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Format MLA

Volume of 2000 – 2100 pages (8 pages)
Assignment type : Coursework

Faculty of Business and Law
Assignment Brief
Module Title: Fundamentals of
Assessment Information
This assignment is designed to assess learning outcomes 1 – 3 inclusive:
1. Explain the nature and forms of business organisation
2. Identify the contribution of functional areas to the operation of an organisation
3. Demonstrate an understanding of core concepts/knowledge in each of the functional areas
and accounts for 50% of the overall module mark.
This assignment requires you to write a 2,000 word original report answering the following question/s:
Select a business organisation of your choice and write an analytical report on the organisation’s approach
to / performance in 3 of the following 5 topic areas:
1. Organisational Structure and Management
Here you are expected to describe and discuss the organisational structure adopted by this organisation.
 Using a well labelled organisational chart to support your discussion, describe the type of structure
the organisation has in place. Analyse the suitability of the structure and give reasons why you believe
the structure is suitable or not.
 What is the management style of the organisation? Does it need to change its style? Why/why not?
2. Marketing Management
This section should include a discussion of the organisation’s strategies.
 Your discussion should identify the organisation’s target market(s) and approach to the ‘7Ps’
marketing mix.
 You should also discuss the purpose of your chosen organisation’s marketing department
 Analyse the organisation’s approach to marketing its products, identifying one area that needs to
change and discuss why this change is required.
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation Assignment Brief 2017/18 Page 2 of 8
3. Financial Management
In this section you are expected to carry out a critical analysis of the financial data for your chosen
organisation.
 Your analysis should identify the areas that have shown the most improvement over the last 3 years.
You should also identify the areas that have shown the least improvement. What reasons could you
suggest for these changes?
 Analyse the strength of the most recent balance sheet and identify if the organisation has any
liquidity concerns.
 How does their financial performance compare to their main competitors?
4. Supply Chain Management
Explain the term “supply chain management”.
 Using the supply chain management process diagram, describe each element in detail with examples
from your chosen organisation.
 Discuss whether the organisation has experienced any challenges with its supply chain and explain
what the root cause of this issue was and how the issue was resolved. If your organisation has not
had any issues, take one theoretical or potential issue and discuss how this should be resolved.
5. Human Resource Management
This section should include a discussion of the organisation’s Human Resource strategies.
 Explain the term “Human Resource Management”
 Consider the company’s approach to Graduate Employment
 Discuss how the company differentiates its employment practice from its competitors
 Analyse the organisation’s approach to recruitment, identifying one area that needs to change and
discuss why this change is required.
Your report should include a brief introduction and summary/conclusion. For example:
Introduction
Here you should give a brief summary of the history of the organisation, nature of business, sector(s)
and location(s). As rule of thumb you should provide this information within 2 concise paragraphs.
Summary and Conclusions
Here you should: Summarise your key findings for the three questions answered, and discuss (based
on those findings) the organisation’s potential for future/continuing success.
Each question is equally weighted.
DATA SOURCES
You MUST only use secondary sources of data for this assignment (i.e. information that is already in the public
domain such as textbooks, newspaper articles, Annual Reports company websites, journal articles etc.).
You MUST NOT approach your chosen organisation for information that is not publicly available nor should
you request any meetings / interviews with any members of staff from the organisation. (For this reason when
considering which organisation to write about you should firstly check that there is sufficient information
publicly available on this organisation for you to be able to address the requirements of this coursework.)
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation Assignment Brief 2017/18 Page 3 of 8
Criteria for Assessment
The table below details the weightings of the five criteria by which your work will be assessed.
Criteria Proportion of overall
module mark
1. Content (and Learning Outcomes) 25%
2. Knowledge and understanding/application of theory 50%
3. Evidence of reading, use of resources and research 15%
4. Accurate citations and referencing 5%
5. Presentation, grammar and spelling 5%
Total 100%
Please refer to the Marking Scheme below for information on how work is assessed and graded.
How to submit your assessment
You can access the Turnitin link through the module web.
• Your coursework will be given a zero mark if you do not submit a copy through Turnitin. Please take
care to ensure that you have fully submitted your work.
• All work submitted after the submission deadline without a valid and approved reason (see below)
will be given a mark of zero.
• The University wants you to do your best. However we know that sometimes events happen which
mean that you can’t submit your coursework by the deadline – these events should be beyond your
control and not easy to predict. If this happens, you can apply for an extension to your deadline for
up to two weeks, or if you need longer, you can apply for a deferral, which takes you to the next
assessment period (for example, to the resit period following the main Assessment Boards). You must
apply before the deadline.
o You will find information about the process and what is or is not considered to be an event
beyond your control at https://share.coventry.ac.uk/students/Registry/Pages/Deferrals-andExtension.aspx
• Students MUST keep a copy and/or an electronic file of their assignment.
