Research Report

1.2 Research Report

1.2.1 Organisation Type One: A Voluntary Organisation

1.2.1.1 Definition of a Voluntary Organisation

An organisation is a group of people which come together for a common
purpose and have some agreed rules for how they operate together. A
voluntary organisation may be run by volunteers, have charitable status or
operate as ‘not for profit’.

The first organisation I have decided to research on is both a Public

Service and in the Voluntary sector. I have decided to research on the Air
Training Corps.
The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a UK cadet force. It is controlled
and funded by the Royal Air Force, although the young people who make
up its membership are civilians. It is not a pre-service organisation;
however a significant minority of its members do go on to join the RAF
or other services.
The aims of the Air Training Corps are:
• To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest
in aviation and the Royal Air Force (RAF)
• To provide training which will be useful in the Service and civilian
life
• To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership
and good citizenship.

The ATC motto is: ‘Venture Adventure’

1.2.1.2 History of the ATC

The Air Training Corps (ATC) was formed by Royal Warrant in 1941 and
sprang from the Air Defence Cadet Corps, founded in 1938 by the Air
League.

Although initially formed to meet the needs of a nation at war, the Corps
continues to thrive as it enters the 21st Century.

There are now independent Air Cadet Organizations in many other

countries throughout the World.

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

Today it continues to thrive and helps a new generation of young people,

aged 13 to 22, to find a positive purpose in life.

1.2.1.3 Structure of the ATC

• Commandant Air Cadets
• Chief of Staff Air Cadets
• Wing Commander
• Squadron Leader
• Flight Lieutenant
• Flight Sergeant
• Sergeant
• Corporal
• Civilian Administrative Staff

Some of the above posts are filed by MOD officials of equivalent status.
Most posts are assigned to RAF and RAFVR(T) Officers

• Civilian Structure
• Air Cadet Council
• Chaplains Committee

1.2.1.4 Regional Headquarters

• Group Captain

A retired RAF Air Commodore or Group Captain (Gp Capt) takes the role
of Regional Commandant for each Region. They are supported by an
Administrative Officer (RAFRO Sqn Ldr) and civilian clerical staff.

• Squadron Leader- Regional Administrative Officer

• Regional Staff Officers
• Civilian Administrative Staff

1.2.1.5 Civilian Structure

• Regional Council
Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006
Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

• Chaplains Committee

1.2.1.6 Wing Headquarters

• Wing Commander (Wg Cdr)

An RAFVR(T) Officer takes the role of Wing Commanding Officer

• Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr RAFR) Wing Administrative Officer-

WgAdO)
• Wing Staff Officers
• Civilian Administrative Staff
• Civilian Structure
• Wing Civilian Committee
• Chaplains Committee

1.2.1.7 Squadrons
• Squadron Leader
• Flight Lieutenant

The Officer Commanding (OC) of a squadron is usually a Flight

Lieutenant or, if the squadron is very large, a Squadron Leader.

• Flying Officer (Fg Off)

• Pilot Officer (Plt Off)

1.2.1.8 ATC Positions

• Adult Warrant Officer (AWO)
• Civilian Instructor (CI)

1.2.1.9 Cadet Positions

• Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO)
• Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt)
• Sergeant (Sgt)
• Corporal (Cpl)
• Cadet (Cdt)
• Probationers

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
 Research Report

Squadron
Leader

Flight Flight
Lieutenant Lieutenant

Flying Flying Flying Flying

Officer Officer Officer Officer

Pilot Pilot Pilot Pilot Pilot Pilot Pilot Pilot

Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer Officer
Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006
Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

1.2.1.11 High Wycombe Squadron (332 sqn)

The squadron I am most concentrating on is 332 (High Wycombe)
Squadron because I am part of the squadron, I know quite a lot about the
squadron and I think that the squadron has the best chance to be
organised into an organisation chart. Out of all the squadrons in the Air
Training Corps, High Wycombe squadron is the closest to me as I was
born and have lived in High Wycombe my whole life. At High Wycombe
squadron there is a brilliant organisation tree.

