PreliminaryYear 11

Business Studies

BUSINESSRESEARCH TASKAustralian International School

Singapore 2013

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INTRODUCTION

The Business Research Task is a research project that provides a culmination to the Preliminary Course. It draws together aspects of the business and planning process studied throughout the year. The nature of the task provides students with a practical opportunity to combine their knowledge with the skills developed throughout the course. It is a valuable learning exercise and an important resource for study and revision. The task will contribute 30% of the Preliminary Course assessment mark.

The task is designed to ‘bring to life’ much that you will be studying in class by demonstrating how it is applicable to the business you have chosen to establish. It is a practical task where you undertake a study of the key aspects of a business of your selection. Through researching for this task, you will become equipped with many skills that may be useful to your future career – what ever that may be.

The skills you are developing include:

research skills interpretation of source material investigation and inquiry skills interpersonal communication skills presentation skills identification and analysis of current business trends and issues evaluation of material

The Business Research Task requires students to undertake the following:

identify their research focus devise a plan of approach gather and process relevant data critically review the plan and the process clearly communicate the results

The outcomes being addressed in this task require that the student:

P1 discusses the nature of business, its role in society and types of business structureP2 explains the internal and external influences on businessP3 Describes the factors contributing to the success or failure of small to

medium enterprisesP4 Assesses the processes and interdependence of key business functionsP7 Plans and conducts investigations into contemporary business issuesP8 Evaluates information for actual and hypothetical business situationsP9 Communicates business information and issues in appropriate formats

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THE BUSINESS PLAN

The Business Research Task at the Australian International School Singapore (AISS) consists of investigating a business and presenting a Business Report. This is the development of a plan for an existing business.

REPORT FORMAT

The Business Report should be presented in a report format. It is the most suitable text type for this task. Through using this structure you can divide your business into sections and subsections, thus obtaining a holistic approach to the business.

Ensure that the document has the proper lay out. Each section and subsection should be titled. There must be a table of contents; various sub headings, a bibliography and an appendix. You may choose to concentrate on certain sub topics within each core area for your task. Be concise and precise in communicating your ideas. Reports have a special format and appearance. Business Reports have many parts. These parts include:

FeatureMain Heading or Title

A heading to indicate what the report is about.

Author Identifies the writer to show business decision makers who the report has come from.

Executive Summary

This is a brief paragraph, which outlines the purpose of the report and the main features in it. From this it is possible to gain the idea of what the report is about without having to read the whole task.

Table of Contents The table of contents, at the beginning of your report is a list of where information can be located in your assignment.

A good Business Research Task must always have a table of contents. This gives the reader an idea of the format of the report, the areas it covers and what structure it follows. The table should include relevant page numbers corresponding to the relevant page number of that section of your report.

The format of your table of contents may vary according to the needs of your report.

Remember that the table of contents is one of the first things a marker will see of your assignment so ensure

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that it is clear, ordered and demonstrates a logical sequence.

HeadingsSub- Headings

To show what each section and paragraph is about.Used to show different sections or parts of some business idea that is discussed in a paragraph or section

Illustrations Will include business information presented in tables, charts, diagrams and flowcharts.

Sentences Reports use sentences to express one or two ideas. Usually in Business Reports the sentences are short and precise.

Paragraphs Reports include paragraphs which contain 3 or 4 sentences about similar ideas. There is often a heading which signals information about an important idea.

Bullet Points, Highlighting, Bold Type

These are used to emphasise or draw attention to key points and important ideas.

Recommendations

Reports usually contain recommendations or directions for business action, so that the business will know what action take.

Conclusion This will summarise all the information contained in the report.

Bibliography The bibliography is a list of materials you have referred to in completing your business assignment. The bibliography is a list of references used. See the library guidelines. This will be the required format.

Bibliographies are often incomplete due to students losing the specific date of a publication or forgetting the publishing details. Be accurate!

Appendix The appendix is where you put all the additional information (such as copies of data) which is relevant to your report and to which you make reference in your report.

When referring to material in the appendix of your assignment, indicate by saying something like ….. ‘as evidence in Appendix 1 – (title of appendix) – on page …’ or this can be seen in Appendix 1 - (title of appendix) – on page …..’

