Unit Handbook Business Strategy Autumn 2015

Masters Framework
Faculty of Management
Business Strategy and Finance
UNIT HANDBOOK
2015 2016 Autumn Cohort
Unit Tutor:
Sean Beer
Teaching Team:
Morris DCruz
Nick Rowles
Jeff Sadd
Ed Williams
Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015
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Contents
Message from your tutors.............................................................................................3
Contact details..............................................................................................................5
Unit Aim.........................................................................................................................6
Learning outcomes.......................................................................................................6
Learning environment...................................................................................................7
Indicative content..........................................................................................................7
Indicative Timetable......................................................................................................9
Assessment strategy..................................................................................................10
Assignment brief 1......................................................................................................12
Assignment brief 2......................................................................................................17
Appendices.................................................................................................................19
Level M Generic Assessment Criteria.....................................................................20
Assignment 1 cover sheet.......................................................................................23
Assignment 2 cover sheet.......................................................................................24
Company proposal form..........................................................................................25
Suggested Format for Group Meeting Action Plan & Progress monitoring Form...27
Group work: what you can do if there are problems within your group..................28
Unit resources.........................................................................................................30
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Message from your tutors

Dear all,
We would like to welcome you to Bournemouth University and also specifically to this
unit in Business Strategy and Finance.
Just a few thoughts at the outset
Firstly, we understand that you have come to Bournemouth to follow a number of
specific pathways, and that Business Strategy and Finance aren't necessarily
subjects that immediately spring to mind when you think about pathways such as
Tourism and Hospitality or Events. However, this unit underpins everything that you
will go on to do. Whether you go on to work in the private, public or third sectors
(charities) when leaving university. Being able to understand and shape your
organisation's strategy and to understand how finance is the key metric to that
strategy is essential knowledge. An essential knowledge for those who wish to work
in companies and to those of you who aspire to manage and ultimately lead them.
The United Nations recently undertook a survey into the skills that employers were
looking for in the service sector and highlighted the following as key areas:
Financial Management
Business analysis and development
Management/Leadership
Sustainable awareness
Awareness of legislation/compliance
Soft skills working with others
Diversified Language skills
Compute/It/Software skills
This unit has been designed to help you develop skills in all these areas. So if you
are keen to get a good job at the end of the programme, this Unit might be more
important than you first thought.
We also appreciate that the teaching and learning skills that we will be using
throughout this unit may well be unfamiliar to you. We adopt a Socratic approach
which involves active participation by all students on the unit. This involves much
self-managed study and group work both in terms of learning and assessment.
These are characteristics of higher education in the United Kingdom. We appreciate
that this may well be very new to many of you, but we hope to guide you through and
help you to settle in to this slightly different approach which may well be unfamiliar to
some.
Masters level study involves using what we call higher order academic skills. It is not
enough to be able to describe things or demonstrate simple knowledge. At this level
we expect students to demonstrate understanding as well as the ability to
evaluate, analyse and synthesise material this is all part of the process of
critical thinking. We expect you to be able to produce well laid out arguments and
well-constructed reports, that use high-quality sources of information and that you
acknowledge the sources. We expect you to have a full understanding of BU
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Harvard referencing as a matter of course. We are looking for your work to be

authentic and original; the University takes a very strong line on plagiarism.
Finally this unit is going to involve quite a bit of work. You will need to approach this
unit and this whole course, professionally, as if it was your job. At times it will be
difficult and will place large demands on your academic and social skills. This is the
twelfth cohort that this particular team has taught this unit to. We work as a team,
talk to each other and will try and make it as interesting and as dynamic as possible.
We look forward to meeting and working with you.
With best wishes
Sean, Nick, Morris Jeff and Ed.
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Contact details
Sean Beer
Office:
E-mail:
Dorset House D160