The Staff are:

1. Squadron Leader Gilbert

2. Flight Lieutenant Prangley
3. Flying Officer Lewis
4. Warrant Officer Moran
5. Warrant Officer Dawe
6. Sergeant Cottingham
7. Corporal Coombes
8. Corporal Kasperowicz

The NCOs are:

1. Flight Sergeant Rixon

2. Flight Sergeant Clarke
3. Flight Sergeant Spicer
4. Sergeant Stevens
5. Sergeant Brace
6. Sergeant Kingsnorth
7. Sergeant Twitchen
8. Sergeant Hatchett
9. Corporal Brown
10.Corporal Brimble
11.Corporal Muchan
12.Corporal Soni
13.Corporal Kerr

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

There are approximately 40 cadets put into two flights when they join.
The flights are Viper Flight and Cougar Flight, they each have about 20
cadets in them and the NCOs and staff are put into different flights.

The Squadron do not use computers that much so I propose to

move the squadron into the 21st Century using computers. I will show
them that it is easier to maintain things on a computer than on paper; I
will show them it is faster to use a computer and their organisation skills
will improve greatly with the use of a computer.

High Wycombe Squadron has approximately five computers. These

computers are used to buy model aeroplanes and one of the computers is
used to store a database of all the cadets’ personal information.

The uses of ICT in 332 (High Wycombe) Squadron

High Wycombe Squadron uses ICT for the cadets to research on the
internet and for buying things for certain project groups e.g. model
airplanes, wire, adaptors, wood e.t.c. The staff also use the ICT system to
hold a newly acquired spreadsheet to handle all their monetary needs and
to keep on top of the finances that they need to look after. The squadron
owns seven computers but none of them are linked together, they all run
on their own but with two power sources.

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

Squadron
Leader
Gilbert

Warrant Flight Flying

Officer Leuitenant Officer
Moran Prangley Taylor

Adult Adult Adult

Sergeant Corporal Corporal
Cottingham Coombes Kasperowicz

Figure 2 Officer Tree of 332 sqn

1.2.2 Organisation Type Two: A Public Organisation

1.2.2.1 Definition of a Public Organisation
Public service organisations operate under some form of political control
and generally provide services that are "free" at the point of service
although income from government taxation is used to finance them.
There are arguments for and against public ownership.

1.2.2.2 Location of Stokenchurch Primary School

Stokenchurch Primary School is in the village of Stokenchurch, to the
west of High Wycombe.

1.2.2.3 The type of school Stokenchurch Primary School is and

when it was formed
Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006
Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

Stokenchurch Primary School is a primary and nursery school for boys

and girls. The age range of the pupils is 3-11. The school was formed in
September 2002, following the amalgamation of the former infants and
junior schools.

It has 17 classes for pupils from Reception to Year 6 and a separate

morning and afternoon Nursery class.

1.2.2.4 The types of pupils at Stokenchurch Primary School

Pupils come from a wide range of social, economic and academic
backgrounds. Just over four per cent of pupils are eligible for free school
meals, which is below the national average and reflects the advantaged
background of many of the pupils. Pupils live in the village of
Stokenchurch and many outlying areas with several coming to school by
bus. Most pupils are white British, with eight per cent from other ethnic
backgrounds. Almost three per cent of pupils are from a traveller
background. Seven children are at the early stage of learning English.
When children start school, their skills, knowledge and understanding are
wide-ranging, but broadly in line with levels expected for their age.
Seventeen per cent of pupils have been identified as having special
educational needs, which is just below average. These pupils have a range
of learning or physical difficulties. Ten pupils have a statement of special
educational need. Last year the percentage of pupils either joining or
leaving the school other than at the normal time was broadly average.

1.2.2.5 Stokenchurch Primary School’s teaching resources

Stokenchurch Primary School uses a wide variety of computers including
Intellidesks (that can be tidied away in a desk), SmartBoards (that are
used in every classroom to widen the uses of resources in the classrooms)
and desktop computers in classrooms that connect to the SmartBoards.

1.2.2.6 The schools achievements

The school gained a ‘Schools Achievement Award’ in 2002.

This information was found on www.google.com. This is part of the

ofsted report from 2005. This is the link I found the ofsted report from:
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=summary&id=11
0342

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

1.2.2.7 Why I decided to research Stokenchurch Middle School

I decided to research on Stokenchurch Primary School because I am a
former pupil of the once named Stokenchurch Middle School and my
mother works at the school now, who is an excellent source of
information. I already know quite a lot of background information about
the school which will help me in my research. Myself and both of my
sisters attended and we all enjoyed and got the most out of the school as
we could.

