The Office – JSS1 Business Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

An office is a place where clerical work is done. It is usually at the centre of every organisation and serves as its life wire. There are two types of office, the big (large) office and the small office. An office receives information, records it and distributes it to the sections that need it.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define an office;
• name the two types of office and describe each;
• list the functions of an office;
• state three means by which an office receives information.

What are the types of office?

There are two types of office:

1. Big or large office
2. Small office

Big or large office

This is a large building partitioned into small offices.

Small office

This could be just a single room with a table, a telephone and, in some cases, a fax machine and a computer.

What are the functions of an office?

The functions of an office may differ from one office to another, but most offices perform the following functions:

1. Receiving information: An office receives information from within and outside the organisation through:
   • correspondence, e.g. letters, faxes and e-mail;
   • telephone calls;
   • personal contacts.
2. Recording information: A piece of information received by an office through the means mentioned above is recorded and filed away for use when the need arises.
3. Arranging information: Information recorded is distributed to the various sections and departments that need it.

Evaluation

Class evaluation

1. List and explain the types of office you know.
2. Write a short note on the office.
3. Define an office.
4. Explain in one paragraph each: (i) big office, (ii) small office.

Revision questions

1. What is an office?
2. Describe clerical work with three examples.
3. Mention the types of office that you know.
4. State three means of receiving information in an office.
5. Give an example of each type of office that you know.

Assignment

Reading assignment

Business Studies for JSS 2, Revised Edition, by O.A. Lawale.

Weekend assignment

1. A place where clerical work is done is called a/an
   a. office b. department c. firm d. organisation
2. A single room with a table, telephone, fax machine and computer is called a
   a. big office b. small office c. large office d. complex office
3. A building that is partitioned into small offices is called a
   a. small office b. large office c. partitioned office d. building
4. The means through which information is received in an office are the following except
   a. letter b. fax c. e-mail d. running
5. All the following except one are functions of an office:
   a. receiving information b. arranging information c. recording information d. scattering information

Theory questions

1. Mention three functions of an office.
2. Explain two of the functions above.