This webinar introduces the Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam for the December 2025 attempt, focusing on essential exam techniques, formats, and professional skills crucial for success. It emphasizes practical application and strategic exam-taking over rote memorization.
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Hi, good evening guys.
Big welcome to all of you in today's
practice to pass webinar on SBL for
December 2025 attempt. This is Hassendul
DSani in front of you and um I hope you
guys are doing well. Sorry, my throat is
uh not well today. So my voice uh might
not be very loud. Um
Um
so today is day number one of the webinar
webinar
and tomorrow same time we have we will
have day number two of this webinar. So
what will be our strategy? So today
day number one we will be covering
um a brief introduction to SBL. Then I
will teach you all the formats
which are involved in your paper. I will
teach you all the five professional
skills in detail. And the most important
segment for tonight is exam techniques.
Because from next week we will be
starting our past paper practice. So
before that you have to be very familiar
with all the exam techniques so that we
are able to apply those techniques
during our practice classes. All right.
And then tomorrow day number two
we will have a discussion with the
global or uh country prize winners to understand
understand
uh how they were able to score such high
marks. Then I will cover the latest
technical articles tomorrow. Then we
will do one
uh question practice so that you have an
idea how to draft, how to link a question
question
and then I will share a list of
important topics for December attempt
and finally I will share the study plan
for the last three weeks of November.
So a very jam-packed session. Uh in
today's uh session uh all my paid
students are there. However the this
session is like open for all. So a lot
of self-study students are also there.
So how to ask questions?
So because of the large size of the
group almost touching 400 students as of now
now
verbal questions will not be possible
right it will become a fish market. The
only way you can ask question is that
you can type your question in the chat
box and after every couple of slides I
will pause and I will take your
questions. However, it is very important
to maintain discipline during the
session. So your question should only
relate to the slide or the topic under
discussion because I cannot take
irrelevant questions during the
presentation. Right? So for any other
type of questions
we will have a detailed question and
answer session at the end of today's
session. Right? So please your question
should only pertain to the slide or the
topic under discussion.
Thirdly I want to request that no unnecessary
unnecessary
questions on the chat box. I can still
see now some unnecessary questions here.
The chat box should only be used when I
when I ask a question and you want to
reply or you have a specific query.
Okay? No general questions otherwise my
chat box will become flooded and I will
miss out on your questions. Okay? So
please uh maintain uh discipline
especially the self-study students
because the paid students are well aware
of these things right
so previous webinars so for every
attempt I have conducted a webinar this
webinar is for December attempt and 3
months back I had conducted conducted a
webinar for September and then June and
then March and so forth. So a lot of
students they ask me should we watch the
My answer is yes. Why? For extra practice.
practice.
All right? Because in each webinar I
have solved one question.
For example, financial projection
question I have solved in September 2025
webinar day number two. So if you want
to learn financial projection question
or topic, you can watch my September
webinar day number two. And then I have
solved risk and recommendation question
in my June 2025 webinar day number two
and then the list goes on. So if you
want to do some extra practice or
understand some topic wise scenarios
this is the list of questions which I
have solved in the last 8 to 10 webinars
and you can use solve watch these
webinars to do some extra practice.
Good. So in the previous webinars do not
watch anything else. Do not watch
anything else in the previous webinars
because I will be covering everything
today webinar. Only the question
practice the more variety you will do
more uh better your concepts will be.
Okay. A very quick introduction of
myself. Most of you already know me so I
will not spend a lot of time. I am a
chartered accountant and by profession I
am a chief financial officer CFO of an
insurance company in Dubai since last 15
years. So professionally I work
full-time and teaching is my passion.
I've been teaching for last 25 years and
I just specialize in SBL because of my
professional role, my seniority. I sit
in the board. I'm better able to
understand SBL and explain SBL with with
real life examples. But what is more
important here is my WhatsApp number.
This is my direct personal WhatsApp
number. In case you have any questions,
any doubts, you can always reach out to
me. All right.
Also, uh there is uh I manage couple of global
global
um SBL
WhatsApp groups. If you are part of any
of the global WhatsApp group by Viffy,
that's fine. Otherwise this is the link
U I just want to uh give a clap to all
the high scorers of my September batch.
It was a really good batch. Highest
being 83 marks by Amelia in Poland.
She's also a country place winner. So
these are some of the students. Not all
some of the students who scored good
marks and this is a variety of of
countries India, Pakistan, Europe,
um Malaysia
and in my September attempt there were
three students who got national prize
winners. They were the highest scorer in
their country. Uh one is Amelia in
Poland and then Ender from Turkey and
then Gio Takon in Pakistan. Those these
three students of my previous batch. Um
there might be one or two more but um we
are not aware of it but these are the
three students who actually informed us
Now SBL pass rate is um pretty consistent
consistent
uh ranging from 50% to 53%.
Uh previous two attempt you can see the
previous two attempt it's 51%
and uh I think it's a very good pass
rate comparing with other strategic
professional papers. SBLS is is has one
of the highest or best pass rates
globally. Now this slide SBL is very
very different. I have spoken about this
slide many times. Right? I just want to
speak about couple of things here. Um
this one is important. Knowledge of
topics is less important. Application of
knowledge is more important.
Why I'm emphasizing on this is I've seen
that a lot of students they want to do
all the chapters. They want to do all
the syllabus. They want to do the entire
study hub book. No need. It's not a
general theoretical paper. Nothing from
the book will come. It's actually the
application of the knowledge which is
important. So just basic understanding
of the important topics is more than
enough because you have to apply your
knowledge on the case study. Right? No
definitions or theoretical
uh general answers are required. So you
should not waste your limited precious
time on books
or chapters. You should invest your time
in doing more and more practice because
application is more important. And
another important thing is this one
50% of SBL paper is common sense
meaning that you don't require any
bookish knowledge to solve these
questions. You just require common
sense, logical thinking, a lot of
practice and that's it. A lot of
students they fail because of this
thing, right? Because common sense is
not very common.