The uses of ICT in Stokenchurch Primary School

Stokenchurch Primary School has in excess of twenty computers around
the campus, including a fully equipped ICT Suite and computers in every
classroom. The computers in the classrooms are stand alone computers
but the computers in the ICT Suite are connected together for easy access.
The computers are mainly used for lessons and research for the older
children. The administration office also have three computers connected
together to keep on top of all their monetary needs and administration.
The two ICT teachers look after the computers and make sure everything
is running smoothly e.g. the internet connection, the running of
programmes and if their computers are not running up to standard they
have a database that hold the names of all the computer engineers that
could fix the problems. The organisation uses an ICT system to help
meet their data handling needs. If the organisation did not have
computers, children would have to research things using books that could
be a few years out of date, to keep organised without using a lot of paper
and filing cabinets, to buy things without going to a shop and to look for
something quickly and without hassle. If the organisation did not have the
ICT system, teachers would have to collect homework by hand and there
would be a set date to give homework in by, employees could not contact
each other without looking for them or contacting them with a telephone
and employees would be very stressed and would have much more
paperwork than they would usually have.

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

1.3 Specific Research for the Formal Report on

my chosen organisation

1.3.1 Organisation Overview

1.3.1.1 Introduction
The company I have decided to study is called Filmdesigns. Filmdesigns
is managed by a married couple called Melissa and Sean Comrie. Sean
also has another company called Signon Graphic Solutions Ltd. I have
also done some background research on Signon as well as Filmdesigns.
The company needs a computer system to design the vinyl signs they
produce using a design package, they can email memos to each other
reminding them to pick up a vinyl delivery or call a customer.

1.3.1.2 Background information on the sister company Signon

Graphic Solutions

Signon are registered dealers and fitters for Llumar window films
one of the worlds largest manufacturers of safety, solar and decorative
films. Signon supply and fit a wide range of safety films, ranging from
light weight anti shatter to bomb blast and anti-bandit films.
These films can be used to upgrade existing glazing to the latest British
standards level of safety. Signon also have a huge range of solar and
tinted films to provide shade and anti-glare in the office and home,
making a much more comfortable environment. These films also provide
U.V. protection and heat reflection cutting the cost of air conditioning.
They also stock a large selection of decorative films, to provide privacy
in partitioned offices or in the home. These films can also be produced
with any design or logo cut into the material. Signon specialise in the
installation of large format graphics for various exhibition and graphics
companies. They have successfully completed projects for Harrods, Ted
Baker Clothing, Paul Smith, Turner Broadcasting (Cartoon Network,
CNN etc.) House of Fraser, Shell UK, Selenia Motor Oil, Porsche and
many more. They have vast experience in the application of fitting large
format self-adhesive printed graphics to windows, hoardings and
backdrops. Because of their experience in window filming, they have all
the necessary skills and equipment to supply a first rate finish to any large
graphics installation. They offer a full range of signage services as well as
a trade graphics installation service specialising in fitting large format
printed graphics. Their experience with this type of work has also got
Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006
Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

them involved in Window Filming and they are now a registered Llumar
films supplier and installer, giving them the full backup of the film
manufacturers. They have vast experience in the design and production of
all types of signage ranging from safety signs to backlit shop front’s, all
produced and fitted by the business. They stock a huge range of safety,
solar and decorative films for all applications from bringing existing glass
up to BS requirements to logo manifestations on internal office partitions.
They can help with any filming requirement large or small. Signon
Limited are registered dealers and installers for Llumar Window Films
one of the worlds largest manufacturers of safety, solar and decorative
films. Signon supply and fit a wide range of safety films, ranging from
light weight anti shatter to bomb blast and anti-bandit films. These films
can be used to upgrade existing glazing to the latest British standards
level of safety. Signon have a huge range of solar films to provide shade
and anti-glare in the office and home, making a much more comfortable
environment. These films also provide UV protection and heat reflection
cutting the cost of air conditioning. They have a wide range of decorative
films to choose from, to provide privacy in partitioned offices. These
films can also be produced with any design or logo cut into the material.

