Accounting Analysis & Decision Making (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on Intermediate Accounting I and II, managerial accounting, cost accounting, advanced accounting, and auditing.

Accounting Principles (I)

The one-hour objective test will include problems covering the basic principles of financial accounting. 

Accounting for Professionals (I)

The one-hour objective test may include problems on various areas of financial accounting and federal income tax, as well as basic auditing principles and concepts.

American Enterprise Project (C)

The project must promote an awareness of a facet of the American enterprise system within the school and/or community and be designed for chapter participation rather than individual participation. 

Business Communication (I)

This event is composed of two parts:  an objective test and a writing exercise.  The one-hour objective test may include questions on mechanics of appropriate business English; acceptable writing mechanics and format of business letters and report writing; and listening, oral, and nonverbal concepts.

Business Decision Making (T)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on the principles of business ownership and management, business plans, ethics and social responsibility, financial management, government regulations, human resource management, legal issues, marketing management, and taxation.  Team members will take one objective test cooperatively. 2 or 3 members only.

Business Ethics (T)

2 or 3 members only.
This event requires students to organize adequately and deliver a presentation effectively as a team.  They should demonstrate critical thinking skills through the careful analysis of the various ethical dimensions that are present in their case study.

Contact me for case study.

Business Law (I)

The one-hour objective test may consist of both objective questions and case problems.  Questions may cover contracts, negotiable instruments; sales, business organization; agency; bailment; bankruptcy; consumer protection and product liability; insurance; trade regulations; torts; ethics and the law; wills and descendants’ estates.

Client Services (I)

This event provides members with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills in interacting with internal and external clients to provide an outstanding client service experience. This event consists of an individual interactive simulation related to client service.

Community Service Project (C)

Computer Applications (I)

The two-hour skills portion of this event requires participants to be able to complete problems in the following areas: Word Processing, database, Spreadsheet, business graphics solution, and presentation.

Computer Concepts (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on basic computer principles, terminology, computer equipment, computer application concepts, networking systems and procedures, and programming concepts.

Contemporary Sports Issues (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on sports management, intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, sports management and marketing agencies, sport tourism, international sports, sports consumer behavior, public relations, finance and economics in sports industry, sports facility and event management, legal considerations, and sociological aspects of sports.

Cyber Security (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on firewalls, intrusion detection, network and physical security, cryptography, public key, authentication, computer attacks (virus, spam, spy ware, Trojans, hijackers, worms, etc.), e-mail security, disaster recovery, and forensics security.

Database design & Applications (I)

Participants should be well prepared in the basic organizational structure of a database; be able to create and develop multiple queries; set up relational databases; edit relationships; and develop reports including sorting and grouping, inserting graphics, creating headers and footers, and calculating data.

In addition, on the objective test, participants will be tested on their knowledge of data entry techniques, data definitions, query development, table relationships (including those that enforce referential integrity), form development, and report generation.

Desktop Publishing (T)

The two-hour skills portion of this event requires participants to be prepared to create, design, and produce useable copy on a computer using desktop publishing software.  

Each entry must be created by a team of two individuals. 

Participants will complete problems that may include application of the following:

         Graphics
         Text creation
         Layout creativity
         Selection of appropriate fonts and type sizes

Two computers may be used by the team of two participants.  Participants may also choose to use a scanner and/or clipart.  No other equipment may be used.  The finished product may be submitted in black and white or color on plain paper.

In addition, participants will be tested on their understanding and mastery of basic desktop terminology and concepts, desktop application knowledge, desktop layout rules, and proofreading.  Team members will take the objective test cooperatively.

Digital Video Productions (I or T)

The topic to be developed in this presentation will be announced in the Chapter Management Handbook

E-Business (I or T)

This event recognizes PBL members who have developed proficiency in the creation and design of Web commerce sites. The topic to be developed in this presentation will be announced in the Chapter Management Handbook.
Limited to one entry per charter.