So uh but the fact of the matter is that
50 more than 50% of your paper is common
sense. So you have to think logically
like a business leader, like a CFO and
of course since you don't have relevant
experience then this can only improve
through more and more practice and
discussions and brainstorming. Right
All my top scorers, all my top scorers
who score 80 marks, 90 marks, they have
applied this strategy.
And this strategy is very simple. When
you are
preparing for SB, don't think like a student.
student.
Imagine yourself as a business leader
or a senior executive or a CFO or a
finance director.
When you are doing SBL paper, don't
think like a student. You have to
upgrade your thought process. You have
to look at the big picture
and that only possible when you think
like a business owner, right? All of you
have that uh basic sense.
Uh it's just the way you start feeling
and thinking. And when you are drafting
your answer, don't think that you are
explaining to the examiner.
Imagine that you are explaining your
point to the board of directors.
Like I do it all the time in my real
job. I sit in the board. I discuss
issues in the board. I make
presentations in the board. So just
imagine that you are
explaining your points to the board.
Okay? So you use simple language, basic
things but professional language. All
right? So this strategy, this approach
actually differentiates
the high scorers
with low scorers in SBL. So since we
have a lot of time and practice, I would
I would suggest that you start imagining
yourself as a business leader. Now some
of you will come up with a stupid
question and say sir that we have never
worked like a CFO. How can we imagine
like a CFO?
Why not?
Why not? It's possible. If you can
imagine yourself dating a nice beautiful
girl or a nice handsome boy, if you can
imagine yourself feeling rich and uh
having a nice life, why can't you
imagine yourself as a CFO or a business
leader? It's just a mind game. is just
the way you elevate or upgrade your
confidence and the way you are thinking
right so please try and adopt this
strategy it is really helpful
can you please share the group link here
okay uh
Diva again you're asking a irrelevant
question. I will not be able to answer
something which I have not covered in
the slide. Maybe it will be covered in
the future slides. Someone is asking for
the link um
um
uh the chat group link. Let me share it.
I am sharing the group link um
on the chat box here. Here you go. All
right. So I have shared the WhatsApp
Yes, I will share all these slides
of course. Now a little bit about your exam.
exam.
So I'm sure most of you are aware of
this but just for the benefits of those
students who are giving SBL for the
first time.
So your SBL paper uh the format was
changed in September 2023. It is called
the precen exam format. Huh? It was a
major change back uh two years back. But
the good news is there is no change in
syllabus. So nothing change in the syllabus.
syllabus.
Preene case study will be published 2
weeks before the exam. In your case,
let's say around 20th of November, ACCA
will publish the case study.
What is the meaning of this preceding?
whatever scenario
is going to be tested in your paper
the background of that company
will be given to you two weeks before.
It is like a 10 to 12 page document
which will tell you which industry it
will provide you industry information
and then which company it will provide
you company information.
So we will know two weeks in advance
which industry and which company will be
tested in our exam.
What do you think, guys? If you know the precine
precine
beforehand, that's definitely great news.
It's definitely great news because there
is no suspense.
So before this format, we have no idea
which industry will come. A lot of
students they were nervous
and now we exactly know which industry
and which company will come. So we can
prepare well in advance, right? We can
discuss a lot of topics about that scenario.
scenario.
So there is no element of suspense.
But then don't you think the if the if
the pre-cene is published then don't you
think uh um
um
What do you think if the precin is
published some smart students like you
can prepare your answers right? Not really.
Why?
Because the precin
will only provide you the background or
the basic information.
All right? But on your exam day, you
will be given some additional information.
information.
So preceding is just the background or
basic information.
Some additional information relating to
that company will be given to you on the
exam day. These are called exhibits [snorts]
[snorts]
and then all the tasks will be
pertaining to those exhibits. So we
don't know what additional information
or problems or
proposals will be given right but at
least we know the basic background of
the scenario. So on your exam day three
to four exhibits will be given to you
and three tasks will be given to you
All right.
Paper duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes.
minutes. Okay.
Okay.
The precin material will also be
available on the exam day on the CBE
platform. So the preceding which was
published two weeks before is will also
be there in your CBE platform during
your paper so that you don't have to
memorize everything. If you want to
refer to the precine for something it is
readily accessible on the CBE platform
[snorts] and precine material is same
globally. So there is this misconception
the precin material is same globally.
There is only one scenario one precin it
is same it is consistent globally
only exhibits and tasks change according
to various time zones. So the morning
batch will get some exhibits and some
tasks. The afternoon batch will get a
different set of exhibits and different
set of task and the evening batches will
get different exhibits and different
tasks but the precine will always be the same.
same. Okay.
Okay.
Um let me take a quick look at the questions
Zaman I will answer that going forward.
So let's let's take a quick look at the
CBE platform and your paper just to get
So do you guys know how to log to your
So first of all you go to my ACCA. You
will have to uh log to your my ACCA.
and then from there you can search for
ACCA CBE platform. This one I will click
and I will log to the ACCACB platform.
You can also directly use this link but
then first of all you have to join uh
log to your my ACCA and then from there
you can navigate to your CBE platform.
Once you go to the CBE platform
you will see some subjects here. So you
will click on uh
uh
browse available exams. Okay, you will
click here browse available exam and then
then
you select strategic business leader.
Once you select strategic business
leader all the papers which are
available on the CBE platform, can you
see on my screen? So once you browse and
select SPL
you will see all the past papers,
specimen papers, practice exam, pre-mock
exams here. So let me select
SBL specimen exam 2 just to show you. So
I will assign.
So it says uh already assigned. Then I
will go to view assignments. SBL.
Oh, I don't want to do this one.
Um I don't know why it's not appearing
here but okay then I'll just start with this
this resume.
No, this is not a good paper because uh
there is no task here. So, okay, let's
So, when you open your CB platform,
this is called the landing page. Okay,
on the left side you can see the landing
page. Here
the name of the company will be given.
Your role will be given. This is very
important. Your role will be mentioned
in the landing page. Like for example
here it says you are a senior business analyst.
analyst.
