You have been asked to write a report to the board of directors of one of the selected companies below as part of the interview process for your first appointment as a Finance Director of
Required:
You have been asked to write a report to the board of directors of one of the selected companies below as
part of the interview process for your first appointment as a Finance Director of a company listed on AIM
(which is the Alternative Investment Market for small companies) within the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The board of directors have asked you to write a report about your vision and strategic financial goals for the
company.
The companies are within a selected sector of the AIM. Assume that your selected company has ambitions
and plans to become a FTSE 100 (the largest UK listed companies) company in the near future.
Guide:
You need to introduce the company, discuss the product or services, location, turnover, number of
employees, etc. The report should be maximum 2,500 words (+/- 10%). Remember you need to make an
impression on the board of directors for you to be considered for the critical post of Finance Director.
The essence of this assignment is to test your knowledge and understanding of key accounting and
corporate governance concepts, theories and tools and ability to present data in a concise manner.
Required:
You have been asked to write a report to the board of directors of one of the selected companies below as
part of the interview process for your first appointment as a Finance Director of a AIM company. The board of
directors have asked you to write a report about your vision and strategic financial goals for the company.
The companies are within the AIM index. Assume that your selected company wants to become a FTSE 100
(the largest UK listed companies) company in the near future.
Additional Guidance
You need to introduce the company, discuss the product or services, location, turnover, number of
employees, the contribution of the sector to the UK economy. To analyse, you need to compare the financial
data / ratios of your selected company with either a competitor within the sector or the average of the sector.
The report should be maximum 2,500 words. Remember you need to make an impression on the board of
directors for you to be considered for the critical post of Finance Director.
Section A- 2000 words.
1. Analyse the performance of your chosen company using relevant financial and non-financial ratios (5
years). Your analysis should include profit ratios, efficiency, liquidity and other ratios that you
consider relevant.
Section B 500 words
1. Critically evaluate the company’s corporate governance compliance and its impact on the brand and
reputation as reported in the press (print, online and social media)
2. Discuss the proposed medium term financial strategies for your selected company to become a
FTSE100 company or for your company to become dominant in the industry / sector.
Assessment Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes to be addressed through this assignment are:
(a) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature and role of the finance professional
and how financial control processes impact on the organisation and its stakeholders.
(b) Critically evaluate the impact of the external context on the financial domain, both
domestically and internationally.
(c) Identify, critically appraise and analyse the content, relevance and use of key financial
accounting information and techniques, both within organisations and by reference to
relevant research.
(d) Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically and communicate effectively the financial
performance of an organisation by reference to internal or published financial information.
Assessment Brief
|
Module Code |
|
|
Module Name |
Financial Decision Making |
|
Level |
7 |
|
Module Leader |
Ewan Tracey |
|
Module Code |
FINM036 |
|
Assessment title: |
Written Assignment |
|
Weighting: |
50% |
|
Submission dates: |
Please see NILE |
|
Feedback and Grades due: |
Please see NILE |
Assessment Task
This assessment requires students to produce an individual report analysing the performance and operations of a publicly listed company within a selected sector. A list of companies will be provided for students to select from. This assessment represents 50% of the total marks.
Module Assignment Information
Due date: To be determined – UK semester 1 / overseas assignment due from 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023
The aim of this assignment is to test students’ knowledge and understanding of key accounting and corporate finance concepts, theories and tools that can be used to critically analyse organisations. It will also test the ability to present non-financial information
Required:
You have been asked to write a report to the board of directors of one of the selected companies below as part of the interview process for your first appointment as a Finance Director of a company listed on AIM (which is the Alternative Investment Market for small companies) within the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The board of directors have asked you to write a report about your vision and strategic financial goals for the company.
The companies are within a selected sector of the AIM. Assume that your selected company has ambitions and plans to become a FTSE 100 (the largest UK listed companies) company in the near future.
Guide:
You need to introduce the company, discuss the product or services, location, turnover, number of employees, etc. The report should be maximum 2,500 words (+/- 10%). Remember you need to make an impression on the board of directors for you to be considered for the critical post of Finance Director.
The essence of this assignment is to test your knowledge and understanding of key accounting and corporate governance concepts, theories and tools and ability to present data in a concise manner.
Required:
You have been asked to write a report to the board of directors of one of the selected companies below as part of the interview process for your first appointment as a Finance Director of a AIM company. The board of directors have asked you to write a report about your vision and strategic financial goals for the company.
The companies are within the AIM index. Assume that your selected company wants to become a FTSE 100 (the largest UK listed companies) company in the near future.
Additional Guidance
You need to introduce the company, discuss the product or services, location, turnover, number of employees, the contribution of the sector to the UK economy. To analyse, you need to compare the financial data / ratios of your selected company with either a competitor within the sector or the average of the sector. The report should be maximum 2,500 words. Remember you need to make an impression on the board of directors for you to be considered for the critical post of Finance Director.