sbeer@bournemouth.ac.uk
Nick Rowles
Office:
E-mail:
Dorset House D114

nrowles@bournemouth.ac.uk
Morris DCruz
Office:
E-mail:
Dorset House D158

mdcruz@bournemouth.ac.uk
Jeff Sadd
Office:
E-mail:
Dorset House D110

jsadd@bournemouth.ac.uk
Ed Williams
Office:
E-mail:
Dorset House D166
williamse@bournemouth.ac.uk
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Unit Aim
The aim of this Unit is for students to develop an understanding of the foundations of
strategic analysis, choice and the implementation strategies that usually tie into an
organisations business decisions (Private, Public and Third Sector). This includes a
study of Corporate Finance in terms of an organisations sources of finance,
reporting and the interpretation of financial data that is fundamental to the broader
understanding of the dynamics of the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors.
Learning outcomes
Having completed this Unit, the student is expected to:
1 Demonstrate a critical understanding of each of the following areas and be
able to explore, evaluate and apply them to a variety of organisational issues.
a. Strategic Management
b. Business Planning
c. Financial Reporting, Appraisal and Investment Issues;
2 Demonstrate higher-level skills in relation to organisational strategy
formulation, application, and the planning and implementation of strategic
decisions within an ethical or regulatory framework;
3 Understand the process of financial reporting and capital investment
appraisal, and be able to effectively measure and monitor the financial
performance of organisations;
4 Demonstrate an ability to arrive at strategic and financial decisions in
unpredictable contexts and provide innovative, appropriate and incremental
solutions to strategic problems.
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Learning environment
Students will experience a parallel programme of lectures, tutorials and action
learning sets looking at strategic and financial topics. Students will be required to
undertake a range of preparatory reading and other activities prior to or following on
from each weeks classes. This unit involves a considerable amount of self-study.
Indicative content
It is not intended that the indicative content sections be read as material to be
attempted on a sequential basis but rather that it be integrated to reflect business
practice.
1. Strategic Management
Structures inter-relationships between organisational design, characteristics,

functions and strategic behaviour (flexibility, responsiveness, capability).
Processes - planning process functions with reference to managerial roles

and styles, decision generic strategies and the formulation of strategy.
Procedures - inter-relationships in the planning hierarchy between mission

and objective setting, organisational politics, inputs from stakeholders and
organisational culture.
Generating and evaluating options - creative thinking and problem solving

techniques, generating strategic options and applying risk appraisal
techniques to identify optimal strategic fit.
2. Business Planning
Business and economic analysis arenas of economic change, classifying

organisational environments, the scope of environmental scanning.
Structural (industry) analysis structural analysis and competitive strategy,

changes in domestic and international markets, global tourism/hospitality
trends and implications.
Competitor analysis - competitive advantage and marketing strategies and

development options.
The contribution of a broad and holistic understanding of political, social,

technological and natural environmental factors to strategy formulation.
3. Financial reporting, appraisal and investment issues
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Process of financial performance reporting including the compilation of

financial statements such as Income Statements (Profit and Loss Accounts),
Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Statements
Accounting ratios, the value of benchmarks and methods of evaluating

organisational reports.
Capital structures cost of capital and risk assessment.
Strategic and financial analysis methods for assessing the feasibility and
acceptability of investment decisions.
Resource analysis - an overview of value chain analysis, productivity options,

financial performance appraisal, generic productivity strategies and resource
management implications.
4. Management ethics
1. The role of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility on
management decision making.
5. Critical thinking
One of the most important skills you will need to learn as a Masters student,
whatever your discipline, is the ability to think critically and objectively about an issue
and to present a well-constructed argument. Critical and analytical-thinking skills
such as these will be essential to most aspects of your study, whether you are
listening to lectures, contributing to seminars, or reading about your subject. Here,
we will be focusing mainly on critical analysis for written work, as nothing gains or
loses marks more for most student assignments than the quality of your written
argument. Some rules to consider are:
The first rule is: Identify the focus of the question
The second rule is: Gather the evidence, analyse and evaluate: engage in
debate with yourself and others.
The third rule is: Bring together the information, a Synthesis or crystallisation
of the ideas from your analysis and evaluation. This gives rise to your answer
to the question.
The fourth rule: Consider how youll present this to other people.
The fifth rule is: Structure your argument.
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Indicative Timetable
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Assessment strategy
Summative Assessment
All ILOs will be assessed through 100% coursework, which comprises of:
Assignment 1: a group report (50%) and
Assignment 2: an individual essay (50%).
You are reminded of the Academic Regulations for the programme;
Submission of coursework
As per section 9.1 of the Standard Assessment Regulations: Postgraduate Taught
Programmes
9.1
If a piece of coursework is not submitted by the required deadline, the

following will apply:
If coursework is submitted within 72 hours after the deadline, the

maximum mark that can be awarded is 50%. If the assessment
achieves a pass mark and subject to the overall performance of the unit
and the students profile for the level, it will be accepted by the
Assessment Board as the reassessment piece. The unit will count
towards the reassessment allowance for the level (see 12.2);
This ruling will apply to written coursework and artefacts only;

This ruling will apply to the first attempt only (including any subsequent
attempt taken as a first attempt due to mitigation);
If coursework is submitted more than 72 hours after the deadline, a

mark of zero (0%) will be awarded;
Failure to submit/complete any other types of coursework by the
required deadline will result in a mark of zero (0%) being awarded.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the representation of another person's work as one's own or the use of
another person's work without acknowledgement. It is a serious academic offence
that is covered in the BU document, Academic Offences: Policy and Procedure for
Taught Awards. You have been briefed on what it is and how the University
approaches it. You should read the document and if you have any queries raise
these before you submit work.
Information on Citing References: the BU guide to Citation in the Harvard Style

