Finance for Decision Makers: Element 1, Individual critical analysis of financial
\ninformation for an organization, 100%
\nModule Leader: Shahrukh Irfan
\nKey Details and Requirements
\nSubmission deadline: Week 13 (professional nursing paper writing service, nursingscribe top experts): Friday 30 September 2022, No later than 16:30
\nLearning outcomes to be achieved:
\n1. Critically discuss and evaluate the requirements of contemporary managers in
\nrelation to decision making and financial management in modern business
\ncontext.
\n2. Critically discuss and apply quantitative and qualitative management skills in
\ndecision-making, including behavioural issues.
\n3. Apply modern financial and decision-making skills in advising a strategically
\nfocused organisation.
\nAssessment details: Element 1, Individual critical analysis of financial information
\nfor an organization (2,500 words), 100%
\nReferencing: Students are expected to use Harvard Referencing throughout their
\nassignments where required. Please follow the Harvard Referencing Handbook for all
\nyour assignments at the ULBS.
\nSubmission Method: Turnitin – Your work needs to be put through Turnitin. All
\nsubmissions will be electronically checked for plagiarism.
\nYou have the option to upload your work ahead of the deadline, ULBS will be reviewing
\nyour last submission only.
\nTurnitin cannot be used for late submissions. In such case, you should send your work
\nto Turnitin-submissions@law.ac.uk
\nIf you experience issues when uploading your work, please email it by the deadline to
\nTurnitin-submissions@law.ac.uk
\nPlease note that you can deviate +- 10% from the word limit stated on each
\nassignment.
\nASSESSMENT DETAILS
\nEach individual student will research, prepare a critical analysis of financial information
\nfor a FTSE 100 company, and submit a formal essay.
\nFor developing this essay, each student must select ONE company as a case study.
\nAny company in any sector of industry could be a valid option.
\nStudents should note that the annual reports of FTSE100 companies are available on
\ntheir websites and are easily accessible. The annual reports include a wealth of
\ninformation including both financial and non-financial information. Commentary both
\nfrom the company and from analysts outside the company will be required to guide the
\nanalysis. You can also use other reliable sources of information like industry reports,
\neconomic data published by various government and non-government organisations
\nand any other information that you deem fit for the purposes of your analysis.
\nThe essay should summarise the following aspects of the company\u2019s performance
\n(NOTICE: no separate answers to each question are expected. These questions are
\nto make apparent the core issues faced by companies):
\n1) Using financial reports data for a total of 5 years, 4 years pre-Covid-19 crisis (i.e.,
\n2016-2019) AND the Covid-19 crisis years (i.e., 2020-21) each student is expected
\nto focus their attention on the general strengths and weaknesses that the company
\nhad before the crisis, and any possible changes in the company circumstances
\nduring the crisis, including information from 2021 whenever possible. Notice that as
\nfinancial, annual and other reports for the year 2021 will not be complete, any partial
\nreports and information could be used to inform your discussion. Constraints in
\naccess to information must be made apparent in the \u201cmethodology\u201d and the
\n\u201canalysis\u201d section of the essay.
\n2) As the company selected as a case study may be a multinational corporation,
\nstudents have to appreciate that the company\u2019s performance may differ from other
\ncompanies who only trade in the UK because their revenues may depend on
\ndifferent countries, which were less\/more affected by the crisis. This factor should
\nbe an interesting point to develop by looking at the particular location of operations
\nwhich have suffered more during the crisis, the type of
\nactivities\/operations\/products of the company which have been more\/less harmed,
\nand to find out any possible variations in the short-term strategy of the company
\nduring 2020-21.
\n3) Clearly identify the specific financial, risk and annual reports, the accounts and the
\nratios in the corresponding financial statements depicting information of positive
\nand negative consequences of the crisis versus the pre-crisis performance. Has
\nthe company changed its capital structure by taking\/issuing more debt\/equity? Has
\nthe company changed its Working Capital policies\/ratios? Has the company fulfilled
\nany investment plans during the crisis period or delayed investments which were
\nscheduled in advance to 2020-21? Have the profitability indicators been
\nacutely\/slightly affected by the crisis? How has the company progressed in the
\napplication of the ESG Criteria?
\n4) Clearly identify the reports, accounts, ratios, and intelligence provided by external
\nanalysts. Incorporate relevant information about Helpance\/support received from
\ngovernment or Bank of England policies during the crisis. If commentaries are not
\nopenly identified in the company\u2019s financial statements and accounts, students are
\nexpected to notice this fact and state possible reasons for the missing
\ninformation\/details.
\n5) Visibly ascertain the risk factors that the company should be surveying after the
\ncrisis (i.e., short-term and medium-term after the crisis), and relate each one of
\nthese risk factors to explicit financial reports, accounts and ratios that must be
\nmonitored by the corresponding financial manager, the executive and board of
\ndirectors of the company, and any potential investors and stakeholders.