Please note that you must select a company from the list below for 2019/20
List of companies to select from for 2019/2020
|
Company Name |
ICB Super-Sector |
Country of Incorporation |
Market |
Company Market Cap (£m) |
|
ACCSYS TECHNOLOGIES PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£87.65 |
|
BILLINGTON HOLDINGS PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£37.25 |
|
EPWIN GROUP PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£114.34 |
|
JAMES HALSTEAD PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£848.53 |
|
MICHELMERSH BRICK HOLDINGS PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£82.33 |
|
NEXUS INFRASTRUCTURE PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£78.90 |
|
SIGMAROC PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£56.46 |
|
VAN ELLE HOLDINGS PLC |
Construction & Materials |
United Kingdom |
AIM |
£72.80 |
Section A- 2000 words.
1. Analyse the performance of your chosen company using relevant financial and non-financial ratios (5 years). Your analysis should include profit ratios, efficiency, liquidity and other ratios that you consider relevant.
Section B 500 words
1. Critically evaluate the company’s corporate governance compliance and its impact on the brand and reputation as reported in the press (print, online and social media)
2. Discuss the proposed medium term financial strategies for your selected company to become a FTSE100 company or for your company to become dominant in the industry / sector.
Please note:
If you select a company outside of the list above, you will automatically fail this part of the assignment, unless you get a prior written approval from your tutor.
You can use www.northcote.co.uk, pro-share and the FT to identify companies within their sectoral classifications. It is essential that all sources of information are correctly referenced using the Harvard system.
Word Limits
The word limit for this assignment is 2500 words (+/- 10%)
Where the submission exceeds the stipulated word limit by more than 10%, the submission will only be marked up to and including the additional 10%. Anything over this will not be included in the final grade for the assessment item. Abstracts, bibliographies, reference lists, appendices and footnotes are excluded from any word limit requirements.
Where a submission is notably under the word limit, the full submission will be marked on the extent to which the requirements of the assessment brief have been met.
Assessment Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes to be addressed through this assignment are:
(a) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature and role of the finance professional and how financial control processes impact on the organisation and its stakeholders.
(b) Critically evaluate the impact of the external context on the financial domain, both domestically and internationally.
(c) Identify, critically appraise and analyse the content, relevance and use of key financial accounting information and techniques, both within organisations and by reference to relevant research.
(d) Demonstrate the ability to evaluate critically and communicate effectively the financial performance of an organisation by reference to internal or published financial information.
Assessment Grading Criteria
|
Criteria |
Exceptional 70-100% A- to A+ |
Good C- to C+ |
Pass D- to D+ |
Fail F- to F+ |
|
|
Introduction, presentation and refereeing of the report 10% |
7-10 Exceptional report. The introduction is exemplary and provides evidence of a complete understanding of the company’s activities. The industry and the company analysed are outline and justified clearly. The significance of the industry and comparative report is presented clearly. There is clear evidence of originality and ability to justify the research effort. Compelling evidence of research. |
6 -6 points Good: The introduction is relevant and illustrates an attempt to address the assessment requirements. The industry and company are described in detail. The rationale and comparative data is limited. Good rationale, but lacks the details expected to score top marks probably due to general unsupported statements or grammatical / spelling mistakes. |
5 to 5 points Satisfactory: The introduction shows some correlation with the project requirements. There is irrelevant information. The rationale and objectives are not vague. Generally descriptive. There is very limited evidence of research. |
1 to 4 points Fail. The introduction is descriptive and irrelevant. The work lacks clear justification of the report purpose. Industry and company choice are not justified. Limited support for the information given. The student selected a company not on the list without approval |
|
|
Application of the theories underpinning the report 20% |
16to 20 points Exceptional. A clear demonstration of complete grasp of knowledge of the key factors that drive performance in the chosen company and the industry in general. Critical relevant theories are identified such as the application of PESTEL or any other competition or management theories to support your argument must apply and critically appraise the theories. Industry examples and published literature are used to develop a logical case on the relevance of the sector, its importance and some key financial indicators such as the GDP contribution of the sector or contribution to the country’s economy over the past five years. Theories such as the SWOT analysis (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) within the sector or PEST analysis (Political, economical, social and technological) impact of the industry or sector |
13 to 15 points Good: The analysis demonstrates adequate knowledge of a fair range of the factors that affect company performance. There is intermittent evidence of an appreciation of the significance of the factors to the industry being analysed. Critical success factors are outlined. Some examples and limited literature are used. Contributions of the sector to the county’s economy may be missing |
10 to 12 points Satisfactory: The analysis is largely descriptive and narrative with little evidence of analysis. There is no clear evaluation of how the identified factors affect the selected company. Critical success factors are vague. Limited evidence of research. Lack of concrete supporting evidence |
