On June 7, 2023, the Industrial & Community Engagement Committee (ICEC), in collaboration with the College of Economics and Business Administration (CEBA), Salalah, led a community outreach workshop. The central theme of the workshop was "Secretarial Practice and Office Management (The Role of Coordinators)." The workshop focused on a range of topics, starting with the primary duties and necessary skills for coordinators in office, industrial and community settings.
The workshop highlighted the importance of handling various classifications of information, teamwork, and good communication. Participants were informed about different categories, such as secret information, top secret, confidential, and restricted information. The workshop emphasized the necessity of respecting these classifications and the potential implications of improper handling.
An integral component of the workshop was about effective email communication. Participants were guided on how to construct and format emails for different purposes, stressing the value of clarity, conciseness, and professionalism in email correspondence.
Additionally, the workshop delved into the characteristics and purposes of writing a memorandum (Memo). It covered everything from the structure, tone, and language of a memo to the situations that warrant its use.
Another crucial topic addressed in the workshop was the concept of meetings. Recognizing that meetings are a common and crucial part of office management, the workshop offered an in-depth discussion about them. The session covered various facets of meetings, from understanding their objectives to preparing for them efficiently. The workshop also covered the importance of proper conduct during the meeting, respecting others' opinions, and maintaining a constructive environment.
Additionally, attendees were taught how to document and circulate minutes of the meeting. The session explained that such documentation is vital for accountability, tracking progress, and ensuring that action items are followed up on after the meeting.
In summary, the collaborative workshop between the Industrial & Community Engagement team and the College of Economics and Business Administration, Salalah, successfully imparted knowledge on key aspects of secretarial practice and office management. Participants benefited from the combined expertise of both teams, gaining a better understanding of their role as coordinators and how to perform their duties more effectively and professionally in a business and economic context.