Unit Handbook Business Strategy Autumn 2015(8)

BSc. (HONS) LAND BASED ENTERPRISE

Masters Framework

Faculty of ManagementBusiness Strategy and Finance

UNIT HANDBOOK2015 2016 Autumn Cohort

Unit Tutor: Sean Beer

Teaching Team:Morris DCruzNick Rowles Jeff SaddEd Williams

ContentsMessage from your tutors3Contact details5Unit Aim6Learning outcomes6Learning environment7Indicative content7Indicative Timetable9Assessment strategy10Assignment brief 112Assignment brief 217Appendices19Level M Generic Assessment Criteria20Assignment 1 cover sheet23Assignment 2 cover sheet24Company proposal form25Suggested Format for Group Meeting Action Plan & Progress monitoring Form27Group work: what you can do if there are problems within your group28Unit resources30

Message from your tutors

Dear all,

We would like to welcome you to Bournemouth University and also specifically to this unit in Business Strategy and Finance.

Just a few thoughts at the outset

Firstly, we understand that you have come to Bournemouth to follow a number of specific pathways, and that Business Strategy and Finance aren't necessarily subjects that immediately spring to mind when you think about pathways such as Tourism and Hospitality or Events. However, this unit underpins everything that you will go on to do. Whether you go on to work in the private, public or third sectors (charities) when leaving university. Being able to understand and shape your organisation's strategy and to understand how finance is the key metric to that strategy is essential knowledge. An essential knowledge for those who wish to work in companies and to those of you who aspire to manage and ultimately lead them.

The United Nations recently undertook a survey into the skills that employers were looking for in the service sector and highlighted the following as key areas:

Financial ManagementBusiness analysis and developmentManagement/LeadershipSustainable awarenessAwareness of legislation/complianceSoft skills working with othersDiversified Language skillsCompute/It/Software skills

This unit has been designed to help you develop skills in all these areas. So if you are keen to get a good job at the end of the programme, this Unit might be more important than you first thought.

We also appreciate that the teaching and learning skills that we will be using throughout this unit may well be unfamiliar to you. We adopt a Socratic approach which involves active participation by all students on the unit. This involves much self-managed study and group work both in terms of learning and assessment. These are characteristics of higher education in the United Kingdom. We appreciate that this may well be very new to many of you, but we hope to guide you through and help you to settle in to this slightly different approach which may well be unfamiliar to some.

Masters level study involves using what we call higher order academic skills. It is not enough to be able to describe things or demonstrate simple knowledge. At this level we expect students to demonstrate understanding as well as the ability to evaluate, analyse and synthesise material this is all part of the process of critical thinking. We expect you to be able to produce well laid out arguments and well-constructed reports, that use high-quality sources of information and that you acknowledge the sources. We expect you to have a full understanding of BU Harvard referencing as a matter of course. We are looking for your work to be authentic and original; the University takes a very strong line on plagiarism.

Finally this unit is going to involve quite a bit of work. You will need to approach this unit and this whole course, professionally, as if it was your job. At times it will be difficult and will place large demands on your academic and social skills. This is the twelfth cohort that this particular team has taught this unit to. We work as a team, talk to each other and will try and make it as interesting and as dynamic as possible. We look forward to meeting and working with you.

With best wishes

Sean, Nick, Morris Jeff and Ed.

Contact details

Sean Beer

Office:Dorset House D160

E-mail:[email protected]

Nick Rowles



Morris DCruz



Jeff Sadd



Ed Williams



Unit Aim

The aim of this Unit is for students to develop an understanding of the foundations of strategic analysis, choice and the implementation strategies that usually tie into an organisations business decisions (Private, Public and Third Sector). This includes a study of Corporate Finance in terms of an organisations sources of finance, reporting and the interpretation of financial data that is fundamental to the broader understanding of the dynamics of the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this Unit, the student is expected to:

1 Demonstrate a critical understanding of each of the following areas and be able to explore, evaluate and apply them to a variety of organisational issues. a. Strategic Managementb. Business Planningc. Financial Reporting, Appraisal and Investment Issues;2 Demonstrate higher-level skills in relation to organisational strategy formulation, application, and the planning and implementation of strategic decisions within an ethical or regulatory framework;3 Understand the process of financial reporting and capital investment appraisal, and be able to effectively measure and monitor the financial performance of organisations;4 Demonstrate an ability to arrive at strategic and financial decisions in unpredictable contexts and provide innovative, appropriate and incremental solutions to strategic problems.