So this role is very important because
in all the task you will have to assume
your role as senior business analyst and
then the list of exhibits are given and
then these four exhibits are given here.
Number one is the fact sheet. Number two
is the newspaper article. Extract of
team briefing board meeting minutes.
Then you will also see the precine
material. It is also there for quick reference.
reference.
And then task number
one is given. So when you click on task
number one, it will give you all the tasks.
tasks.
And then here is your response option.
word processor, spreadsheet and slides.
Okay, the important thing here to note
is that for SBL
we will be using word processor.
We will not be using spreadsheet at all.
Okay guys, we will not be using any
It is not a calculative paper
and in case there is some basic
calculations required you can do it on
your calculator. Do not waste your time
on spreadsheet. All your answers should
be on the word processor
and we will also use slides.
We will also use slides if the question
specifically says prepare presentation slides.
slides.
All right. If the question says prepare
presentation slides then for that
question you will use slides. Otherwise
for all the remaining tasks we will use
Guys, can you please stop chatting
amongst yourself? I I'm repeating
So, if you see here, it's just task
number one. Where is task number two?
You have to press next. You see this
button on the right bottom? When you
press next, then task number two will
come and then again next. Task number
three will come. Okay, the tasks are all
are not on the same page. You have to
Yes, Mohammad Abdullahal. I just
answered that it's one precin for the
Okay. So, I will talk about the slides
later. Don't worry. But do you
understand the overall layout? The
landing page on the left is the extra
exhibits which will be given to you on
the exam day. The precine will also be
there for quick reference and the tasks
are there and the response options are
there. For rest of the questions, just
be patient. I will cover them as we go
All right guys,
So as per the examiner's report, there
are some very common mistakes why
Again I have discussed these slides many
time in my various orientations but I
just want to touch upon some very common
mistakes so that you don't repeat these mistakes.
mistakes.
The first mistake as per the examiner is
are not linked with the exhibit or the scenario.
scenario.
So as I said in the start, SBL is a scenario
scenario
based paper.
Application of knowledge is more
important. It doesn't require general
definition or gen general theories.
So it's very very important that you um
when you are drafting your thoughts you
have to discuss in light of the case study.
How can you link? There is a very simple technique.
technique.
It's very easy to link with the
scenario. So when you are reading the exhibit,
exhibit,
you just pick the relevant information
or the relevant sentence from the exhibit.
exhibit.
You copy it on your answer sheet and
then elaborate on it.
So each and every point
should start with a statement of fact
picked up from the exhibit. So once you
have picked up a sentence from the
exhibit then you can easily elaborate on
it and and share your thoughts right. So
very simple technique that all your
points should start with a statement of
fact picked up from the exhibit.
And then once we start doing more and
more practice in our revision classes
starting next week, you will understand
more on this technique.
The second most common um reason why
students fail SBL is bad time management.
management.
Students they are not able to complete
the paper. Okay. And even if they are
able to complete the paper the quality
of the answers especially the last 30
minutes the quality really is very very bad
bad
right so time management is very very
important in SPL it's all about speed
and time management you have to you have
to complete
full 100 marks paper.
Okay. Now in your previous attempt like
I came across few students
who told me
that they were able to complete the
Now that was very very surprising for me.
me.
because it is practically impossible to
complete the entire paper 30 minutes
before the time. I've never seen even if
I attempt the paper
I can barely complete 5 minutes before
the time. But students if they are able
to complete 30 minutes before the time
under exam stress situation it's it's
I'm pretty sure they have messed up
right so time management is very very important
important
um another reason is 50 more than 50%
questions are common sense questions I
mean a lot of students they struggle in
common sense questions s because they
have read all the books, they have read
all the chapters, they have memorized every
every
godamn thing. But these questions,
common sense questions do not require
any theoretical knowledge. So then these
guys are stuck. They have never done
logical thinking. So this is another
reason why students fail SBL and this
can only be overcome through a lot of
practice of common sense questions, [snorts]
[snorts]
extensive practice.
Another interesting reason which has
recently popped up is that students
uh they do not understand the
requirement correctly.
Of course, if you if you misunderstand
the requirement, your entire answer will
go wrong, right?
And you will lose entire marks. So this
is a mistake which we cannot afford at all.
all.
So how do we overcome this?
You have to read the requirement carefully
carefully
at least at least two times so that you
exactly understand. You need to read the
key words in the requirements
because sometimes the requirements
the way they are drafted
it's it tries to confuse the students.
It's a deliberate thing. So but if you
pick up the key words and then just read
the key words together the requirement
becomes very simple right and again this
will get improved through extensive practice
practice
right so the and you know I've covered
most of these things in my um um
previous discussions and last thing is
very interesting I've also seen that
some students
when they give two paper one is SBL and
one is any other paper in that scenario
I have seen that 90% students they fail
SBL when they give two paper
how many of you are planning to give two
Oh my god.
So what is the reason why
90% students fail SPL when they give two
paper? The reason is very interesting. >> [snorts]
>> [snorts]
>> So it's not about your
time allocation.
I understand that some of you are
full-time students.
So you can give uh sufficient time to
SPL plus sufficient time to the other
paper. Another scenario is that you you
failed a paper before by one mark. So
you're giving that paper plus SBL
whatever the scenario the reason why
students 90% students they fail SBL is
it's not about the preparation
the main reason of failure is the exam techniques
techniques
the exam techniques of SBL
is very very very different from your
other ACCA paper.
The thought process, the exam
techniques, the the paper approach is
extremely different from the other
paper. So when you are preparing two papers
papers subconsciously
subconsciously subconsciously
subconsciously
students they mix up the techniques
and because of that 90% student they
fail SBL they get 45 46 47 48
so those so those of you who are giving
two papers in December
see whether it's possible to give one P
SL as a standalone paper if not I wish
you all the best now you know the risk
area and you can focus so as I said 90%
students fail SBL but there are there is
10% students who do pass when they give
two papers so as long as as you are
focused and conscious that you don't mix
the exam techniques
Can you plan for December? There are
some students who are just starting now.
