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Introduction When it comes to academic writing, referencing is crucial. It’s not just about giving credit where it’s due, but also about enhancing the credibility of your work. Among the various referencing styles, Harvard referencing for word essays is one of the most widely used, especially in the UK. But why is it so popular, and how can you master it? Let’s dive in! Understanding Harvard Referencing Harvard referencing is a system of citation that allows you to acknowledge the sources you’ve used in your academic writing. It’s an author-date system, which means you include the author’s surname and the year of publication within the text, and provide full details in a reference list at the end. Despite its name, Harvard references didn’t originate from Harvard University. The style was first used by a zoologist named Edward Laurens Mark in a paper published in 1881. Over time, it has evolved and become one of the most recognized citation styles worldwide. Harvard referencing consists of two main components: in-text citations and a reference list. In-text citations are brief and are placed within the body of your text, while the reference list provides full details of all the sources you’ve cited. The Basics of Harvard Referencing In-text citations in Harvard referencing include the author’s surname and the year of publication. If you’re quoting directly, you should also include the page number. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 23). The reference list is where you provide full details of each source cited in your work. Each entry should include the author’s name, year of publication, title of the work, and other relevant information, depending on the type of source. A reference list includes only the sources you’ve directly cited in your text, while a bibliography may include all sources you’ve consulted, whether or not you’ve cited them. How to Cite Different Types of Sources When citing a book, you should include the author’s name, year of publication, title (in italics), edition (if applicable), place of publication, and publisher. For example: Smith, J. (2020). The Art of Referencing (2nd ed.). London: Academic Press. Journal articles should include the author’s name, year of publication, title of the article, title of the journal (in italics), volume number, issue number, and page numbers. For example: Brown, A. (2019). ‘Understanding Harvard Referencing’, Journal of Academic Writing, 12(3), pp. 45-67. For websites, include the author (or organization), year of publication (or last update), title of the webpage (in italics), and the URL. For example: University of Oxford. (2021). Harvard Referencing Guide. Available at: https://www.ox.ac.uk/harvard (Accessed: 10 September 2024). When citing a newspaper article, include the author’s name, year of publication, title of the article, title of the newspaper (in italics), date, and page number. For example: Doe, J. (2022). ‘The Future of Academic Writing’, The Times, 5 May, p. 12. For government documents, include the name of the government department, year of publication, title of the document (in italics), place of publication, and publisher. For example: UK Department for Education. (2020). Education Policy Report. London: HMSO. Cite conference papers by including the author’s name, year of publication, title of the paper, title of the conference (in italics), location, and date of the conference. For example: Jones, M. (2023). ‘Innovations in Academic Writing’, International Writing Conference, Manchester, 10-12 April. Harvard Referencing for Electronic Sources When citing e-books, the format is similar to print books, but you should include the format (e.g., Kindle) or the platform where it’s available. For example: Adams, R. (2018). Digital Referencing (Kindle ed.). Available at: Amazon.co.uk. For online journals, follow the same format as print journals, but include the DOI or the URL where the article can be accessed. For example: Taylor, S. (2021). ‘Harvard Referencing in the Digital Age’, Journal of Modern Research, 15(4), pp. 33-50. DOI: 10.1234/jmr.2021.0987. The format for websites remains the same as mentioned earlier, with the inclusion of the URL and the access date. For social media, include the author (or username), year, content of the post (in italics), platform, and the date of the post. For example: @AcademicWriterUK. (2023). The key to successful referencing is consistency. Twitter, 15 March. Advanced Harvard Referencing Techniques When you can’t access the original source and need to cite a secondary source, mention both the original and secondary source. For example: (Smith, 1989, cited in Brown, 2019). For works with multiple authors, list up to three authors in the in-text citation. For more than three, use “et al.” after the first author’s name. For example: (Jones, Smith, and Brown, 2020) or (Jones et al., 2020). If you’re citing different editions of a book, mention the edition in your reference. For example: Brown, A. (2018). Theories of Learning (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. If some information is missing, like the author or date, use “Anon.” for anonymous authors and “n.d.” for no date. Common Harvard Referencing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Incorrect formatting can easily occur if you’re not careful. Make sure to follow the correct structure for each type of source, as this can significantly impact your grade. Leaving out essential details like the author’s name or the year of publication is a common mistake. Always double-check your references before submitting your work. Punctuation is crucial in Harvard referencing. Misplacing a comma or period can change the meaning of your citation. Pay attention to the details! Tools and Resources for Harvard Referencing Online citation generators can save you time, but be cautious—always double-check the generated citations for accuracy. Tools like EndNote or Zotero can help you manage your references and ensure consistency throughout your work. Many universities provide specific guidelines for Harvard referencing. Always refer to your institution’s guidelines to ensure you’re following the correct format. The Importance of Consistency in Harvard Referencing Consistency is key in Harvard referencing. Uniformity in your citations not only makes your work look professional but also enhances readability. Inconsistent referencing can confuse readers and may lead to a lower grade. Make sure your citations follow a consistent style throughout your work. Tips for Mastering Harvard Referencing Always double-check your references before submission. Small errors can add up and impact your overall grade. Keep a record of all the sources you consult. This will make it easier to create your reference list and avoid missing any citations. Using a Harvard style guide can help ensure that you’re following the correct format. It’s a handy tool for quick reference. Conclusion Mastering Harvard referencing may seem daunting at first, but with practice and attention to detail, it becomes second nature. Remember, proper referencing not only supports your arguments but also adds credibility to your work. So, take your time, be consistent, and use the resources available to you.

