Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment

Assignment Brief
BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business
Learner Name: Unit Number: Credit Value: Unit 1 Business Environment 15 credits Learner Registration Number: Unit Number/Code: Guided Learning Hours: Internal Verifier:
th

Y/601/0546 60 Debbie Lewis

Assessor/Tutor: Tara Gurung Assignment QA Approval Date: 13 September 2011 Draft Submission Date: Final Submission Date:

Date Issued to Learner:

Formative Assessment (progress checks) hand in dates. (1) (2)

Unit Aim The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of different organisations, the influence of stakeholders and the relationship between businesses and the local, national and global environments. Unit introduction Organisations have a variety of purposes that depend on why they were established. Some operate for profit, whilst others do not. Organisations structure themselves and operate in ways that allow their objectives to be met. Every organisation has a range of stakeholders whose interests need to be satisfied, but stakeholders have competing interests that may be hard to reconcile. Businesses operate in an environment shaped by the government, competitors, consumers, suppliers, and international factors. Learners will understand that some influences on the business environment are direct and clear, for example taxation policies on corporate activities. Other influences are less clear, perhaps coming from the international arena and sometimes with only an oblique impact on the national business environment. It is within this business environment that organisations function and have to determine strategies and a modus operandi that allow them to meet their organisational purposes in ways that comply with the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. In addition, business markets take various forms and the structure of a market enables an understanding of how organisations behave. In this unit learners will consider how different market structures shape the pricing and output decisions of businesses, as well as other aspects of their behaviour.

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

In order to pass this unit, the assignment that you present for assessment needs to demonstrate that you can meet all the learning outcomes listed below. The assessment criteria is a sequence of steps you will follow to help you achieve the unit assignment. Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will: LO1 Understand the organisational purposes of businesses Assessment criteria for pass The learner can:

1.1 identify the purposes of different types of organisation 1.2 describe the extent to which an organisation meets the objectives of different stakeholders 1.3 explain the responsibilities of an organisation and strategies employed to meet them

LO2 Understand the nature of the national environment in which businesses operate

2.1 explain how economic systems attempt to allocate resources effectively 2.2 assess the impact of fiscal and monetary policy on business organisations and their activities 2.3 evaluate the impact of competition policy and other regulatory mechanisms on the activities of a selected organisation

LO3 Understand the behaviour of organisations in their market environment

3.1 explain how market structures determine the pricing and output decisions of businesses 3.2 illustrate the way in which market forces shape organisational responses using a range of examples 3.3 judge how the business and cultural environments shape the behaviour of a selected organisation

LO4 Be able to assess the significance of the global factors that shape national business activities

4.1 discuss the significance of international trade to UK business organisations 4.2 analyse the impact of global factors on UK business organisations 4.3 evaluate the impact of policies of the European Union on UK business organisations.

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment

Before you get started please read the following information very carefully.
Assignment Format/Style Produce an informal report that addresses all the tasks in the assignment brief. You are encouraged to use diagrams or tables to illustrate and reinforce your findings. Any references to academic theory should be correctly cited and referenced in a bibliography at the end of the report. (please do not copy and paste information) Fully completed assignment cover page Title page Table of contents Introduction Main body of the report clearly identifying the separate outcomes and assessment criteria Conclusion and recommendations References and bibliography Appendices only if relevant and necessary

Assignment Content The assignment brief includes headings relevant to the unit outcomes, read and follow the tasks listed under each heading and this will make certain that you cover all the outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve the unit. Assessment and Grading Read the assessment grading criteria before attempting the assignment tasks, as it contains important information about how you should approach your assignment and how grading is applied in order for you to achieve a pass, merit or distinction. Assignment Submission All assignments must be submitted by the agreed date, via MOODLE. Assignments submitted late, but with permission, will be marked as a pass only. Assignments submitted late, without permission, will not be marked until the end of the year, or the next time the unit is scheduled. Please ensure that your assignment is attached to the assignment submission receipt and that you read and sign the statement confirming authenticity. Check that all relevant fields are completed fully before submission. Assignment Feedback Once the assessor has marked your assignment, you will receive written feedback, either confirming that you have met the required standard and grade awarded, or that you have not yet met the standard and what you need to do to make the necessary improvements. Please note that achieved and confirmation of grades is provisional until signed off by the Internal Verifier. Student Guide to Writing an Assignment This is an assignment guide to help support you while completing your BTEC Assignments. It includes: Assignment writing guidance Referencing guidance Recommended Reading A reading list will be given to you at the first session unit session. You should also read a good quality newspaper and/or use relevant internet sites regularly and identify key influences and recent and relevant research with regard to your subject area. You should read topical case studies and read about national campaigns and government initiatives in your area of interest.