• Checks will be made on your work using anti-plagiarism software and approved plagiarism checking
websites.
GUIDELINES AND BACKGROUND TO THIS ASSIGNMENT
Word Count Limit
Your word count includes in text citations but not the final references or appendices. If you are more than 10%
over or under the word count limit you may lose marks as a 10% penalty applies.
The contents of your References and Appendices are not normally given a specific mark (though they may
contribute to your overall mark, as detailed in the assessment criteria). We, therefore, recommend that you
only use Appendices for supporting material and not for the substantive part of your work.
Plagiarism
As part of your study you will be involved in carrying out research and using this when writing up your
coursework. It is important that you correctly acknowledge someone else’s writing, thoughts or ideas and that
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation Assignment Brief 2017/18 Page 4 of 8
you do not attempt to pass this off as your own work. Doing so is known as plagiarism. It is not acceptable to
copy from another source without acknowledging that it is someone else’s writing or thinking. This includes
using paraphrasing as well as direct quotations. You are expected to correctly cite and reference the works of
others. The Centre for Academic Writing provides documents to help you get this right. If you are unsure,
please visit www.coventry.ac.uk/caw. You can also check your understanding of academic conduct by
completing the Good Academic Practice quiz available on Moodle.
Moodle includes a plagiarism detection system and assessors are experienced enough to recognise plagiarism
when it occurs. Copying another student’s work, using previous work of your own or copying large sections
from a book or the internet are examples of plagiarism and carry serious consequences. Please familiarise
yourself with the CU Harvard Reference Style (on Moodle) and use it correctly to avoid a case of plagiarism or
cheating being brought. Again, if you are unsure, please contact the Centre for Academic Writing, your
Academic Personal Tutor or a member of the course team.
Return of Marked Work
You can expect to have marked work returned to you 15 working days after the submission date. Marks and
feedback will be provided online. As always, marks will have been internally moderated only, and will
therefore be provisional; your mark will be formally agreed later in the year once the external examiner has
completed his / her review.
Marking and Assessment Scheme = See Attached
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation Assignment Brief 2017/18 Page 5 of 8
118SAM Essay Case Study – Marking and Assessment Scheme
Marks Below 40% Marks in the range 40– 49% Marks in the range 50– 9% Marks in the range 60– 69% Marks 70% and above
Outcomes
(25%)
(Content and
learning
outcomes)
This work does not meet the
learning outcomes of the
module. The work
demonstrates little or no
understanding of the task
requirements, and little
insight into the content of
the module
An adequate ability to meet
the learning outcomes but
perhaps only marginally,
and without confidence. A
great deal of further work is
required, and some aspects
of the tasks appear to be
misunderstood
A commitment to meeting
the objectives and
learning outcomes set
within the module.
Learning Objectives are
met, but not always
confidently. The work
may display some
misunderstandings and
flaws in the thought
process
Evidence of a competent
level of work. Learning
objectives are met, but there
is the suggestion that some
further work could be
beneficial. There is clear
evidence of a desire to
master the tasks defined
within the module.
Articulate, generally
persuasive and at the
higher end exceptional
levels of work. Learning
objectives are fully met
and perhaps exceeded.
There is clear evidence of
an ability to master the
tasks defined within the
module.
Knowledge
(50%)
Application of
theory to
examples
The analysis presented
lacks character, definition
and potential for
development..
Analysis has been produced
but tends to be lacking in
strong character.
Some aspects show good
definition, others may lack
clarity of intent. The
outline is generally
convincing, though there
may be misgivings about
one or more aspects
A convincing analysis is
produced, though there may
be some feeling that the
material’s potential is not
fully realized.
Very convincing analysis –
the material is used to its
full potential.
Resources
(15%)
Evidence of
wider reading,
use of
resources and
research
The use of resources
including course
presentations or workbooks
is mostly unsatisfactory or
lacking in imagination. The
derivative elements clearly
outweigh the more
individual ones
Generally satisfactory use of
resources, including course
presentations and
workbooks. But there are
also a number of examples
of mis – or poorly directed
use of resources.
The derivative elements
clearly outweigh the more
individual ones
Relevant resources well
used, but there may be a
few miscalculations.
Some indication of an
academic voice may be
present, but a good deal
of this is clearly derivative
Very competent use of
relevant resources
Distinctive ideas are present.
Your work will make
generalised reference to
some appropriate additional
sources.
Imaginative and assured
use of relevant resources.