Learning environment

Students will experience a parallel programme of lectures, tutorials and action learning sets looking at strategic and financial topics. Students will be required to undertake a range of preparatory reading and other activities prior to or following on from each weeks classes. This unit involves a considerable amount of self-study.

Indicative content

It is not intended that the indicative content sections be read as material to be attempted on a sequential basis but rather that it be integrated to reflect business practice.

1. Strategic Management

Structures inter-relationships between organisational design, characteristics, functions and strategic behaviour (flexibility, responsiveness, capability). Processes - planning process functions with reference to managerial roles and styles, decision generic strategies and the formulation of strategy. Procedures - inter-relationships in the planning hierarchy between mission and objective setting, organisational politics, inputs from stakeholders and organisational culture. Generating and evaluating options - creative thinking and problem solving techniques, generating strategic options and applying risk appraisal techniques to identify optimal strategic fit.

2. Business Planning

Business and economic analysis arenas of economic change, classifying organisational environments, the scope of environmental scanning. Structural (industry) analysis structural analysis and competitive strategy, changes in domestic and international markets, global tourism/hospitality trends and implications. Competitor analysis - competitive advantage and marketing strategies and development options. The contribution of a broad and holistic understanding of political, social, technological and natural environmental factors to strategy formulation.

3. Financial reporting, appraisal and investment issues

Process of financial performance reporting including the compilation of financial statements such as Income Statements (Profit and Loss Accounts), Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Statements Accounting ratios, the value of benchmarks and methods of evaluating organisational reports. Capital structures cost of capital and risk assessment. Strategic and financial analysis methods for assessing the feasibility and acceptability of investment decisions. Resource analysis - an overview of value chain analysis, productivity options, financial performance appraisal, generic productivity strategies and resource management implications.4. Management ethics

1. The role of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility on management decision making.5. Critical thinking

One of the most important skills you will need to learn as a Masters student, whatever your discipline, is the ability to think critically and objectively about an issue and to present a well-constructed argument. Critical and analytical-thinking skills such as these will be essential to most aspects of your study, whether you are listening to lectures, contributing to seminars, or reading about your subject. Here, we will be focusing mainly on critical analysis for written work, as nothing gains or loses marks more for most student assignments than the quality of your written argument. Some rules to consider are:

The first rule is: Identify the focus of the question

The second rule is: Gather the evidence, analyse and evaluate: engage in debate with yourself and others.

The third rule is: Bring together the information, a Synthesis or crystallisation of the ideas from your analysis and evaluation. This gives rise to your answer to the question.

The fourth rule: Consider how youll present this to other people.

The fifth rule is: Structure your argument.

Indicative Timetable

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015 page Assessment strategy

Summative AssessmentAll ILOs will be assessed through 100% coursework, which comprises of:

Assignment 1: a group report (50%) and

Assignment 2: an individual essay (50%).

You are reminded of the Academic Regulations for the programme;

Submission of coursework

As per section 9.1 of the Standard Assessment Regulations: Postgraduate Taught Programmes

9.1If a piece of coursework is not submitted by the required deadline, the following will apply:

If coursework is submitted within 72 hours after the deadline, the maximum mark that can be awarded is 50%. If the assessment achieves a pass mark and subject to the overall performance of the unit and the students profile for the level, it will be accepted by the Assessment Board as the reassessment piece. The unit will count towards the reassessment allowance for the level (see 12.2);

This ruling will apply to written coursework and artefacts only;

This ruling will apply to the first attempt only (including any subsequent attempt taken as a first attempt due to mitigation);

If coursework is submitted more than 72 hours after the deadline, a mark of zero (0%) will be awarded;Failure to submit/complete any other types of coursework by the required deadline will result in a mark of zero (0%) being awarded.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the representation of another person's work as one's own or the use of another person's work without acknowledgement. It is a serious academic offence that is covered in the BU document, Academic Offences: Policy and Procedure for Taught Awards. You have been briefed on what it is and how the University approaches it. You should read the document and if you have any queries raise these before you submit work.