The University Library provides you with full details on how to cite references using
the Harvard method. Go to;
page 11
https://www1.bournemouth.ac.uk/discover/library/using-library/how-guides/how-citereferences

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Assignment brief 1
Assignment Briefing Sheet
Programme: Masters Framework
Level: M
Unit Name: Business Strategy and Finance
Unit Tutor: S Beer
Assignment Markers:
SB/NR/MDC/JS
Assignment Title: Strategic analysis of a company (Group work report)

Feedback method: Written feedback sheet
Issue date: 30th September 2015
Submission date:
Assignment 1- Group Report by Monday 14th December 2015.
Weighting of this assignment:

(as % of total coursework assessment for the unit)
Group Report: 50%
In accordance with University regulations any coursework submitted after the due deadline will be regarded
as a late submission and will be awarded the appropriate mark.
Therefore if you are unable to submit your assignment on time due to medical or other mitigating
circumstances you must complete a Mitigating Circumstances form PRIOR to the deadline
and submit it to your Programme Leader for approval. Mitigating Circumstances forms are available from
your Programmes Administrator or on-line in the ST Students area of myBU.

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Assignment 1
Title: Strategic analysis of a company (Group work report)
Rationale: Students are required to undertake a strategic analysis of a company
within a sector relevant to the Tourism/Hospitality/Events/Retail/Sport industries and
relevant to their pathway. The analysis should be submitted in management report
format.
Weighting: 50% of Unit
Learning Outcomes Assessed:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of each of the following areas and be able to
explore, evaluate and apply them to a variety of organisational issues.
a) Strategic Management
b) Business Planning
c) Financial Reporting, Appraisal and Investment Issues;
2. Demonstrate higher-level skills in relation to organisational strategy formulation,
application, and the planning and implementation of strategic decisions within an
ethical or regulatory framework;
3. Understand the process of financial reporting and capital investment appraisal,
and be able to effectively measure and monitor the financial performance of
organisations;
4. Demonstrate an ability to arrive at strategic and financial decisions in
unpredictable contexts and provide innovative, appropriate and incremental solutions
to strategic problems.
Submission requirements:
a) Written group report
The report should be of no less than between 9,000 and 11,000 for a group of
5 people. For each 100 words outside this, 5% will be deducted from the
report marks. This word count in this case is for the full report. The word
count should appear under the table of contents. Word count in this case
does not include tables of numbers. The main body text size of the report
should be 12 point typeface, 1.5 spacing.
The report will need to contain, as an appendix, comprehensive information
indicating how the group was managed. This must show how each
individual contributed to every section of the report. Failure to include
this will count as non-submission.