Strong and characterful
ideas are evident. Clear
signs of a distinctive
academic voice are
present. Your work will
draw on several
appropriately chosen
sources
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation Assignment Brief 2017/18 Page 6 of 8
Referencing
(5%)
Accurate
citations and
referencing
The use of references,
citations and quotations is
mostly unsatisfactory. There
is little evidence of an
organised approach to your
referencing and use of
sources.
An adequate ability to meet
the needs of referencing but
perhaps only marginally,
and without confidence.
A great deal of further work
is required, and some
aspects of the use of
sources and materials
appear to be misunderstood
Relevant resources are
referenced and cited
correctly, but there may
be a few errors.
Very competent use of
relevant resources,
referenced correctly,
including in-text citations
and quotations.
Assured use of relevant
sources, including correct
referencing, citations and
quotations throughout.
Language
(5%)
Quality of
language,
presentation
of material,
other
grammar and
spelling
considerations
There is little evidence of an
organised approach to your
work
The structure of the material
presented does not support
a clear understanding of the
content. Your work will
demonstrate a low level of
understanding in the use of
written English to persuade
and articulate. Your work
will contain numerous
grammatical and spelling
inaccuracies. Your work will
be unclear, perhaps
rambling and unconvincing
Your work will show
evidence of preparation and
thought. The structure of
your work will be adequate,
though at times may lack
organisation and thought.
Adequate use of written
English to persuade and
articulate. Your work will
contain numerous
grammatical and spelling
inaccuracies.
Your work will be unclear,
perhaps lacking in detail and
confidence
The structure of your work
will be generally of a good
standard but will
demonstrate little more
than a basic level of
understanding as to how
structure can support
understanding. A
commitment to using
written English to
persuade and articulate.
Your work will contain
some grammatical and
spelling inaccuracies
Your work will be
reasonably clear, detailed,
convincing and succinct
You will show evidence of
an organised approach to
the structure of the content
of your work and in the flow
and display of materials and
supporting information.
Convincing use of written
English to persuade and
articulate. Your work will
contain few grammatical
and spelling inaccuracies.
Your work will be clear,
detailed, convincing and
succinct
The work displays a
consistently clear and
coherent structure,
designed to fully support
any viewer of the
information in their
complete understanding
of the contents.
Consistently clear,
demonstrating a confident
use of written English to
persuade and articulate.
Your work will contain
minimal grammatical and
spelling inaccuracies.
Your work will be very
clear, detailed, convincing
and succinct
Fundamentals of Business Organisation Assignment Brief 2017/18 Page 7 of 8
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation Assignment Brief 2017/18 Page 8 of 8

118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation
COURSEWORK 1 EXPECTATION SHEET
Introduction
 Here you should give a brief summary of the history of the organisation, nature of
business, sector(s) and location(s). As rule of thumb you should provide this information
within 2 concise paragraphs
1. Organisational Structure and Management
Here you are expected to describe and discuss the organisational structure adopted by this
organisation.
• Include a short description of the organisation, what it does, where it is based, the type of
organisation i.e. is it private, public, not for profit or what? (2-3 Ref). DO NOT REPEAT THE
INFORMATION IN YOUR INTRODUCTION.
Using a well labelled organisational chat to support your discussion, describe the type of structure
the organisation has in place.
• Your answer must include a diagram. Also include a detailed discussion of the type of
structure. Does it have a functional or divisional structure? – give an explanation and
critically analyse this structure. In your analysis, ensure that you capture how the
functional elements for the organisation’s structure supporting each other? What insight
can be seen from such support and what resource utilisation can be achieved using this
structure. How has this structure supported the organisation’s core business objectives?
For instance if you’ve identified a geographic division, how has this structure support their
product/service development, management of sales and marketing etc. Support your
analysis with relevant references.
Analyse the suitability of the structure and give reasons why you believe the structure is suitable
or not?
• In your opinion and based on your assessment of the pros and cons of the organisation’s
structure, is this the best structure – explain why you have given the answer yes or no.
Support your answer with relevant and well cited references.
What is the management style of the organisation?
 Which management theory do they ascribe to, e.g. Scientific Management (Taylor),
classical management theory (Fayol), Human relations theory (Mayo)? Which leadership
style do they show, e.g. Transactional or Transformational, McGregor’s theory X/theory Y,
Lewin’s participative leadership, Hersey & Blanchard’s situational leadership etc. DO NOT
only state this. I expect you to use literature to support your assertion. A good answer will
include some definitions and intellectual argument to demonstrate a strong understanding
of theories.
Does it need to change its style? Why/why not?
 Discuss/justify why you believe that the organisation does or does not need to change its
management style. Again use well cited literature to support your arguments. For instance
if you identify scientific management as the management style of your chosen
organisation, I expect you to provide literature argument that will critique/support this
management style.