\nThe essay is to be handed in by the submission date including all academic references
\nused in the presentation. References will be provided in alphabetical order using the
\nHarvard system (Guidelines to be followed in the structure of the essay is contained in
\nAppendix 1).
\nThere is a selection of suggested articles in Appendix 2, which complements the
\nreading in the Study Guide for the module. These articles will Help students in
\nidentifying core impacts from the pandemic crisis on the business sector. Some of the
\nissues arising in these articles apply to your case study. Some may not. Thus, you will
\nneed to understand and be able to explain why the selected company is or is not
\naffected as the general characterisation made in the suggested articles envisages.
\nEach student is expected to demonstrate both their understanding of financial
\ninformation from a managerial\/financial analyst perspective, and their competency
\nusing concepts and relationships in their analysis of a real company in its up to date
\nenvironmental conditions.
\nModule Assessment Criteria
\nClass Attributes Marks
\nDistinction Illustrates an excellent level of understanding of complex issues
\nin the subject. All requirements of the work are dealt with to a
\nhigh standard and the work is free from all but isolated minor
\nerrors. The material is wholly relevant to the tasks.
\nExcellent analysis, synthesis and critical reflection with the ability
\nto tackle issues and questions not previously encountered.
\nEvidence of independent and original judgment in relation to the
\nresolution of the client\u2019s needs and problems. Excellently
\npresented in terms of structure and professional style
\n70-100%
\nCommendation Illustrates a very good understanding of the issues in the subject,
\nsome of which are likely to be complex with some independent
\ncritical thought appropriate to the tasks. Most of the requirements
\nof the work are covered with only a few gaps or minor and
\ninconsequential errors. The material is largely relevant to the tasks
\nand there is a good attempt at analysis, synthesis and critical
\nreflection with evidence of some ability to tackle issues not
\npreviously encountered. The work is presented in a clear and well organised manner with only minor spelling and grammatical
\nerrors.
\n60 -69%
\nPass The work displays good knowledge and understanding and its
\nrelevance to the task. The submission exhibits clear analysis and
\nreasonable use of grammar, spelling and language. It may
\ncontain errors and lack fluency. Limited evidence of the ability to
\nsustain a relevant argument or logical reasoning.
\n50 \u2013 59%
\nFail Exhibits an unsatisfactory grasp of the issues in the subject.
\nPrimarily descriptive and lacking in independent critical thought
\nappropriate to the tasks. Weak or no attempt at analysis, synthesis
\nand critical reflection with little evidence of ability to tackle issues
\nnot previously encountered. Poor spelling or other grammatical
\nerrors.
\n0 – 49%
\nAPPENDICES
\nAPPENDIX 1. WRITTEN ESSAY. GUIDELINES. Presentation Structure
\nAPPENDIX 2. SUGGESTED READING MATERIAL
\n__________________________________________________________
\nAPPENDIX 1. WRITTEN ESSAY.
\nGUIDELINES. Presentation Structure
\nThe written assignment should include the following sections:
\n– Front page: with title, name of the course, name of the university, date, word counting, Candidate\u2019s
\nnumber.
\n– Introduction: Brief paragraph with a general rationale\/motivation for your choice of the
\ncompany\/case study, and main highlights in the structure of the assignment.
\n– Methodology: This section describes in a concise manner the way the research and analysis has
\nbeen carried out. This means that there should be a few brief paragraphs providing an overview of
\nthe reasons for choosing the company, the chosen sources of data for the case study (e.g., company\u2019s
\nsite and financial reports, specialized analyst pages, Bloomberg, etc.). You should also mention the
\nperiod under consideration (i.e., 2016-2020-21), the procedure followed for collecting and processing
\nthe data\/information employed (e.g., did you calculate the company\u2019s financial ratios), rationale of
\ndata used in the essay (e.g., financial reports, financial statements, financial ratios, graphs and tables
\nfocused on\/drawn on within the discussion, etc.) Please, remember to mention whether the graphs
\nand tables are produced by the student or have been taken\/copied from other sources.
\n-Literature Review: This section will contain the theoretical framework for your analysis. It comprises
\na few brief paragraphs with quotations\/references\/explanations (in some detail) regarding the core
\nrelevant financial concepts\/reports\/accounts\/ratios and relationships to be applied in the discussion
\nof the selected case (e.g., you may emphasize how the importance\/relevance of particular information,
\nstatements, accounts, and ratios may change from the \u201cordinary period\u201d (i.e., 2016-2019) versus the
\ncrisis phase (i.e., 2020-21).
