ENG1504
October November PORTFOLIO Semester 2 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: 20 October 2025
QUESTION 1: WRITING SKILLS INWORKPLACE CORRESPONDENCEEMAIL
To:
From:
Subject: Concern Regarding Poor Vehicle Repairs and Service
Dear Workshop Manager,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing on behalf of Boys-be-Boys Courier Services regarding the service
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1: WRITING SKILLS INWORKPLACE CORRESPONDENCEEMAIL
To:
From:
Subject: Concern Regarding Poor Vehicle Repairs and Service
Dear Workshop Manager,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing on behalf of Boys-be-Boys Courier Services regarding the service and repairs
carried out on our company panel van at your workshop on 22 September 2025.
Unfortunately, we have experienced serious issues with the vehicle following the service,
which has raised concern over the quality of the work performed.
The main problems relate to the rear brake lights, which were meant to be inspected and
repaired, and to the spark plugs, which were supposed to be replaced. Upon inspection
the following day, we discovered that the rear brake lights were still not functioning, and
the plugs had not been replaced. These faults affected our ability to make timely deliveries
and posed a safety risk on the road.
We are especially disappointed because the mechanic, Mr Thakhani, had assured us that
he would inspect the vehicle thoroughly and report back to us. Unfortunately, this did not
happen. Given that our company paid R8 320.00 for this service, the results have been
deeply unsatisfactory.
We request that you kindly look into this matter and advise us on how it will be resolved.
We would appreciate a response as soon as possible, as our delivery schedule has
already been negatively affected.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will assist us in finding a fair
and speedy solution.
Kind regards,
Mr Sign
Manager
Boys-be-Boys Courier Services
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 2
DELAYED REFURBISHMENT OF THE BIG-THREE SAFARI LODGE: INVESTIGATIVE
REPORT
1. TERMS OF REFERENCE
On 01 September 2025, I, the Manager at The Big-Three Safari Lodge, was asked by Ms
Sangweni, the Chief Executive Officer, to investigate why the refurbishment project at the
lodge has not been completed on time. The investigation covers the reasons behind the
delay in the areas of reception, restaurant, swimming pools, and guest rooms. The final
report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations is to be submitted to the CEO by
30 September 2025.
2. PROCEDURES
2.1 Interview with Project Manager
The purpose was to get insight into the project progress and challenges faced during
implementation.
2.2 Review of Project Timeline and Progress Reports
The goal was to compare actual performance against scheduled work to identify where
and when delays started.
2.3 Interviews with Contractors and Maintenance Staff
This helped uncover labour issues, resource problems, and site challenges during the
refurbishment.
2.4 Site Visit and Physical Inspection
The purpose was to assess the current state of work done on the premises and verify how
much of the work has been completed.
3. FINDINGS
3.1 Interview with Project Manager
The Project Manager admitted that the initial timeline was too ambitious. There were also
delays in the delivery of materials from suppliers, some of whom are based outside South
Africa. This affected progress across all major areas.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
3.2 Review of Project Timeline and Progress Reports
According to the documents, work was supposed to begin in April 2025. Although it started
on time, progress slowed from June due to poor weather and cash flow problems. Only
40% of the work had been done by September.
3.3 Interviews with Contractors and Maintenance Staff
Contractors explained that they were short-staffed and also experienced delays in
payments. Workers were demotivated, and some left before the contract was finished.
Maintenance staff also pointed out that unexpected repair work on old infrastructure had
taken more time than expected.
3.4 Site Visit and Physical Inspection
During the site visit, several key areas were still incomplete. The guest rooms had broken
fittings, the pool area was unsafe, and the restaurant ceiling was leaking. It was clear that
work had stopped on certain parts for weeks.
4. CONCLUSIONS
4.1 The delays were caused by a mix of poor planning, supplier delays, and
underestimation of the work needed.
4.2 Labour shortages and payment delays made the problem worse and slowed down the
contractor’s ability to meet deadlines.
4.3 The project lacked proper supervision and risk planning, leading to unmanaged delays
and lack of coordination on the ground.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 It is recommended that the project team review the work plan and develop a realistic
completion schedule, with clear weekly targets.
5.2 Contractors should be paid on time and properly supervised to avoid further work
stoppages. Backup staff should also be identified in case of resignations.