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation
COURSEWORK 1 EXPECTATION SHEET
2
2. Marketing management
Your discussion should identify the organisation’s target market(s) and approach to the ‘7Ps’
marketing mix. ?
 Remember to quote McCarthy– give examples as well as explanation against each of the
“7P’s”. Make use of appropriate referencing to support your arguments
You should also discuss the purpose of your chosen organisation’s marketing department
Identify what the marketing department of you organisation do, e.g. market research,
marketing planning etc; why do they do this – what is the ultimate aim?
Analyse the organisation’s approach to marketing its products
Think about market segmentation, target market etc, what methods are they using to identify
their market?) identifying one area that needs to change and discuss why this change is
required -Explain why you think the approach to marketing needs to change.). REMEMBER TO
ALWAYS USE CREDIBLE REFERENCES TO BACK YOUR ANSWERS
3. Financial Management
Your analysis should identify the areas that have shown the most improvement over the last 3
years.
 Useful to compare balance sheet and profit and loss statements – just take two or three
areas maximum to discuss where there have been changes over the years – remember that
tables come in useful here and save word count. You should also identify the areas that
have shown the least improvement.
What reasons could you suggest for these changes?
 Have there been changes in the market, new legislation, have they acquired or sold parts of
their organisation, think PESTEL to identify external factor
How strong is the most recent balance sheet?
 Think about liquidity concerns (liquidity ratios (e.g. Current Ratio= Current Assets ÷ Current
Liabilities REMEMBER a current ratio that is better than 1 to 1 is considered good) and
working capital ratios (Working Capital = Current Assets – Current Liabilities).
How does their financial performance compare to their main competitors?
 Identify who their main competitor is and then compare balance sheets – you may want to
use ratios rather than £.)
4. Supply Chain Management
Explain term “supply chain management”.
I will expect you to give a detailed definition of supply chain (supported by 3 to 4
references), its importance to business organisation (also supported by at least 3
references) and how this relates to your organisation of choice.
Using the supply chain management process diagram, describe each element in detail with
examples from your chosen organisation.
You must draw a supply chain diagram of you chosen organisation and illustrate and
discuss their raw materials, suppliers, manufacturing, distribution, retailing and final
customer sequence. You must critically analyse if the supply chain structure meets with
you definition above. Where is it different? Why do you think there are these differences?
(use appropriate references to support your argument)
Has the organisation experienced any problems with its supply chain? What is the root cause of
this problem and how the issue should be solve they overcome it?
118SAM Fundamentals of Business Organisation
COURSEWORK 1 EXPECTATION SHEET
3
Think about any problems they have had getting their products to the consumer, getting
products from their suppliers. If they have not had any problems, discuss the one problem
they could have in the future and how they would overcome this.
Summary and Conclusions
Here you should: Summarise your key findings for the three questions answered, and
discuss (based on those findings) the organisation’s potential for future/continuing
success.
!!! Remember !!!
To pass this module with an ‘1st’, you must submit an outstanding answer that could hardly be
bettered. Your answers should be backed by credible references. In addition to the criteria
identified in your coursework brief for a mark between 70-85%, an answer scoring a mark of 85-
100% would show an excellent level of understanding and critical/analytic skills and originality. For
example, such an answer would include new insights into the functional areas of business and their
interrelatedness inside and outside of the organisation which are not drawn from the literature
but from the student’s own critical thinking, and which add something to the existing literature.
An essay in the ‘1st’ range will demonstrate a strong understanding of theories, concepts and
issues relating to the functional areas of business and their interrelatedness. There will be
evidence of wide-ranging reading from a variety of valid sources.
The assignment must be written in a clear, well-structured way with a coherent and seamless flow
and show evidence of independent, critical thought. It must show extensive relevant reading on
the subject and intelligent use of the material to present a well-balanced and well-argued
assignment. For example, the student will have considered a range of relevant issues and be able
to assess the strength and weaknesses of various approaches/arguments and put forward a
confident and articulate view of their own.
What to Expect from the Module Leader and Tutors
We will provide you with adequate guidance and support to ensure that every student achieves the
learning objectives set out in this coursework. The topics covered in this coursework will be taught in
your lectures and seminars, and further reading references will be provided.
Upon submitting your coursework, we will provide each student with a fair assessment, feedback and
adequate marks to reflect their work quality. You will receive your assessment and feedback within
three working weeks of your coursework submission as indicate on your coursework brief. Please
note that three working weeks is that requirement used by all UK Higher Education providers (i.e.
universities) as the period within which assessment and feedback is provided for year one students
upon the submission of their coursework, and in Coventry University we strive to ensure that we
meet this requirement.