The appendix is a very useful part of your Business Research Task and you should make use of it accordingly.

A High Standard Report

A high standard report will have the following features:4

identify the title and author focus on the purpose of the report contain headings contain sufficient paragraphs contain topic sentences include appropriate use of business terminology and concepts use the correct tense and voice contain a conclusion and/or recommendations contain no tense, misspelling or grammar errors contain illustrations and sub-headings contain logic or classification of ideas

HOW SHOULD YOU APPROACH YOUR BUSINESS STUDIES RESEARCH TASK?

1. Be organised

2. Plan what, how and when you will complete tasks

3. Allow plenty of time for re-drafting of work before submission

4. Use the syllabus as your guide. Make sure that you know specifically the information requested

5. Be creative/ innovative – interesting and appealing ideas promote a greater work ethic

6. Scaffold your work to ensure continuity as opposed to repetition.

Please note:

To ensure justice in assessment, it is essential that teachers are convinced that students have presented their original work. Therefore, students will be required to do the following:

Register your choice of business with your teacher

Follow closely the plan of investigation agreed to between the teacher and the student

Submit work at progress intervals

File all private research data associated with this task. This must be submitted as an appendix to the written report.

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INFORMATION SOURCES AND RESEACH METHODS

When you begin researching your material for your task you need to ensure that you are looking in the right place and ask the right people for help. Research alternatives include:

Books

Journals and magazines

Surveys

Questionnaires

Company reports

Business people

All the above research alternatives are valuable sources of information. Research includes both primary and secondary source material.

1. Primary sources of information:

Includes material such as surveys, observations, photographs, questionnaires – all material that is first hand.

2. Secondary sources of information

Includes material such as TV documentaries, annual reports, newspaper articles (ie; Financial Review, Bulletin), and magazines (ie; BRW). These sources of information have been written by someone using information from a business or the business environment.

What research methods have you been using? Have you had success? Do you need to think of other research techniques? Are you getting answers for the questions you are asking? Is the information you are gathering valid, adequate and correct?

All these questions should be considered when researching for your business. This is a check to see that your research and the information that you have gathered is relevant and practical.

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ORAL REPORT

Business Research Task - Stage 2

An oral report is an essential component of the Business Studies course. This exercise gives students a chance to present in front of their peers (just as they would do in business) and to illustrate the progress of the plan.

You are required to present your task to date. This will include details on your progress, successes and failures, as well as reflective responses

Method of Presentation:

This is not meant to be a reading of a speech. You may use some palm cards to refer to; however, those students who simply read will not do as well as those who present.

A presentation rather than a reading indicates:

Time has been taken to learn and organise material A familiarity with the content An effort has been made to keep the audience interested

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Business Studies Research Task

Stage 1

Weighting: 10%Due Date: Week 6, Term 1 Monday 25th February, 2013 @ 4pm Word Limit: 1000 words

Outcomes to be assessed:

P1 Discusses the nature of business, its role in society and types of business structure

P2 Explains the internal and external influences on businessesP7 Plans and conducts investigations into contemporary business

issues

Content:

Executive Summary

1.0 Business Overview

Business Name Legal Structure Industry Category History of Business Prime Function Mission Statement Goals of the Business

2.0 Situational Analysis

Business Life Cycle Challenges SWOT analysis

3.0 External Business Environment

Economic Influences Competition Technological Influences Legal and Government Critical Success Factors Recommendations

4.0 Conclusion

5.0 Bibliography

6.0 Appendix – Primary and Secondary data

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Business Studies Research Task

Stage 1Marking criteria:

10 - 9

Accurately describes the nature of the business Analyses the external environment of the business Well structured report, using business terminology and

concepts correctly Undertakes substantial primary and secondary research and

includes evidence throughout the report Provides detailed and appropriate referencing Effective management of time and task

8 - 7

Describes the nature of the business Business external environment identified and discussed Prime function and mission statement formulated Structured report format used that includes correct business

terminology and concepts Both primary and secondary research conducted with

evidence included Provides appropriate referencing Time managed effectively

6-5-4

Description of the business given Business external environment identified Attempts to formulate a prime function and mission Report format used Some research conducted from both primary and/or

secondary sources May provide appropriate referencing Time managed appropriately

3-2-1

Names the business Names the business structure Attempts to name prime function and mission Some features of a report format used Minimal or no research undertaken Limited/no referencing Poor time management

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Business Studies Research Task

Stage 1

Weighting: 5%Due Date: Week 6 – Monday 25th, February, 2013 onwards- presentations begin

with random selection

Outcomes to be assessed:

P2 Explains the internal and external influences on businessP8 Evaluates information for actual and hypothetical business

situationsP9 Communicates business information and issues in appropriate

formats

ORAL REPORT

You are required to present your task to date. This will include details on your progress, successes and failures, as well as reflective responses.