Information on Citing References: the BU guide to Citation in the Harvard Style The University Library provides you with full details on how to cite references using the Harvard method. Go to;

https://www1.bournemouth.ac.uk/discover/library/using-library/how-guides/how-cite-references

Assignment brief 1

Faculty of Management

Assignment Briefing Sheet

Programme: Masters FrameworkLevel: M

Unit Name: Business Strategy and FinanceUnit Tutor: S Beer

Assignment Markers:SB/NR/MDC/JS

Assignment Title: Strategic analysis of a company (Group work report)

Feedback method: Written feedback sheet

Issue date: 30th September 2015Submission date: Assignment 1- Group Report by Monday 14th December 2015.

Weighting of this assignment:(as % of total coursework assessment for the unit)Group Report: 50%

In accordance with University regulations any coursework submitted after the due deadline will be regarded as a late submission and will be awarded the appropriate mark.

Therefore if you are unable to submit your assignment on time due to medical or other mitigating circumstances you must complete a Mitigating Circumstances form PRIOR to the deadlineand submit it to your Programme Leader for approval. Mitigating Circumstances forms are available from your Programmes Administrator or on-line in the ST Students area of myBU.

Assignment 1

Title:Strategic analysis of a company (Group work report)

Rationale: Students are required to undertake a strategic analysis of a company within a sector relevant to the Tourism/Hospitality/Events/Retail/Sport industries and relevant to their pathway. The analysis should be submitted in management report format.

Weighting:50% of Unit

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of each of the following areas and be able to explore, evaluate and apply them to a variety of organisational issues. a) Strategic Managementb) Business Planningc) Financial Reporting, Appraisal and Investment Issues;2. Demonstrate higher-level skills in relation to organisational strategy formulation, application, and the planning and implementation of strategic decisions within an ethical or regulatory framework;3. Understand the process of financial reporting and capital investment appraisal, and be able to effectively measure and monitor the financial performance of organisations;4. Demonstrate an ability to arrive at strategic and financial decisions in unpredictable contexts and provide innovative, appropriate and incremental solutions to strategic problems. Submission requirements:

a) Written group reportThe report should be of no less than between 9,000 and 11,000 for a group of 5 people. For each 100 words outside this, 5% will be deducted from the report marks. This word count in this case is for the full report. The word count should appear under the table of contents. Word count in this case does not include tables of numbers. The main body text size of the report should be 12 point typeface, 1.5 spacing.

The report will need to contain, as an appendix, comprehensive information indicating how the group was managed. This must show how each individual contributed to every section of the report. Failure to include this will count as non-submission.

You will need to submit one copy of the group report as a single pdf file submitted electronically on MyBU and one printed copy submitted via the assignment boxes.

Your Group Number and company name must be included in all correspondence and must appear on the cover of the report.

The report will only need one cover sheet, (not one for each person in the group) please see appendices. This is in addition to the formal cover of your report.

Briefing Detail: Assignment 1

Students are required to undertake a strategic analytical examination of a company within a sector relevant to the Tourism/Hospitality/Events/Retail/Sport industries and relevant to their pathway. The analysis should be submitted in report format.

Students should take the role of 'market analysts' who are employed to provide a corporate analysis / briefing for investors who have expressed an interest in investing in the chosen company and sector. You are not required to be positive and sell the company chosen unless you feel that this is appropriate. You are, however, required to provide a balanced and objective analysis of its current and near term future state and strategies.

The company will be selected by the group, but should normally conform to the following criteria:

Students should have access to the company accounts and financial reports, the company will therefore normally be publicly listed. Students should be able to identify and gain access to materials from secondary research only. You are not allowed to approach the companies directly or contact them in any other way. Materials should be of a corporate or strategic nature rather than of an operational nature so as to allow for appropriate levels of analysis to take place.

The company does not have to be located or based in the UK however students should ensure that, if they choose an international company, that they can fulfil the criteria above.

Teams must be in self-selecting groups of 5 people. Given timescales and the suitability of companies teams can research and analyse the same company but they must do it independently.