1 to 9 points Fail: The analysis is not linked to the company. The analysis is descriptive and generally irrelevant to the company. Critical success factors are not clear or missing. No relevant examples are presented. Little evidence of research The student selected a company not on the list without approval. |
|
|
Depth of research including the use of appropriate ratios / explained 30% |
22 to 30 points Exceptional. The selected financial ratios are clearly justified within the context of the industry being analysed. Selected financial ratios for the past five years are shown and clearly presented and labelled in appendices. Comparison to the competitors financial and non financial data or the sector figures. The use of examples and published literature to justify choice of ratios is compelling. The interpretation of financial ratios and their importance demonstrates complete grasp of knowledge. Relevant examples and references used in discussion |
18 to 21 points Good: Financial ratios are selected and outlined clearly. Most of the financial ratios for the past five years are presented in appendices. The interpretation and justification of financial ratios lack consistency. There is intermittent evidence of an understanding of the significance of the financial ratios. Some examples and references are used in discussion. |
15 to 17 points Satisfactory: Financial ratios are stated but not clearly justified. Incomplete financial ratios for the past five years are presented in appendices. A basic argument is evident but lacks clarity and coherence. Limited examples and references used in discussion |
1 to 14 points Fail: Financial ratios are defined and described with no justification. Financial ratios for the past five years are incomplete or missing. Insufficient evidence of knowledge and research. No examples and lack of cited published work. The student selected a company not on the list without approval |
|
|
Formulation of an effective summary of key issues and potential actions/ changes 30% |
22 to 30 points Exceptional. The report summarises the key elements and brings out the compelling reasons why potential investors and other stakeholders should be keen to invest in the company. The strategic direction of the company and key advice on competitor’s analysis and the future of the company when compared to other sectors within the economy. The main CG rules and the analysis of the company’s compliance with corporate governance rules such as rules on diversity, effectiveness, control, directors’ attendance at board meetings The arguments are logical and backed up with supporting evidenced that are within the report. Exceptional comparisons with competitors and advantages are enumerated and clearly stated including plan for future financial strategy for the company |
18 to 21 points Good: A good attempt to construct a coherent and logical discussion of the relevant issues. The report shows some relevance and justification but does not give details on corporate governance compliance by the selected company There is a lack of focus and consistency in the discussion. There is tendency to narrate and lacks analysis. Some examples and limited literature are used. |
15 to 17 points Satisfactory: Basic understanding of the report is understood, but lacks coherent and logical flow of the discussion. Some of the analysis are not customised to the selected company or comparison made to the industry. Very descriptive outline of company. Limited analysis with no links to industry. No or limited CG compliance issue |
1 to 14 points Fail. Intermittent and vague description of the report requirements and their impact on the industry. The writing rarely goes beyond simplifying paraphrase on the essential elements of the requirements of the report without adequate justification or any convincing demonstration of essence of the report No discussion of CG rules or application of the rules to the selected company |
|
|
Conclusion 10% |
7 to 10 points Excellent. The conclusion is a summative review of the report. The evaluation is compelling, interpretation is accurate and the discourse is clear. Citation and referencing is accurate, up-to-date and well presented. Justification for appointment into the FD role |
6 to 6 points Good:. The conclusion is a good review of the report. The discussion is clear and orderly. Citation and referencing is clear throughout. No details on the justification for the post |
5 to 5 points Satisfactory: The conclusion is descriptive and lacks analysis and critical evaluation. Citation and referencing is good in some parts. Lacks the reason for the appointment as FD |
1 to 4 points Fail: The conclusion show a lack of understanding of the report requirement and material presented in the document. Conclusion has some information that is irrelevant to the report. Citation and referencing is incorrect / missing in most parts |
Generic Grading Criteria for Level 7
See grading criteria below
Assessment Support/Feedforward
Please look out for announcement on NILE on additional support to help with your work. We are unable to provide individual review of the draft of your work
Assessment Submission
To submit, please go to the ‘Submit your work’ area on the NILE site and use the AS1 submission point to upload your work. The deadline for this is 11.59pm (UK local time) on the date of submission.
The work will be subject to Turnitin anti-plagiarism detection software. Turnitin checks student work for possible textual matches against internet available resources and its own proprietary database.
N.B Work emailed directly to your tutor will not be marked.
Late submission of work
Use either:
If an item of assessment is submitted late and an extension has not been granted, the following will apply:
· Within one week of the original deadline – work will be marked and returned with full feedback, and awarded a maximum bare pass grade of C-.
· More than one week from original deadline – maximum grade achievable LG (L indicating late).
Or, if a resit
Any work submitted late will be awarded a LG grade.
