1MGN446 Assessment 2014- A3 – Business Analysis Report.docxMGN446 Business in AustraliaAssessment Item 3: Business Analysis ReportAssesses unit objectives:4. Demonstrate analysis and arguments relating to the internal environment of a specific Australian business entity, in AustraliaAssesses Assurance of Learning Goals:
• Knowledge & Skills – 1.1, Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
• Critical Thinking and Analysis – 2.1: Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue
• Professional Communication – 3.1, Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
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It is expected that the assignment is submitted by the due date and time. A mark of zero will be given for any work submitted after the due date without an approved extension.
QUT’s approach reflects the expectations of professional practice where you will need to meet deadlines. If special circumstances prevent you from meeting the assessment due date you can apply for an extension. This MUST be done using the online portal link on the unit’s blackboard site. If you have not received a response to your application by the assignment due date, you are advised to submit the work you have done by the deadline and attach a copy of the extension request receipt.Marking, Feedback & Results
There are a number of different ways to approach an analysis of a case study. However, as is often the case in the ‘real world’ there are those that are more logical, pragmatic and better analysed and/or justified than others. Ensure you are familiar with the Marking Criteria, before commencing your report. Follow the specific formatting requirements in order maximise your chances of a higher grade. You will receive a mark out of 100 for the assignment and this will be weighted at 50% when calculating your overall result for the unit
Unless people submit late, your assignments will be marked and feedback will be provided to you using the ReView link on after the exam board. You are encouraged to self-assess on ReView so that the feedback can be more closely tailored to your needs.Any requests for a review of mark must be made within seven (7) days after the results are posted using the form available on the Unit’s Blackboard Website.2MGN446 Assessment 2014- A3 – Business Analysis Report.docx
Task Instructions
Analyse the culture and structure of the company in the case study and provide recommendations for the management in relation to ONE environmental factor likely to affect the organisation.In order to do this you will need to:
1. Use some of the theories covered in the workshops on the INTERNAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT to identify the organisational structure and organisational culture
2. Identify potential challenges in relation to your chosen environmental factor (Legal-Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Global)
3. Provide recommendations which address the main challenges you have identified
You are welcome to use any material you wish to gather information about the company. However, in terms of theoretical justification and explanation of models etc. reliance should be placed on books, industry reports and academic, peer reviewed journal articles, similar to the readings given in the unit.
The Case: Australia Zoo
Steve and Terri Irwin’s vision was to make Australia Zoo – the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the entire world. The zoo has over one thousand native and exotic animals, a line-up of interactive animal encounters, and a 24-hour wildlife hospital. It is located an hour north of Brisbane and is set over seventy acres of bush land situated on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The zoo has won a series of national and international awards, including winner of the Queensland Tourism Major Tourist Attraction in 2012; and Silver Award Winner in the Australian Tourism Awards in 2013.Australia Zoo (initially called the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park) was founded in 1970 by Lyn and Bob Irwin. Steve Irwin became famous for his ‘Crocodile Hunter’ TV series and later took over the park and renamed it Australia Zoo. Steve Irwin was killed while filming a documentary about Stingrays in 2006. His partner Terri, continues to be the public face of Australia Zoo and has won many awards for her work in conservation and tourism. The business is owned by Australia Zoo Pty Ltd.There have been a range of media stories about the zoo in recent years, including accusations of family arguments, tax evasion, and possible take-over by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts3MGN446 Assessment 2014- A3 – Business Analysis Report.docx
Business Analysis Report Structure:Title Page Include your name, student number, name of the subject,Introduction:Brief outline of the structure your report will use – What will you discuss in your paper? (try to be specific)Brief introduction to the company and industry sector (1 or 2 sentences is all that is needed)Body (use your own sub-headings not the word ‘body’)Identification of appropriate theories relating to culture and structureDefinitions/ main elements explained in detail
Potential challenges related to the impact of your chosen environmental factor on the businessDefinitions and discussion of the factor (key changes), implications for the industry (generally) and the organisation (specifically)Recommendations