Ideally companies should be commercial (for profit) companies whose shares are listed on an organised and regulated market in some way, for example; on the main London Stock Exchange or AIM, New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, etc. Dual listed companies can be chosen but teams should be aware that where companies are listed on several Stock Exchanges at once this can complicate the research and subsequent analysis reporting significantly.

Companies chosen should from the Leisure industry sectors that you are studying in this context this includes any companies operating broadly within Tourism, Hospitality, Events, Sports, Retail and Leisure this includes associated industries such as air transport, cruise shipping, brewing and gambling. If the team is in any doubt as to the suitability of their choice they should speak to Morris, Sean, Jeff or Nick first.

In order to ensure that these criteria are adhered to, each group will be required to e-mail a Company Proposal Form to the following address: [email protected]. The form is attached as an appendix. Only the form should be forwarded. You will be assigned a group number and this along with the companys name should be used in all correspondence. Groups and companies must be registered by the end of Wednesday 21 October. Failure to do so will result in a 5% penalty. The proposal will be scrutinised by the lecturers concerned and, where appropriate, confirmation of the lecturers agreement will be issued via e-mail, normally within 5 days of receipt. You will also be assigned a tutor who will be available to provide general guidance and help ensure that the group is working effectively, ultimately though this is your responsibility. You can have up to 2 one hour meetings with your tutor. You will need to provide a record of your meetings and associated action plans (Sample form attached).

Disputes within the groupsAll students within the group will normally receive the same mark for the report. In the case of particular students not fulfilling their contribution; however, the lecturers should be notified in writing by other members of the group when problems arise. Any action taken as a result of these latter circumstances will only be considered prior to the presentation and the submission date of the report. Appeals for marks to be differently distributed will not be entertained after the submission of the assignment as in submitting the assignment students are agreeing that contributions within the group have been fair.

If there are problems with regard to the way that the group is working and the contribution (academic and in terms of time, communication, attending meetings etc.) then the group should discuss these with the tutor. If an individual or individuals are not seen to be making an appropriate contribution then it may be necessary to remove individuals from the group and assign them an individual assignment.

As some of you have not worked in groups before you will also be given the opportunity for a meeting with Ed Williams who will be able to help you get to grips with the idea of working in a group.

Where the company chosen does not conform to the above requirements or where there is concern regarding any other aspect of the company or the material required, members of the group will be informed and further discussion will take place with the lecturers so as to ensure that the group has chosen an appropriate company.

Whereas some initial explanation and description of the company and sector might be required, you should not merely be content to describe, rather, as the title indicates, you should be able to provide an analytical insight into the company, its markets and the surrounding environment etc. You are encouraged to access, use and, most importantly, apply the academic theory covered in the syllabus.

Other areas which might be appropriate, as a minimum, include:

An analysis of the competitive structure and environment of the company; An analysis of the environmental influences (including stakeholders) impacting on the company; Analysis regarding customer trends, key markets and competitors; International influences or competitors and international emerging markets where appropriate; Possible improvements to the current strategy of the company; with reference to Corporate Social Responsibility, marketing and human resources. Companys Past/Current Financial structure & performance trends.

These are areas that you might cover; however, this would not be a good structure to use for the report!!

The group should also include their prediction (with justification) as to the likely near term future of the sector and the company over a realistic and appropriate time period.

You should, where appropriate, employ (or develop) analytical tools to assist in the explanation and communication of the information. The above should be treated as indicative of the content rather than definitive.

Assessment Criteria and Weightings: Assignment 1

Assessment categoryWeighting

Subject knowledge and understanding30%

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgement30%

Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem solving30%

Transferable skills - including communication and presentation10%

Within these weightings the University generic assessment criteria will be applied. These are listed as an appendix.

Assignment brief 2School of Tourism

Assignment Briefing Sheet


Unit Name: Business Strategy and FinanceUnit Tutor: SBeer

Assignment Markers:SB/NR/MDC/JS

Assignment Titles: Assignment 2

Title: Critical review of theory- individual assignment

Feedback method: Written feedback sheet

Issue date: 30th September 2015Submission date: by 11th January 2016.

Weighting of this assignment:(as % of total coursework assessment for the unit)Individual Critical Review: 50%

In accordance with University regulations any coursework submitted after the due deadline will be regarded as a late submission and will be awarded the appropriate mark.