Economic Analysis & Decision Making (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on money and banking, microeconomics, macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, history of economic thought, and international economics.

Emerging Business Issues (I)

This event provides recognition for PBL members with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills in researching and presenting an emerging business issue.  The event is based on team rather than individual participation.  In addition to learning research skills, team participants develop speaking ability and poise through oral presentations.

The topic to be debated during the State Leadership Conference will be listed in the Chapter Management Handbook.

Financial Analysis & Decision Making (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on financial institutions and markets, investments, capital management, financial management/managerial finance, and business finance/corporate finance.

Financial Concepts (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on financial instruments and institutions available to managers and on understanding of financial policies. Topics covered may include financial instruments and institutions, time value of money, cost of capital and capital budgeting, valuation and rates of return, financial analysis, capital investment decisions, financial risks and returns, and international finance.

Financial Services (I or T)

This event provides recognition for PBL members who can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the skills necessary in the general operations of various components of the financial services industry.

This event consists of two (2) parts: an objective test and a performance component.

The one-hour objective test will consist of questions related to concepts and practices, government regulations, basic terminology, impact of technology on services, types and differences between the various types of institutions, ethics, taxation, and careers in financial services.  Individuals or team members will take one (1) objective test collaboratively.

Performance:
Twenty (20) minutes prior to the presentation time, team members will receive the case study. 
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.  All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.

Each presentation may last no more than seven (7) minutes.

Future Business Executive (I)

This event honors outstanding PBL members who have leadership qualities, participation in PBL, executive potential, and evidence of knowledge and skills essential for successful careers in business.

This event consists of three parts:  submission of a letter of application with a resume, an application form, and an interview.
Each charter may enter one participant in this event.

Future Business Teacher (I)

This event honors outstanding PBL members who demonstrate teaching potential, leadership qualities, and evidence of knowledge and skills essential for successful careers in teaching business and/or marketing subjects.

This event consists of three (3) parts: submission of a letter of application with a resume, an application form, and an interview.
Each charter may enter one participant.

Help Desk (I)

This event consists of two (2) parts: an objective test and a performance component. Participants are required to complete both parts.

The one-hour objective test will contain questions on operating systems hardware and set-up and operation; software applications; e-mail; Internet access; printing; networking and network connection issues; hardware protection including spam, virus protection, and critical updates; and communications skills.
Each charter may enter one participant in this event.

Performance:
Ten (10) minutes before the performance, each participant will receive the scenario.  All participants will address the same scenario.

The participant has five (5) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and demonstrate how he/she would solve the problem.

Hospitality Management (I or T)

This event consists of two (2) parts: an objective test and a performance component. Participants are required to complete both parts.

The objective test may include questions on marketing concepts, operations and management functions, human resources, customer and expectations, legal issues financial management and budgeting, current industry trends, and environmental and global issues. Individuals or team members will take one (1) objective test collaboratively.

Each charter may enter one individual or team.

Performance:
Twenty (20) minutes prior to the presentation time, team members will receive the case study. 
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.  All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.

Each presentation may last no more than seven (7) minutes.

Human resource Management (I or T)

This event consists of two (2) parts: an objective test and a performance component. Participants are required to complete both parts.

The objective test may include questions on recruiting and selection, employee compensation and benefits, governmental regulations and issues, training and development, human resource planning, labor relations and collective bargaining, and effective personnel management. Individuals or team members will take one (1) objective test collaboratively.

Each charter may enter one individual or team.

Performance:
Twenty (20) minutes prior to the presentation time, team members will receive the case study. 
Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.  All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.

Each presentation may last no more than seven (7) minutes. 

Impromptu Speaking (I)

This event recognizes PBL members who develop qualities of business leadership by combining quick clear thinking with conversational speaking.

Each participant will be given the same topic.  The topic may consist of information concerning the FBLA-PBL goals, FBLA-PBL activities, FBLA-PBL current national programs; current events; and/or relevant business topics.

