Finance Assignment

Contemporary Developments in Business and Management (SIM337) Report Brief – January-February

2016

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Contemporary Developments in Business and Management (SIM337)

Assessment weighted at 100% assessing all module learning outcomes.

Activity:

Prepare a management report of 3,500 to 4,000 words* on an organization

within one of the following industry-sectors**:

 land transport,

 water transport

 air transport

 warehousing

 postal and courier services [An organization profile must be included in your submission as “Appendix 1”.]

This report should assess the impact of external business environmental

factors on the organization and evaluate the organization’s position and

responses. In the case of a large organization it is permissible to confine

your report to part of the organization. An organization’s activities may

range beyond the designated industrial sector in which case the focus of

your report must be on the organization’s activities within the designated

sector.

* This word limit does not include the executive summary, organization profile,

tables, diagrams, appendices or references. (Include a word count on your title

page.)

** Sectors: H49, H50, H51, H52 and H53 respectively in the UK standard industrial classification (SIC) system or country equivalent. See <<http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/classifications/current-standard-

classifications/standard-industrial-classification/sic2007---explanatory-notes.pdf >>.

Task 1

Give a brief overview of the primary external influences to which the

organization is subject and briefly explain the particular importance of each

to the organization. This first task should contribute no more than one third

of your overall report.

Task 2

Choose one of the following themes:

 National and/or international politics

 Legal Environment

 Barriers to globalization

 Migration

Contemporary Developments in Business and Management (SIM337) Report Brief – January-February

2016

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In relation to your chosen theme

i. analyse its relevance to your chosen organization and how it

influences policies and decision-making within your chosen

organization or industry-sector.

ii. critically evaluate the effectiveness of the organization’s response.

iii. (if possible and appropriate) demonstrate some areas for

improvement in the response of the organization.

Guidance notes:

Whatever organization you choose and whichever theme you chose, you must

clearly demonstrate knowledge and understanding from research and reading

wider than that contained in the module pack and core textbook. This is a

REPORT and so must be presented in business report format and style. You

must also structure your report to cover the tasks including points 2.i to 2.iii

above. This is an academic piece of work therefore you are expected to link

theory and practice. You should take care to ensure that the work you submit

has a high standard of presentation. This is an individual assignment. You

must acknowledge your sources of information and evidence using the

Harvard referencing system. All assignments are subject to the University’s

regulations on collusion and plagiarism and must be submitted in electronic

form for checking (if possible a Turnitin report must also be submitted).

Summary Assessment Criteria

1. Relevance: Directly relevant to the requirements of the assessment. (10%) 2. Knowledge: A substantial knowledge of relevant material, showing a clear grasp

of themes, questions and issues therein. (20%)

3. Analysis: Good analysis, clear and orderly (20%) 4. Argument and structure: Coherent and logically structured, using an appropriate

mode of argument and/or theoretical model(s). (20%)

5. Critical evaluation: Contains distinctive or independent thinking; may formulate an independent position in relation to theory and/or practice. (10%)

6. Presentation: Well written, with standard spelling and grammar, in a readable style with an acceptable format. (10%)

7. Reference to literature: Critical appraisal of up-to-date and/or appropriate literature. Recognition of different perspectives. Good use of a range of sources.

(10%)

(See marking scheme for more detailed guidance)

Contemporary Developments in Business and Management (SIM337) Report Brief – January-February 2016

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SIM337 Marking Scheme and Generic Assessment Criteria These will be interpreted according to the assignment tasks and the module assessment criteria.

Grade Relevance (10%) Knowledge (20%) Analysis (20%) Argument and Structure (20%) Critical Evaluation (10%) Presentation (10%) Reference to Literature (10%)

P a ss

86 – 100%

The work examined is exemplary and provides clear evidence of a complete grasp of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to SIM337. There is also unequivocal evidence showing that all the

learning outcomes of SIM337 have been fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be exemplary in all the categories cited above. It will demonstrate a particularly compelling evaluation,

originality, and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.

76-85%

The work examined is excellent and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to SIM337. There is also excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes of SIM337

have been fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be excellent in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly compelling evaluation and elegance of argument,

interpretation or discourse.

70 – 75%

The work examined is of a high standard and there is evidence of comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to SIM337. There is clearly articulated evidence demonstrating that all the learning outcomes of SIM337 have been satisfied At this level it is expected that the standard of the work will be high in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly compelling

evaluation and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.