Length of Presentation: 5-6 minutes

Content:

1. Business Overview Name Location Prime function Legal Structure Industry Category Description of Business History Goals

2. Situational Analysis A brief discussion of a few important, specific business environmental

factors that impact on the business through the use of a SWOT Analysis and Business Life Cycle

3. Data Gathering and Analysis Outline the steps taken Main sources of information Dealings you have had with business contacts Difficulties you have experienced

4. Presentation Maximum 6 slides – maximum 5 points per slide Engages audience Presentation as opposed to a speech

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Business Studies Research Task

Stage 1 Oral

Marking criteria:

Description of the Business

2 Accurately describes the nature of the business

1 Outlines the nature of the business

Situational Analysis

3-4 Clearly discusses the impact of the external environment on the business

Comprehensive analysis of the Business Life Cycle and SWOT

1-2 Describes the impact of the external environment on the business

Some use of the Business Life Cycle and SWOT

Data Gathering and Analysis

2 Describes, with some examples, the data gatheringprocedures used

1 Briefly outlines, the data gathering procedures used

Presentation

2 Good articulation and organisation of presentation

1 Delivery and structure of presentation could be improved

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Business Studies Research Task

Stage 2

Weighting: 15%Due Date: Week 5, Term 3 – Monday 12th August, 2013 4pmWord Limit: 1500 words

Outcomes to be assessed:

P3 Describes the factors contributing to the success or failure of small to medium enterprises

P4 Assesses the processes and interdependence of key business functions

P8 Evaluates information for actual and hypothetical business situations

Content:

7.0. Operations Plan

'Operations' means the way things work or the process by which you prepare, produce or obtain the products and services you offer. It is concerned with transforming inputs into throughputs which in turn produces outputs. It will involve key decisions made in regard to: Operational Objectives Facilities - location, buildings, layout, plant Materials - inventory/stock, raw materials Production process Quality management

8.0 The Marketing Plan

Your target market has to be identified using market research. Then determine your marketing plan, which is a group of strategy statements that involve:

Marketing Objectives Identification of the target market Marketing mix

o Product – branding, positioning, packagingo Price – including strategieso Promotion - methodso Place - channels of distribution.

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9.0 The Finance Plan

In order to conduct business activities and monitor performance, financial objectives and statements need to be formulated. As most businesses maintain confidential accounts of their financial position, mock financial statements will be completed in class. However, if you are investigating a public company, access the latest annual report and include any financial statements in the appendices. The following statements will need to be created:

Financial Objectives Cash flow statement Balance sheet – debt-equity mix, profitability Income statement

10.0 The Human Resources Plan

You should use a strategic approach in drawing up your human resource objectives, and consider:

Human Resource Objectives Recruitment Training Employment contracts Separation

11.0 Conclusion

12.0 Bibliography

13.0 Appendix – Primary and Secondary data

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Business Studies Research Task

Stage 2Marking criteria:

10 - 9

Clearly analyses the four key business functions Well structured report, using business terminology,

diagrams and key business functions correctly Substantial research conducted from both primary and

secondary sources with evidence included Provides detailed and appropriate referencing Effective management of time and task

8 - 7

Limited analysis of the four key business functions Structured report format used that includes correct business

terminology, diagrams and key business functions Sufficient research conducted from both primary and

secondary sources with evidence included Provides appropriate referencing Time managed effectively

6-5-4

Description of the four key business functions May use features of report format Some research conducted from primary and/or secondary

research May reference appropriately Time managed appropriately

3-2-1

Limited identification/outline of business/key business functions

Limited features of a report format used Minimal or no research/referencing undertaken Poor time management

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