Each charter may enter one participant.

Participants will have ten (10) minutes to prepare their speeches prior to appearing before the judges.  Any notes must be made during the preparation time and may be used when speaking.  The note card must be submitted to the event administrator at the conclusion of the speech.

At the time of the performance, the event administrator will introduce each participant by name only.  Each speech should be four (4) minutes in length.  A timekeeper will stand at three (3) minutes.  When the speaker is finished, the time used by the participant will be recorded, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any time under 3:31 or over 4:29.

Information Management (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on administrative management, information processing, business communications, business ethics, human relations, records management, telecommunications, business equipment, networking technology, and time management.

International Business (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on ownership and management, legal issues, communication (including culture and language), global business environment, treaties and trade agreements, marketing, taxes and government regulations, finance, currency exchange, and human resource management.

Job Interview (I)

This event consists of three parts:  submission of a letter of application with a resume, an application form, and an interview.
Each charter may enter one participant in this event.
Each participant must submit six copies of the following items:

A one-page letter of application for a business or business-related job at a company of their choice. The job must be one for which he/she is now qualified or for which he/she will be qualified at the completion of the current school year.

A brief resume not to exceed two pages.  Photographs are not allowed.

Macroeconomics (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on money and interest rates, wages and unemployment, inflation and deflation, gross domestic product, aggregate demand and supply, consumption and saving, fiscal and monetary policies, recessions and depressions, stabilization, government deficit and debt, international trade, exchange rates, and economic development.

Management Analysis & Decision Making (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on organizational behavior, organizational theory, management principles, management information systems, production/operations management, and business policies/strategic management.

Management Concepts (I or T)

This event is composed of two (2) parts: an objective test and a simulation decision-making problem with the decision presented and defended before a panel of judges.  Members of the team will assume the role(s) of management and present a solution to the case problem.

The one-hour objective test may include questions on controlling, decision making, directing, employee motivation theories, planning, organizing, business environment, communication techniques, group dynamics, leadership, organizational structure, policies and strategies, staffing, and basic statistics.  Team members will take one objective test collaboratively.

Each chapter may enter one (1) individual or team composed of two or three (2 or 3) active local members.

Performance:
Twenty (20) minutes before the performance, each team will receive the simulation.

Two (2) 4” x 6” index cards will be provided for each participant and may be used during the preparation and performance of the oral segment of the event.  Information may be written on both sides of the index cards.  Note cards will be collected following the presentation.

No reference materials, visual aids, electronic devices, or computer equipment may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance. 

Individuals or teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case. All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.

The individual or team has up to seven (7) minutes to role-play the problem with the judges.  All team members must be involved.  The judges will interact with the members during the presentation.  Individuals or team members will be allowed to use their note cards during the interaction.

Marketing Analysis & decision Making (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on consumer behavior, advertising and promotion/sales management, marketing research, marketing principles and concepts, marketing management, public relations, and electronic commerce.

Marketing Concepts (I or T)

This event is composed of two (2) parts: an objective test and a performance component. Participants are required to complete both parts. 

The one-hour objective test may include questions on basic marketing including price, product, place, and promotion; marketing concepts and strategies; international marketing; legal and social aspects; and marketing research.  Individuals or team members will take one objective test collaboratively.

Each chapter may enter one (1) individual or team composed of two or three (2 or 3) active local members.

Performance:
Twenty (20) minutes before the performance, each team will receive the simulation.

Two (2) 4” x 6” index cards will be provided for each participant and may be used during the preparation and performance of the oral segment of the event.  Information may be written on both sides of the index cards.  Note cards will be collected following the presentation.

No reference materials, visual aids, electronic devices, or computer equipment may be brought to or used during the preparation or performance. 

Individuals or teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case. All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.

The individual or team has up to seven (7) minutes to role-play the problem with the judges.  All team members must be involved.  The judges will interact with the members during the presentation.  Individuals or team members will be allowed to use their note cards during the interaction.