They have just decided to give SBL now
for December. So it's very simple. It
depends on how much time can you give to SBL.
SBL.
If you are giving one paper only and you
can give at least 4 to 5 hours daily
from now onward then you can plan for December.
December.
If you can give 4 to 5 hours daily then
yes it is very much possible. We will
adopt a smart
uh study approach. We will focus on
important things doing all the past
papers. If you can give four to five
All right guys, so that was the brief
introduction about SBL. What how the
paper looks like? Why students fail SBL?
Now are you guys ready to solve a question?
H you think so?
No way.
Zaman, I cannot take verbal questions. I
have repeated in the start. Uh I will
only take uh written questions in the
chat box.
Okay, you guys are not ready as of now.
Why? because you need to be familiar
There are so many formats which is
tested in your exam. So we have to
memorize all the formats.
So the most common most frequently
tested format is this one either a
report very commonly tested or a
briefing paper or a briefing note or a
memo. So these four formats
70% of the time these four formats are required.
required.
What I have done is I have very s I have
simplified the format. So if you
memorize one format, if you memorize
this format, it can take care of all
these four. There is no difference, right?
right?
Just the heading will change rest
everything will be same. So it's a very
simple format to from
from subject
subject date
date introduction.
introduction.
Here you will write the introduction
and then the closure which is best
regards and your role and in between
this you will draft or insert your main answer.
answer.
Is this clear guys? The format is very
straightforward. On the top you will
give the heading report or briefing note
whatever is required
and then two from subject date
introduction the closure and then
between this this portion you will draft
Okay.
Is there marks for the format?
Absolutely. Yes.
Every question has professional marks,
right? And the format, the presentation,
the tone of your drafting,
all those things are part of the
professional marks.
So you will need to um memorize this format.
format.
Now a very common question is do we need
to give
any conclusion or recommendation?
What do you guys think?
When we make a report or a briefing
paper, should we give a concluding remark?
remark?
No, not at all. We will not give any
conclusion or recommendation unless
unless
unless the question specifically
specifically
asks you to conclude or recommend.
Is that clear guys? [snorts] If the
question specifically says and conclude
or and recommend then of course you will
have to give. But if the question is
silent then no need for any conclusion
Another format is called section of a
report. So sometime the examiner will
say draft
a section of a report. A section of a
report is not a full report. It's just a
section or part of the report. All right?
right?
So when it says section of a report,
again it's very simple. On the top you
will give the heading section of a
report. You will just mention the
subject. You will give a brief
introduction. You will give a closure
You will you will need to memorize this.
Sometime the examiner will say draft a
email for the finance director. So then
again it's very simple on the top you
will write email then to from subject
date and then the opening sentence that
this email talks about blah blah blah
the closure and then in between this
here you will draft your actual answer. Okay
guys, again I'm see I'm seeing unnecessary
unnecessary
discussions amongst yourself on the chat box.
Marina and all those guys who are
replying to Marina, please last warning
do not flood my chat box because I then
miss out on relevant questions by other
students. Right? Please do not chat
Now this one is very interesting.
This one is tested quite frequently almost
almost
in almost all the paper not all but
almost 80% of the paper in one of the
task you are supposed to prepare
presentation slides.
if the question says prepare
presentation slide,
then we will have to use the
presentation slide option in the response
response
tool. You see response options may you
see this slides.
So for this particular question, you
Now for every slide,
for every slide there are two boxes.
I repeat, for every slide there are two
box. How many box guys? Can you please type?
For every slide? How many boxes are
there? There are two box which you need
to fill. So for example this one it says
slide number one. Okay.
Okay.
And then if you scroll down
the second box is called slide number
one speaker node.
So one the first box is the main box and
the second box is the speaker notes.
Sometime it is called accompanying notes.
notes.
So every slide has two boxes. One is the
main slide and just underneath the main
slide there is another box called
speaker notes. Is this clear so far? Yes
Very good. Now if I scroll down more
then I will see slide number two. Again
for slide number two I will see two
boxes. The main box followed by slide
number two speaker notes. Every slide
will have two boxes. the main slide box
and followed by speaker notes box.
Now what are we supposed to write in the
main box and what are we supposed to
So the main slide will just have the
How many have of of you have ever seen a real
real
presentation in your lives? I'm sure
most of you have seen a presentation in
your life in your college, in your
university, in your office, in your
somewhere you must have seen a
presentation slide, right?
So the purpose of the slide is
the slide will just talk about bullet
points, right? The slide will just have
brief bullet points.
The slide does not have lengy stories or
lengy explanations. That's wrong. The
purpose of a presentation slide is it
will have brief bullet points
on the slide.
The same concept is here that on the
main slide let's say the topic is HR issues
issues
just a hypothetical topic. So let's say
the question says
prepare a presentation slide to discuss
the various
HR issues.
So on the first slide you will just
write bullet points. High turnover,
low staff morale, salaries not aligned
with market only the bullet point
and where is the drafting or the
explanation of these points? What do you
think? So if here it is only the bullet
points then where is the actual drafting?
drafting?
What do you think guys? The actual
drafting of these point will be here
The speaker notes or the supporting
nodes. Here you will elaborate on your
point. So slide number one does not have
any elaboration. It will just have brief
bullet points or brief subheadings and
the explanation of those points will be
Now if there are
if I have mentioned three bullet points
on the main slide.
If I have mentioned three bullet points
or three issues on the main slide then
how many paragraphs
should I write under speaker notes
obviously. So on the speaker notes also
I will have three paragraphs.
Why three? So one paragraph for the
first bullet, second paragraph for the
second bullet,
third paragraph for the third bullet. As
simple as that. So the respective
explanation of these points will be here.
here.
If there are three bullet points, I
expect to see three paragraphs. If here
there are five bullet points, I expect
to see five [snorts] paragraphs here.
Okay. Now, another possible question
student might ask is do we need to give
subheadings here? [snorts] So, when we
are giving three paragraphs, do we also
need to repeat the headings here?