60 – 69%

Directly relevant to the requirements of the

assessment

(6 – 7)

A substantial knowledge of relevant material,

showing a clear grasp of

themes, questions and issues therein.

(12 – 14)

Good analysis, clear and orderly

(12 – 14)

Generally coherent and logically structured, using an appropriate

mode of argument and/or

theoretical model(s)

(12 – 14)

(May) contain some distinctive or independent

thinking; (may) begin to

formulate an independent position in relation to theory

and/or practice. (6 – 7)

Well written, with standard spelling and

grammar, in a readable

style with acceptable format

(6 – 7)

Critical appraisal of up-to-date and/or appropriate literature.

Recognition of different

perspectives. Very good use of source material. Uses a range of

sources. (6 – 7)

50 – 59%

Some attempt to address

the requirements of the assessment: (may drift

away from this in less

focused passages)

(5 – 6)

Adequate knowledge of a

fair range of relevant material, with intermittent

evidence of an

appreciation of its significance.

(10 – 12)

Some analytical

treatment, but (may be) prone to description, or

to narrative, which

lacks clear analytical purpose.

(10 – 12)

Some attempt to construct a

coherent argument, but (may) lose focus and consistency, with issues

at stake stated only vaguely, or

theoretical model(s) couched in simplistic terms.

(10 – 12)

Sound work which expresses

a coherent position and evaluation only in broad

terms and in uncritical

conformity to one or more standard views of the topic.

(5 – 6)

Competently written, with

only minor lapses from standard grammar, with

acceptable format

(5 – 6)

Uses a variety of literature which

includes some recent texts and/or appropriate literature, though not

necessarily including a substantive

amount beyond library texts. Competent use of source material.

(5 – 6)

40 – 49%

Some correlation with the requirements of the

assessment but there are

instances of irrelevance.

(4 – 5)

Basic understanding of the subject but addressing

a limited range of

material

(8 – 10)

Largely descriptive or narrative, with little

evidence of analysis

(8 – 10)

A basic argument is evident, but mainly supported by assertion and

(there may be) a lack of clarity

and coherence

(8 – 10)

Some evidence of a view and a very basic

evaluation starting to be

formed but mainly derivative.

(4 – 5)

A simple basic style but with significant

deficiencies in expression

or format that (may) pose obstacles for the reader.

(4 – 5)

Some up-to-date and/or appropriate literature used. Goes

beyond the material tutor has

provided/main text. Limited use of sources to support a point.

(4 – 5)

F a il

35 – 39%

Relevance to the requirements of the

assessment (may be) very

intermittent, and/or (may be) reduced to its vaguest

and least challenging

terms. (3.5 – 4)

A limited understanding of a narrow range of

material

(7 – 8)

Heavy dependence on description, and/or on

paraphrase

(7 – 8)

Little evidence of coherent argument: lacks development and

(may be) repetitive or thin

(7 – 8)

Almost wholly derivative: the writer‟s contribution

rarely goes beyond

simplifying paraphrase

(3.5 – 4)

Numerous deficiencies in expression and

presentation; the writer

(may) achieve clarity (if at all) only by using a

simplistic or repetitious

style. (3.5 – 4)

Barely adequate use of literature. Over reliance on

material provided by the

tutor/main text.

(3.5 – 4)

The evidence provided shows that the majority of the learning outcomes of SIM337 have been satisfied - For Compensation consideration

30 – 34% The work examined provides insufficient evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to SIM337. The evidence provided shows that some of the learning outcomes of SIM337 have been

satisfied.

15-29% The work examined is unacceptable and provides little evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to SIM337. The evidence provided shows that few of the learning outcomes of SIM337

have been satisfied.

0-14% The work examined is unacceptable and provides almost no evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to SIM337. The evidence provided fails to show that any of the learning outcomes of

SIM337 have been satisfied.

Please note that all work must to be referenced correctly according to the Harvard/APA system. Marks will be subtracted for poor referencing and more serious cases of plagiarism or collusion will be reported to the

University of Sunderland Faculty of Business and Law Infringement Panel.