Therefore if you are unable to submit your assignment on time due to medical or other mitigating circumstances you must complete a Mitigating Circumstances form PRIOR to the deadlineand submit it to your Programme Leader for approval. Mitigating Circumstances forms are available from your Programmes Administrator or on-line in the ST Students area of myBU.

Assignment 2

Title: Critical review of theory- individual assignment

You are required to write an academic Critical Review of one concept or theory of strategy. You are free to consider any theory or concept used in strategy, but ensure that it is relevant to strategy and not another area of study.

A critical review is a process of evaluating the worth of a concept; looking at an idea in number of ways, such as from multiple positions, in an approach to examine its legitimacy. In this way, you are attempting to explore the current state of understanding about a strategic model or concept.

This is an academic piece of work it should use academic references and should not be applied to your company in assignment 1.

A critical review looks at what academics judgements have been, synthesising a range of insights to attempt to come to a point of understanding. You are not required to make your own judgement, nor are you required to show your voice in the assignment. You are the researcher pulling together different thoughts and strands espoused by a range of academics. Therefore it should be written in the third person. What you are required to do is evaluate the academic literature on this theory.

A good critical review of this type deals with the world of ideas and questions and asks why should we accept this model or theory? A poor critical review is descriptive and has limited reference to judgements made by others about an idea or concept and will tend to use real life examples. A critical review should have an appropriate introduction, a coherent narrative, a conclusion and supporting references.

You are required to submit a single pdf file electronically on MyBU and one printed copy via the assignment boxes.

The word count is 2,250-2,750 words, including diagrams, appendices and references. Please put diagrams and models in the main body of your text. For each 100 words outside this, 5% will be deducted from the report marks. This word count is for the full review and should be indicated on the title page. The selected main body text size of the report should be 12 point typeface, 1.5 spacing.

Assessment Criteria and Weightings: Assignment 2

Assessment categoryWeighting

Subject knowledge and understanding30%

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgement60%

Transferable skills - including communication and presentation10%

Within these weightings the University generic assessment criteria will be applied. These are listed as an appendix.

Appendices

Level M Generic Assessment Criteria

Assignment 1 cover sheet


Company proposal form

Suggested Format for Group Meeting Action Plan & Progress monitoring Form

Group work: what you can do if there are problems within your group

Unit resources

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015 page 18

Level M Generic Assessment Criteria

Very weak fail (0 - 39%)Assessment categoryPerformance criteria

Subject knowledge and understandingLittle or no evidence of factual and conceptual understanding of the subject, as appropriate to this level. There will be little or no evidence of extensive independent study and thinking, or of relevant reading/research. The student will be clearly unable to work at the forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of study.

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgementNo evidence of appropriate analysis. An inability to independently critically analyse current research /knowledge. Unsubstantiated opinions reflecting a lack of familiarity with key concepts.

Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem solvingNo evidence of ability to demonstrate the synthesis of ideas and place them within an appropriate context. No original ideas or insights evident.

Transferable skills - including communication and presentationUnstructured and/or incoherent. Markedly poor English and /or inappropriate style. Other presentational aspects, including citations and bibliography may be incorrect or missing. May be seriously deficient in quantity.

Variations within this mark range will generally relate to the adequacy of the approach to the question, and the relative lack of understanding of the material, the paucity and weaknesses of the arguments used, and the factual and conceptual inadequacies. This is likely to be coupled with responses that are largely unrelated to the question and often limited in quantity.

Fail (40 - 49%)Assessment categoryPerformance criteria

Subject knowledge and understandingHas been unable to develop in-depth knowledge, appropriate to this level, across specialised and applied areas. There will be insufficient evidence of extensive independent study and thinking. The student will be unable to work at the forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of study.

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgementHas not demonstrated an ability to deal with complexity, contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge base. An inability to independently critically analyse current research /knowledge and argue alternative approaches. Unable to assess own and others work with justification and judgement appropriate to postgraduate level.

Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem solvingUnable to independently synthesise information and ideas and seldom, if ever, offers new insights/original responses to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge. Not able to develop new approaches to unpredictable situations.

Transferable skills - including communication and presentationUnable to communicate effectively. Presents poorly structured and reasoned arguments that show a lack of maturity appropriate to postgraduate level.

