Recent Question/Assignment

Please choose a listed company.

Faculty of Business and Law
ACADEMIC YEAR 2021/2022
ASSESSMENT BRIEF
Module Code: UMSCTW-15-M
Module Title: Corporate Governance & Strategy
Submission Deadline: 10th December 2021
Assessment Component Coursework
Assessment Weighting: 50%
Assessment Instructions
The coursework will take the form of an individual submission.
Take any industry and a specific company within it. Prepare a critical analysis outlining the attractiveness of the industry and the adequacy of the individual company’s strategy in the light of your expectations about future developments and outcomes. You will need to:
• carry out an environmental analysis
• assess test both the adequacy and likely sustainability of the company’s competitive advantage based on both market characteristics and the organisation’s perceived capabilities
• determine the general scope of any change required to enable a desired change in direction
• briefly consider the company’s ethics and governance performance.
Approach
You should email me with brief details of the industry / company you intend to examine. You will be required to use secondary sources only.
Make sure you refer to and apply theoretical frameworks used on the course in your answers. It is best to put these frameworks in an appendix and reserve the main report for a narrative discussion of the industry / company situation.
Here are some guidelines to enable you to successfully complete the assignment:
1. Bullets vs paragraphs: neither rely on short bullet points which have no self-standing meaning nor on extensive and rambling paragraphs: strike a happy medium
2. Planning answers: plan the structure and arguments to be contained within your answers properly. Be sure you know what your ‘storyline’ is before committing yourself to paper
3. CEO document: imagine that the CEO of the company has asked you to provide advice against the issues / questions raised: justify your line of argument accordingly and provide evidence to support such arguments. A business report rather than a referenced academic discussion is required.
4. Critique theory: be prepared to critique the theory and frameworks you have been given: are they fit for purpose? Do they work under the particular conditions in which you seek to apply them?
5. Avoid application of templates: do not simply pepper your answers with PEST / 5 Forces: these should only appear as appendices: based on such analyses you should then draw out arguments and recommendations based thereon. This is vital.
Indicative Report Format for Coursework
Note: you are not obliged to follow this structure, it is a suggested format only.
1. Introduction
What is the industry and how do you define its boundaries?
Which company, or significant part of a company are you looking at?
What is significant, what drives the industry?
2. Environment / background
General discussion of trends [based on PEST / 5 Forces etc,]
Development of 1 or 2 scenarios: how do you think the industry will develop over the next 5-10 years?
3. The company
Describe its current strategy [based on SWOT / generic strategies etc,]:
• Competitive positioning
• Competitive advantage
• Distinctive competence
• Governance performance
4. Future prospects
Is the company’s perceived strategy adequate in the face of expected business environment / industry development?
What is the scope / type of change, if any, which you expect the company to need to undertake?
What are the financial implications given adequacy or otherwise of the current strategy: on what financial measures should the company focus?
Appendices
These should contain all models used: the main body of the report should be for discussion only.
Marking Criteria
The individual assignment represents 50% of the overall course mark.
• See Appendix 1
Formative feedback and Support
Formative feedback
Formative feedback provides opportunities to reflect on your ongoing work and preparation for your assignment.
By giving close attention to both case study preparation and subsequent class discussions and linking this to lecture material you will be able to develop those skills required ot tackle the assignment.
In addition there will be a bespoke library session which will give you the necessary tools for researching industry sectors and companies.
The assignment will be carefully outlined in class and there will be regular checks on progress. Each individual will be asked to submit their proposed sector / company in advance and advice will be given both on the practicality of the chosen area and on how to tackle it.
Further information about this assessment is available on the Blackboard site for this module and includes:
• lecture slides
• reading list
• slides relating to the library industry research session
• case studies
Formatting
Please use the following file format(s): MS Word or PDF. We cannot ensure that other formats are compatible with markers’ software.
All work should be word processed in 12-point font Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri and single spaced.
The first page of your coursework must include:
• Your student Number
• The module Name and Number
• Your word Count
• The name of the company which you have used for your assignment
Word Limit
The maximum word limit for this coursework is 2500.
• This word count includes everything in the main body of the text and in appendices (including headings, tables, citations, quotes, lists, etc.).
• The references, bibliography and footnotes (provided footnotes only include references) are NOT included in this word count.
• There is no direct penalty for exceeding the word count, but the marker WILL stop reading once the maximum word limit has been reached and nothing further will be taken into account in the allocation of marks.
You can view the UWE word count policy here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/policies
Referencing:
Please adhere to the principles of good academic practice and ensure you reference all sources used when developing your assessment, using the UWE Harvard/OSCOLA system (amend as appropriate). Failure to properly reference your work to original source material can be grounds for the assessment offence of plagiarism and may result in failure of the assessment or have more serious implications.
For further guidance on correct referencing go to:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/referencing.aspx
Details of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it can be found here:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/readingandwriting/plagiarism.aspx
For general guidance on how to avoid assessment offences see:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/assessmentoffences.aspx
Instructions for submission
You must submit your assignment before the stated deadline by electronic submission through Blackboard / Pebblepad / DEWIS test / other (delete as appropriate). Notification that the electronic submission portal is open for your assignment is displayed (usually two weeks before the submission date) in the Coursework tab in myUWE, the Coursework tab in Blackboard and via an announcement in the Blackboard course (amend as appropriate if not using Blackboard online submission).
Please allow sufficient time to upload your assignment, noting that the system becomes busier and slower as the deadline approaches. Only your final upload will be counted. Ensure all your information is submitted at one attempt to avoid ‘overwriting’ your intended submission. Always check and retain your receipts (amend as appropriate if not using Blackboard online submission).
Late submission in the 24 hours following the deadline will be accepted but the assignment mark will be capped at 40%. Submissions after 24 hours will not be accepted. For full guidance on online submission through Blackboard, see:
http://info.uwe.ac.uk/online/Blackboard/students/guides/assignments/default.asp
Submissions of coursework by any other method (including a paper copy, on disk or by email) are NOT permissible for this module unless specifically agreed in advance of the submission date.
Before submitting your work, please ensure that:
• You have proof read you work thoroughly to ensure your work is presented appropriately
• You have addressed all the required elements of the assessment
• You have referenced in accordance with the guidance provided
• You have addressed each of the marking criterion
• The submission is in the correct format
Final feedback and marks release
Students will normally receive marks and feedback on their submission within 20 working days of the submission deadline (not including any public holidays or university closure days). Any delay in returning students’ work will be communicated by the module leader via Blackboard. Individual feedback will be given and it will be possible for individuals to discuss this feedback in person thereafter if required.
Feedback on this module is not limited to the written comments you will receive on individual written assessment submissions.
Feedback and marks for this module will be available by 09/01/19
For further guidance on feedback, please refer to the module handbook.
Further Guidance and Support
General guidance on study skills: is available at: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills.aspx
Specific study skills pages relating to this module include:
Writing skills:
https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/readingandwriting/writing.aspx
Support from the FBL Academic Success Centre:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/bl/bbs/aboutus/studentexperience/academicsupportcentre.aspx
Guidance on UWE assessment regulations and terminology: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/assessmentsguide.aspx
Guidance on using the library: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary.aspx
Personal Circumstances
If you are experiencing difficulties in completing a piece of assessment on time due to unexpected circumstances (for example illness, accident, bereavement), you should seek advice from a Student Support Adviser at the earliest opportunity.
Please note the module leader cannot grant personal circumstances or extensions.
Appointments with a student adviser can be made via an Information Point or online at:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/studentadvisers.aspx
The Student Support Adviser will advise as to whether you should submit an application for ‘Personal Circumstances (PCs)’, how to do so and what evidence is required to support the application.
Further details on ECs can be found here:
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/personalcircumstances.aspx
Appendix 1: Marking Scheme
Section ( 30)
Fail (40-49)
‘Narrow Fail’ (50-59)
Pass (60-69)
Merit (70+)
Distinction
1. Introduction
What is the industry and how do you define its boundaries?
Which company, or significant part of a company are you looking at?
What is significant, what drives the industry?
Industry and sectors inadequately defined. Drivers not discussed Vague definition of sector and boundaries / scope of company activities to be discussed not defined well enough Adequate description of sector using business definition criteria. Company basics set out adequately Good understanding of sector boundaries and company products / services within them. Industry sector boundary divergence / convergence considered Drivers of industry / sector / company development included in a coherent and articulate discussion of sector / company status
2. Environment / background
General discussion of trends [based on PEST / 5 Forces etc,.]
Development of 1 or 2 scenarios: how do you think the industry will develop over the next 5-10 years?
Generic headings provided with no application of PEST / 5F. Failure to synthesise any data into scenarios Limited, incomplete setting out of environmental factors. Very limited development of scenarios Specific environmental factors listed. Some attempt made to project future trends and impact. Outline scenarios provided which draw on previously discussed key factors Incisive environmental analysis drawing out key factors and their impact. Synthesis into 2 internally consistent and mutually exclusive scenarios. Key environmental factors set out and delineated in terms of importance, likelihood of occurrence. Articulate discussion of future environmental trends and how they impact the company. Synthesis into holistic scenarios. One scenario chosen to describe company’s future environmental context
3. The company
Describe its current strategy [based on SWOT / generic strategies etc,.]:
• Competitive positioning
• Competitive advantage
• Distinctive competence
• Governance performance
Superficial description of company: over-dependent on readily available, existing description. No insight into the 4 key areas of concern Some attempt to address each of the 4 core areas but largely descriptive and over-reliant on ‘listing’ from standard tools / models Some insight gained into each of the 4 areas and showing analysis of competitors. Appendices models’ data applied rather than re-listed. All four areas addressed but justice may not have been given to all. Clear understanding of theory behind each area shown: not in description but in application. For example the distinction between critical and enabling competences would be illustrated Excellent, all four areas addressed in full. Clear relative discussion versus major competitors.
4. Future prospects
Is the company’s perceived strategy adequate in the face of expected business environment / industry development?
What is the scope / type of change, if any, that you expect the company to need to undertake?
What are the financial implications given adequacy or otherwise of the current strategy: on what financial measures should the company focus?
No relation of ideas about company’s future to foregoing analyses or scenario. Changes in strategy / governance / structure not alluded to Over-descriptive and vague description of future direction of the company only partially drawing on an understanding of future environmental context Limited consistency between understanding of future sector environment and plans for the company itself. Partial explanation of depth and width of company changes required. Three topics generally well-covered but there may be some omissions: for example failure to outline any changes required to governance or reasons why this is not required Very good discussion of future prospects and opportunities. Financial data used to support arguments and to set future targets.
5. Appendices
Very limited appendices consisting of 2nd hand material Limited appendices for example, merely showing models rather than containing required 2ndry data. Clear and relevant data provided but not comprehensively so Stand-alone application of main models which can be clearly understood Excellent application of main models which can be clearly understood and which can be referenced to / from the main body of the report
Professional Writing
Achieves Standards of Written Communication
Performance in these areas meets a professional level of formal written business communication.
Report contains no, or only minor, errors that do not interfere with a professional level of communication:
• Micro-level concerns: mechanics (spelling, punctuation and grammar), sentence structure
• Professionalism: format, voice, purpose
• Organization: tightness of fit, paragraph coherence, cohesiveness/flow, summaries
• Executive Summary: provides senior managers with accurate picture of key issues; appropriate length

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