1.3.1.3 Location of Signon Graphic Solutions and Filmdesigns

Signon are based near High Wycombe in Bucks, they generally service
the west and central London areas but their contracts have taken them all
over the country on numerous occasions and even to Europe.

1.3.1.4 Filmdesigns Overview

Filmdesigns is a subsidiary of Signon Ltd who are registered dealers and

installers for Llumar window films one of the worlds largest
manufacturers of safety, solar and decorative window films. They can
supply and fit a large range of standard designs in etch film as well as
producing designs to the customers’ specification. They recommend any
large pieces of film are installed by their experienced team of fitters,
however, if a customer decides to fit the film themselves, they will send
out comprehensive fitting instructions with the customers order. They
also stock a full range of translucent coloured vinyl’s which are ideal to
add a splash of colour to any flat glass or perspex surface. Their stock of
solar and reflective window film is ideal for cutting down on glare and
excessive summer heat in the home or office. Reflective film is also ideal
for creating daytime privacy. They stock a large variety of coloured &
designer vinyl’s, which can be used for many purposes. The customer can
Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006
Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
Research Report

have these films supplied either straight off the roll or cut to a variety of
shapes/designs for example circles, squares, diamonds, all shapes are
supplied in a standard 50mm height unless otherwise specified by the
customer.
If the customers requirements are more 'specific' - for example, house
numbers, family names, house names, words, etc., they will supply these
cut to the customers own design i.e., typeface, colour of film/vinyl, shape
of film required and position of logo/cut out. They can also produce
company logos or specific pictures into the customers etch or designer
vinyl.

Signon Graphic Solutions website is www.signon.co.uk

Filmdesigns website is www.filmdesigns.co.uk
Signon is owned by Sean Comrie, Filmdesigns is owned by both Sean
and Melissa Comrie.

1.4.1 Organisation Chart

This is an organisation diagram of the company Filmdesigns. As you can

see, the Managing Director is Sean Comrie and here he controls the
whole business. The next in charge is Mel Comrie, who is the
Administration Manager, here she looks after four people but has nothing
to do with the development side of the business. It may not be clear but
Sean is in charge of the development side of the business and does not
have much to do with the administration side of the business. Sean is in
charge of six people who help him to make the signs made out of vinyl.

Managing Director Sean Comrie

I. Administration Manager Mel Comrie
A. Secretary Sarah Weblin
B. Monetary Needs Gill Keeps
C. Bills and Receipts Management Donna Watts
D. Personnel Management Rebecca Jordan
II. Vinyl Worker Daniel Gass
III. Vinyl Worker Rupert Man
IV. Vinyl Worker Richard Donkey
V. Vinyl Worker Paul Dodds

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
 Research Report

VI. Vinyl Worker Samuel Montgomery

VII. Vinyl Worker Chris Watson

Managing
Director
Sean
Comrie

Administration Vinyl Vinyl Vinyl Vinyl Vinyl Worker Vinyl

Manager Mel Worker Worker Worker Worker Samuel Worker
Comrie Daniel Rupert Richard Paul Dodds Montgomery Chris
Gass Man Donkey Watson

Secretary Monetary Bills and Personnel

Sarah Needs Gill Receipts Management
Weblin Keeps Management Rebecca
Donna Watts Jordan

1.4.2 Information Flow Charts

1.4.3 Network Diagram

This is a network diagram of how the computers are networked

together.
Main Server
I. Home Server
A. Mel's Laptop
B. Sean's Laptop
II. Work Building Server
A. Sean's Desktop
1. Worker Desktop
2. Worker Desktop
3. Worker Desktop
4. Worker Desktop
5. Worker Desktop
Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006
Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441
 Research Report

B. Mel's Desktop
1. Admin Desktop
2. Admin Desktop
3. Admin Desktop
4. Admin Desktop

Mel's Laptop

Admin Desktop
Admin Desktop

Home Sean's Laptop

Server
Admin Desktop

Main
Mel's Desktop Server

Admin Desktop
Work
Building
Server

Worker
Desktop
Sean's
Desktop

Worker Desktop

Worker
Desktop

Worker
Desktop Worker Desktop

Leanne Brown Unit 2: ICT and Organisations 17/11/2006

Candidate Number Centre Number: 62441