Variations within this mark range will generally relate to the level of understanding, the approach to the question, the factual and conceptual inadequacies, and the relative levels of weakness of the arguments used.

Pass (50 - 59%)Assessment categoryPerformance criteria

Subject knowledge and understandingHas developed in-depth knowledge across specialised and applied areas. There will be some evidence of extensive independent study and thinking. The student will, at times, be working at, or their work will be informed by, the forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of study.

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgement Has demonstrated an ability to deal with complexity, contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge base. Can independently analyse current research /knowledge and present alternative approaches. Can independently assess own and others work with justification and appropriate judgement.

Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem solvingCan independently synthesise information and ideas and occasionally offer new insights/original responses to problems and/or develop new approaches to unpredictable situations.

Transferable skills - including communication and presentationCan effectively communicate their work to specialist and non-specialist audiences.Presents structured arguments that show a level of maturity appropriate to postgraduate level.

Merit (60 - 69%)Assessment categoryPerformance criteria

Subject knowledge and understandingHas developed a good in-depth knowledge across specialised and applied areas. There will be clear evidence of extensive independent study and thinking. The student will be working at, or their work will be informed by, the forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of study.

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgementHas demonstrated an ability to deal effectively with complexity, contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge base. Can independently critically analyse current research /knowledge and argue alternative approaches. Able to reason effectively. Can independently assess own and others work with clear justification and sound judgement.

Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem solvingCan independently synthesise information and ideas and offer new insights/original responses to problems and/or develop new approaches to unpredictable situations. Will be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake further specialist research.

Transferable skills - including communication and presentationCan effectively communicate their work clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Able to present tightly structured, rigorous arguments that show a high level of maturity appropriate to postgraduate level.

Distinction (70 - 79%)Assessment categoryPerformance Criteria

Subject knowledge and understandingHas developed very good in-depth knowledge across specialised and applied areas. There will be clear evidence of very extensive independent study and thinking. The student will generally be working at, or their work will be informed by, the forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of study.

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgementHas demonstrated an ability to deal very confidently and effectively with complexity, contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge base. Can independently critically analyse current research /knowledge and cogently argue alternative approaches. Able to reason in a clear and effective manner. Can independently assess own and others work with very clear justifications and sound judgement.

Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem solvingCan independently synthesise information and ideas and create a range of new insights/original responses to problems that may expand or redefine existing knowledge and/or develop new approaches to unpredictable situations. Will be able to demonstrate a clear ability to undertake further specialist research. Outstanding problem solving skills.

Transferable skills - including communication and presentationCan effectively communicate their work clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Able to present confident, tightly structured, stimulating, and rigorous arguments that show a high level of maturity appropriate to postgraduate level.

High Distinction (80% +)Assessment categoryPerformance Criteria

Subject knowledge and understandingHas developed an exceptional in-depth knowledge across specialised and applied areas. There will be clear evidence of very extensive independent study and thinking. The student will generally be working at, or their work will be demonstrably informed by, the forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of study. Shows considerable mastery of facts and concepts

Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical judgementHas demonstrated an outstanding ability to deal with complexity, contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge base. Can independently critically analyse current research /knowledge and cogently argue alternative approaches. Able to reason in an exemplary manner. Can assess independently and with confidence own and others work with very clear justifications and sound judgement.

Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem solvingCan independently synthesise information and ideas and create a range of new insights/original responses to problems that may expand or redefine existing knowledge and/or develop new approaches to unpredictable situations. Will be able to demonstrate a clear ability to undertake further specialist research and make significant contributions to the subject. Outstanding problem solving skills.

Transferable skills - including communication and presentationCan effectively communicate their work clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Able to present exemplary, tightly structured, highly stimulating, and rigorous arguments that are likely to be at the limits of may be expected at this level.



STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF A COMPANY (Group work)

Group Number and Name of Company:

Student names:


Unit Name: Business Strategy and FinanceUnit Tutors: SB, NR, JS, MDC

Assignment Marker: SB/MDC/NR/JS

Date Due: 14 December 2015Date Submitted:

Declaration:I have read and understand the Universitys regulations on academic offences. I confirm that the piece of work submitted is to be regarded as the final and complete version of this assignment. The work submitted is entirely my own work or, where I have referred to the work of others, it is fully and appropriately referenced.

