LONDON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

QCF level 5: BTEC Higher National Diploma

Unit No & Unit Title 6, Business Decision Making

Unit Code D/601/0578

Course Title HND Business

Lecturers Name Albert De Jonge Assignment Title Business Decision Making

Assignment No No: 1

Date Set 19th January 2015

Due Date 17th April 2015

Semester / Academic Year January 2015 Semester

UNIT OUTCOMES COVERED: LO1. Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary LO2. Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes LO3. Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context LO4. Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation. GRADING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors

AC1.1 AC1.2 AC1.3 AC2.1 AC2.2 AC2.3 AC2.4 AC3.1 AC3.2 AC3.3 AC3.4 AC4.1 AC4.2 AC4.3

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors

M1 M2 M3 D1 D2 D3

V V V V V V

Assessor: Signature: ______________ Date: ___/___/___

Tutor Notes Key Points:

You should answer ALL questions in this assignment. Your work should be handed in by the deadline. The assignment must be your own work and original in all answers to the tasks. You are expected to apply Harvard referencing system to acknowledge any

secondary sources of information used to support your work in the assignment.

You will be expected to check spelling mistakes and grammar before submitting your work.

The London School of Business and Management Cover sheet should be used in every submitted work.

An appropriate report structure should be used with headings that include: Table of Contents, Introduction, Discussion/Evaluation, Conclusions, References and Appendices (if necessary).

There should be clarity of expression in your work. Your work should demonstrate, for example, relevant factual content and understanding

of the subject, critical analysis, evaluation, justifications, key arguments, correct use of appropriate models or framework.

Wherever the use of software except Microsoft Word is required i.e. Microsoft Excel and Power point, you are required to screen shots of the step by step procedures and slides to be included in the final document file of your assignment

Failure to submit assignment (Non-submission) will result in FAIL as final grade.

Submission Regulations

1. Assignment Front Cover Sheet must accompany every submitted work [Cover sheet is

available from our Virtual Learning Environment - Moodle].

2. Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date, via Turnitin. Please refer to Moodle for detailed assignment submission instructions.

Task 1 Learning outcome (LO1): Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary Assessment Scenario: You are an employee of Marketing Supreme plc and you have been asked to provide a marketing research report and briefings for a client World Wide Tobacco (WWT) to help them understand the nature of market structure and consumers. WWT wants to learn the following things about E- cigarettes:

1. The different demographic profiles such as range of ages, genders, income groups, spending powers etc

2. The consumption patterns (such as: is consumption daily or weekly basis, how much quantity per day or week, etc)

3. Will they be interested in buying from specialised shops or from a super market. How much time being spent per day or week in shop, are they going alone or with families/friends/groups, how much

they are spending in a month

4. Any social or culture issues related to consumers preferences . Required Create a Plan for collecting data for WWT. Conduct an internet/secondary sources/local market search to obtain information about the different shops or supermarkets selling E cigarettes . Identify other competitors and state: their profiles, their market shares, their marketing policies , their operations strategies, and their revenues (per day ,per month, and on average) What survey methodology should be adopted in our case of WWT ? How would you select the size of sample? What measures would you adopt for the collected data validity? Explain your strategies for administration of survey over the sample size.

(This task covers assessment criteria AC1.1, AC1.2 and AC1.3)

Task 2 Learning Outcome (LO2): Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes Assessment Scenario As an essential member of the marketing team at PPP you are reviewing a census in regard to determining the various age ranges that needs to be targeted in selling a new generation of mobile phone. You have discovered the following information :

Age Group Population (millions)

Cumulative Frequency

Under 10 9

10 20 8

20 30 7

30 40 7

40 50 7

50 60 7

60 70 5

70 80 3

80 - 100 1

(a) Draw a cumulative frequency graph using the table above.

(b) From the graph determine the values of the lower quartile, the median, mode, mean and the upper quartile. ( c ) Write down the value of the semi-interquartile range.

( d ) Explain how quartiles, percentiles and correlation coefficient can be used to draw useful

conclusions in a business context.

