Four questions set
Candidates should answer only TWO questions.
• Each question represents 25% of your final module mark.
• Each question has a maximum word count of 1000 words.
• Each question should be presented as an academic essay using appropriate referencing throughout.
• Each essay should refer to material presented in the Pars Food Limited case study.
• Students should use lecture notes, material from the core text book and other recommended readings or other sources (preferably academic journal articles) to support their answer.
• Both questions MUST be submitted together as HARDCOPY in one single pack, but under a separate heading.
• Students MUST NOT submit these tasks separately. Any consequence as a result of this is the student’s responsibility.
This assessment in total represents 50% of your final module mark.
All questions have been designed based on topics covered in lectures from semester one and require candidates to integrate their knowledge and understanding of all of the business processes.
Note – It is strongly recommended to refer to “academic writing” and “referencing” guidelines before starting to answer the questions, as appropriate referencing is expected in answering the questions.
Task 1 – Sustainability and business processes (Max 1000 words):
Describe the importance of considering Three-Dimensional Sustainability for Pars Food Ltd. and its impact on Pars’ future stakeholders.
You are required to look at lecture notes and other sources (such as textbooks and journal articles) to describe the impact that the three dimensions of sustainability may have on Pars existing and future business strategy and also on its future stakeholders. You are expected to look at different business processes within the organisation when describing the importance of three-dimensional sustainability.
Task 2 – Role of Operations and Marketing Management on Business (Max 1000 words):
Describe how a culture of Total Quality Management (TQM), Supply Chain Management (SCM) practice and Pars’ Marketing strategy (4Ps) could create value for Pars Food Ltd.’s customers.
You are required to look at lecture notes and other sources (such as textbooks and journal articles) to describe how and where TQM, SCM and the 4Ps may impact on the customer value chain.
Task 3 – Role of HRM in all business processes (Max 1000 words):
Describe how the Human Resource function could support the promotion of Pars’ philosophy, “Pars Food, It’s all good” throughout its organisation.
You are required to look at lecture notes and other sources (such as textbooks and journal articles) to describe how Human Resource Management (HRM) practices can support the development of core values, ethical values and codes of conduct in all activities in the different departments of Pars Food Ltd including purchasing, manufacturing, sales, marketing, delivery and finance.
Task 4 – Role of Finance management in all business processes (Max 1000 words):
Investigate the suitability of different sources of finance to facilitate Par Foods Ltd.’s short term objectives.
You are required to look at lecture notes and other sources (such as textbooks and journal articles) to identify and describe the different sources of finance that are available to Pars and discuss the suitability, benefits and drawbacks of those sources of finance with specific reference to Pars’ short term objectives. It is envisaged that your answer will contain detailed and explicit recommendations of the most appropriate finance to meet specific objectives. Better answers will discuss their options in more depth.
Note – You must answer TWO of the above questions. As a minimum you are expected to refer to lecture notes, seminar notes and chapters of the core text book to demonstrate understanding. Better students will use additional sources such as other text books and journal articles.
All work should be referenced correctly using the APA style. (For further detail, please refer to the generic assessment brief, referencing guidelines and seminar sessions.)
Further guidance relating to the detail of the above will be provided in seminars and on Blackboard for this module.
Word limits and penalties for assignments
If the assignment is within +10% of the stated word limit no penalty will apply.
The word count is to be declared on the front page of your assignment and the assignment cover sheet. The word count does not include:
• Title and Contents page • Reference list • Appendices • Appropriate tables, figures and illustrations
• Glossary • Bibliography • Quotes from interviews and focus groups.
Please note, in text citations [e.g. (Smith, 2011)] and direct secondary quotations [e.g. “dib-dab nonsense analysis” (Smith, 2011 p.123)] are INCLUDED in the word count.
If this word count is falsified, students are reminded that under ARNA page 30 Section 3.4 this will be regarded as academic misconduct.
If the word limit of the full assignment exceeds the +10% limit, 10% of the mark provisionally awarded to the assignment will be deducted. For example: if the assignment is worth 70 marks but is above the word limit by more than 10%, a penalty of 7 marks will be imposed, giving a final mark of 63.
Students are advised that they may be asked to submit an electronic version of their assignment.
Important note about ARNA regulations
The regulations specify that students must complete every assessment component contributing to the modules on their programme. This applies to all forms of assessment as defined in the module descriptor. Please note that:
• if any assessment component is not completed, students will be failed in the module even if the module pass mark has been achieved;
• if the requirements for referral specified in section 5 of ARNA1 are met, a resit opportunity will be given;
• if unable to complete an assessment component because of extenuating circumstances, students should follow the procedure described in the Student Guide to Extenuating Circumstances1.
This change was approved by Academic Board on 12 October 2009 in consultation with the Students’ Union. Students should consult their Programme Leader or Guidance Tutor if they have any queries. Independent advice and support is also available from the Students’ Union Advice & Representation Centre.