Signed:

Date:

Please note:1. I understand that I am expected to keep a copy of all written or electronic coursework which is submitted for assessment. The University uses a range of methods for detecting breaches of Regulations including the use of plagiarism detection software. By submitting coursework for assessment I am deemed to have accepted that my work may be scanned using such software.2. I understand that the University may wish to use my work for future academic purposes in accordance with University Regulations unless I specify in writing otherwise.3. I understand that the mark awarded for this piece of work will be subject to ratification by the Assessment Board.



CRITICAL REVIEW OF THEORY - INDIVIDUAL

Group Number:

Student name:


Unit Name: Business Strategy and FinanceUnit Tutors: SB/MDC/NR/JS

Assignment Marker: SB/MDC/NR/JS

Date Due: 11 January 2016Date Submitted:

Declaration:I have read and understand the Universitys regulations on academic offences. I confirm that the piece of work submitted is to be regarded as the final and complete version of this assignment. The work submitted is entirely my own work or, where I have referred to the work of others, it is fully and appropriately referenced.

Signed:Date:

Please note:1. I understand that I am expected to keep a copy of all written or electronic coursework which is submitted for assessment. The University uses a range of methods for detecting breaches of Regulations including the use of plagiarism detection software. By submitting coursework for assessment I am deemed to have accepted that my work may be scanned using such software.2. I understand that the University may wish to use my work for future academic purposes in accordance with University Regulations unless I specify in writing otherwise.3. I understand that the mark awarded for this piece of work will be subject to ratification by the Assessment Board.

BUSINESS STRATEGY & FINANCE: Level M

Company proposal form

(E-MAIL ONLY THIS SECTION NOT THE WHOLE BRIEFING DOCUMENT, IF THE WHOLE DOCUMENT IS SENT IT WILL BE RETURNED)

Company Name:

Names of Group Members:

E-mail contact address (one please):

Please answer the following questions:

Will your group be able to gain access to company accounts and financial reports? Yes/No

If so, please give references using Bournemouth University Harvard referencing.

Is the other material you have access to of a corporate or strategic nature rather than of an operational nature?Yes / No

Please give references for a range of these sources using Bournemouth University Harvard referencing.

Do you understand that you are not allowed to approach the companies directly or contact them in any other way and will you abide by this regulation?Yes / No

Only the form should be forwarded. You will be assigned a group number and this along with the companys name should be used in all correspondence.

The company proposal form will be scrutinised by your lecturers and, where appropriate, confirmation of the lecturers agreement will be issued via e-mail, normally within 5 days of receipt. You will be assigned a tutor who will be available to provide supervisory support to the process. It is your role to ensure that the group is working effectively. You can have up to 2 one hour meetings with your tutor. You will need to provide a record of your meetings and associated action plans as an appendix to your group report. It is recommended that you bring it with you to your supervisory meetings.

As some of you have not worked in groups before you will also be given the opportunity for a meeting with Ed Williams who will be able to help you get to grips with the idea of working in a group.

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015 page

Suggested Format for Group Meeting Action Plan & Progress monitoring Form

Set out in landscape format and use it to record the progress of your meetings.

Meeting NumberItemDetailAction requiredBy whomWhenResult

Group work: what you can do if there are problems within your group

Group work is important during academic study and an inevitable part of your future working life. You will find advice on good group work practice on myBU under the academic skills tab. We will also offer guidance in seminars on appropriate units. It is your responsibility to manage group work responsibilities and processes. However, there are occasions when group work is difficult for students to manage and this protocol is designed to help you resolve problems through issuing warnings. Examples of issues that might require a warning are given on the next page.

Warning Protocol

Warning 1Group to warn student(s) concerned by email. Copy all group members into the email. Lecturer is not involved at this stage.Note warnings must be in writing (by email) so you have a record of the warning. In addition to the written warning you can warn a colleague face-to-face.

Warning 2Group to warn student(s) concerned by email and copy the email to [named unit lecturer].

Note you should highlight that this is a second warning - eg by re-sending the first email and adding the new warning. No action from unit staff at this stage.

