London Churchill College

London Churchill College

ASSESSMENT FRONT SHEETProgramme:BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in BusinessUnit Number:Unit 6Unit Title:Business Decision MakingUnit code: D/601/0578QCF Level: 5Tutor Name:Taslim Ahammad Email: t.ahammad@londonchurchillcollege.co.uk

Learners name and statement of authenticityLearners Name: Rozob AliLearners ID: LCC20135527Date handed-in: I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. Where the work of others has been used to support my work then credit has been acknowledged.Signature: . Date:

Key dates

Distribution date: 12/09/2014Submission date: 05/12/2014Return date: 4 weeks after submission

Introduction

The aims of this assignment are to measure the outcome of students learning in terms of knowledge acquired, understanding developed and skills or abilities gained in relation to achieve the learning outcomes.

A case studyhas been provided to provide a general contextual framework to the assignment. The assignment comprise of an essay to be written under several broad topics as the main requirements of the assignment.Relevant areas for discussion have also been identified under each broad topic.

The beginning of each section should outline a general introduction to the broad topic with the objective of providing a contextual background to the areas of discussion to follow.

Relevant references and academic quotes and the use of case examples are required as evidence of broader reading and research.

Case Study: Reinventing the organisation - Heinz Europe

This case study focuses on the way in which Heinz, one of the worlds major global companies, has set out to reinvent itself at a time when it is already preeminent in a range of global food markets. The study examines aspects of Heinzs Project Millennia, an international restructuring plan announced in 1997, which chairman Dr Tony Reilly describes as delivering the 21st century early. In particular, the study considers the way in which Heinz has re-organised its European operations to create a pan-European structure based on eight global categories.

Like many global producers today, the Heinz Corporation started off from a small scale and localised business. The first product produced by Henry John Heinz in 1869 was horseradish, followed by pickles, sauerkraut and vinegar. These were delivered by horse-drawn wagons to grocers in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1875, a new product was introduced which still flourishes today tomato ketchup.Over time, Heinz expanded in the USA and around the world, at first through internal growth (i.e. ploughing back profits into investment in new plants and equipment), but since the 1960s, by acquisition and brand building (i.e. taking over well known producers of products and brands that complement Heinzs existing ones). Today, Heinz has 50 affiliates operating in some 200 countries, offering more than 5,000 varieties.Heinz has also developed a strong world-wide focus on eight global product categories in which it possesses unique competitive advantages and opportunities:

foodservice infant feeding ketchup, sauces and condiments weight control seafood pet products frozen foods convenience meals

Heinzs Project Millennia is all about enabling the organisation to adapt and change, so that it has the necessary flexibility to take the opportunities which will yield the highest possible returns. As part of this world-wide reorganisation and growth initiative, Heinz unveiled plans to focus on Europe-wide category management of its core businesses. Products and markets which offer the greatest potential for future growth and return on investments benefit from this category management approach, while product development, manufacturing, sales and marketing are directed to exploit opportunities in the most cost-effective manner.

By using this new approach, Heinz is able to respond quickly to changing consumer patterns on a Europe-wide scale - if, for example, tomato flavoured pizza bases prove to be popular with an individual countrys customers, then Heinz has the operational systems and marketing strategies to quickly meet this area of growth at a pan-European level.

The 40 operating units within Europe have recently been formed into five new business organisations. These are:

The decision to divide the business into these categories was a further staging post in the move to give greater pan- European focus to operating and marketing strategies. Sales however continue to have a country focus. One of the main reasons for changing the organisational structure has been that Heinz can now look at its categories on a pan-European basis, making sure that resources are directed where the greatest prospects of growth and return lie. These advantages are usually described as economies of scale. In competitive markets, therefore, it makes sense to win market share from rivals either through internal growth of the business or by acquiring complementary producers (i.e. former rivals). Once a company acquires competitive advantage as the lowest cost producer, it is likely to be able to sustain and build on this advantage

By operating through a strategic European category structure, Heinz is now able to identify top-line growth opportunities and not just focus attention on geographic markets as it did previously. It is this change in organisational structure which has enabled Heinz to create the sort of organisation with a competitive edge that can deliver the 21st century early. It is only by operating in such a dynamic way that a modern organisation is able to create shareholder value. Heinz wants to ensure the proper management of capital investment, to control capital expenditure and ensure the best return to shareholders.

