Introduction

The material of “the administrative assistance for specialized departments” aims to introduce the typical and regular tasks that are usually performed by the administrative assistants working in the departments assuming the key functions of the business organization and developing the relevant skills necessary for wielding such tasks. The administrative assistance function is of great importance in realizing the objectives of the organization via the outstanding role that the administrative assistants assume in carrying out the administrative processes in the organization. It’s also worth noting that the concept of the administrative assistance has already exceeded the traditional understanding of the secretariat profession to also include larger roles and more vital tasks.

The modern concept of the administrative assistant maintains that the administrative assistant is the person who should possess creative skills in the office management. And more so, they should be also responsible for implementing the tasks and taking charge without immediate directions. They should also possess the effective and positive self-motivation. And they should also use their judgments and take decisions within their respective responsibilities. This concept of the administrative assistant is solidified through their wielding direct and specialized responsibilities when working in the different departments of the organization. The material was also developed in away to provide the trainees with the basic knowledge and concepts relating to the function that the specialized department practices, and develop the knowledge and skills relating to the tasks of the administrative assistant in that department.

In chapter one, we will describe the concept of the administrative assistant and the tasks that they should assume and the capabilities required to enable them to achieve and make progress as an administrative assistant. Chapter one also includes a comparison of the role of the administrative assistant in specialized department and their roles when working with only single manager.

The chapter two, however, would provide the trainees with a range of the basic knowledge about the human resources management and those relating to the role of the administrative assistant in the staffing functions, staff relations and affairs, wages and salaries, training and development, and performance appraisal. This chapter would also highlight the other functions of the human resources management for the purpose of complementing the trainees’ knowledge background in this area.

The chapter three will highlight details relating to the procurement job and its basic phases. The administrative assistant would implement some of which and follow up on the others. This chapter will also provide the trainees with the basic knowledge in the topics of tenders and negotiation.

Chapter four will also provide the trainees with the basic concepts of the marketing function, then describe the details of the functions that the administrative assistant exercises in the Marketing Department, like preparing the press releases, conferences, exhibitions, and marketing researches.

The chapter five and the last has been dedicated to the Sales Department, where a sufficient explaining would be given to the key concepts of such vital function in the business organizations. Thereafter, an emphasis would be placed upon the main functions that the administrative assistant exercises in supporting the sales function, which is preparing the sales proposals of all kinds and how to handle the customer complaints. The material was developed in an easily readable and understandable style, where it contains a lot of examples and exercises, and models from real life situations.