Warning 3Group to warn student(s) concerned by email and copy in [named unit lecturer] who will address the issue with the group. Note unit staff will address the issue with the group.

Warning 4If a student has failed to address problems by the stage of a 4th alert, [named unit lecturer] will consider appropriate action, including awarding no marks to the student concerned.

It is vital that you try to resolve issues early during the course of group work. If a lecturer is alerted to a problem close to when an assignment is due to be submitted, with no record of the issues, they will not be able to help as it is too late in the process.

The following are examples of issues that may require a warning:Attending meetings at agreed timesIt is vital to agree the time, duration and place of all meetings. You should not expect others to attend meetings at short notice, sudden change of venue or if they have not had a chance to agree to attend. You should make every effort to attend meetings and should not cancel at short notice.Warning alerts: a student fails to attend an agreed meeting; the group fails to advise you of a meeting time or place; meetings are repeatedly rescheduled; a student repeatedly advises the group they cannot attend; a student does not attend for the duration of the meeting

Respecting the views of othersEveryone has the right to contribute.If a group member is not given the opportunity to contribute then you may be at fault.You should respect the views of other group members.Warning alerts: a students input is ignored; a student expresses his/her views about a colleague in an inappropriate manner (eg rude, angry); a student expresses inappropriate views to an external client

Completing tasks to schedule to the best of your abilityGroups will include less able members. Their contribution is still important.You should submit work to the group at the agreed time, even if you are not happy with the standard.Warning alerts: a student fails to submit work to the group by the agreed deadline; a student rejects another students contribution to the group work

Supporting other group members and sharing responsibilityA task may prove larger than anticipated. Other group members should be prepared to help.It is every group members responsibility to actively contribute to the group performance and not just wait for other members to give them tasks.Warning alerts: a task takes longer than anticipated to complete and other students are not prepared to help; one or more students take on more than their fair share of work and other students ignore the problem; a student or students are not being proactive and are waiting to be told what to do by another group member.

Ultimately it may be necessary to remove individuals from the group and assign them an individual assignment which would normally consist of a report of 5,000 words.

Unit resources

Key Texts

Arnold, G., 2005. Corporate Finance Management. London: FT Prentice Hall.

Balogun, J., Hope Hailey, V., Johnson, G. and Scholes, K., 2008. Exploring Strategic Change. London: Prentice Hall.

Cadbury A., 2002. Corporate Governance and Chairmanship: A personal view. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Coulter, M., 2005. Strategic Management in Action. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education Inc.

De Wit, B. and Meyer, R., 2004. Strategy: Process, Content, Context: An International Perspective. 3rd ed. Andover: Cengage Learning EMEA.

Evans, N., Campbell, D. and Stonehouse, G., 2002. Strategic Management for Travel and Tourism. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann.

Johnson, G., Whittington R. and Scholes, K., 2010. Exploring Strategy Text & Cases Plus MyStrategyLab: Text and Cases. London: Prentice Hall.

Lynch, R. ,2005. Corporate Strategy. 4th ed. London: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

McGee, J., Thomas, H. and Wilson, D., 2010. Strategy- Analysis & Practice. 2nd ed. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.

McLaney, E. and Atrill, P., 2004. Accounting an Introduction. 3rd ed. London: FT Prentice Hall.

Porter, M.E., 2004. Competitive Advantage. New York: Free Press.

Thompson, J. and Martin, F., 2005. Strategic Management- Awareness and Change. 5th ed. London: Thomson Learning.

Watson, D., and Head, A., 2006. Corporate Finance- Principles & Practice. 4th ed. London: FT Prentice Hall.

Journals

All journals relating to strategy, strategic management, financial analysis, corporate governance, ethics, corporate social responsibility and the leisure sector industries of tourism, hospitality, events, sports and leisure.

Business magazines such as The Economist and Business Week; Financial Sections of National UK newspapers and Industry or sector specific periodicals.

Web-based sources

Financial based websites such as Financial Times, BBC.co.uk/Business and FAME.

Full company reports including Financial/Investor sections accessed from Public Limited Company websites, other data bases such as Amadeus, Google Finance, Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg.

Unit Handbook Business Strategy Autumn 2015(8)

Documents

Transcript of Unit Handbook Business Strategy Autumn 2015(8)