Microeconomics (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on production and trade, economic growth, opportunity cost, supply and demand, elasticity, labor markets and wages, perfect competition, monopolies, oligopolies and duopolies, production factors, capital and natural resource markets, distribution of income and wealth, market failure, economic uncertainties.

Network Design (T)

The one-hour objective test may include questions on network installation—planning, configuration, and topology; problem solving and troubleshooting; network administrator functions; configuring network resources and services; configuration of Internet resources; security backup and disaster recovery.  Team members will take one objective test cooperatively.

Each charter may enter one team of two or three participants.

Performance:
Thirty minutes before their performance time, teams will receive an envelope containing the case study.

The team has ten (10) minutes to present their solution to the judges.  One member should introduce the team and summarize or describe the case study.  All team members must participate in the presentation.  The team members will be allowed to use their note cards in explaining their recommendations and rationale to the judges. 

Networking Concepts (I)

The objective test will consist of questions on general network terminology, equipment for Internet access, specific network operating systems (NOS) terminology, OSI model and functionality, and network topologies and connectivity.

Parliamentary Procedures (T)

The one-hour objective test will consist mostly of parliamentary procedure principles with additional questions on PBL State and National Bylaws.  Through a partnership with the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP), questions for the parliamentary procedure principles section will be drawn from the NAP’s official test bank.  The team score is determined by averaging the scores of its members.

Each charter may enter one team.

Performance:
Twenty minutes before the performance, the team's president will receive an envelope containing a copy of the problem for each team member.

Teams may use the preparation time to consider procedure.  Parliamentary procedure reference materials may be used during this preparation period but not during the performance itself.

Each performance must include presentation of procedures that are used in a complete regular meeting of the chapter from the time the meeting is called to order until it is adjourned.  Items designated in the problem must be included in the appropriate order of business, but other items should also be taken up during the meeting.  During the performance the secretary will take notes, but the notes will not be transcribed into minutes.

Project Management (I)

The one hour objective test may include questions on project selection, defining the project, estimating project times and cost, developing a project plan, managing risk, scheduling resources, being an effective project manager, managing project teams, progress and performance measurement and evaluation, project audit and closure.

Public Speaking (I)

The five-minute (5) speech must be of a business nature and must be developed from one or more of the nine FBLA-PBL goals.

Each charter may enter one participant.

Performance:
At the time of the performance, the event administrator will introduce each participant by name only and will announce the title of his/her speech.

Each speech should be five (5) minutes in length. 

Sales Presentation (I)

Participation in this event will allow the participant to demonstrate proficiency in selling techniques, merchandise knowledge, and presenting to the customer.

Each charter may enter one participant.

Performance:
Visual aids and samples specially related to the presentation may be used in the preparation.  However, no items may be left with the judges.  The individual must provide all equipment for the presentation.

Five (5) minutes will be allowed to setup equipment or presentation items and ten (10) minutes allowed for the presentation. The judges will interact with the participant during the presentation and have a three (3) minute question and answer period following the presentation.

Small Business Management Plan (I or T)