(Adopted from Times 100 case study &http://www.heinz.co.uk/)ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENT: Using the case studyabove and relevant theories and literature, write an essay comprised of the following broad topics/sub-sections:

LO1 Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary

1.1 create a plan for the collection of primary and secondarydata for a Heinz UK business

(M1) Identify and apply strategies for primary and secondary research techniques

1.2 present the survey methodology and sampling frame used for the research on Heinz

1.3 design a questionnaire for a given business problem with Heinz

(M2) design and apply appropriate techniques for creating the questionnaire and collect data from a good sample size

LO2 Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes

2.1 create information for decision making by summarising data (collected for Heinz) using representative values

2.2analyse the results (from 2.1) to draw valid and useful conclusions for Heinz

2.3analyse data using measures of dispersion, and use to inform Heinz

2.4explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to draw useful conclusions for Heinz

LO3 Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context

3.1Using data from Heinzresearch, prepare a range of graphs using spreadsheets-line, pie, bar charts and histograms, and draw valid conclusions based on the information derived

3.2 create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for Heinzs Business information

3.3 prepare a business presentation using suitable software and techniques to disseminate information effectively for Heinzs case

(D3)Demonstrate creative thinking and wide range research in your presentation

3.4 produce a formal business report for Heinzs case

(M3)Present and communicate appropriate findings of your Heinz research in the business report

LO4 Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation

4.1 use appropriate information processing tools for the Heinzs research.

4.2 prepare a project plan using Gantt chart for Heinzs strategy and determine the critical path adopted to implement the plan

(D1)Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify the strategy for Heinz

4.3 use financial tools for decision making of Heinzs strategy.

(D2)Take responsibility for managing and organising activities throughout the assignment. Provide appropriate table of content, proper referencing and demonstrate an effective approach to independent research.

Assignment submission instructions

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5. Click on I agree Create Profile6. Done. a. You are now registered and can enrol into other classes. In order to do that, click on Enrol in a class. Enter Class ID and Enrolment password for that subject.7. Please make sure you download and attach an assignment cover page from the e-learning. Cover page can be found underInstructionstab of the student area (e-learning).If you still have any questions or need any help, please visit our Academic office.

Achievement of a pass, merit and distinction gradeA pass grade is achieved by meeting all the pass criteria defined in the assessment criteria for each individual unit.All the assessment criteria and merit grade descriptors need to be completed within a unit to achieve a merit grade.All the assessment criteria, merit and distinction grade descriptors must be completed within a unit to achieve a distinction grade.Plagiarismand CollusionAny act of plagiarism and collusion will be seriously dealt with according to the regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Using the work of others without acknowledging source of information or inspiration. Even if the words are changed or sentences are put in different order, the result is still plagiarism (Cortell 2003).Collusion describes as the submission of work produced in collaboration for an assignment based on the assessment of individual work. When one person shares his/her work with others who submit part or all of it as their own work.Fees and Penalties with plagiarismWhat happens if you are accused of/with plagiarism?1. You will be asked to attend an assessment malpractice meeting with college academic staff, where you will be given opportunities to defend your case and proceedings of the meeting will be recorded.2. If the allegation of malpractice is proven then, you will be charged 25 for each resubmission of the plagiarised assignment/s.3. If you are proven guilty of assessment malpractice the college reserves the right to take other actions including termination/withdrawal of your registration with London Churchill College.Extension and Late Submission If you need an extension for a valid reason, you must request one using a coursework extension request form available from the college. Please note that the lecturers do not have the authority to extend the coursework deadlines and therefore do not ask them to award a coursework extension. The completed form must be accompanied by evidence such as a medical certificate in the event of you being sick.Fees and Penalties with in resubmissionWhat happens in case of late or non-submission?1. In the case of late submission your grade is capped to a maximum PASS.2. In the case of non-submission (absent) in regular submission period, you will be charged 25 for each non-submission.3. Your grade is capped to a maximum PASS in resubmission.There is a 25 charge in resubmission if you are willing to submit your coursework for grade improvements from a PASS to MERIT/DISTINCTION.Support materialsTextbooks1. Bocij, P., Chaffey D., Greasley A., and Hickie S., (2003) Business Information Systems, Prentice-Hall. For the research methods:1. Saunders M., Lewis P., and ThornhillA., (2002) Research Methods for Business Students, Prentice-Hall. Reading assignments, however, can also be based on the following texts:1. Beyon-Davies, P., (2004) e-Business, Palgrave-Macmillian. 1. Chaffey, D. & Wood, S. (2005) Business Information Management, 1st Edition, Prentice Hall.1. Hagg,S., Cummings, M., and Dawkins, J., (1998) Management Information Systems for the Information Age MCGraw-Hill.1. Oakshott, L. (2001) Essential Quantitative Methods for Business Management and Finance 2nd Edition, London: Palgrave. 1. Swift L., and Piff S., (2005), Quantitative Methods for Business Management and Finance, London: Palgrave.1. Cameron,S., and Price,D.,(2009) Business Research Methods-A practical Approach,1st Edition,London,CIPD1. Slack N et al Operations Management (Pitman, 2000) ISBN: 02736268841. Brown S et al Strategic Operations Management (Butterworth Heinemann, 2000)ISBN: 0750642572Journals and newspapersThe Financial Times and other quality newspapers as well as Trade journalsVideosBusiness Studies, Managing Projects, Managing Resources for the Market, The Business series, Trouble shooter series, Other business programsWebsiteswww.emerald-library.com/EMR Emerald, publishes journals in management, and information serviceswww.ft.com The Financial Times website

BTEC HND in Business/ Unit 6: Business Decision Making / September 14Page 4