ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

Qualification Title Unit Number/Title

Pearson BTEC Level 5 - HND in Unit 6: Business Decision Making

Business (Management)
Unit Leader Name Internal Verifier Name

David Kingston Abu Timbo

Date of Issue 26/9/2016

Date of Submission Formative Assignment:30th November 2016

Final Submission:19th December 2016

Coursework Rules and Regulations at St. Patrick’s International College

Plagiarism – the College takes plagiarism and academic misconduct seriously and
therefore, suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be
dealt with according to the procedures set down by the College. Please see your Student
Handbook for further details of course of action for plagiarism issue.

‘Plagiarism’ is presenting somebody else’s work as your own. It includes copying

information directly from the Web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint
coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing
coursework from another student and submitting it as your own work.

Student Declaration – all coursework submission will need to bear a declaration signed by
you.

Submission Regulations
1 You are required to submit your coursework on-line through the College’s Virtual
Learning Environment (VLE) which can be accessed through http://stpmoodle.net.
Detailed information about this is available in the Student Handbook.
2 Details of submission procedures and related course of actions can be obtained from
the Academic Administration Department or the Student Handbook.
3 If you are unable to submit your coursework on time due to extenuating
circumstances, you are required to make an application to your respective Schools for
it to be considered, using an ‘Extenuating Circumstances Form’ available from the
Academic Admin Office. Do not ask the lecturers responsible for the course -
they are not authorised to award an extension. The completed form must be
accompanied by evidence such as a medical certificate in the event of you being sick.
4 Specific requirement or subject specific requirement for coursework submission will
be stated further in the assignment brief or will be advised by your lecturer.

St. Patrick’s International College 1 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

 Learning Outcomes Assessment To achieve the criteria the evidence Task No
Criteria must show that the student is able to:

1.1 create a plan for the collection of primary and 1.1

LO1 Be able to use a secondary data for a given business problem
variety of sources for 1.2 present the survey methodology and sampling 1.2
the collection of frame used
data, both primary 1.3 design a questionnaire for a given 1.3
and secondary. business problem

2.1 create information for decision making by 2.1

LO2 Understand a summarising data using representative values
range of techniques 2.2 analyse the results to draw valid conclusions in 2.2
to analyse data a business context
effectively for 2.3 analyse data using measures of dispersion to 2.3
business purposes. inform a given business scenario
2.4 explain how quartiles, percentiles and the 2.4
correlation coefficient are used to draw
useful conclusions in a business context
3.1 produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw 3.1
LO3 Produce valid conclusions based on the information
information in derived
appropriate formats 3.2 create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to 3.2
for decision making in assist in forecasting for specified business
an organizational information
context. 3.3 prepare a business presentation using suitable 3.3
software and techniques to disseminate
information effectively
3.4 produce a formal business report. 3.4

4.1 use appropriate information processing tools 4.1

LO4 Use software-
4.2 prepare a project plan for an activity and 4.2
generated
determine the critical path
information to make
4.3 4.3
decisions in an use financial tools for decision making
organization.

St. Patrick’s International College 2 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

St. Patrick’s International College 3 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016
In addition to the PASS criteria, this assignment gives you the opportunity to submit evidence in order to
achieve the following MERIT and DISTINCTION grades
Grade Descriptors
M1 Identify and apply strategies to find
appropriate solutions
M2 Select / design and apply appropriate
methods / techniques
M3 Present and communicate appropriate
findings
St. Patrick’s International College
Indicative characteristic/s
an effective approach to study and research
has been applied
A range of sources of information has been used
Complex information/data has been synthesised
and processed
a range of methods of presentation have been
used and technical language has been accurately
used
4 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016
Contextualisation
To achieve M1, you need to
demonstrate effective approach in selecting data
sources, data collection methods and data analysis
(Tasks 1 and 2)
or
present data in suitable formats to produce
information for decision making. (Tasks 3 and 4)
To achieve M2, you need to
effectively use a range of techniques for data
collection and analysis (Tasks 1 and 2)
correctly apply project management and
financial decision making tools (Task 4)
To achieve M3, you need to
use a range of methods of presentation with the
use of technical language correctly. (Tasks 3 and 4)
D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own Conclusions have been arrived at through Well justified conclusions have been arrived at
work and justify valid conclusions synthesis of ideas and have been justified through synthesis of ideas with justifications
where applicable. (All Tasks)

D2 Take responsibility for managing and Autonomy/independence has been demonstrated Learner largely took own responsibility and
organising activities demonstrated independence in planning and
managing the entire work process. (All Tasks)

D3 Demonstrate convergent /lateral Effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar Effective thinking has taken place as is evidenced
/creative thinking contexts by the body of work presented and application of
concepts. (All Tasks)

St. Patrick’s International College 5 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

 Assignment brief

Assignment title Kitchen Design Ltd

Purpose of this assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of the techniques
for data collection and storage; the skills and tools to create and present useful information, in order to make
business decisions.
The assignment covers all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the unit. Learners will be
required to use spreadsheets and other software for data presentation and analysis to produce information for
decision making in the context of the business scenario.
The assignment will consist of four separate tasks, relating to one business scenario.