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You will need to submit one copy of the group report as a single pdf file
submitted electronically on MyBU and one printed copy submitted via the
assignment boxes.
Your Group Number and company name must be included in all
correspondence and must appear on the cover of the report.
The report will only need one cover sheet, (not one for each person in the
group) please see appendices. This is in addition to the formal cover of your
report.
Briefing Detail: Assignment 1
Students are required to undertake a strategic analytical examination of a
company within a sector relevant to the Tourism/Hospitality/Events/Retail/Sport
industries and relevant to their pathway. The analysis should be submitted in report
format.
Students should take the role of 'market analysts' who are employed to provide a
corporate analysis / briefing for investors who have expressed an interest in
investing in the chosen company and sector. You are not required to be positive and
sell the company chosen unless you feel that this is appropriate. You are, however,
required to provide a balanced and objective analysis of its current and near term
future state and strategies.
The company will be selected by the group, but should normally conform to the
following criteria:
Students should have access to the company accounts and financial reports, the
company will therefore normally be publicly listed.
Students should be able to identify and gain access to materials from secondary
research only. You are not allowed to approach the companies directly or contact
them in any other way.
Materials should be of a corporate or strategic nature rather than of an
operational nature so as to allow for appropriate levels of analysis to take place.
The company does not have to be located or based in the UK however students
should ensure that, if they choose an international company, that they can fulfil the
criteria above.
Teams must be in self-selecting groups of 5 people. Given timescales and the
suitability of companies teams can research and analyse the same company but
they must do it independently.
Ideally companies should be commercial (for profit) companies whose shares are
listed on an organised and regulated market in some way, for example; on the main
London Stock Exchange or AIM, New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, etc. Dual
listed companies can be chosen but teams should be aware that where companies
are listed on several Stock Exchanges at once this can complicate the research and
subsequent analysis reporting significantly.
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Companies chosen should from the Leisure industry sectors that you are studying
in this context this includes any companies operating broadly within Tourism,
Hospitality, Events, Sports, Retail and Leisure this includes associated industries
such as air transport, cruise shipping, brewing and gambling. If the team is in any
doubt as to the suitability of their choice they should speak to Morris, Sean, Jeff or
Nick first.
In order to ensure that these criteria are adhered to, each group will be required to email
a
Company
Proposal
Form
to
the
following
address:
sbeer@bournemouth.ac.uk. The form is attached as an appendix. Only the form
should be forwarded. You will be assigned a group number and this along with the
companys name should be used in all correspondence. Groups and companies
must be registered by the end of Wednesday 21 October. Failure to do so will
result in a 5% penalty. The proposal will be scrutinised by the lecturers concerned
and, where appropriate, confirmation of the lecturers agreement will be issued via email, normally within 5 days of receipt. You will also be assigned a tutor who will be
available to provide general guidance and help ensure that the group is working
effectively, ultimately though this is your responsibility. You can have up to 2 one
hour meetings with your tutor. You will need to provide a record of your meetings
and associated action plans (Sample form attached).
Disputes within the groups
All students within the group will normally receive the same mark for the report. In
the case of particular students not fulfilling their contribution; however, the lecturers
should be notified in writing by other members of the group when problems arise.
Any action taken as a result of these latter circumstances will only be considered
prior to the presentation and the submission date of the report. Appeals for
marks to be differently distributed will not be entertained after the submission of the
assignment as in submitting the assignment students are agreeing that
contributions within the group have been fair.
If there are problems with regard to the way that the group is working and the
contribution (academic and in terms of time, communication, attending meetings
etc.) then the group should discuss these with the tutor. If an individual or individuals
are not seen to be making an appropriate contribution then it may be necessary to
remove individuals from the group and assign them an individual assignment.
As some of you have not worked in groups before you will also be given the
opportunity for a meeting with Ed Williams who will be able to help you get to grips
with the idea of working in a group.
Where the company chosen does not conform to the above requirements or where
there is concern regarding any other aspect of the company or the material required,
members of the group will be informed and further discussion will take place with the
lecturers so as to ensure that the group has chosen an appropriate company.
Whereas some initial explanation and description of the company and sector might
be required, you should not merely be content to describe, rather, as the title
indicates, you should be able to provide an analytical insight into the company, its
markets and the surrounding environment etc. You are encouraged to access, use
and, most importantly, apply the academic theory covered in the syllabus.
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Other areas which might be appropriate, as a minimum, include:
An analysis of the competitive structure and environment of the company;

An analysis of the environmental influences (including stakeholders) impacting on
the company;
Analysis regarding customer trends, key markets and competitors;
International influences or competitors and international emerging markets where
appropriate;
Possible improvements to the current strategy of the company; with reference to
Corporate Social Responsibility, marketing and human resources.
Companys Past/Current Financial structure & performance trends.
These are areas that you might cover; however, this would not be a good
structure to use for the report!!
The group should also include their prediction (with justification) as to the likely near
term future of the sector and the company over a realistic and appropriate time
period.
You should, where appropriate, employ (or develop) analytical tools to assist in the
explanation and communication of the information. The above should be treated as
indicative of the content rather than definitive.
Assessment Criteria and Weightings: Assignment 1
Assessment category
Subject knowledge and understanding
Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and
critical judgement
Subject-specific skills - including applications and problem
solving
Transferable skills - including communication and
presentation
Within these weightings the University generic assessment
criteria will be applied. These are listed as an appendix.

page 17
Weighting
30%
30%
30%
10%
Assignment brief 2
School of Tourism
Assignment Briefing Sheet
Level: M
Unit Tutor: SBeer
Assignment Markers:
SB/NR/MDC/JS
Assignment Titles: Assignment 2
Title: Critical review of theory- individual assignment

Feedback method: Written feedback sheet
Issue date: 30th September 2015
Submission date: by 11th January 2016.
Weighting of this assignment:

(as % of total coursework assessment for the unit)
Individual Critical Review: 50%
In accordance with University regulations any coursework submitted after the due deadline will be regarded
as a late submission and will be awarded the appropriate mark.
Therefore if you are unable to submit your assignment on time due to medical or other mitigating
circumstances you must complete a Mitigating Circumstances form PRIOR to the deadline
and submit it to your Programme Leader for approval. Mitigating Circumstances forms are available from
your Programmes Administrator or on-line in the ST Students area of myBU.