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for This class is ideal for merchants, marketers, and content managers who want to learn more about using B2C Commerce Cloud Business Manager to manage end-to-end business operations for a Commerce Cloud storefront. This course is also useful for developers preparing for the B2C Commerce Developer certification, providing information on working with a B2C site and data management using Business Manager. Overview Organize a storefront using catalogs, categories, products, pricing, and search refinements. Improve results in search engines using SEO best practices. Improve on-site search using the search index, Einstein Search dictionaries, and sorting rules. Entice and target online shoppers using customer groups, qualifiers, campaigns, and promotions. Create shopper experiences using content slots, Page Designer, and Einstein Recommendations. Leverage analytics and reports to determine success. Create A/B tests to make decisions on storefront experiences. Discover how to present products in a compelling way on a B2C Commerce Cloud storefront so you can turn customers into repeat customers. In this 5-day extended* class, you?ll learn how to improve conversion rates and increase the average order size of shoppers. Our B2C Commerce Cloud experts will walk you through how to organize an existing site, use best practices in search and online marketing, enhance the shopper experience, and leverage analytics to understand what products are selling best and why. NOTE: This course does not include site creation, programming, or site design. This class is taught using the SFRA reference architecture site and not the client?s specific site. Client specific site is used during the Launch Readiness Bootcamp conducted by Services. Getting Started Introductions Housekeeping B2C Commerce Overview Shop Organization Explain How Catalogs Work Create Categories Manage Products Manage Pricing & Inventory Configure Search Refinements Search & Sort Manage Search Engine Optimization Implement Searchandizing Strategies Online Marketing Use Qualifiers (coupon codes, source codes, customer groups) Create Promotions Create and Manage Campaigns Refine Campaigns Shopper Experience Identify Content Management Basics Create and Manage Content Slots Create a Page Using Page Designer Identify Einstein Recommender Types and Related Strategies Analysis and Optimization View Production Reports Create an A/B Test

This very practical workshop is designed to enable participants to improve the impact, clarity and accuracy of their business documents - both internal and external.: This workshop will help participants: Identify the purpose of writing their documents - to themselves and to their readers Recognise and meet the needs of their readers Plan documents systematically and improve the layout, flow and structure Express the content more clearly, concisely and correctly Adapt the tone and style of writing to the circumstances Proof-read and edit work effectively, using formal marks and techniques Improve visual layout, format and appearance 1 Course objectives Welcome and Introductions The problems now - group discussion 2 Writing better business documents What points to highlight / exclude Starting off Introductions Conclusions Executive summaries 3 Rules and standards George Orwell's famous maxim Why write? - clarifying your aims and objectives A seven-step method for better preparation The three-stage process for writing well Grouping information for your reader 4 Proof-reading and editing The difference between proof-reading and editing Proof-reading methods and strategies Proof-reading marks and techniques Training your eye for detail Knowing what to look for 5 Effective editing Grammar and English standards Words - usage and spelling Sentences - units of thought Paragraphs - themes Punctuation - spotting and correcting common errors Say what you mean - active v passive language 6 How's your English? Grammar quizzes and punctuation test Spotting spelling errors Rephrasing jargons and clichés Common error's and mistakes 7 Document layout House style Use of white space Fonts and effects 8 One-to-one workshops These are practical sessions with one-to-one consultation with colleagues and the trainer They are held at key points to consolidate the learning from different sessions 9 Course summary Summary of key points Action plans

