CAMBRIDGE HOUSE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HND BUSINESSUNIT 6

Business Decision Making

2010 Spcification

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria EvidenceLO1Be 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 secondary data for a given business problem

1.2 present the survey methodology and sampling frame used

1.3 design a questionnaire for a given business problem

Presentation (with supporting evidence)

L02Understand a range of techniquesto analyse data effectively for business purposes

2.1 create information for decision making by summarising data using representative values

2.2 analyse the data to draw valid conclusions in a business context

2.3 analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a given business scenario

2.4 explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to draw useful conclusions in a business context

Booklet (with graphs and analysis)

LO3Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context

3.1 produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on the information derived

3.2 create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified business information

3.3 Prepare a business presentation using suitable software and techniques to disseminate information effectively

3.4 Prepare a formal business report

Presentation (with supporting formal

report)

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

4.1 use appropriate information processing tools

4.2 Prepare a project plan for an activity and determine the critical path

4.3 Use financial tools for decision making

Interview (with supporting evidence)

Introduction - The reinvigoration of La Calderona

The Calderona Spa and Leisure centre has a proposal from a local sports business called Playtennis Ltd.

The proposal is to increase the usage of the tennis courts already at the Spa and for La Calderona to construct 4 further all weather courts. The management of the tennis facility will be taken over by Playtennis who already operate locally in several nearby towns.

Under the new system Playtennis will pay a lease on the existing courts and a fixed annual fee for the new ones. Members of the Calderona who already have tennis membership will simply transfer their memberships to the new company. Playtennis feel that if they can attract new tennis members then the Spa would benefit from these users and would increase revenue that way as well.

However, Playtennis intends to hold tournaments at the new centre as well as running lessons and activities, which happens already, which will have an effect on the use of the courts by members but may also have an effect on other areas of the operation. The management of Playtennis and the Board of Directors at La Calderona have had several informal meetings and you have been asked to prepare a presentation for Playtennis at a Board meeting to be held early next year when the decision to proceed or not with the proposal will be made. In addition to receiving the information verbally, the Board of Directors will also require the information to be presented by report format.

HND BUSINESS STUDIESUNIT 6: Business Decision Making

Assessment 1: Market Research & Analysis

Assessment Period: 6 weeksLearning Outcome: LO1Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary Unit Assessment Criteria:1.1 create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary data for a given business problem1.2 present the survey methodology and sampling frame used1.3 design a questionnaire for a given business problem

Learning Outcome: L03Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational contextUnit Assessment Criteria:3.1 produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on the information derived3.2 create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified business information 3.3 Prepare a business presentation using suitable software and techniques to disseminate information effectively 3.4 produce a formal business report

TASK BRIEF

Task 1 This task addresses 1.1/1.2/1.3 & 3.1/3.2/3.3

The owners of La Calderona are seriously considering the proposal from Playtennis but feel that, in order to make the correct strategic decision, they need some up-to-date market research to better inform them of the opinions of their current members and/or any prospective new members of the resort.

Produce a 10 minute presentation (minimum 12 slides) using appropriate software (3.3) clearly linking the case study requirements with the following information:

1. A plan of how you will carry out your research using primary and secondary sources. You must also design a questionnaire as part of your primary research in order to find out people’s opinions about the proposal (1.1/1.3)

2. Evidence that you have carried out the market research stipulated in your plan (1.1) using the questionnaire you have designed (1.3). You should produce graphs (using spreadsheets) to illustrate the collected data and draw valid conclusions from each question and linked questions (3.1)

3. Using the collected data and spreadsheet make forecasts for future trends (3.2)

3. An explanation why you have carried out this type of research and why you have chosen this type of sample. The evaluation should also include whether or not the questionnaire was fit for purpose. (1.2/1.3)

Task 2 This task addresses 3.4

1. You must now amalgamate the information from the presentation into report format so that the Board of Directors can refer to a hard copy of your market research and analysis. The report format should include the following headings:

a) Title

b) Contents page

c) Report summary (purpose of the report, methodology)

d) Introduction (reasons for undertaking the research)

e) Main findings (including graphs)

f) Conclusion (summary of the main points)

g) Recommendations (what you think should happen)

h) Appendices (any additional information added which is referenced throughout the report)

Assessment information:

Your presentation support notes should also be handed in as part of your evidence.