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment

Assessment and Grading Criteria ( Tutor guidance will be given)

The grading of Edexcel BTEC Higher National Qualifications is at the unit and the qualification level. Each successfully completed unit will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction. Learners will be awarded a merit or distinction grade by the aggregation of points gained through the successful achievement of individual units. The points will be calculated based on the unit credit size, the points available for each credit is: pass = 0 merit =1 distinction= 2. To achieve a merit grade overall you will need to accumulate a minimum of 75 points and for a distinction a minimum of 150 points. To achieve a Pass To achieve a Merit a learner must: Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions To achieve a distinction a leaner must: Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions A pass grade is achievable by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for pass for each unit. The learners evidence shows, for example: Effective judgments have been made Complex problems with more than one variable have been explored An effective approach to study and research has been applied Relevant theories and techniques have been applied A range of methods and techniques have been applied A range of sources of information has been used The selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified The design of methods/techniques has been justified Complex information/data has been synthesized and processed. Appropriate learning methods/techniques have been applied. The appropriate structure and approach has been used Coherent, logical development of principles/concepts for the intended audience A range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used. Communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts The communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media have been used. The learners evidence shows, for example: Conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified. The validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria. Self-criticism of approach has taken place Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success. Autonomy/independence has been demonstrated Substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organized. Activities have been managed The unforeseen has been accommodated The importance of interdependence has been recognised and achieved. Ideas have been generated and decisions taken Self-evaluation has taken place Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied Receptiveness to new ideas is evident Effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts

Select/design and apply appropriate methods and techniques

Present and communicate appropriate findings

Take responsibility for managing and organising activities.

Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment Scenario You are to carry out considerable research on an Organisation of your choice or one that you are familiar with. You will need to demonstrate that you understand the purposes of business and the nature of the environment within which the business operates. You will develop your knowledge by gaining an understanding of the behaviour of organisations in their market environment, and be able to assess and evaluate global factors that impact on UK business activities.
Please use the headings shown below when writing up your report Assignment Title The Business Environment Context Briefly describe your organisation and what its purpose Understand the organisational purposes of businesses (learning outcome 1) Task 1 Organisations are divided into two main sectors: Private Sector Public Sector. AC 1.1 Title is provided Context of assignment is provided Assessment Criteria coverage

You are to identify one type of organisation from each sector and explain the purpose of the organisation using the headings listed below: Task 2 Organisations operate within a complex system of power and influence. By using one organisation you identified in task one; you are to identify five major stakeholders; 2 internal and 3 external, who have the highest influence on the organisation. For each stakeholder you identify, you are to describe their needs and expectations, explaining how your organisation plans to meet all the needs and overall objectives of the stakeholders. Task 3 An Organisation has many responsibilities and must operate within certain boundaries if they are to be successful and legitimate. You are to select four points from the list below and explain in considerable detail what strategies are in place to meet these responsibilities. 1. Consumer Legislation 2. Environmental Legislation 3. Anti-discriminatory 4. Health and Safety Legislation 5. Legal Responsibilities 6. Employee Legislation AC 1.3 AC 1.2 Mission Vision Aims and Objectives Market Share Ethical Issues.

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment
Understand the nature of the national environment in which businesses operate (learning outcome 2) Task 1 For Organisations to be successful and operate effectively they must consider and plan how they will allocate resources. You are to explain the four different types of economic systems that can be used by an Organisation. 1. Command economic system 2. Free enterprise economic system 3. Mixed economic system 4. Transitional economic system

AC 2.1

Task 2 The Fiscal and Monetary Policy are in the hands of the UK Government. The fiscal policy targets certain groups, for example, reductions in the rate of corporation tax for small to medium sized business. The monetary policy affects all sectors of the economy in different ways and with a variable impact. For this task you are to select two different Organisations, one from the private sector and one from the public sector and assess the impact of fiscal and monetary policy on both organisations and their activities.

AC 2.2

Task 3 Select one Organisation from task 2 and evaluate the impact of the two Government Policies on the business activities. Include in your answer, the mechanisms and systems of control that provide feedback when a change is detected, which may be an increase or decrease or a change in the opposite direction. 1. Competition Act 1998 2. Enterprise Act 2002 Understand the behaviour of organisations in their market environment (learning outcome 3) Task 1 Organisations behave in a certain way to ensure that they stay competitive in their marketing environment. Explain the four basic types of market structures determine the pricing and output decisions of your organisation. 1. 2. 3. 4. Perfect Competition Oligopoly Monopoly Monopsony AC3.1 AC2.3

