Device Recommendation Memo
Your first workplace task. Find computers around you, then recommend the right device for four staff roles and explain your choices in a one-page memo.
Dalswin Hardware & Supplies
Simulated office task · Recommend a computer for each member of a small team
1Computer hunt 8 marks
Look around your home, school, workplace or neighbourhood. Find ten computers. Remember that computers are not always desktops: include at least one phone, tablet or embedded computer.
For each device, record:
- where you found it;
- what type of computer it is;
- the job it does (one sentence).
Present your findings as a table. A sample row is shown below.
| Where | Device | Type | Job it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supermarket counter | Till | Embedded / desktop till | Records sales and prints receipts |
2Recommend a device for each role 12 marks
For each role below, choose one device type from this lesson (desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone, workstation, server or embedded). Give two clear reasons linked to the work, and suggest one accessory that would help.
| Staff member | What their work involves | Your recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Receptionist | Answers calls, types letters, books appointments and sits at one desk all day. | Device: Two reasons: Accessory: |
| Field sales officer | Visits customers, shows catalogues, sends email and updates orders while travelling. | Device: Two reasons: Accessory: |
| Accountant | Works with large spreadsheets, invoices and reconciliations, and prefers two screens. | Device: Two reasons: Accessory: |
| Managing director | Travels to meetings, presents, reads email and needs something light to carry. | Device: Two reasons: Accessory: |
Accessory examples: printer, external monitor, scanner, external hard drive, laptop bag, surge protector, headset.
3Write a one-page memo 6 marks
Type a one-page memo to the manager recommending the devices. Use a computer if possible; a neat handwritten memo is acceptable if you have no access. Your memo must include:
- a heading with To, From, Date and Subject;
- a short opening sentence explaining the purpose;
- one short paragraph per role with your recommendation and reasons;
- a closing sentence offering to discuss the options;
- your name at the end.
To: The Manager, Dalswin Hardware & Supplies
From: [Your name], Office Assistant
Date: [Today’s date]
Subject: Recommended computer devices for four staff members
Start your memo here…
Save the file as W1D1_Device_Memo_YourName. Keep a copy in your Work Documents folder — you will reuse this folder in the Week 1 assessment.
4Presentation and submission 4 marks
- Check spelling, spacing and that the memo fits on one page.
- Make sure your name and the date are correct.
- Submit through the student portal or hand the printed copy to your instructor on time.
Marking rubric
Total 30 marks| Criterion | Marks | Excellent | Good | Needs improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer hunt | 8 | 10 devices listed with type and clear purpose; good variety. | 8–9 devices, or some details unclear. | Fewer than 8 devices or types misidentified. |
| Device recommendations | 12 | All four roles matched to suitable devices with two strong reasons and a sensible accessory. | Mostly suitable choices; some reasons thin or missing. | Unsuitable devices or reasons missing for several roles. |
| Memo | 6 | Professional layout, clear purpose, correct grammar, fits one page. | Structure present but several language or layout errors. | Incomplete, poorly organised or missing key memo sections. |
| Submission | 4 | On time, correctly named, complete and neatly presented. | Minor naming or presentation issues. | Late, incomplete or missing a name. |
Submission checklist
Print this page to hand in a paper copy, or submit the memo digitally. Tick the checklist to track your own submission.