Not necessary.
Okay? because it will take time. As long
as your paragraphs are in the right sequence,
sequence,
examiner will know what you are talking about.
about. Okay.
Any questions on
Uh let me I'm going through the chat
Monisha, I think I've answered this
question. Okay. Three points, three
three paragraphs.
Hamza.
Uh they are not correlated. They're all
they all have a separate statement of
fact. So three separate points, three
separate paragraph
saga. Do we need to create introduction
slide? Not at all. Not at all. You
directly draft the slide.
How do we know which exhibit is relevant?
relevant?
How to increase font size and align in
the middle? It's very simple. I would
suggest you don't uh waste your time in
formatting. But it's very simple. When
you write something here,
do you see this center alignment, you
just center them, it will become center.
If you want to increase the font size
through paragraph, these are the various
font size. But please do not waste your
Is there a cap on how much we can write?
There is no cap. It all depends on the
marks. Okay. It all depends on the
marks. How many points you are supposed
Yes, Sam. Obviously, what kind of stupid
Mohammad Shar. This is a hypothetical
example. Okay. Each point,
each bullet
will have a explanatory note. As simple
All right. Good.
Then couple of times a letter format
was also tested. Very very rare, very
very less chances. But I think a two
times letter was also required. Draft a
letter. So this is a letter format.
Date, dear, addresses, subject,
introductory paragraph,
heading, body of the answer and then the
closure. You need to memorize this. Okay.
Okay.
Then one or two times
a press release or a website
uh release was also required. Very very
rare very very uh infrequent
but if a press release is required
on the top you will write this heading
then the subject name of the chairman or
the CEO name of the company and the
date. This will be the opening sentence
and then the body of the answer and then
the closure.
Okay, there's nothing technical here as
Then there's something called business
case. Um it is a very it's a very
topic specific format. It is used in
project management. So if the question
says draft a business case then a
business case you will give the heading
business case and then there are three
broad headings current situation
options and selected option or recommendation.
recommendation.
Okay I think it was tested just once but
there are simple three headings here.
Just follow this format.
Then there is a project initiation
document. Again it is a very topic
specific document. It is used in project
management. So far this format has never
been tested but you should be familiar
that a project initiation document
includes what? It includes scope and
objective, cost benefit analysis,
project sponsor, project manager and so
forth. You need to memorize the contents of a project initiation
the contents of a project initiation document.
Lastly, the last important thing is
many times in all your paper,
in all your paper, in all your paper
in all your paper you will see a question which says
you will see a question which says identify the weakness and give
identify the weakness and give recommendation.
Every paper you see this question [snorts]
[snorts] the examiner will say discuss the
the examiner will say discuss the weakness
weakness or identify the weakness and give
or identify the weakness and give recommendation
recommendation how to address the weakness. You see
how to address the weakness. You see this word
this word and
and so discuss or identify or discuss the
so discuss or identify or discuss the weakness plus
weakness plus give recommendation. So when you get
give recommendation. So when you get this type of a question,
this type of a question, when you get this type of a question
when you get this type of a question where you are supposed to identify or
where you are supposed to identify or discuss the weakness first and then also
discuss the weakness first and then also give a recommendation
give a recommendation then I would prefer a tabular format.
then I would prefer a tabular format. I would prefer a tabular format, a two
I would prefer a tabular format, a two column format. On the left side you will
column format. On the left side you will discuss the weakness and on the right
discuss the weakness and on the right side you will discuss or give your
side you will discuss or give your recommendation
recommendation very professional format. On the left
very professional format. On the left side you would identify and discuss the
side you would identify and discuss the weakness and then opposite on the right
weakness and then opposite on the right side you will give recommendation.
side you will give recommendation. Is this clear? Yes or no?
Similarly, a very similar question is asked on risk as well. Sometimes the
asked on risk as well. Sometimes the examiner will say identify the risk
examiner will say identify the risk and give recommendation.
and give recommendation. Same concept. So this we will use a
Same concept. So this we will use a tabular format because it will make your
tabular format because it will make your drafting faster and simpler. On the left
drafting faster and simpler. On the left side you will mention the risks. Here
side you will mention the risks. Here you will mention describe the risk and
you will mention describe the risk and on the right side you will give
on the right side you will give recommendation. Then risk number two and
recommendation. Then risk number two and then recommendation.
then recommendation. Why I'm emphasizing on this is because
Why I'm emphasizing on this is because this is a very frequently
this is a very frequently tested topic. Every paper you will get a
tested topic. Every paper you will get a question like this either identify the
question like this either identify the risk and give recommendation or identify
risk and give recommendation or identify the weakness and give recommendation. So
the weakness and give recommendation. So please use a tabular format to speed up
please use a tabular format to speed up your drafting. How can we make a table
your drafting. How can we make a table in the platform? It's very simple.
in the platform? It's very simple. Why do I get such stupid questions by
Why do I get such stupid questions by the way?
It's all there. Click here. You click on table and then you select two columns
table and then you select two columns and six seven rows. And the table is
and six seven rows. And the table is here. Here you will write
here. Here you will write weakness and here you will write
weakness and here you will write recommendation
recommendation and then you start drafting.
and then you start drafting. Clear?
Mia the impact is part of the weakness. When we discuss the weakness, it is
When we discuss the weakness, it is impact.
So we are done with the various formats. The most important is report, briefing
The most important is report, briefing paper, briefing notes and memo that is
paper, briefing notes and memo that is tested 70% of the time.
tested 70% of the time. For that we just have one single simple
For that we just have one single simple format. The second most tested is
format. The second most tested is presentation slides. We discuss that in
presentation slides. We discuss that in detail. And the third most common is
detail. And the third most common is weakness and recommendation or risk and
weakness and recommendation or risk and recommendation.
recommendation. That's it. The rest of the formats are
That's it. The rest of the formats are tested very very rarely but you have to
tested very very rarely but you have to be aware of it.
be aware of it. Any questions on the format
before I move to the next segment? Any questions on the format?
Yes, Urva. Correct.