\n– Analysis\/Discussion: Critical application of financial analysis concepts and relationships between
\nfinancial information and an individual company. This section shows how the financial reports,
\nstatements, and ratios disclosed by the selected company can help to understand its evolution and
\nperformance. Remember to refer articles, reports, and data (e.g., in tables and graphs) to justify and
\nsupport the statements made during the analysis. The discussion may also consider how the company
\nmay have benefitted from the support of the government and central banks during the crisis and how
\ndifferent this company\u2019s performance could be compared to the sector of industry in the country
\nwhere the parent company is located (i.e., Remember that Multinational Corporations -MNCs- may
\ndivert production and sales around the world in a way that local or less diversified companies cannot
\ndo). The analysis must also highlight and explain the benefits and\/or drawbacks from the crisis on the
\ngeneral financial results of the selected company. Finally, the essay is expected to offer a well-defined
\nlist of those remaining risks which may affect the company in the near future (i.e., requiring the
\nattention by the company\u2019s financial manager and executive). Bring to mind those risks to be
\nscrutinized and tracked by investors and stakeholders to make sure the company can fully recuperate
\nin the years to come. Do not forget to mention the application of the ESG Criteria by the company.
\n– Conclusion: This section is a systematic reflection on the different parts of the Assignment, and
\nabout how the information generated by financial reporting and analysis could be core for decision
\nmaking, and for guaranteeing the survival of the selected company.
\n-List of References: (the list does NOT count towards the word-count)
\nThe minimum information for all the sources used in your assignment comprises (Please, refer to
\nHarvard reference standards):
\n1. Books and Journals: (a) first author (b) title of article or book (c) title of journal (if relevant) (d)
\nvolume number (e) year of publication (f) publisher (books only)
\n2. Internet sources: full reference of Web-based sources providing details of author, name of
\narticles\/report, date of publication, date of accessing the site.
\n3. Any other relevant source of information (e.g., videos, news, etc.)
\n– Appendices: (these do NOT count towards your word total)
\na) If considered appropriate, any article\/report that was core to support the statements contained in
\nthe assignment.
\nb) Any other additional information that is not essential for the main discussion, but it was significant
\nfor writing the assignment, being complementary to your discussion\/analysis (e.g., significant extra
\ntables and graphs).
\nREMEMBER:
\n* The assignment marks will be allocated to the individual student depending on the suitable choice
\nof articles, use of pertinent financial analysis concepts, depth of coverage in the discussion, and
\nsound application of financial theory. Marks will also be awarded subject to a logical structure of the
\nreport, language and referencing.
\n* Use as many textbooks, articles, reports, videos, data, and serious academic and business
\nmaterial as considered useful. Better research and critical analysis will receive better marks.
\n* Always write in third person (e.g., this assignment, the research, the theory, the textbook, the
\narticle by\u2026, the presentation by\u2026,)
\n* All written assignments must be submitted using a WORD format via Turnitin. If you experience
\nissues when uploading your work, please email it by the deadline to Turnitin-submissions@law.ac.uk
\n* Please look below to links for information on the Harvard Referencing Style. Be careful when
\nquoting other people’s work within your own Paper to avoid penalties for Plagiarism.
\n* Keep a copy of your assignment.
\nREGARDING REFERENCES:
\nUseful URLs for Harvard Style of Referencing:
\n\u2022 UK Essays (n.d.) Harvard Referencing Guide, Available on-line at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.ukessays.com\/referencing\/harvard\/ [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 Anglia Ruskin University (n.d.) Harvard System. Available on line at:
\nhttps:\/\/libweb.anglia.ac.uk\/referencing\/harvard.htm [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\nAPPENDIX 2. SUGGESTED READING MATERIAL
\n\u2022 The Economist (12\/06\/21) A new architecture. A less loophole-riddled system for taxing
\ncompanies is within reach Online at: https:\/\/www.economist.com\/leaders\/2021\/06\/12\/a less-loophole-riddled-system-for-taxing-companies-is-within-reach (Accessed 15\/06\/21)
\n\u2022 The Economist (05\/04\/21). The land that ambition forgot. Europe is now a corporate also ran. Can it recover its footing? Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.economist.com\/briefing\/2021\/06\/05\/once-a-corporate-heavyweight europe-is-now-an-also-ran-can-it-recover-its-footing (Accessed 15\/06\/21)
\n\u2022 The Economist (13\/06\/21) Bunged up. How green bottlenecks threaten the clean energy
\nbusiness. Online at: https:\/\/www.economist.com\/leaders\/2021\/06\/12\/how-green bottlenecks-threaten-the-clean-energy-business (Accessed 15\/06\/21)
\n\u2022 The jabs and the jab-nots. Uneven vaccination rates are creating a new economic divide.
