Task
Prepare a report on the following business organisation:-
Microsoft Corporation, UK
Report Structure
The report should use the following structure, with the suggested sub-headings.
- Title Page, containing:-
- Module code and title
- Your seminar tutor’s name
- The title of your case study
- Your full name and student ID
- Table of Contents [automatically generated]
3. Introduction
Relevant background information on your topic, for example, a brief description of the type of business or organisation, including the industrial field and sector, the size [e.g. number of employees], scope of operations, core business and operational activities, and brief history. This information must be supported by relevant statistics.
1. Business Model
Description of the organisation’s main products and services, and principal customers or clients. This must include a detailed explanation of the main revenue streams and sources of income/financing, supported by relevant statistics. This section should also include an analysis of the economic environment in which the organisation operates [including market conditions, main competitors, key opportunities and threats]. What are the main strategies for gaining competitive advantage?
2. Value Chain and Supply Chain Analyses
Define what “value” is in this particular organisation; how and where value is generated; how value is added to in the value chain, for example by cost reduction and/or increasing margins, making reference to Porter’s value chain.
Provide a supply chain analysis for either the whole organisation, or one part of it [concentrating on a particular product or service]. This must show all components of the supply chain, and all flows of information, products and money. The supply chain must be illustrated with an original diagram or model.
4. Information Technologies and Information Systems
How are ICTs used to support key activities and business functions, with reference to specific technologies and information systems? How are these aligned with the organisation’s functions and activities? [e.g. manufacturing, logistics, customer service, supply chain management, ecommerce or marketing]. Discuss the strategic value and benefits of information systems, providing specific examples relevant to your topic.
5. External Environment and Global Context
Analyse the impact of external political and social factors on the organisation, and how the organisation in turn affects its environment. This should include discussion of relevant laws, regulations, government policies and political pressures. This should include reference to the global context in which the organisation operates and the associated risks and opportunities.
6. Organisation and Management
Describe the organisational structure of the organisation. Represent this structure with an original organisational chart. To what extent does this organisation have its own organisational culture? Describe the management structure of this organisation. What are some of the internal issues that this organisation faces?
7. Ethical Issues
Critically analyse some of the major ethical issues raised for, and by, this organisation, making explicit reference to the issues outlined in Lecture 14. How has the organisation responded to these issues, for example, through public statements, policies, or codes of practice? Evaluate the extent to which this organisation does, or does not, fulfil its ethical obligations and corporate social responsibilities.
8. Conclusion
Summarise your findings, and discuss the main challenges and opportunities for this organisation in the immediate future.
9. References
Provide a full list of references of all sources used in your report using the Harvard referencing style. The reference list must be in alphabetical order (by first author’s surname). All sources of information in your coursework must be properly referenced, both in the body of the report, and at the end, in the list of references, including all quotations, factual information, diagrams and graphics that are not your own [See referencing style guidelines on UniHub]
The minimum reference requirements for the report are as follows:
relevant academic books
—which must be authoritative sources
10. Appendices
Any additional information that is relevant to your case study. This is normally statistical data that is too lengthy or detailed to include in the body of the report.
Format Requirements
Ø Word limit: 4000 words, excluding references.
Ø Footer with numbered pages
Ø Header with the name of your allocated topic, names and student ID
Ø Numbered sections and subheadings [as outlined above]
Ø All tables, charts, models and diagrams must be original [do not copy these from the Internet Ø and paste them into your report as screenshots]
Ø A simple and consistent layout and design
Marking Criteria
The report will be assessed against the following criteria:-
Ø Relevance and accuracy of information, based on factual evidence, and supported by
Ø quantitative data
Ø Evidence of research and background reading
Ø Range and quality of references and information sources
Ø Understanding and application of key module concepts, theories and models
Ø Depth and thoughtfulness of analysis
Ø Adherence to report format and structure requirements [including layout and design]
Ø Simplicity and consistency of design and layout
Ø Appropriate use of original tables, charts, diagrams and models
Ø Standard of written English, including spelling, punctuation and grammar
Ø Correct referencing of all sources cited in the report, in the reference list [using Harvard] including correct use of in-text referencing
Marking Scheme
| Criteria | Value |
| Introduction
Relevant, descriptive background information supported by statistics, including; type of business or organisation, size, profits, scope, industrial sector, core business and operational activities, brief history.
|
5 |
| Business Model
Description of organisation’s main products and services, and principal customers /clients; detailed explanation of main revenue streams and sources of income, supported by relevant statistics. Analysis of market conditions, key competitors, and strategies for gaining competitive advantage.
|
10
|
| Value Chain Analysis / Supply Chain Analysis
Definition of “value” in this organisation; how and where value is generated / added to with reference to Porter’s value chain. Supply chain analysis of the whole organisation, or part of it [e.g. a particular product or service]. Illustrate all components of the supply chain, [e.g. flows of information, products and money] with an original diagram or model.
|
15
|
| External Business Environment and Global Context
Analyse of impact of external political and social factors on the organisation, and how the organisation in turn affects the wider environment. Discussion of relevant laws, regulations, government policies and political pressures. Analysis of impact on natural environment. Analysis of global context, with reference to globalisation issues. |
10 |
| Information Technologies and Information Systems
How ICTs support key activities and business functions, with reference to specific technologies and information systems? How ICTs are aligned with the organisation’s functions and activities? Discussion of strategic value and benefits of IS, with relevant examples.
|
10 |
| Organisation and Management
Description of organisational and management culture and structure. Representation of structure with an original organisational chart. Description of internal issues faced |
10 |
| Ethical Issues | 10 |
| Critical analysis of major ethical issues raised for and by the organisation, with reference to issues discussed in the module. How has the organisation responded to these issues? Evaluate the extent to which this organisation does/does not, fulfil its ethical obligations and corporate social responsibilities. | |
| Conclusion
Summary of findings. Discussion of main challenges and opportunities for this organisation in the immediate future. |
5 |
| Presentation
Standard of written English, including spelling, punctuation and grammar Report formatting [including layout and design, table of contents, cover page, page numbers, correct sections /headings, use of original charts and diagrams, word length]
|
10 |
| Referencing, Originality and Quality of Research
Range and quality of references and information sources. Evidence of research and background reading. Originality of information [similarity index]. Correctly formatted list of references [in Harvard], and use of in-text referencing. |
15 |
| Total | 100 |
