Guidance on Assessment for a Coursework Assignment

Learning outcomes and pass attainment level:

• Evaluate the different competing financial objectives of the firm and the agency problem between shareholders and managers in publicly listed companies.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse financial data, conduct cost-benefit analysis and financial planning for effective business decisions using spreadsheet software package.
• Critically evaluate investment projects using appropriate investment appraisal techniques to assess suitability and viability of the projects consistent with the overall strategy and business model(s) of the firm.
• Critically appraise the major issues of capital management, relative advantages and disadvantages from the various perspectives of the stakeholders of the firm.

General guidance

The assessment for this unit is one coursework assignment. The required mark has been set at 50%. If you are attempting a first or second re-sit attempt your pass mark will be capped at 50%.

This is an individual assessment. Whilst there is no objection to you discussing the content of this assignment with your peers, your final submission must be completely your own work. Plagiarism and copying will not be tolerated and may lead to subsequent penalties being imposed. This is an individual assignment and all calculations, analysis and narrative submitted must be your own work.

The assignment will require a considerable personal investment of time and effort.

Structure of the assignment

There are three separate questions included within the assignment and you should attempt all three questions. There is no word limit to questions. If any part of the assignment is ignored this reduces the maximum marks which could potentially be awarded. The assignment answer should be carefully checked before submission for the use of appropriate and acceptable grammar. The correct use of English spelling is to be employed throughout. All the numbers should be reported in 2 decimal points.

Submission of the assignment

All three questions must be attempted and submitted in one document. You are advised to prepare your assignment in Word format and copy and paste contents from Excel where spreadsheets have been used to support your work. Only Microsoft Word file will be allowed for submission.

Your student ID number should be shown on each page of your assignment.

Your assignment should be submitted electronically via Moodle and you are advised to do this well in advance of the submission deadline to avoid any system related issues. Feedback on your assignment will also be provided via Moodle once the marking has been completed.

The matrix on the following page has been provided to assist you in completing your assignment and is an indicative guide only, not a formal marking scheme.

Question 1:

A lack of breadth and depth of financial analysis techniques accompanied by incorrect formulae or calculation without appropriate explanation.

Poor layout or presentation in anything other than business report style. Inadequate grammar and lacking in overall knowledgeable synthesis.

Evidence of some financial analysis techniques but with errors of formulae and calculation with insufficient explanation and adequate presentation.

Attempt at a business report format with some supportive appendices. Mainly descriptive with some attempt at synthesis. Grammar and structure being adequate.

Wide range of financial analysis techniques evident and supported by full disclosure of formulae and accurate calculation in a clear format.

Presented in business report format and coherently structured. Supported by referenced appendices. Effective and well-reasoned narrative discussion.  

An excellent range of financial analysis techniques which are supported by full disclosure of formulae and accurate calculation in a clear format.

Excellent business report format and well structured. Supported by fully referenced appendices. Excellent analytical and justified explanations showing synthesis and application.