page 18
Assignment 2
Title: Critical review of theory- individual assignment
You are required to write an academic Critical Review of one concept or theory of
strategy. You are free to consider any theory or concept used in strategy, but ensure
that it is relevant to strategy and not another area of study.
A critical review is a process of evaluating the worth of a concept; looking at an idea
in number of ways, such as from multiple positions, in an approach to examine its
legitimacy. In this way, you are attempting to explore the current state of
understanding about a strategic model or concept.
This is an academic piece of work it should use academic references and should
not be applied to your company in assignment 1.
A critical review looks at what academics judgements have been, synthesising a
range of insights to attempt to come to a point of understanding. You are not required
to make your own judgement, nor are you required to show your voice in the
assignment. You are the researcher pulling together different thoughts and strands
espoused by a range of academics. Therefore it should be written in the third
person. What you are required to do is evaluate the academic literature on this
theory.
A good critical review of this type deals with the world of ideas and questions and
asks why should we accept this model or theory? A poor critical review is
descriptive and has limited reference to judgements made by others about an idea or
concept and will tend to use real life examples. A critical review should have an
appropriate introduction, a coherent narrative, a conclusion and supporting
references.
You are required to submit a single pdf file electronically on MyBU and one printed
copy via the assignment boxes.
The word count is 2,250-2,750 words, including diagrams, appendices and
references. Please put diagrams and models in the main body of your text. For each
100 words outside this, 5% will be deducted from the report marks. This word count
is for the full review and should be indicated on the title page. The selected main
body text size of the report should be 12 point typeface, 1.5 spacing.
Assessment Criteria and Weightings: Assignment 2
Assessment category
Subject knowledge and understanding
Intellectual skills - including analysis, evaluation, and critical
judgement
Transferable skills - including communication and presentation
Within these weightings the University generic assessment criteria
will be applied. These are listed as an appendix.

page 19
Weighting
30%
60%
10%
Appendices
Level M Generic Assessment Criteria

Assignment 1 cover sheet
Company proposal form
Suggested Format for Group Meeting Action Plan & Progress monitoring Form
Group work: what you can do if there are problems within your group
Unit resources

page 20
Level M Generic Assessment Criteria

Very weak fail (0 - 39%)
Assessment category
Subject knowledge and
understanding
Intellectual skills including analysis,

evaluation, and critical
judgement
Subject-specific skills including applications
and problem solving
Transferable skills including
communication and
presentation
Performance criteria
Little or no evidence of factual and conceptual understanding of the
subject, as appropriate to this level. There will be little or no evidence
of extensive independent study and thinking, or of relevant
reading/research. The student will be clearly unable to work at the
forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of study.
No evidence of appropriate analysis. An inability to independently
critically analyse current research /knowledge. Unsubstantiated
opinions reflecting a lack of familiarity with key concepts.
No evidence of ability to demonstrate the synthesis of ideas and place
them within an appropriate context. No original ideas or insights
evident.
Unstructured and/or incoherent. Markedly poor English and /or
inappropriate style. Other presentational aspects, including citations
and bibliography may be incorrect or missing. May be seriously
deficient in quantity.
Variations within this mark range will generally relate to the adequacy of the approach to the
question, and the relative lack of understanding of the material, the paucity and weaknesses of
the arguments used, and the factual and conceptual inadequacies. This is likely to be coupled
with responses that are largely unrelated to the question and often limited in quantity.
Fail (40 - 49%)
Assessment category
understanding
Has been unable to develop in-depth knowledge, appropriate to this
level, across specialised and applied areas. There will be insufficient
evidence of extensive independent study and thinking. The student
will be unable to work at the forefront of theoretical understanding in
their field of study.

judgement
Has not demonstrated an ability to deal with complexity, contradictions

and incomplete data in the knowledge base. An inability to
independently critically analyse current research /knowledge and
argue alternative approaches. Unable to assess own and others work
with justification and judgement appropriate to postgraduate level.

and problem solving
Unable to independently synthesise information and ideas and seldom,

if ever, offers new insights/original responses to problems that expand
or redefine existing knowledge. Not able to develop new approaches
to unpredictable situations.
Transferable skills Unable to communicate effectively. Presents poorly structured and

including
reasoned arguments that show a lack of maturity appropriate to
communication and
postgraduate level.
presentation
Variations within this mark range will generally relate to the level of understanding, the approach
to the question, the factual and conceptual inadequacies, and the relative levels of weakness of
the arguments used.
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Pass (50 - 59%)

Assessment category
understanding
Has developed in-depth knowledge across specialised and applied
areas. There will be some evidence of extensive independent study
and thinking. The student will, at times, be working at, or their work
will be informed by, the forefront of theoretical understanding in their
field of study.

judgement
Has demonstrated an ability to deal with complexity, contradictions and

incomplete data in the knowledge base. Can independently analyse
current research /knowledge and present alternative approaches. Can
independently assess own and others work with justification and
appropriate judgement.

and problem solving
Can independently synthesise information and ideas and occasionally

offer new insights/original responses to problems and/or develop new
approaches to unpredictable situations.