Scenario
Kitchen Design Ltd is a well known provider of Contemporary kitchen installation, [including own brand
white goods, utensils, and cabinets]. The company has been very successful in this sector and now wish to
explore opportunities in the market for bathroom design and equipment.
The company has hired you as a market research consultant to produce information to aid their decision
making.
You are required to:
Task 1 Data Collection

1.1 Create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary data specifying the type of primary and secondary
data that can help Kitchen Design Ltd diversify into the Bathroom market category. (AC-1.1)
1.2 Present the survey methodology and sampling frame you will use to carry out the research. (AC-1.2)
1.3 Develop a questionnaire for this research. (AC-1.3)
(This should cover Assessment Criteria 1.1, 1.2, & 1.3)
To achieve M1, you need to demonstrate effective approach in selecting data sources and data collection
methods for the proposed market research for Kitchen Designs Ltd.
To achieve M2, correctly and effectively apply a range of methods and techniques for data collection for the
purpose of Kitchen Designs Ltd.

To achieve D1, Well justified conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas with justifications
where applicable.
To achieve D2, demonstrate effective plan for managing and organizing the activities involved in the proposed

St. Patrick’s International College 6 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

market study and research.
To achieve D3, Effective thinking has taken place as is evidenced by the body of work presented and application
of concepts.

Task 2 Analysing Business Information

The last 12 months sales of the two main lines of Kitchen designs are listed in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1
Months Country (000 £) Minimalist (000 £)
January 90 430
February 80 360
March 130 350
April 170 350
May 240 320
June 280 330
July 290 310
August 310 300
September 300 300
October 180 370
November 140 400
December 90 420

Tasks:
2.1 Summarise the 12 months data in Table 1 above with Excel using representative values (Mean, Median,
Mode) and explain in general terms what these values measure (AC-2.1)

2.2 Analyse the results of Task 2.1 and draw valid conclusions for the management of Kitchen Designs Ltd.
(AC-2.2)

2.3 Using MS excel analyse the data in Table 1 above with measures of dispersion (Range, Inter-quartile
range, and Standard Deviation) to inform the management of Kitchen Designs Ltd. (AC 2.3)

2.4 Explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient [you should calculate the correlation
co-efficient for the data in Table 1 above] can be used to draw useful conclusions for Kitchen Designs
Ltd. (AC- 2.4)

(This task should cover Assessment Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 & 2.4)

St. Patrick’s International College 7 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

To achieve M1,demonstrate effective approach in selecting data sources, data collection methods and data
analysis.
To achieve M2, correctly apply a range of methods and techniques to analyse data effectively for the purpose of
the company.
To achieve D1, justify your business conclusions through synthesis of ideas that are creative and original.
To achieve D2, Learner largely took own responsibility and demonstrated independence in planning and
managing the entire work process.
To achieve D3, provide the evidence of lateral and creative ideas to arrive at a correct decision in the given
business context.

Task 3 Presentation of Business Performance

Kitchen Design Ltd wishes to research 4 product categories; the respective average industry sales of these
categories for the last four years are shown in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2
Year 2012 2013 2014 2015
Product
Victorian £4M £4.5M £5M £5.3M
Budget £6M £6.3M £6.9M £7M
Wetroom £2.5M £2.3M £2.2M £2M
Sauna £3M £2.75M £2.5M £2M

Required:
3.1 Using MS excel, for each of the 4 product categories listed above for Task 3, produce graphs [including
at least one of each of: pie chart, line graph, bar graph] as appropriate and draw conclusions to aid decision
making for the Board of Kitchen Designs Ltd. (AC-3.1)

3.2 Using MS excel, for each of the 4 product classes in Table 2 above, create a scattergraph with trend lines;
use these four trend lines forecast sales for the following year. (AC 3.2)

St. Patrick’s International College 8 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

3.3 Using the charts and graphs produced for Tasks 3.1 & 3.2 prepare a powerpoint business presentation
[and import this into the Word document containing your Assignment] to disseminate information relevant to the
board of Kitchen Designs Ltd. (AC 3.3)

3.4 Referring to the charts, graphs, and slides produced for AC 3.1 - 3.3 [and possibly also AC 2.1 – 2.4];
prepare a Formal Business Report for the Board of Kitchen Design Ltd (AC 3.4)
(This Task assesses Criteria: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 & 3.4)

To achieve M1, you need to demonstrate effective approach in selecting suitable formats for the presentation of
data to derive valid conclusions in the business context.