I cannot repeat stuff, my boy. There are 400 plus students here. You can watch
400 plus students here. You can watch the recording. I'm I don't have the time
the recording. I'm I don't have the time uh bandwidth to repeat stuff. I have
uh bandwidth to repeat stuff. I have explained it in a lot detail.
The tone will always be the same. What's wrong with you? There's no change in the
wrong with you? There's no change in the tone.
Uh Muhammad Rahmed, I will come to it. Give me few minutes.
All right. So now you are all very familiar with the formats
familiar with the formats especially report
especially report presentation and weakness
presentation and weakness recommendation. Now are you guys ready
recommendation. Now are you guys ready for a question?
Yes. I like your confidence. That's good.
But unfortunately you are still not ready.
ready. unfortunately still not ready
unfortunately still not ready because I have to first teach you all
because I have to first teach you all the professional skills. If you don't
the professional skills. If you don't know the professional skills, how can
know the professional skills, how can you solve the paper? Right?
you solve the paper? Right? So these are all the pre-erequisites.
So today I will teach you all the prerequisites
prerequisites before we attempt the paper. So the
before we attempt the paper. So the first prerequisite is the formats. The
first prerequisite is the formats. The second prerequisite is professional
second prerequisite is professional skills.
skills. So do you know how many professional
So do you know how many professional skills are there in SBL?
How many professional skills are there in SBL?
in SBL? Five professional skills. Very good.
Five professional skills. Very good. There are five professional skills. It
There are five professional skills. It is evaluation skill, analysis skill,
is evaluation skill, analysis skill, communication skill, commercial acumen
communication skill, commercial acumen skill and skepticism skill. There are
skill and skepticism skill. There are five professional skills
and do you know the total professional skills marks in your paper? What is the
skills marks in your paper? What is the total marks for professional skills? 20
total marks for professional skills? 20 marks.
marks. Very good. So, professional skills
Very good. So, professional skills carries 20 marks and there are five
carries 20 marks and there are five professional skills. So, can you let me
professional skills. So, can you let me know what is marks? What is the marks
know what is marks? What is the marks per skill?
per skill? Each skill is worth how many marks? Four
Each skill is worth how many marks? Four marks. Very nice. 20 marks divide by
marks. Very nice. 20 marks divide by five skills. So each skill carries four
five skills. So each skill carries four marks. Very nice. Very smart.
Can you guys tell me what is the total marks of SPL? Total marks of SBL.
100 marks. The your entire paper is worth 100 marks. Good.
worth 100 marks. Good. Now, can you guys tell me
what percentage professional skill marks is?
professional skill marks is? What percentage of your paper is
What percentage of your paper is professional skills?
professional skills? 20%. Wow.
Now do you understand the importance of professional skill?
professional skill? 15th
15th 1/5th of your paper
1/5th of your paper represents professional skills. 20 marks
represents professional skills. 20 marks out of 100 represents professional
out of 100 represents professional skills. So when students they ask me sir
skills. So when students they ask me sir which topic is most important
which topic is most important which topic is most important I tell
which topic is most important I tell them
them professional skills.
professional skills. Why? Because it carries
Why? Because it carries 20 marks out of 100 and it is a
20 marks out of 100 and it is a guaranteed thing. Every paper you will
guaranteed thing. Every paper you will get professional skill right.
So now for me so it's actually
so it's actually very easy to score
very easy to score good marks in professional skills it's
good marks in professional skills it's [snorts] not difficult.
[snorts] not difficult. So if you are able to score
So if you are able to score let's say 15 marks out of 20,
let's say 15 marks out of 20, if you are able to score
if you are able to score good marks in professional skills,
good marks in professional skills, don't you think it will give you a great
don't you think it will give you a great start?
start? So for example, if you score 15 marks
So for example, if you score 15 marks out of 20, so you just require 35
out of 20, so you just require 35 more marks out of 80 to pass the paper,
more marks out of 80 to pass the paper, right? Do you understand the maths?
I repeat, so if you score 15 marks just from professional skills,
from professional skills, so you just require 35 more marks
so you just require 35 more marks out of 80
out of 80 to just pass the paper.
to just pass the paper. So I really want all my students to
So I really want all my students to be to be master
be to be master in professional skills. These are cash
in professional skills. These are cash marks. These are cash marks. These are
marks. These are cash marks. These are lowhanging fruit. No theoretical
lowhanging fruit. No theoretical knowledge, no model, no concept is
knowledge, no model, no concept is required. As long as you understand
required. As long as you understand what needs to be done, it's easy marks.
All right. So, someone is saying how to score 20 marks.
score 20 marks. So I wish
So I wish it was possible to score 20 out of 20.
it was possible to score 20 out of 20. It's not possible in SBL to score 20 out
It's not possible in SBL to score 20 out of 20 or 50 out of 50 or it's a
of 20 or 50 out of 50 or it's a theoretical paper. You are giving the
theoretical paper. You are giving the paper under stressful
paper under stressful environment. So
environment. So never ever it's possible to score full
never ever it's possible to score full marks in SPL. It's a very theoretical
marks in SPL. It's a very theoretical subjective paper. Right? But if you
subjective paper. Right? But if you achieve 75%
achieve 75% that's supposed to be very good marks.
that's supposed to be very good marks. Okay.
Okay. Now the good news is
Now the good news is as I said in the start the professional
as I said in the start the professional skills is very very easy.
skills is very very easy. You actually don't have to write
You actually don't have to write anything extra or do anything extra.
anything extra or do anything extra. If you just focus on the basics you can
If you just focus on the basics you can easily score. So let me start with the
easily score. So let me start with the first one.
first one. evaluation skills.
evaluation skills. So now I will explain to you in very
So now I will explain to you in very layman language and and a and u from a
layman language and and a and u from a very examoriented
very examoriented thing. Okay? just just unlearn
thing. Okay? just just unlearn just forget what you have studied before
just forget what you have studied before from some other tutor or books or
from some other tutor or books or wherever just unlearn and just
wherever just unlearn and just understand what I'm going to say right
understand what I'm going to say right now.
now. All right. So let's spend some time on
All right. So let's spend some time on evaluation skill. So the first thing is
evaluation skill. So the first thing is the first thing is before I start
the first thing is before I start every question
every question every question in your paper will
every question in your paper will specifically tell you which professional
specifically tell you which professional skill you need to demonstrate.