What should the company DO to address the challenges you have identifiedConclusionSummary of your main points (no new information –just summarise what you have already discussed)Appendices and Reference List (APA Format)Business Analysis Report Format:To obtain the full marks for report, as per the marking criteria, you must comply fully with the points listed below:Referencing Style: You may use APA referencing both in the text of your report AND in the references list. Check the QUT Cite/Write webpage here for guidance: http://www.citewrite.qut.edu.au/ .Bibliography or Reference List: Reference List (not Bibliography)Length: 2000 words +/- 10%? Yes, that means it is okay to be have 200 words more or less than 2000? The word count includes all in-text referencing? Do NOT include the cover page, reference list or any appendices in your word count.? Word count must be stated on the coverMargins: 2.5cm (all)Line Spacing: 1.5 or 2 lineFont: Times RomanFont-Size: 12Page Numbers: Yes, on each pageCover page: Yes, it shows professionalismHelp:There is lots of help available on how to write a report, how to reference using the APA system, and how to analyse case material. Search the term ‘Study Skills’ on the QUT Web Site to gain access to the support services on offer, or email your unit coordinator and make a consultation appointment.4MGN446 Assessment 2014- A3 – Business Analysis Report.docxMGN446 Business in Australia, Criterion Referenced Assessment , Business Analysis Report (Item 3) 2014CriteriaHigh Distinction (7) (85%)Distinction (6) (75-84%)Credit (5) (65-74%)Pass (4) (50-64%)Fail (less than 4) (0-49%)Assurance of Learning Goal (AoL): Knowledge & Skills – 1.1: Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situationsDepth of knowledge relating to the Australian business environmentScholarly and comprehensive knowledge of the Australian business environmentExtensive knowledge of the relevant contemporary Australian business environmentSome knowledge of the relevant contemporary Australian business environmentMinimal knowledge of the relevant contemporary Australian business environmentLittle, or no knowledge of the relevant contemporary Australian business environmentIdentify and assess cultural and structural issues related to the management of organisationsComprehensive exploitation of theory that is skilfully integrated into practice to identify issues related to organisational structure and culture, based on the case provided. Assessment of issues is highly creative, accurate and well justified in relation to the organisational contextTheory is appropriately used and is integrated into practice to identify problems related to organisational structure and culture, based on the provided case; there is appropriate and accurate assessment of issues related to the organisational contextBasic application of theory; an attempt to integrate this into practice; outcome(s) is appropriate to main requirementsAdequate use of theory; integration into practice is not fully realised; outcome(s) is largely appropriate to main requirementsLittle/no evidence of application of theory to practice.Assurance of Learning Goal (AoL): Critical Thinking and Analysis – 2.1: Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issueExhibit analytical skills through the interpretation, analysis and evaluation of information related to business in AustraliaDemonstrates sophisticated interpretation and analysis of information related to the given scenario. Theory(s) related to the internal environment of business are applied in an interesting and innovative manner.Demonstrates a comprehensive interpretation and analysis of information related to the given scenario. Theory(s) related to the internal environment of business are applied effectively.Demonstrates above average ability to interpret and analyse information related to the given scenario. Key theory(s) related to the internal environment of business are applied effectively.Demonstrates a basic interpretation and analysis of information related to the given scenario. Key theory(s) related to the internal environment of business are applied effectively, yet may have minor errors or omissions.Demonstrates limited interpretation and analysis of information related to the given scenario. Key theory(s) related to the internal environment of business are applied inappropriately or have been omitted.Recommendation(s) follow coherently from the research and analysis carried outProvides recommendations, choices are prioritised; links to research & analysis are coherent & integrated into textProvides recommendations, with some prioritisation of choice; coherent links to foregoing research & analysis.Provides a range of recommendations; links to foregoing research and analysis show some coherence.Provides some recommendations; there is some linking to the foregoing research and analysisDemonstrates little or no recommendation(s) OR not informed by research & analysis. Significant limitationsAssurance of Learning Goal (AoL): Professional Communication – 3.1, Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiencesPresentation, writing and referencingWell-structured report. Fluent, coherent and concise writing style.Material is consistently and accurately referenced.Outstanding use of grammar, syntax and spelling.Complete compliance with formatting instructionsWell-structured, may have minor problems with flow.Material is referenced accurately.Very high standard of grammar, syntax and spelling.Complete compliance with formatting instructionsShows organisation and coherence.Material is generally referenced accurately, although some minor errors and omissions are evident. High standard of grammar, syntax and spelling. Complete compliance with formatting instructionsShows some attempt to organise paper.Most material is referenced, although with some errors and omissions.Appropriate standard of grammar, syntax and spelling in most areas.Complete compliance with formatting instructionsLacks coherence and organisation.Not all material referenced. Some reference errors or omissions.Below standard of grammar, syntax and spelling.Formatting instructions have not been followed