to change the level of communication between the people I talk to. I will expand in this sector by watching how other members of staff facilitate sessions and also by practically doing. 

Final Cut Pro is video editing software, industry standard and used throughout the media, also used at DCAS for film based projects. I am often involved in the editing process of video projects so it would not only benefit my personal development but also DCAS. Participating in training would give me a clear understanding of how it works, knowing this information can speed the editing process and allow me to create a good quality product and meet the required deadlines.  

3.3  Describe opportunities for training and development and explain the relevance of those choices

The additional training and courses are varied here at DCAS whether it be formal or informal methods. During my apprenticeship I will participate in formal training in Final Cut Pro through an online course, https://www.udemy.com/final-cut-pro-x-training/ this link is an example of a course I could take in this field. The relevance it has to my development is that it will give me knowledge on the software that I can transfer into my working day as an apprentice. 

Another course which is accessible to me is a Health and Safety online course awarded by St Johns Ambulance based in Chesterfield which would give me an understanding of basic Health and Safety procedures. This will benefit me as I will then have the knowledge

of how to deal with an emergency in the correct way. 

An example of informal training would be to gain knowledge and information on a subject through a working professional on a more personal level. For example if I was to receive training from my line manager Martyn on Logic, which is a music based editing software then this could involve hands on practice and verbal communication. Working hands on in the software, listening and taking notes on important information and asking questions. This for me is a more relaxing way of learning as it is easier for me to talk to someone I am comfortable with and trust.