Is that clear? Every question will tell you which professional skill you need to
you which professional skill you need to demonstrate. For example, if I if I open
demonstrate. For example, if I if I open this task number three,
you see this bold one. This is the technical requirement. And
This is the technical requirement. And then you see professional skills marks
then you see professional skills marks are available for demonstrating
are available for demonstrating skepticism skill. So in task 3 A you
skepticism skill. So in task 3 A you need to focus on
need to focus on skepticism [snorts]
skepticism [snorts] skill. And if you look at task 3B,
skill. And if you look at task 3B, this is the technical requirement. And
this is the technical requirement. And then it says professional skills are
then it says professional skills are available for demonstrating
available for demonstrating commercial acumen skills. So in task 3B
commercial acumen skills. So in task 3B you need to focus on commercial acumen
you need to focus on commercial acumen skills. So every task will actually the
skills. So every task will actually the examiner will tell you which particular
examiner will tell you which particular skill you need to demonstrate. So
skill you need to demonstrate. So doesn't that make it easy?
Doesn't that make it easy? because you exactly know that in this question I
exactly know that in this question I need to demonstrate this particular
need to demonstrate this particular skill. So it's very very easy correct.
So now evaluation skill simply means
simply means that you when you are drafting your
that you when you are drafting your answer you include both pros and cons.
answer you include both pros and cons. What did I write say?
What did I write say? Can you please type? You include both
Can you please type? You include both pros and cons. Please type pros and cons
pros and cons. Please type pros and cons so that you remember
what is the meaning of both pros and cons
cons meaning you will include both positive
meaning you will include both positive points
points and negative points.
and negative points. Positive pros and cons means positive
Positive pros and cons means positive and negative. Another way I can explain
and negative. Another way I can explain is favorable points and unfavorable
is favorable points and unfavorable points both.
points both. Is that clear? So whenever the question
Is that clear? So whenever the question says demonstrate evaluation skill,
says demonstrate evaluation skill, all you need to do is to include both
all you need to do is to include both positive points and negative points.
positive points and negative points. Advantages and disadvantages, pros and
Advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons, positives and negative both side
cons, positives and negative both side you have to discuss.
you have to discuss. Is this clear? Yes or no?
Is this clear? Yes or no? I cannot explain it in more simple
I cannot explain it in more simple words. You have to include both sides of
words. You have to include both sides of the discussion, the positive things and
the discussion, the positive things and the negative things. [snorts] Very very
the negative things. [snorts] Very very simple. That's it.
Normally in your exam evaluation skill is tested in a proposal
evaluation skill is tested in a proposal question.
question. What is a proposal question? A proposal
What is a proposal question? A proposal question is a question where the
question is a question where the examiner will give you a proposal.
examiner will give you a proposal. It's not a marriage proposal. It's a
It's not a marriage proposal. It's a business proposal. Should we do this?
business proposal. Should we do this? Should we go for that? Should we take
Should we go for that? Should we take that contract?
that contract? And you will be asked to evaluate the
And you will be asked to evaluate the proposal.
proposal. So obviously you will read
So obviously you will read the you will read the proposal. You will
the you will read the proposal. You will think of some benefits or advantages if
think of some benefits or advantages if we go for the proposal and you will
we go for the proposal and you will think of some negative points, the
think of some negative points, the challenges, the risks if we take that
challenges, the risks if we take that proposals. So bottom line whenever you
proposals. So bottom line whenever you have to demonstrate evaluation skill you
have to demonstrate evaluation skill you need to include both the positive points
need to include both the positive points and the negative points.
and the negative points. Done.
Done. Now there are two small complications.
[snorts] My first question supposing supposing
supposing the question says demonstrate evaluation
the question says demonstrate evaluation skill.
skill. Okay. Wait, wait, wait. Let's do couple
Okay. Wait, wait, wait. Let's do couple of examples.
Can you evaluate ACCA degree for me?
ACCA degree for me? Please evaluate ACCA qualification.
So [snorts] what are the plus point of ACCA?
ACCA? Start with the positive points. Give me
Start with the positive points. Give me two or three positive points please.
two or three positive points please. What are the pros of ACCA? It's global.
What are the pros of ACCA? It's global. It's professional. It is uh well
It's professional. It is uh well recognized.
recognized. uh
increases the job chances, right? Internationally accepted, good salaries.
Internationally accepted, good salaries. This is the positive side.
This is the positive side. What are the cons of ACCA? What are the
What are the cons of ACCA? What are the challenges of ACCA?
challenges of ACCA? It's expensive. It's it's sometimes it's
It's expensive. It's it's sometimes it's difficult.
difficult. Yeah,
Yeah, there are some other qualifications
there are some other qualifications like SEMA or CA competing stuff
like SEMA or CA competing stuff low pass rate interesting
low pass rate interesting done.
done. So you understand when we are when we
So you understand when we are when we evaluate something we discuss both
evaluate something we discuss both positive
positive and negative.
and negative. Clear? Now
Clear? Now supposing there is a question in your
supposing there is a question in your exam
exam on evaluate demonstrate evaluation skill
on evaluate demonstrate evaluation skill [snorts] and you are supposed to write
[snorts] and you are supposed to write 10 points.
10 points. You are supposed to write 10 points. How
You are supposed to write 10 points. How many positives and how many negatives
many positives and how many negatives will you give?
So if you're supposed to write 10 points then how many positive points and how
then how many positive points and how many negative points.
So my paid students are already aware of this.
this. So there is no hard and fast rule. It's
So there is no hard and fast rule. It's not five and five. That's very kidish,
not five and five. That's very kidish, right? That's not how things work in a
right? That's not how things work in a real environment.