\nOnline at: https:\/\/www.economist.com\/finance-and-economics\/2021\/06\/13\/uneven vaccination-rates-are-creating-a-new-economic-divide (Accessed 15\/06\/21)
\n\u2022 The Economist (24\/03\/20) The importance of people people. The coronavirus crisis
\nthrusts corporate HR chiefs into the spotlight. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.economist.com\/business\/2020\/03\/24\/the-coronavirus-crisis-thrusts corporate-hr-chiefs-into-the-spotlight (Accessed 15\/06\/21)
\n\u2022 PNAS (28\/07\/20). RESEARCH ARTICLE. The impact of COVID-19 on small business
\noutcomes and expectations. By Alexander W. Bartik, Marianne Bertrand, Zoe Cullen,
\nEdward L. Glaeser. Online at: https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/content\/117\/30\/17656 [Accessed
\n14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 McKinsey (09\/12\/20) COVID-19: Implications for business. Executive briefing. COVID-19
\nand the great reset: Briefing note #35, December 9, 2020. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/business-functions\/risk\/our-insights\/covid-19-implications for-business# [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 McKinsey (16\/06\/20). How the COVID-19 crisis is affecting UK small and medium-size
\nenterprises. By Maria Albonico, Zdravko Mladenov, and Ruchi Sharma. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/industries\/public-and-social-sector\/our-insights\/how-the covid-19-crisis-is-affecting-uk-small-and-medium-size-enterprises [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 Daily Maverik (01\/04\/20) Coronavirus #Lockdown. Covid-19 impact on small business is
\nimmediate \u2014 and many fall through the official safety net. By Marianne Merten\u2022 1 April
\n2020. Online at: https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2020-04-01-covid-19-impact on-small-business-is-immediate-and-many-fall-through-the-official-safety-net\/ [Accessed
\n14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 Live Design (19\/08\/20) BUSINESS & PEOPLE NEWS. The 2020 Pandemic: Impact Of COVID 19 on the live events industry. By Ellen Lampert-Greaux Aug 19, 2020. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.livedesignonline.com\/business-people-news\/2020-pandemic-impact-covid 19-live-events-industry [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 International Labour Organization (n.d.) COVID-19 and the world of work. Sectoral
\nimpact, responses and recommendations. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.ilo.org\/global\/topic (sample nursing essay examples by the best nursing assignment writing service)s\/coronavirus\/sectoral\/langen\/index.htm [Accessed
\n14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 Gov.uk (12\/11\/20) Collection. Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID 19). Online at: https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/financial-support-for businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19 [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 Gallup (15\/03\/20) COVID-19 Strategies and Policies of the World’s Largest Companies. By
\nLarry Emond And Ellyn Maese. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.gallup.com\/workplace\/292334\/covid-strategies-policies-world-largest companies.aspx [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 Bloomberg (26\/03\/20). Covid-19: Listed Companies\u2019 Disclosure Obligations on
\nCoronavirus. Bloomberg Quint Opinion. By Arindam Ghosh, Moin Ladha, and Gaurav
\nMalhotra. Online at: https:\/\/www.bloombergquint.com\/opinion\/covid-19-listed companies-disclosure-obligations-on-coronavirus [Accessed 14\/12\/20] Copyright \u00a9
\nBloombergQuint
\n\u2022 Deloitte Insights (03\/03\/20). The economic impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
\nCOVID-19 could affect the global economy in three main ways. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www2.deloitte.com\/us\/en\/insights\/economy\/covid-19\/economic-impact-covid 19.html [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 Oxford Business Group (24\/04\/20). The impact of Covid-19 on global supply chains.
\nOnline at: https:\/\/oxfordbusinessgroup.com\/news\/impact-covid-19-global-supply-chains
\n[Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 ICAEW (n.d.). Financial management implications of coronavirus. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.icaew.com\/technical\/business-and-management\/financial management\/financial-management-implications-of coronavirus#:~:text=Financial%20management%20%E2%80%93%20the%20art%20of%20
\nthe%20possible,through%20the%20issues%20and%20helping%20their%20businesses%2
\n0respond. [Accessed 14\/12\/20]
\n\u2022 The Economist (09\/12\/20). A year of raising furiously. Companies have raised more capital
\nin 2020 than ever before. What now? Business Dec 9th 2020 edition. Online at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.economist.com\/business\/2020\/12\/09\/companies-have-raised-more-capital in-2020-than-ever-before [Accessed 11\/12\/20]
\nUseful URLs for obtaining financial data and comments on companies:
\nYahoo Finance: Online at: https:\/\/uk.finance.yahoo.com\/
\nBloomberg: Online at: https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/europe
\nThe Financial Times: https:\/\/www.ft.com\/
\nThe Economist: https:\/\/www.economist.com
\nInvestopedia (09\/01\/21) Top 6 Websites for Finding a Company’s Financial Stats. By JEAN FOLGER.
\nUpdated Jan 9, 2021. Online at: https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-edge\/0911\/top-6-websites for-finding-financial-stats.aspx (Accessed 15\/06\/21)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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