| Module Title | Business Performance Analysis |
| Module Code | 25-5050-00S |
| Semester of Delivery | See Module Information Table |
| Mandatory, Elective or Option | Option on Finance Programme |
| Level | 5 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Assessment Components & Percentage Weightings | Coursework 50% Examination 50% |
| Pre-Requisite Modules | Business Analysis (level 4) or equivalent including Quantitative Analysis (level 4) |
| Breakdown of Student Learning Hours by Type: | Average Weekly Class contact 2.5 hours Directed Learning Average Weekly 10 hours |
| Module Leader & Faculty | M Eddowes and J Connally O&M |
SECTION A: AIMS AND RATIONALE
1 These are the aims of this module
The module aims to develop student understanding and experience of the ways in which analytical and modelling methodologies can be used to investigate performance in a variety of aspects of business thus supporting management decision making. Students will be encouraged to reflect critically on the methods studied.
2 The reason for having this module and for having it at this level or point in the course is:
In order for a business organisation to ensure that it is pursuing strategies and actions which will enable it to achieve its goals, managers must clearly understand the nature of the organisational processes and systems so that appropriate control can be exercised. The measurement and evaluation of performance are central to control. The analysis of business performance measures will provide managers with crucial information about what has happened within the organisation thus enabling appropriate, well-informed judgements to be made for future activities.
Modern organisations are extremely complex and the decisions often involve multiple issues, many people and considerable uncertainty and variability. It is important therefore that those involved in the management of an organisation, at whatever level, should make full use of every tool available in order to arrive at and communicate a sound decision. Modelling is a valuable tool in this context; providing the financial manager with a framework for the analysis of a decision problem and the compilation of important management information for decision making.
This module develops the concepts, introduced at level 4, which were concerned with the analysis and modelling of business decision problems. Introductory work on statistical and financial analysis using ICT tools will be developed to provide substantive knowledge and skills to underpin advanced studies in business and finance.
3 By the end of the module you will:
• have gained a critical understanding of the concepts of various types of statistical and modelling methods
• developed significant skills in the use of a variety of ICT tools
• be able to analyse a range of business problems and construct appropriate models, both financial and non-financial
• be able to discuss critically the role of modelling and its contribution to the decision making process
• be able to produce appropriate reports detailing and supporting your analysis
4 These are the main ways of learning and teaching:
Key concepts on modelling methods will be introduced and developed in class via lectures and seminars, using a variety media including case studies and e learning.
ICT skill development and practical experience in model building will be undertaken in supervised workshops.
Students will be expected to undertake directed reading and practice exercises to prepare for and to develop class-based learning.
Students will have access to a module workbook and selected materials as well as a wide range of supporting academic literature in the Learning Centre.
SECTION B: ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
5 This is how the learning outcomes will be assessed:
The module assessment will test knowledge of the subject matter, the ability to apply this knowledge and the ability to critique the application.
Assessment will be by way of coursework (50%) and an examination (50%).
Students are required to satisfactorily complete each component of the assessment to gain a pass in the module.
6 This is how and when you will be given feedback on your performance:
Students will be given informal (formative) feedback on their progress in the achievement of the module learning outcomes via the normal classroom and self managed study activities.
Formal (summative) assessment will be via both coursework and examination.
The coursework and examination will be assessed by the module team and marks awarded for each.
Written feedback will be provided for the coursework by means of a feedback sheet. This will show clearly student performance in the specified learning outcomes against the relevant assessment criteria.
7 To achieve a pass you will .
Learning Outcome |
Below 40% |
40-49% |
50-59% |
60-69% |
70+ |
An understanding of the concepts of various types of statistical and modelling methods |
Inadequate knowledge of appropriate academic principles |
Some understanding of relevant models, concepts and terminology |
Broad understanding of relevant models, concepts and terminology |
Good understanding of relevant models, concepts and terminology |
Extensive understanding of relevant models, concepts and terminology |
Development of significant skills in the use of a variety of ICT tools
|
Poor competence in the use of ICT. |
Basic competence in the use of ICT. Some ability to apply ICT to business applications. |
Good level of competence in the use of ICT. Clear understanding of the business applications. |
Good level of competence in the use of ICT. Good understanding of appropriate and effective business applications. |
High level of competence in the use of ICT. Well developed and creative use of ICT in business applications. |
Analysis of simple business problems and the construction of appropriate models, both financial and non-financial. |
Little or no basic knowledge of appropriate techniques. |
Some knowledge of appropriate techniques. |
Good knowledge of appropriate techniques. |
Good applied use of appropriate techniques for analysis |
Extensive applied use of appropriate techniques for analysis |
Critical discussion of the role of modelling and its contribution to the decision making process |
Little or no relevant knowledge. Little or no evidence of additional reading |
Some relevant knowledge. Evidence of reading outside of course material |
Sound knowledge. Additional material used carefully. |
Good relevant knowledge. Appropriate further material used constructively. |
Wide-ranging relevant knowledge. Appropriate supporting material used imaginatively. |
Production of appropriate documentation detailing and supporting the analysis. |
Inappropriate format. Poor structure lacking in clarity, poor grammar |
Appropriate format. Some structure. Understandable |
Appropriate format. Good structure and clarity. Mostly grammatically correct |
Good choice of format. Good structure, clarity and accuracy of writing. |
Good choice of format. Clear and logical structure. Accurately presented. Easy to read/use. |
8.1 These are examples of the content of the module:
Business performance: over view
The modelling process: principles; design criteria; critical appraisal
Models:
mathematical/statistical models; uncertainty; statistical inference
financial models; analysis, design and implementation
Use of ICT:
advanced features of spreadsheets; specialist packages;
error trapping, data validation, appropriate human computer interface and presentation principles.
8.2 These are examples of the main learning resources you will use:
Paper-based resource materials
Electronic resources through Blackboard.
Mixed media resources through the Learning Centre
Access to a PC
Industry standard soft