It all depends on the availability of information in the exhibit, right? It
information in the exhibit, right? It all depends on the availability of
all depends on the availability of information in the scenario.
information in the scenario. If the scenario has more positives and
If the scenario has more positives and less negatives,
less negatives, that's fine because I have to link my
that's fine because I have to link my answer with the scenarios, right?
answer with the scenarios, right? And if the scenario has more negative
And if the scenario has more negative points and less positive points, that's
points and less positive points, that's also fine. So there is no hard and fast
also fine. So there is no hard and fast rule
rule on
on the mix or balancing of pros and cons.
the mix or balancing of pros and cons. Is that clear guys? It all depends on
Is that clear guys? It all depends on the scenario because all our points has
the scenario because all our points has to be linked with the scenario. We will
to be linked with the scenario. We will follow the scenario, right?
follow the scenario, right? Okay,
No comml. No, no, no, no, no. Separate. One more
No, no, no, no, no. Separate. One more thing.
thing. Sometimes the examiner says critically
Sometimes the examiner says critically evaluate.
evaluate. So the word critically is there.
So the word critically is there. It says critically evaluate. Critically
It says critically evaluate. Critically means critically comes from the word
means critically comes from the word criticize.
criticize. And criticize means finding faults,
And criticize means finding faults, finding weaknesses, finding mistakes.
finding weaknesses, finding mistakes. So when the question says critically
So when the question says critically evaluate then you have to focus more on
evaluate then you have to focus more on negative points.
negative points. Focus more on negative points when the
Focus more on negative points when the question says critically evaluate.
question says critically evaluate. You have to give more negative points
You have to give more negative points and limited or less positive points. Is
and limited or less positive points. Is that clear?
that clear? Negative points should be more than
Negative points should be more than positive points. 6 4 or 73 or 82 doesn't
positive points. 6 4 or 73 or 82 doesn't matter.
matter. Done. We are done with evaluation skill.
Done. We are done with evaluation skill. Very simple. Let me recap. Evaluation
Very simple. Let me recap. Evaluation skill simply means that you include both
skill simply means that you include both positive points and negative points in
positive points and negative points in your answer. There is no hard and fast
your answer. There is no hard and fast rule of 50/50. It all depends on the
rule of 50/50. It all depends on the availability of information. And if the
availability of information. And if the question says critically evaluate then
question says critically evaluate then you have to focus more on the negative
you have to focus more on the negative points. The negative points should be
points. The negative points should be more than the positive points.
more than the positive points. Aliasar is asking should we do in a
Aliasar is asking should we do in a tabular format? No. Why tabular format?
tabular format? No. Why tabular format? Not at all. paragraph style.
Not at all. paragraph style. You can give headings like benefits and
You can give headings like benefits and challenges or opportunities and risks
challenges or opportunities and risks and then no tabular. Tabular we will
and then no tabular. Tabular we will only use for weakness and
only use for weakness and recommendation.
Any questions on evaluation skill? Ask now.
Yes, Sumaya. You have to cover both
Mahmood. Your negative points should be more than positive points. Your negative
more than positive points. Your negative points should be in majority. There is
points should be in majority. There is no hard and fast count. Again it all
no hard and fast count. Again it all depends on the scenario but negative
depends on the scenario but negative point should be more.
All right. The second skill is called analysis
The second skill is called analysis skill. Again very simple. Don't have to
skill. Again very simple. Don't have to do anything extra.
do anything extra. Analysis skills simply means you
Analysis skills simply means you identify the root cause
identify the root cause or the issue. You identify the issue or
or the issue. You identify the issue or the reasons or the root cause. That's
the reasons or the root cause. That's it.
I repeat analysis skills simply means that you discuss
that you discuss the issue
the issue or the reasons
or the reasons or the root cause why this is happening.
or the root cause why this is happening. Why?
Why? Why this happened? What is the reason
Why this happened? What is the reason that why
that why is analysis skills?
is analysis skills? Let us discuss couple of examples.
Let us discuss couple of examples. Why do students fail SPL? Give me three
Why do students fail SPL? Give me three reasons.
Here you go. Perfect. This is analysis. You are identifying the reasons
You are identifying the reasons or the issues or the root cause why
or the issues or the root cause why students fail SBM. This is analysis
students fail SBM. This is analysis skills.
another scenario supposing the revenue the sales
supposing the revenue the sales or the turnover of the company
or the turnover of the company declined by 30% this year.
declined by 30% this year. Okay. the turnover or the sales revenue
Okay. the turnover or the sales revenue of the company declined by 30%.
What do you think the board will ask you as a CFO
as a CFO when you will present to the board that
when you will present to the board that our revenue for this year is lower
our revenue for this year is lower than last year by 30%.
than last year by 30%. >> What question the board will ask you?
>> What question the board will ask you? The board will ask you what?
The board will ask you what? Why?
Why? How come our revenue has fallen? What's
How come our revenue has fallen? What's the bloody reason?
the bloody reason? Can you think of three possible reasons
Can you think of three possible reasons why the revenue can go down?
It can be internal, it can be external. I can think of 20 reasons but just tell
I can think of 20 reasons but just tell me [snorts] three possible reasons.
me [snorts] three possible reasons. What
What can be the reason sales can fall? It can
can be the reason sales can fall? It can be poor quality. It can be poor
be poor quality. It can be poor marketing.
marketing. It can be poor customer service. It can
It can be poor customer service. It can be bad economy, recession, competition,
be bad economy, recession, competition, lack of demand, substitute product, in
lack of demand, substitute product, in political situation, off season,
political situation, off season, outdated product, loss of reputation,
outdated product, loss of reputation, thousand1 reasons.
This is analysis skills.
I repeat, I summarize. Analysis skill simply means identifying the reason
simply means identifying the reason or the root cause
or the root cause of something.
Does it always has to be negative or it can be positive as well?
It can be both. For example, let me give a positive example.
a positive example. Customer satisfaction
Customer satisfaction percentage drastically increased this