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment
Task 2 AC3.2 Describe and Illustrate the way in which market forces shape your organisations responses. You are to use the range of examples listed below or you may choose 4 different examples if more appropriate to your Organisation. 1. 2. 3. 4. Task 3 Cultural awareness is vital and helps to shape the way an Organisation behaves in its business and cultural environment. You are to select an Organisation used previously. Study and observe how the organisational behaviour and make your own judgement on how the behaviour you observed, relates to the Organisations business and cultural environment. Be able to assess the significance of the global factors that shape national business activities (learning outcome 4) Task 1 AC4.1 To show that you have carried out considerable research on the global factors that shape national business activities, you are to provide a paper that discusses the significance of international trade to UK business Organisations. Task 2 Provide an analysis of the impact of global factors on UK business Organisations, you may choose four factors from the list below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Task 3 Evaluate the impact of policies of the European Union on UK business organisations. You may choose four policies from the list below 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Business Competition Environmental Economic Employment Education Cultural Trade Market opportunities Global growth Protectionism World Trade Organisation (WTO) Emerging markets Economics and finance Exchange rates AC3.3 Supply and demand Research and development Economies of scale Labour market trends

AC4.2

AC4.3

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment
Learning Outcomes To achieve a pass grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to:
1.1 identify the purposes of different types organisations 1.2 describe the extent to which an organisation meets the objectives of different stakeholders 1.3 explain the responsibilities of an organisation and strategies employed to meet them 2.1 explain how economic systems attempt to allocate resources effectively 2.2 assess the impact of fiscal and monetary policy on business organisations and their activities 2.3 evaluate the impact of competition policy and other regulatory mechanisms on the activities of a selected organisations

To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass criteria, the learner is able to:
Identifies appropriate organisations and gives a detailed explanation on their purpose. M1 Identifies appropriate stakeholders with evidence of an effective approach to study and research when presenting the findings. M3 A range of sources of information has been researched and complex information synthesized and processed. M2 The explanation is based on an understanding of the economic systems and needs of the business. M1 A range of techniques and methods has been applied. Assessment has taken place using defined criteria. M2 Evaluation is based on a range of sources of information and decisions have been justified. M2

To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass and merit criteria, the learner is able to:
Substantial research and analysis has been carried out and ideas have been justified. D1 Investigation and critical review of stakeholders is evident. Conclusions have been arrived at, and ideas justified. D1 Extensive research has taken place, clearly relevant to the organisation. Strategies have been clearly planned and organised. D2 Analysis and generation of ideas and decisions has taken place. D3 Assessment and evaluation is present and justified. D2 Evaluation specifies period of time. Realistic improvements and recommendations have been proposed and fit for purpose D1

LO1 Understand the Organisational purposes of businesses

LO2 Understand the nature of the national environment in which businesses operate

LO3 Understand the behaviour of organisations in their market environment

3.1 explain how market structures determine the pricing and output decisions of businesses 3.2 illustrate the way in which market forces shape organisational responses using a range of examples 3.3 judge how the business and cultural environments shape the behaviour of a selected organisation

A justified explanation of the decisions. An understanding of the relevant issues and needs of the business is evident M2 A range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used. M3 Effective judgements have been made and presented in an appropriate structure. M1

Critical analysis and evaluation used when making decisions. D1

Extensive research and analysis has been carried out and conclusions have been justified D1 Ideas and results have been generated and validity of results has been evaluated using a defined criteria. D1

Grafton College of Management Sciences Grading Assessment Plan for Unit 1 Business Environment
Complex information and the importance of the information has been recognised and presented in a clear and logical way. M3 Accurately identifies a range of sources and justifies their relevance. M3 Selected SMART methods and techniques. M2 Unforeseen circumstances have been considered. Ideas and conclusions have been justified. D1 Critical analysis has taken place and validity of results evaluated using a defined criteria. D1 Evaluation and conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified. D1

LO4 Be able to assess the significance of the global factors that shape national business activities

4.1 discuss the significance of international trade to UK business organisations 4.2 analyse the impact of global factors on UK business organisations 4.3 evaluate the impact of policies of the European Union on UK business organisations

Students confirmation of authenticity.

I confirm that this is my own work. Student Signature: Assessor Signature: Student Signature: Assessor Signature: Final Unit Grade Achieved:

Sign and Date for Interim and Final Assessment

Date: Date: Date: Date: Pass/Merit/Distinction:

Verification of Assessment Outcomes

Have the learning outcomes been met? Yes No Is the evidence? Sufficient Reliable Valid Authentic Is feedback given to the student? Yes No Are the grading decisions reliable? Yes No Comments

Internal Verifier Signature: ( if sampled)

Date:

Standards Verifier Signature: Date: (if sampled) NB: Please ensure that all student feedback is recorded on the standard GCMS form and attached to the assignment brief before presenting for internal verification.