Creating a Business Report

Question

Business Report

Objectives

This assessment item relates to course learning outcomes numbers 1 to 5 as stated in the course profile.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this assessment item is to help students develop skills in the use of Operations Management principles, theories and models in the analysis of the current operations of a service organisation. The assignment requires you to analyse the current situation, identify the operational problems within the organisation, and develop a set of recommendations that when implemented, will overcome the identified problems without creating new ones. In this assessment piece you are expected to solve the case.

The secondary purpose of this assignment is to give students the opportunity to further develop analysis and problem identification skills, as well as skills in presenting an argument for change within the framework of a business report

You should also read the Assignment Writing Tips on the course website. The course website also provides useful information in regard to the development of this assessment item.

Description

Assessment item 2 requires the writing of a business report. The report should be designed as a management document that can be used to implement recommended changes. It should include a comprehensive analysis of the current situation using Operations Management theory, models and frameworks including a root cause analysis. The report should also contain recommendations  and an implementation plan. Students are expected to engage in extensive research within the academic literature relating to operations management. Some research into the industry in question might also help students develop a more robust understanding of the information in the case.

Details

Further assignment writing details and advice are provided on the course website. Read the case study 'Leagile Manufacturing' provided on the course website, use the findings identified in assignment item 1 and respond to the task requirements below in the context of an academic report. This assignment should be presented in report format as per chapter 4 of the Faculty Guide for students. You are required to support your argument with appropriate theoretical discussion and references.

 This assessment involves the presentation of a case study which relates theory and research in an area of Operations Management to a practical application. Refer to chapter 4, Faculty Guide for students for guidance on formats for report writing. Further information regarding formatting of assignments is available on the course website. This assessment item involves researching your assigned topic to enhance your understanding of Operations Management concepts and utilisation of academic literature. Whilst you should avoid using only textbooks, the prescribed textbook for the course should be cited in regard to broad Operations Management principles.

 You will be expected to present information and evidence from, and cite, at least twelve (12) relevant peer reviewed, academic journal articles (minimum requirement). Refer to your recommended readings for examples of academic journals. The quality and number of citations will demonstrate the breadth and depth of the literature used to formulate your argument. Your marker is interested in the analysis that you have developed from your review of the literature and how well you use the literature to respond to the topic. Avoid presenting a descriptive account only of your readings. What is required in this assessment is a critical evaluation of the academic literature as it relates to the specific details of the case study. Your marker is interested in the conclusions that you arrive at from your evaluation of the literature and of the case study.

Task

This assignment is a continuation of the analysis carried out in Assessment Item 1 where you were asked to address the problems and root causes at Leagile Manufacturing. The CEO and colleagues of Scott Murphy reviewed the analysis of the problems and root causes and decided that it was a good foundation to continue to build upon. Further insight was added in a series of facilitated workshops with the CEO and other senior managers. It is now time to address step 2 as previously agreed with the CEO. The Vice President of Operations, Scott Murphy, has asked you to help find patterns in the findings and develop an appropriate strategy supported by actionable recommendations. Your task is to carefully analyse the information provided in the Case Study 'Leagile Manufacturing' and write a report discussing the strategic and operational problems facing the company. The report must:

1. Review the linkages between customer needs, the company's strategies and its current operational issues.
2. Recommend a strategy or strategies for the company. The strategy must be driven by customer needs, supply characteristics and contemporary developments in manufacturing and supply chain management. Ideally the implementation of the strategy will provide Leagile Manufacturing with a sustainable competitive advantage.
3. Propose possible solutions and action recommendations to the problems identified while supporting the strategy. The CEO is looking for an appropriate integrated solution.

Members of the senior management team at Leagile Manufacturing have graduate qualifications and they expect that your report will be based on the latest academic and profession literature relevant to the area of interest.  

 Assessment Criteria

CONTENT: Does your report demonstrate:Weighting

1. A thorough knowledge and understanding of the problem(s) identified in the case study expressed in the language of operations management?
2. A critical review of the academic literature relevant to the operations management problem(s) identified in the case study?
3. Appropriateness of responses to the case study topic questions including an effective technical analysis of the operational situation along with accurate problem identification and specification?
4. A well structured, concise and clear presentation of appropriate recommendations and implementation plan?
5. Appropriate use of argument within the paper, including a properly structured introduction and comprahensive conclusion?
6. Relevant and accurate literature (cited at LEAST eight (8) academic journal articles)?

PRESENTATION: Does your report demonstrate:

1. Clarity of expression, grammar and spelling?
2. Strict conformity to referencing style of the Author-­-date system of referencing as set out in the Australian Government Publishing Service 2002, Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, 6th edn, AGPS, Canberra? (Refer to the Harvard Referencing Guide)
3. Appropriate presentation format as required by the Assignment Writing Guidelines and presented within the word limit of 3500 words ( ± 10%)?