An effective business plan should include the following information:
•           Executive Summary—provides a brief synopsis of the key points and strengths included in the plan.  Convinces the reader to read the rest of the report.
•           Company Description—includes the basic details of the business.  Provides an overview of the business, its location, and its legal structure and organization.
•           Industry Analysis—provides an analysis of the larger industry to which the business will belong.  Analyzes key trends and players in the industry.  Demonstrates an understanding and awareness of external business conditions.
•           Target Market—provides a brief overview of the nature and accessibility of the target market.
•           Competitive Analysis—includes an honest and complete analysis of the business’ competition.  Demonstrates an understanding of the business’ relative strengths and weaknesses.
•           Marketing Plan and Sales Strategy—demonstrates how the business’ product or service will be marketed and sold.  Includes both strategic and tactical elements of the marketing and sales approach.
•           Operations—provides an overview of the way the business will operate on a day-to-day basis.  Includes production processes, physical facility review, utilization of technology, and processes followed to ensure delivery of products or services.
•           Management and Organization—describes the key participants in the new business venture.  Identifies the human resources the business can draw upon either as part of the management team, employee pool, consultants, directors, or advisers and the role each will play in the business’ development.  Discusses compensation and incentives and details decision-making processes.
•           Long-Term Development—gives a clear vision for where the business will be in three, five, or more years.  Demonstrates an honest and complete evaluation of the business’ potential for success and failure.  Identifies priorities for directing future business activities.
•           Financials—indicates the accounting methodology to be used by the business.  Discusses any assumptions made in projecting future financial results.  Presents projections honestly and conservatively.
           
In addition, many business plans include copies of key supporting documents in an appendix (e.g. certifications, licenses, tax requirements, codes, etc.).  Other examples of these documents might include letters of intent or advance contracts, product technical descriptions and/or illustrations, endorsements, etc.

Sports Management and Marketing (I)

The one hour objective test may include questions on the following topics:  sport management history, human resource management in sports, law and sports application, facility management, strategic marketing, labor relations in professional sports, ethics, tort liability and risk management, group decision making and problem solving, sponsorships, sport licensing, economics of sports, accounting and budgeting, and financing sports.

Statistical Analysis (I)

The one hour objective test may include questions regarding the organizing and presenting of statistical data, descriptive statistical analyses, probability distributions, sampling techniques, estimates and inferences, and linear regressions.

Telecommunications (I)

The one-hour objective test may include questions regarding coding, digitizing, and circuits; voice communications; telecommunication management; history of telecommunications; network security; network management; operating systems and communication methods; current trends and  developments such as e-commerce; and standards.

Web Site development (I or T)

Participation in this event will allow members to demonstrate proficiency in conceptualizing, designing, and creating web sites.  Members may work as an individual or as a team of no more than three members in creating a website that addresses a specific scenario.  The web site should include elements such as page layout, navigational scheme, graphics/ multimedia use, site content, and correct business format.

Each year the topic will be listed in the Chapter Management Handbook.

Limited to one entry per charter.

Performance:
The oral presentation is an explanation of the Web site—not just a viewing of the Web site.  The explanation should include, but not be limited to:

•           Development of the topic
•           Development and design process
•           Use and implementation of innovative technology
•           Use and development of media elements
•           Copyright issues with pictures, music, etc.

A windows-based computer, projection device, and screen will be provided for the oral presentation.  Jumpdrives, CD, and DVDs are allowed to be used on the provided equipment.

The individual or team has five minutes (5) to present.

Who’s Who in PBL (I)

This award honors Florida PBL members who have made outstanding contributions to the organization at the local, district, state, and national levels. 

One candidate from each PBL charter may be nominated for Who’s Who.  If a charter has a state officer, that officer and one additional member may be nominated. 

NOTE:            In order for a state officer to be eligible for this award, he/she must submit the required materials.

Word Processing (I)

This event recognizes PBL members who demonstrate that they have acquired word processing proficiency beyond the entry level.

Participants should be well prepared in the production of all types of business forms, which may include letters, memorandums, tables, reports, statistical reports, and material from rough drafts, and unarranged copy.

This event may include:  mail merge, block and move, search and replace, headers and footers, other word processing functions and word processing applications.

Results will be based on the Format Guide and mailable copy.  Material that could be considered mailable with slight reservation will receive reduced credit. See Standards of Mailability.   Problems are weighted according to difficulty and may be completed in any order.  Results will be based on accuracy of printed copy.

In addition, participants will be tested on their understanding and mastery of basic computer concepts, document formatting rules, grammar, punctuation, spelling, proofreading, and word processing applications.

One hour will be allowed for the skills test at the school testing site.