( e ) Calculate the standard deviation and the range.

(This task covers assessment criteria AC2.1, AC2.2, AC2.3, and AC2.4)

Task 3 Learning outcomes (LO3): Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context Assessment Scenario: Data for this task is taken from task 1

Graphically represent the data obtained from the various sources and statistical analysis from Task 1. Produce graphs( line, pie , bar charts and histogram etc) using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on the information derived and create trend lines in spread sheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified business information. Also interpret the results produced. Prepare a business presentation using software ( eg PowerPoint) and produce a formal business report on behalf your client ,WWT. Presentations must cover information about market competitions , risks, opportunities and potentials, the survey and recommendations to WWT. (This task covers assessment criteria AC3.1, AC3.2 ,AC3.3 , AC3.4 and AC4.1 )

Task 4 Learning outcomes (LO4): Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation. Assessment Scenario: The following activities comprise a project to renovate a block of flats of which you are the project manager:

Activity Preceding Activity Duration (weeks)

A: replace windows in lounges - 5

B: rewire - 4

C: re plaster walls of lounges A 2

D: fit lights in lounges B 1

E: decorate bedrooms B 5

F: install plumbing B 5

G: decorate lounges C, D 4

H: decorate kitchens F 3

I: decorate bathrooms F 2

(a) What are the paths through the network? (b) What is the critical path and what is its duration?

(This task covers assessment criteria AC4.2)

Task 5 Learning outcomes (LO4): Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation. Assessment Scenario: After gaining your business qualifications from LSBM you have been hired by Play The Game plc . Play The Game plc is a manufacturer of sports equipment. The firm is considering whether to invest in one of two automated processes, the Fitz or the Naushaba, both of which give rise to staffing and other cost savings over the existing process. The relevant data relating to each are given below.

Fitz

Naushaba

Investment outlay (payable immediately) (40,000) (50,000)

Year 1 Annual cost savings 16,000 17,000

Year 2 Annual cost savings 16,000 17,000

Year 3 Annual cost savings 16,000 17,000

Year 4 Annual cost savings 12,000 17,000

The required return is 14 per cent p.a.

Required

a. Calculate the Net Present Value (NPV) of both projects b. Calculate the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of both projects c. Calculate the Payback of both projects d. Explain which project should be accepted

(This task covers assessment criteria AC4.3)

Translation of the general grading criteria to this assignment

Learning Outcomes

Assessment criteria

Pass LO 1. Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary

AC1.1 create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary data for a given business problem AC1.2 present the survey methodology and sampling frame used AC1.3 design a questionnaire for a given business problem

LO 2. Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes

AC2.1 create information for decision making by summarising data using representative values AC2.2 analyse the results to draw valid conclusions in a business context AC2.3 analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a given business scenario AC2.4 explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to draw useful conclusions in a business context

LO 3. Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context

AC3.1 produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on the information derived AC3.2 create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified business information AC3.3 prepare a business presentation using suitable software and techniques to disseminate information effectively AC3.4 produce a formal business report

LO 4. Be able to use software generated information to make decisions in an organisation

AC4.1 use appropriate information processing tools AC4.2 prepare a project plan for an activity and determine the critical path AC4.3 use financial tools for decision making.

Grade Descriptors for MERIT

Possible Evidence

M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

M1 - An effective approach to academic research and use of adequate information sources have been applied appropriately.

M2 Select / design appropriate methods / Techniques

M2 - Relevant theories and techniques have been applied.

M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings

M3 - A range of methods of presentation and correct terminology have been used.

Grade Descriptors for DISTINCTION

Possible Evidence

D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

D1 - Conclusions have been reached through combination of analysis and have been justified.

D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities

D2 Show evidence of a structured academic research in your assignment and use Harvard referencing system to build and present accurate through appropriate information Sources.

D3 Demonstrate convergent/lateral/ creative thinking

D3 Innovation and creative thoughts have been applied in the report.