Effective communication is a skill. This half-day workshop is very interactive - participants can practise their communication skills in a positive, supportive environment. 1 Welcome, introductions and objectives The definition of effective communication Exercise: sending a message 2 Verbal communications Effective communicators - who are they? What skills or attributes do they have? Listening skills, clear use of words, presence, eye contact, body language 3 How good a listener are you? Exercise: listening skills questionnaire and evaluation 4 Impact versus intent - what did you really mean to say? Attitudes influence behaviour and behaviour breeds behaviour Exercise: 'I never said she stole money' The need to avoid misunderstanding or misinterpretation 5 The 5 key principles to effective communication Exercise: 'What would you say?' 6 Written communication What makes an effective written communication? Kipling's 6 Honest Men: who, what, where, when, why and how Planning to write an email 7 Fuzzy meanings Probabilities for misunderstandings and misinterpretations 8 Practical exercise Hone written communication skills and put into practice hints and tips from the session 9 Review of key learning points and objectives

Taking minutes is a much under-rated skill. It can be challenging at the best of times. So how do you do it for virtual meetings? This trainer-led session will help. It's a very practical programme which explores the issues specific to minuting on-line meetings and gives solutions to some of the trickier problems. Full of useful tips, the session will enable participants to: Identify how to adapt their current minute-taking skills to on-line meetings Plan and prepare for a meeting Follow a line of discussion Work in partnership with a remote Chair Deal confidently with minute-taking challenges. 1 Welcome Programme objectives Personal introductions 2 Adapting minute-taking to virtual meetings How is it different? What changes in approach are needed? 3 Preparation Preparing for the meeting Technology and equipment Dress and personal presentation Liaising with the Chair Practical preparation tips 4 Minuting tips Managing the 'techie' elements, eg. poor sound/visual quality Knowing who is speaking Following a line of discussion What if I don't hear or understand? Tips for producing a set of minutes 5 Session review Summary, key learning points, feedback and close

This workshop-based bite-size will provide space to explore some practical tools and ideas on how to be more resilient when faced with challenging and tough situations. There is an opportunity to do a self assessment and bring it to the day as a means to identify areas to work on and begin to master skills that will enhance resilient thinking. There will be time to explore what resilience is and understand the range of practical tools and techniques available that can be used beyond the workshop itself. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: Discuss and evaluate their personal strengths and areas for development in being more resilient at work Understand what resilience involves and how to identify and challenge their own beliefs that undermine resilience Understand the four aspects of resilience - confidence, adaptability, building support and maintaining a clear perspective Understand how to use resiliency tools to help to cope better with the challenge of change Review and evaluate their learning and have an action plan to take back and implement in the workplace 1 Welcome, introductions and objectives Breaking the ice 2 Identifying current challenges in relation to work How we handle these challenges 3 Defining resilience and how and why it helps our personal effectiveness and thinking 4 Resilience skills and how to develop them 5 Learning a resilience tool that promotes new ways of thinking / working 6 Review and evaluation of learning Action planning

This workshop is very practical in its nature and aims to give delegates an opportunity to not only learn about the key aspects of successful bid writing, but to also put them into practice. The workshop helps delegates understand what is most important to buyers and how to successfully convey they proposition to them. 1 Welcome and introductions 2 The mindset of successful bid writing The mindset needed for successful bid writing Thinking from the buyer's perspective and not your own 3 Decision making The way buyers make decisions - rational and emotional Understanding buying motives Looking at how to present ideas against those motives The idea of cognitive fluency How to pitch an idea in a way that leads to a positive decision 4 To bid or not to bid? Writing a bid is a big commitment; a clear understanding of the chances of winning is required Understanding of the implications of winning and the impact it will have on the organisation 5 Understanding your value proposition Framework to help identify unique proposition and how that fits in with the requirements of the bid 6 The tender process Understanding the process to enable a successful chance of winning the bid Different types of tender processes Evaluation of criteria and the impact on bid writing 7 Writing skills Different ways of writing and structuring bids to ensure their messages gets across well in a way that will be looked on favourably by the buyer 8 Summarise 9 Close