communication and
presentation
Can effectively communicate their work to specialist and non-specialist

audiences.
Presents structured arguments that show a level of maturity
appropriate to postgraduate level.
Merit (60 - 69%)

Assessment category
understanding
Has developed a good in-depth knowledge across specialised and
applied areas. There will be clear evidence of extensive independent
study and thinking. The student will be working at, or their work will be
informed by, the forefront of theoretical understanding in their field of
study.

judgement
Has demonstrated an ability to deal effectively with complexity,

contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge base. Can
argue alternative approaches. Able to reason effectively. Can
independently assess own and others work with clear justification and
sound judgement.

and problem solving
Can independently synthesise information and ideas and offer new

insights/original responses to problems and/or develop new
approaches to unpredictable situations. Will be able to demonstrate
an ability to undertake further specialist research.

communication and
presentation
Can effectively communicate their work clearly to specialist and nonspecialist audiences. Able to present tightly structured, rigorous
arguments that show a high level of maturity appropriate to
postgraduate level.
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Distinction (70 - 79%)

Assessment category
understanding
Performance Criteria
Has developed very good in-depth knowledge across specialised and
applied areas. There will be clear evidence of very extensive
independent study and thinking. The student will generally be working
at, or their work will be informed by, the forefront of theoretical
understanding in their field of study.

judgement
Has demonstrated an ability to deal very confidently and effectively

with complexity, contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge
base. Can independently critically analyse current research
/knowledge and cogently argue alternative approaches. Able to
reason in a clear and effective manner. Can independently assess own
and others work with very clear justifications and sound judgement.

and problem solving
Can independently synthesise information and ideas and create a

range of new insights/original responses to problems that may expand
or redefine existing knowledge and/or develop new approaches to
unpredictable situations. Will be able to demonstrate a clear ability to
undertake further specialist research. Outstanding problem solving
skills.

communication and
presentation
Can effectively communicate their work clearly to specialist and nonspecialist audiences. Able to present confident, tightly structured,
stimulating, and rigorous arguments that show a high level of maturity
appropriate to postgraduate level.
High Distinction (80% +)

Assessment category
understanding
Performance Criteria
Has developed an exceptional in-depth knowledge across specialised
and applied areas. There will be clear evidence of very extensive
independent study and thinking. The student will generally be working
at, or their work will be demonstrably informed by, the forefront of
theoretical understanding in their field of study. Shows considerable
mastery of facts and concepts

judgement
Has demonstrated an outstanding ability to deal with complexity,

contradictions and incomplete data in the knowledge base. Can
cogently argue alternative approaches. Able to reason in an
exemplary manner. Can assess independently and with confidence
own and others work with very clear justifications and sound
judgement.

and problem solving
Can independently synthesise information and ideas and create a

range of new insights/original responses to problems that may expand
or redefine existing knowledge and/or develop new approaches to
unpredictable situations. Will be able to demonstrate a clear ability to
undertake further specialist research and make significant
contributions to the subject. Outstanding problem solving skills.

communication and
presentation
Can effectively communicate their work clearly to specialist and nonspecialist audiences. Able to present exemplary, tightly structured,
highly stimulating, and rigorous arguments that are likely to be at the
limits of may be expected at this level.
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STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF A COMPANY (Group work)
Group Number and Name of Company:

Student names:
Level: M
Unit Tutors: SB, NR, JS, MDC
Assignment Marker: SB/MDC/NR/JS

Date Due: 14 December 2015
Date Submitted:
Declaration:
I have read and understand the Universitys regulations on academic offences. I confirm that the piece of work
submitted is to be regarded as the final and complete version of this assignment. The work submitted is entirely my
own work or, where I have referred to the work of others, it is fully and appropriately referenced.
Signed:
Date:
Please note:
1. I understand that I am expected to keep a copy of all written or electronic coursework which is submitted for
assessment. The University uses a range of methods for detecting breaches of Regulations including the
use of plagiarism detection software. By submitting coursework for assessment I am deemed to have
accepted that my work may be scanned using such software.
2. I understand that the University may wish to use my work for future academic purposes in accordance with
University Regulations unless I specify in writing otherwise.
3. I understand that the mark awarded for this piece of work will be subject to ratification by the Assessment
Board.
page
CRITICAL REVIEW OF THEORY - INDIVIDUAL
Group Number:
Student name:
Level: M
Unit Tutors: SB/MDC/NR/JS
Assignment Marker: SB/MDC/NR/JS