This is an individual task and both the presentation and the report should be completed in a formal and professional manner (including dress, English language and body language)

HND BUSINESSUNIT 6: Business Decision Making

Assessment 2 Data Analysis & Decision Making

Assessment Period: 4 weeksLearning Outcome: L02Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposesUnit Assessment Criteria:2.1 create information for decision making by summarising data using representative values2.2 analyse the data to draw valid conclusions in a business context2.3 analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a given business scenario2.4 explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to draw useful conclusions in a business context

IntroductionThe owners of La Calderona are pleased with the initial research you have presented to them. They now wish to employ you as a Consultant to their decision making team. Your task now is to build upon your research by collecting further market research, either secondary or primary based and present your findings at the next Board of Directors meeting.

TASK BRIEF

Task 1 - this task addresses 2.1/2.2/2.3/2.4

Prepare for the next Board of Directors meeting by creating a professional booklet that demonstrates a range of techniques to analyse the data collected through your initial and additional research for La Calderona. The booklet should include:

1. Calculation of the mean, median, mode and frequency distributions of the collected data (2.1). Using these results, you must make valid conclusions within the context of La Calderona (2.2)

2. Analyse the collected data using the measures of dispersion method: (2.3)

3. Explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient can be used to draw conclusions from the data and information you have analysed. (2.4)

HND BusinessUNIT 6: Business Decision Making

Assessment 3: Using Software

Assessment Period: 4 weeksLearning Outcome: L04Be able to use software generated information to make decisions in an organisation

Unit Assessment Criteria:4.1 use appropriate information processing tools

4.2 Prepare a project plan for an activity and determine the critical path

4.3 Use financial tools for decision makingIntroductionThe owners were very impressed with both your presentation and report and have decided, on the strength of the information you provided, to move ahead with the Playtennis proposal to build 4 further all weather courts However, before this decision can be made there are still a number of issues still to be resolved. As their Consultant, you will take part in the next Board of Directors meeting and will have to provide answers to their questions. You must be prepared to discuss the following areas verbally, but also provide written evidence of your findings.

TASK BRIEF

Task 1

Create a table that shows the Management Information Systems used at La Calderona across different levels of the organisation in order to make decisions (4.1).

Task 2

Using the additional information given to you, create a critical path analysis for the 4 new all weather courts and determine the critical path (4.2).

Task 3

Using the additional information given to you, calculate the net present value, discounted cash flow and internal rates of return for La Calderona project and determine whether the project is viable (4.3)

Assessment Criteria

To obtain a Pass you will need to have met all the assessment criteria as outlined above in the 3 assessments.

To obtain a Merit you will need to achieve a pass for all the assessment criteria plus the following:

Merit descriptor The learner’s evidence shows

Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

Results of market research have been analysed well and strategies have been identified

Appropriate solutions have been analysed

Students have analysed their results looking at more than one question at a time

Select/design and apply appropriate techniques

A range of relevant theories and techniques have been applied to the scenario

Questionnaire and secondary market research has been justified

Relevant data has been analysed

Present and communicate appropriate findings

Student has presented data in a professional manner using various methods

Technical language and a good level of English has been used throughout the assessment

Communication, including body language between peers and tutors has been appropriate

Logical and coherent development of ideas for the intended audience

To obtain a Distinction you will also need to meet the following criteria:

Distinction descriptors The learner’s evidence shows

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

Conclusions have been justified and results have been validated

Self evaluation including any realistic improvements

Take responsibility for the management and organisation of activities

Student has taken responsibility for managing, organising, planning and has demonstrated a mature attitude at all time

Deadlines have been met

Student has dealt with any unforeseen difficulties

Student has worked independently

Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking

Student has solved problems

Shows innovation and is receptive to new ideas

Self evaluation

Logical and effective thinking has taken place

References

Sources of research must be Harvard Referenced and sources within the text as appropriate. Consult Student handbook for guidance on Harvard referencing.