To achieve M3, you need to use a range of methods of presentation with the use of technical language correctly.

To achieve D1, justify your business conclusions through synthesis of ideas that are creative and original.

To achieve D2, Learner largely took own responsibility and demonstrated independence in planning and
managing the entire work process.

To achieve D3, provide the evidence of lateral and creative ideas to arrive at a correct decision in the given
business context.

Task 4 Using Decision Making Tools

In order to cope with the projected growth resulting from their diversification, to improve customer service, and
overall business processes, Kitchen Design Ltd wishes to implement a new Management Information System
(MIS). Two supplier firms have been shortlisted for this.
Supplier A
Initial cost of equipment and installation is £.9m.
Supplier B
Initial cost of equipment and installation is £1.2m.
Both systems integrate a number of major business functions, and could be thought of as entry level ERP
[Enterprise Resource Planning] systems.
Projected Cash-flows for the two options are shown in Table 3 below:
TABLE 3
Year Supplier A (£’000) Supplier B (£’000)
2017 250 300

St. Patrick’s International College 9 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

 2018 300 350
2019 350 375
2020 375 400
2021 400 425
Other Information
(a)The cost of capital/ discount rate for both options is 10%.

(b)The project implementation schedule to be imposed on the chosen supplier of the MIS has been decided and
is shown in Table 4 below:

TABLE 4
Activities Duration Preceding Activity
(Days)
1 Obtain estimate for new MIS 6 -
2 Reconfigure communication cable as necessary 3 1
3 Staff selection and appointment 2 -
4 Office rearrangements 5 1
5 Testing of communications 5 3
6 Induction and instruction for new system users 5 3
7 Sites re-wiring 6 2, 4, 5
8 Set up of sites computer links 4 7
9 Install new hardware 4 7
10 Test new hardware 3 6, 7, 8, 9
11 Test new system 3 10

Tasks
4.1 Explain how information processing tools can be used to manage inventory effectively. (AC-4.1)

4.2 Using the data in Table 4 prepare a project plan for this project and state the critical path [it is recommended
to use Serena Openproject] (AC-4.2).

4.3 Using the investment appraisal tools of NPV & IRR, you are required to propose the better MIS investment
alternative to Kitchen Design Ltd and explain your choice (AC- 4.3)

St. Patrick’s International College 10 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

 (This should cover Assessment Criteria 4.1, 4.2 & 4.3)
To achieve M1, present data in suitable formats to produce information for decision making.

To achieve M2, correctly apply project management and financial decision making tools and provide proper
justification for your decisions.

To achieve M3, you need to use a range of methods of presentation with the use of technical language correctly.

To achieve D1, Well justified conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas with justifications
where applicable.

To achieve D2, demonstrate effective plan for managing and organizing the activities involved in the proposed
conference for local car dealers.

To achieve D3, provide the evidence of lateral and creative ideas to arrive at a correct decision in the given
business context.

St. Patrick’s International College 11 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

St. Patrick’s International College 12 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016
Further Guidance

Grading

Each Unit will be graded as a Pass, Merit, and Distinction when all learning
outcomes and assessment criteria have been met.

A Pass is awarded for the achievement of all Learning Outcomes against the
specified Assessment Criteria.

A Merit or Distinction is awarded for higher level achievement upon achieving

the M’s and D’s criteria.

If all required assessment criteria have not been achieved the work is graded
‘Referred’.

If the work illustrate more than the similarity % cap or concern over originality
of part or all content of the work, it is graded ‘Withheld’. The student will then
be interviewed to ascertain originality.

In the case of incomplete work or partial submission (others such as blank template,
no evidence of real attempt), the work is graded ‘Unreasonable Submission’.

When a Unit has been assessed, Grades are reported on the College’s VLE. You
can obtain the grade awarded by viewing the Submission Inbox, navigating
different tabs to see the status of your submission. By viewing the Report, the
Originality can be obtained. Clicking on the GradeMark tab will reveal the
QuickMark comments. Clicking on the General Comment tab will reveal the
comments made by the Assessor and Internal Verifier.

St. Patrick’s International College 13 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016

Please note that numeric value (for example, 75% for Distinction) is used to
classify the different grades awarded to support the system requirement on the
College’s VLE, Grades are reported on the VLE as follow:

% GRADES

75% Distinction

65% Merit

50% Pass

35% Referred

10% Withheld

W1 – direct copy from various sources

W2 – collusion

(Note: detailed feedback on W1 and W2

will be provided by the Assessor in the
General feedback section.)

5% Unreasonable Submission

Additional Information

 For any late submission without approved Extenuating circumstances prior

to the set deadline, the grade is capped at a PASS.

 It is expected that the guided word count are adhered to when writing
your coursework.

St. Patrick’s International College 14 Standard AB Template V1DNL2016