Date Due: 11 January 2016
Date Submitted:
Declaration:
I have read and understand the Universitys regulations on academic offences. I confirm that the piece of work
submitted is to be regarded as the final and complete version of this assignment. The work submitted is entirely my
own work or, where I have referred to the work of others, it is fully and appropriately referenced.
Signed:
Date:
Please note:
1. I understand that I am expected to keep a copy of all written or electronic coursework which is submitted for
assessment. The University uses a range of methods for detecting breaches of Regulations including the
use of plagiarism detection software. By submitting coursework for assessment I am deemed to have
accepted that my work may be scanned using such software.
2. I understand that the University may wish to use my work for future academic purposes in accordance with
University Regulations unless I specify in writing otherwise.
3. I understand that the mark awarded for this piece of work will be subject to ratification by the Assessment
Board.
page
BUSINESS STRATEGY & FINANCE: Level M

Company proposal form
(E-MAIL ONLY THIS SECTION NOT THE WHOLE BRIEFING DOCUMENT, IF THE
WHOLE DOCUMENT IS SENT IT WILL BE RETURNED)
Company Name:
Names of Group Members:
E-mail contact address (one please):

Please answer the following questions:
Will your group be able to gain access to company accounts and financial
reports?
Yes/No
If so, please give references using Bournemouth University Harvard
referencing.
Is the other material you have access to of a corporate or strategic nature

rather than of an operational nature?
Yes / No
Please give references for a range of these sources using Bournemouth
University Harvard referencing.
Do you understand that you are not allowed to approach the companies
directly or contact them in any other way and will you abide by this
regulation?
Yes / No
Only the form should be forwarded. You will be assigned a group number and
this along with the companys name should be used in all correspondence.
The company proposal form will be scrutinised by your lecturers and, where
appropriate, confirmation of the lecturers agreement will be issued via e-mail,
normally within 5 days of receipt. You will be assigned a tutor who will be available
to provide supervisory support to the process. It is your role to ensure that the group
is working effectively.
page
You can have up to 2 one hour meetings with your tutor. You will need to provide a
record of your meetings and associated action plans as an appendix to your group
report. It is recommended that you bring it with you to your supervisory meetings.
As some of you have not worked in groups before you will also be given the
opportunity for a meeting with Ed Williams who will be able to help you get to grips
with the idea of working in a group.
page
Suggested Format for Group Meeting Action Plan & Progress monitoring Form
Set out in landscape format and use it to record the progress of your meetings.
Meeting Item
Number
Detail
Action required
By whom When
page
Result
Group work: what you can do if there are problems within your group
Group work is important during academic study and an inevitable part of your future
working life. You will find advice on good group work practice on myBU under the
academic skills tab. We will also offer guidance in seminars on appropriate units. It is
your responsibility to manage group work responsibilities and processes. However,
there are occasions when group work is difficult for students to manage and this
protocol is designed to help you resolve problems through issuing warnings.
Examples of issues that might require a warning are given on the next page.
Warning Protocol
Warning 1
Group to warn student(s)

concerned by email. Copy all
group members into the email.
Lecturer is not involved at this
stage.
Note warnings must be in

writing (by email) so you
have a record of the
warning. In addition to the
written warning you can
warn a colleague face-toface.
Warning 2

concerned by email and copy
the email to [named unit
lecturer].
Note you should highlight

that this is a second warning
- eg by re-sending the first
email and adding the new
warning. No action from unit
staff at this stage.
Warning 3

concerned by email and copy
in [named unit lecturer] who
will address the issue with the
group.
Note unit staff will address