We all tend to have challenges throughout our lives that cause varying levels of pressure. It is healthy and essential that people experience such challenges because up to a certain point an increase in pressure improves performance and quality of life. Too much pressure can be harmful and affect our health and wellbeing. This participative half-day workshop will explore the causes and impact of stress and provide an opportunity to learn some new ideas and techniques to cope with it. Practical tasks and exercises will be used to promote discussion and participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and approaches. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: Understand the causes and symptoms of stress and how to spot them Become more aware of personal habitual behaviours and approaches that get in the way of dealing with stress productively Learn ideas and approaches that help you to cope with the thoughts, emotions and physical feelings that happen in stressful and difficult situations Review and evaluate learning and have an action plan to take back and put into practice at work 1 Welcome, introductions and objectives Breaking the ice 2 Stress Its sources and effects on you Defining stress, its signs and symptoms 3 Exploring your 'default' habits Their consequences in stressful situations 4 Dealing with perception Strategies and approaches for coping with stress 5 Setting goals with positive outcomes Review and evaluation of learning Action planning

If you want to be better at making to-do lists or managing time better this is NOT for you! The time challenges we all face at work need to be addressed with a different approach. This 'bite-size' session takes a fresh approach to how we deal with time personally and challenges the belief that we don't always have enough time. The workshop will be participative, interactive, and will cover the personal relationship we have with time and how this impacts on dealing with challenges and ever-changing priorities on a daily basis at work. The workshop will give you some practical tools and ideas on dealing with your thieves of time from a different perspective, including interruptions and emails. To enable participants to organise and use their time effectively, using strategies to help with both 'thinking' and 'doing' that are fit for purpose. This workshop will enable you to: Recognise the barriers to effective time management and set goals to overcome them and get things done Understand how their mindset affects how they use time and use better ways to deal with the inbuilt patterns of behaviour this produces when at work Plan for tasks and projects in a productive way Use some new tools and techniques to tackle time thieves, including email and interruptions Review and evaluate their learning and have an action plan to take back to work 1 Welcome, introductions and objectives Exploring your relationship with time and how you focus your mind on daily work pressures in relation to time Past, present and future - where do you focus your energy at work? Time thieves - exploring the results of the pre-workshop questionnaire and learning strategies to deal with the roots of your time thieves 2 Personal strategies and tools: having a new mindset Emails, interruptions and curve balls Review and evaluation of learning Action-planning

Meetings are a traditional and essential component of local government. For both elected members and officers, meetings serve as a forum for discussion and agreement, planning and monitoring, communication and leadership, and decision-making. Used appropriately, meetings can challenge, inspire, illuminate and inform. And while they are not the only meetings that elected members will be asked to attend, committee meetings, in particular, are a mainstay of the political management process. Effective chairing is important because it can provide clear leadership and direction, ensure that debates are focused and balanced, enable decisions to be reached and ensure that resources are used to best effect. This two-hour 'masterclass'-style workshop will help elected members to understand their role, offer some approaches and ideas that will help to tackle typical challenges, and help to generally improve their effectiveness as a chair. To understand the skills and qualities of a good chair To learn ideas and approaches for chairing a successful meeting that is on time and achieves its outcomes To understand the protocols and boundaries for appropriate meeting etiquette and the chair's role in managing this effectively To appreciate how to manage yourself and others appropriately To take away personal actions to apply to your role 1 Welcome and introductions Objectives What's the challenge for you? 2 We can't go on meeting like this Common meeting challenges for chairs and why they succeed or fail Consequences and impact for the Council What's the context? 3 Roles and responsibilities of an effective chair Activities and input that explore the role, skills and qualities needed Role of the chair: what is it and how to do it well 4 Chairing for success - ideas and approaches to meet the challenges Managing time and boundaries Preparation and planning Creating the right environment Self-management Challenging personalities and good meeting behaviour 5 Final plenary session What's your plan? Take away actions