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Guidance on the Assessment Criteria and Marking Scheme Relevance (weighting: 10%)

“Directly relevant to the requirements of the assessment”

You need to do what the assignment requires. Read the question or task carefully and do what it asks rather

that what you would prefer to do. Keep focused on the task and avoid irrelevant material. In particular,

you must base your report on an appropriate company and on one of the designated themes.

Task one is to “Give a brief overview of the primary external influences to which the organization is subject

and explain the particular importance of each to the organization.”

Task two is in relation to a chosen theme to:

i. “analyse its relevance to your chosen organization how it influences policies and decision- making within your chosen organization or industry-sector.”

ii. “critically evaluate the effectiveness of the organization‟s response.”

iii. “(if possible and appropriate) demonstrate some areas for improvement in the response of the organization.”

In task one you need to cover a range of external business environment factors but emphasis should vary

according to the degree of relevance. In task two more in-depth analysis and evaluation are required and, if

possible and appropriate, recommendations.

Knowledge (weighting 20%)

“A substantial knowledge of relevant material, showing a clear grasp of themes, questions and issues..”

You need to demonstrate your knowledge of the relevant material. Demonstrate to your reader that you

really understand the material and that you are not merely paraphrasing. A good use of applications and

examples will be essential in doing this.

“Under this criterion we are looking to see that you understand what is meant by the range of external

business environmental factors and understand in some depth the relevance of the chosen theme. „There will

be a tendency to give facts and definitions either as direct quotations or paraphrased but students need to

demonstrate a real understanding by applying and illustrating the concepts. For example........”

All of this must be relevant to an appropriate choice of company and theme!

Analysis (weighting 20%)

“Good analysis, clear and orderly.”

You need to give a good analysis (explanation) and avoid too much description. Description is relatively

superficial whereas analysis gives a deeper explanation.

“Students will tend to describe what is meant by ...........and so on. What is needed here is analysis

(explanation).For example, if considering the potential impact of food-safety regulations it is not sufficient

to merely say that the regulations will impact on a firm‟s operations we need some explanation of how they

could impact on such a firm.” This applies to task one but even more so to task two.

All of this must be relevant to an appropriate choice of company and theme!

Argument and Structure (weighting: 20%)

“Generally coherent and logically structured, using an appropriate mode of argument and/or theoretical

model(s)”

Your argument needs to be clear, coherent and logical and you should use relevant theoretical models and

evidence in support of your argument. Avoid mere assertion. Make sure that you understand what your

argument is and avoid merely stringing together a series of points.

“Assertions need to be substantiated either by reference to authoritative sources or by evidence and logical

argument. For example, a statement about a firm‟s competitive advantage would need to be substantiated

by a reference to an authoritative source or evidence and argument, e.g. “This could give it a competitive

advantage over rivals because…...............”

Weaknesses in this area would be indicated by marking comments such as „Substantiate!‟, „Why?‟, „How?

and so on..”

All of this must be relevant to an appropriate choice of company and theme!

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Critical Evaluation (weighting 10%)

“Should contain some distinctive or independent thinking; should begin to formulate an independent

position in relation to theory and/or practice.”

This is particularly relevant to task two where any recommendations should be based on and should flow

from the analysis and evaluation.

To gain these marks you need to be demonstrating your own judgement rather than just relying on the

judgements of others. For example, “„A‟ considers that………. „B‟ considers that……. On balance this

report reaches the following conclusion….........”

The requirement of this assignment cannot be completed relying on the work of others so a good paper must

have a fairly high level of originality.

All of this must be relevant to an appropriate choice of company and theme!

Presentation (weighting 10%)

“Well written, with standard spelling and grammar, in a readable style with acceptable format.”

An “acceptable format” for a report will be relatively formal in style with headings and sub-headings

(See “A Simple Guide to Report Writing”.)

Reference to Literature (weighting: 10%)

“Critical appraisal of up-to-date and/or appropriate literature. Recognition of different perspectives. Very

good use of source material. Uses a range of sources.” You need to demonstrate a good use of a range and

quality of up-to-date materials. Literature use limited to the main text and/or superficial or out-of-date

sources will score badly.

All of this must be relevant to an appropriate choice of company and theme!

In addition, all work must be referenced correctly using the Harvard style. Marks will be subtracted for poor

referencing and more serious cases of plagiarism or collusion will be reported to the University of

Sunderland Faculty of Business and Law Infringement Panel. (See a guide to Harvard referencing.)