the issue with the group.
Warning 4
If a student has failed to

address problems by the
stage of a 4th alert, [named
unit lecturer] will consider
appropriate action, including
awarding no marks to the
student concerned.
It is vital that you try to resolve issues early during the course of group work. If a
lecturer is alerted to a problem close to when an assignment is due to be submitted,
with no record of the issues, they will not be able to help as it is too late in the
process.
The following are examples of issues that may require a warning:
Attending meetings at agreed times
It is vital to agree the time, duration and place of all meetings.
You should not expect others to attend meetings at short notice, sudden change of
venue or if they have not had a chance to agree to attend.
page
You should make every effort to attend meetings and should not cancel at short
notice.
Warning alerts: a student fails to attend an agreed meeting; the group fails to advise
you of a meeting time or place; meetings are repeatedly rescheduled; a student
repeatedly advises the group they cannot attend; a student does not attend for the
duration of the meeting
Respecting the views of others
Everyone has the right to contribute.
If a group member is not given the opportunity to contribute then you may be at fault.
You should respect the views of other group members.
Warning alerts: a students input is ignored; a student expresses his/her views about
a colleague in an inappropriate manner (eg rude, angry); a student expresses
inappropriate views to an external client
Completing tasks to schedule to the best of your ability
Groups will include less able members. Their contribution is still important.
You should submit work to the group at the agreed time, even if you are not happy
with the standard.
Warning alerts: a student fails to submit work to the group by the agreed deadline; a
student rejects another students contribution to the group work
Supporting other group members and sharing responsibility
A task may prove larger than anticipated. Other group members should be prepared
to help.
It is every group members responsibility to actively contribute to the group
performance and not just wait for other members to give them tasks.
Warning alerts: a task takes longer than anticipated to complete and other students
are not prepared to help; one or more students take on more than their fair share of
work and other students ignore the problem; a student or students are not being
proactive and are waiting to be told what to do by another group member.
Ultimately it may be necessary to remove individuals from the group and assign
them an individual assignment which would normally consist of a report of 5,000
words.
page
Unit resources
Key Texts
Arnold, G., 2005. Corporate Finance Management. London: FT Prentice Hall.
Balogun, J., Hope Hailey, V., Johnson, G. and Scholes, K., 2008. Exploring Strategic
Change. London: Prentice Hall.
Cadbury A., 2002. Corporate Governance and Chairmanship: A personal view.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Coulter, M., 2005. Strategic Management in Action. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River:
Pearson Education Inc.
De Wit, B. and Meyer, R., 2004. Strategy: Process, Content, Context: An
International Perspective. 3rd ed. Andover: Cengage Learning EMEA.
Evans, N., Campbell, D. and Stonehouse, G., 2002. Strategic Management for
Travel and Tourism. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann.
Johnson, G., Whittington R. and Scholes, K., 2010. Exploring Strategy Text & Cases
Plus MyStrategyLab: Text and Cases. London: Prentice Hall.
Lynch, R. ,2005. Corporate Strategy. 4th ed. London: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
McGee, J., Thomas, H. and Wilson, D., 2010. Strategy- Analysis & Practice. 2nd ed.
Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
McLaney, E. and Atrill, P., 2004. Accounting an Introduction. 3rd ed. London: FT
Prentice Hall.
Porter, M.E., 2004. Competitive Advantage. New York: Free Press.
Thompson, J. and Martin, F., 2005. Strategic Management- Awareness and Change.
5th ed. London: Thomson Learning.
Watson, D., and Head, A., 2006. Corporate Finance- Principles & Practice. 4th ed.
London: FT Prentice Hall.
Journals
All journals relating to strategy, strategic management, financial analysis, corporate
governance, ethics, corporate social responsibility and the leisure sector industries
of tourism, hospitality, events, sports and leisure.
Business magazines such as The Economist and Business Week; Financial
Sections of National UK newspapers and Industry or sector specific periodicals.
page
Web-based sources
Financial based websites such as Financial Times, BBC.co.uk/Business and FAME.
Full company reports including Financial/Investor sections accessed from Public
Limited Company websites, other data bases such as Amadeus, Google Finance,
Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg.
page

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Masters Framework

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Message from your tutors

Harvard referencing as a matter of course. We are looking for your work to be

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Dorset House D160

Dorset House D114

Dorset House D158

Dorset House D110

Dorset House D166

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Structures inter-relationships between organisational design, characteristics,

Processes - planning process functions with reference to managerial roles

Procedures - inter-relationships in the planning hierarchy between mission

Generating and evaluating options - creative thinking and problem solving

Business and economic analysis arenas of economic change, classifying

Structural (industry) analysis structural analysis and competitive strategy,

Competitor analysis - competitive advantage and marketing strategies and

The contribution of a broad and holistic understanding of political, social,

3. Financial reporting, appraisal and investment issues

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Process of financial performance reporting including the compilation of

Accounting ratios, the value of benchmarks and methods of evaluating

Capital structures cost of capital and risk assessment.

Resource analysis - an overview of value chain analysis, productivity options,

The first rule is: Identify the focus of the question

The fifth rule is: Structure your argument.

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

If a piece of coursework is not submitted by the required deadline, the

If coursework is submitted within 72 hours after the deadline, the

This ruling will apply to written coursework and artefacts only;

If coursework is submitted more than 72 hours after the deadline, a

Information on Citing References: the BU guide to Citation in the Harvard Style

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Name: Business Strategy and Finance

Unit Tutor: S Beer

Assignment Title: Strategic analysis of a company (Group work report)

Weighting of this assignment:

Group Report: 50%

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Other areas which might be appropriate, as a minimum, include:

An analysis of the competitive structure and environment of the company;

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Name: Business Strategy and Finance

Unit Tutor: SBeer

Assignment Titles: Assignment 2

Title: Critical review of theory- individual assignment

Submission date: by 11th January 2016.

Weighting of this assignment:

Individual Critical Review: 50%

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Level M Generic Assessment Criteria

Unit Handbook: Business Strategy and Finance Autumn 2015

Level M Generic Assessment Criteria

Intellectual skills including analysis,

Intellectual skills including analysis,

Has not demonstrated an ability to deal with complexity, contradictions