Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Assignment Session: 2011- 2012 Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND Business and Management Unit 1 Assignment: Business Environment Assignment Introduction The assignment is aimed at providing you with an understanding of different organisations, the influence of stakeholders and the relationship between businesses and the local, national and global environments. Learning outcomes On successful completion of this assignment you will be able to: 1 Understand the organisational purposes of businesses 2 Understand the nature of the national environment in which businesses operate 3 Understand the behaviour of organisations in their market environment 4 Be able to assess the significance of the global factors that shape national business activities. Assignment Focusing on a work role, previous work experience or a voluntary work position, using examples from your own workplace experiences where possible, and drawing on your studies of this subject, please answer ALL four sections below. Deadline for Submission: Please see your time table Please answer ALL four sections: Section 1 Word Length: Approx. 1500 words Understanding the organisational purposes of businesses You will need to: identify the purposes of different types of organisation describe the extent to which an organisation meets the objectives of different stakeholders explain the responsibilities of an organisation and strategies employed to meet them

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Section 2 Word Length: Approx. 1500 words Understanding the nature of the national environment in which businesses operate You will need to: explain how economic systems attempt to allocate resources effectively assess the impact of fiscal and monetary policy on business organisations and their activities evaluate the impact of competition policy and other regulatory mechanisms on the activities of a selected organisation

Section 3 Word Length: Approx. 1500 words Understanding the behaviour of organisations in their market environment You will need to: explain how market structures determine the pricing and output decisions of businesses illustrate the way in which market forces shape organisational responses using a range of examples judge how the business and cultural environments shape the behaviour of a selected organisation

Section 4 Word Length: Approx. 1500 words Assess the significance of the global factors that shape national business activities You will need to: discuss the significance of international trade to UK business organisations analyse the impact of global factors on UK business organisations evaluate the impact of policies of the European Union on UK business organisations.

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Delivery Delivery is by self study, online distance learning, with email and telephone support available from your Personal Tutor. Guidance and advice on study techniques can be found on Moodle, and can be given by your Personal Tutor. Guidance and advice on unit assignments can be found on Moodle. Your Personal Tutor will also give you advice and guidance on format, structure, content, and give feedback on one draft per assignment. Assignment Completion and Assessment The unit assignments are designed to cover the specific unit learning outcomes. Assignments may be focused on actual workplace activity, case studies, or desk- research. All assignments need to cover the assignment-specific assessment criteria, as shown in each assignment section. The format, structure, and overall presentation of the assignment is expected to be to a professional standard. The assignment word length is approximate and is given on each section Word process the report Use 10 point Arial or Times New Roman script Use the Simplified Harvard referencing system Complete an assignment front sheet Save the assignment in one single Word format document or PDF, including the assignment front sheet. Submit the final version of your assignment and assignment front sheet, by the set submission date via Moodle. The basis for assessor grading decisions is explained below.

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Guidance on Grade Awarded The final Unit grade assessment is based on how well you have met the Assignment Criteria / Task Requirements: we look primarily for evidence that you have followed the Assignment instructions and have responded to the Assignment in a way that meets the specific outcomes / requirements / criteria. We also look at the depth and breadth of your work: where we look for evidence of supplementary reading and research, appropriate examples, some original thought, a professional standard of layout, structure, and overall presentation in order to come to a decision about the actual grade. Below is an overview of the guidelines that our Assessors work to: Grade Descriptors for HNC/HND Pass Grade A pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for pass for each unit. Merit Grade In order to achieve a merit you must: Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions You need to show evidence of: effective judgements have been made complex problems with more than one variable have been explored an effective approach to study and research has been applied

Select / design and apply appropriate methods/techniques You need to show evidence of: relevant theories and techniques have been applied a range of methods and techniques have been applied a range of sources of information has been used the selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified the design of methods/techniques has been justified complex information/data has been synthesised and processed appropriate learning methods/techniques have been applied

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited

Present and communicate appropriate findings You need to show evidence of: the appropriate structure and approach has been used coherent, logical development of principles/concepts for the intended audience a range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts the communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media have been used.

Distinction Grade In order to achieve a distinction you must: Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions You need to show evidence of: conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified the validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria self-criticism of approach has taken place realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success

Take responsibility for managing and organising activities You need to show evidence of: autonomy/independence has been demonstrated substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organised activities have been managed the unforeseen has been accommodated the importance of interdependence has been recognised and achieved

Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking You need to show evidence of: ideas have been generated and decisions taken self-evaluation has taken place convergent and lateral thinking have been applied problems have been solved innovation and creative thought have been applied receptiveness to new ideas is evident effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts.

Brighton School of Business and Management Limited