5.3 A progress-monitoring committee should be formed to ensure early detection of any
further delays, and regular reporting should be introduced.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
October November PORTFOLIO Semester 2 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: 20 October 2025
QUESTION 1: WRITING SKILLS INWORKPLACE CORRESPONDENCEEMAIL
To:
From:
Subject: Concern Regarding Poor Vehicle Repairs and Service
Dear Workshop Manager,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing on behalf of Boys-be-Boys Courier Services regarding the service
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1: WRITING SKILLS INWORKPLACE CORRESPONDENCEEMAIL
To:
From:
Subject: Concern Regarding Poor Vehicle Repairs and Service
Dear Workshop Manager,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing on behalf of Boys-be-Boys Courier Services regarding the service and repairs
carried out on our company panel van at your workshop on 22 September 2025.
Unfortunately, we have experienced serious issues with the vehicle following the service,
which has raised concern over the quality of the work performed.
The main problems relate to the rear brake lights, which were meant to be inspected and
repaired, and to the spark plugs, which were supposed to be replaced. Upon inspection
the following day, we discovered that the rear brake lights were still not functioning, and
the plugs had not been replaced. These faults affected our ability to make timely deliveries
and posed a safety risk on the road.
We are especially disappointed because the mechanic, Mr Thakhani, had assured us that
he would inspect the vehicle thoroughly and report back to us. Unfortunately, this did not
happen. Given that our company paid R8 320.00 for this service, the results have been
deeply unsatisfactory.
We request that you kindly look into this matter and advise us on how it will be resolved.
We would appreciate a response as soon as possible, as our delivery schedule has
already been negatively affected.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will assist us in finding a fair
and speedy solution.
Kind regards,
Mr Sign
Manager
Boys-be-Boys Courier Services
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 2
DELAYED REFURBISHMENT OF THE BIG-THREE SAFARI LODGE: INVESTIGATIVE
REPORT
1. TERMS OF REFERENCE
On 01 September 2025, I, the Manager at The Big-Three Safari Lodge, was asked by Ms
Sangweni, the Chief Executive Officer, to investigate why the refurbishment project at the
lodge has not been completed on time. The investigation covers the reasons behind the
delay in the areas of reception, restaurant, swimming pools, and guest rooms. The final
report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations is to be submitted to the CEO by
30 September 2025.
2. PROCEDURES
2.1 Interview with Project Manager
The purpose was to get insight into the project progress and challenges faced during
implementation.
2.2 Review of Project Timeline and Progress Reports
The goal was to compare actual performance against scheduled work to identify where
and when delays started.
2.3 Interviews with Contractors and Maintenance Staff
This helped uncover labour issues, resource problems, and site challenges during the
refurbishment.
2.4 Site Visit and Physical Inspection
The purpose was to assess the current state of work done on the premises and verify how
much of the work has been completed.
3. FINDINGS
3.1 Interview with Project Manager
The Project Manager admitted that the initial timeline was too ambitious. There were also
delays in the delivery of materials from suppliers, some of whom are based outside South
Africa. This affected progress across all major areas.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
3.2 Review of Project Timeline and Progress Reports
According to the documents, work was supposed to begin in April 2025. Although it started
on time, progress slowed from June due to poor weather and cash flow problems. Only
40% of the work had been done by September.
3.3 Interviews with Contractors and Maintenance Staff
Contractors explained that they were short-staffed and also experienced delays in
payments. Workers were demotivated, and some left before the contract was finished.
Maintenance staff also pointed out that unexpected repair work on old infrastructure had
taken more time than expected.
3.4 Site Visit and Physical Inspection
During the site visit, several key areas were still incomplete. The guest rooms had broken
fittings, the pool area was unsafe, and the restaurant ceiling was leaking. It was clear that
work had stopped on certain parts for weeks.
4. CONCLUSIONS
4.1 The delays were caused by a mix of poor planning, supplier delays, and
underestimation of the work needed.
4.2 Labour shortages and payment delays made the problem worse and slowed down the
contractor’s ability to meet deadlines.
4.3 The project lacked proper supervision and risk planning, leading to unmanaged delays
and lack of coordination on the ground.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 It is recommended that the project team review the work plan and develop a realistic
completion schedule, with clear weekly targets.
5.2 Contractors should be paid on time and properly supervised to avoid further work
stoppages. Backup staff should also be identified in case of resignations.
5.3 A progress-monitoring committee should be formed to ensure early detection of any
further delays, and regular reporting should be introduced.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
