ACFI3424 International Accounting and Finance Issues

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ACFI3424 International Accounting and Finance Issues
Coursework 1 – 2019/20
Individual Assignment in report format
The assignment must be submitted via Blackboard using the Turnitin button by Week 24 (Deadline: Thursday 12 March 2020 by 12.00 mid-day) (Please note that Turnitin can only accept one document as your submission)
This assignment is designed to give you an opportunity to develop written communication skills whilst working with international accounting and finance issues.
The total length of the assignment should not exceed 1,800 words (excluding the list of references). Appendices should not be used with all relevant data in the report. This word limit is the suggested maximum and you will be penalised if you exceed it by more than 10%. You should state the word count on the front page of your report. The report should be word-processed in Arial Font size 12 at 1.5 line spacing.
Required:
You should write answers to each of a) b) and c) as three parts of the main body of a single report to the non-financial directors of BP plc, using the 2018 Annual Report as a resource (see copy of full report on Blackboard in the Assessment folder):

  1. Analyse the 2018 BP financial statements in terms of performance, short term liquidity and working capital comparing the results with 2017 (see lectures 3 and 4 and Scott – Accounting for Business for the ratios that could be used) (Indicative 800 words maximum) (40% weighting).

 

  1. Explain the meaning of corporate governance using BP’s 2018 corporate governance report in the annual report (pp57-111) to illustrate your answer. Discuss your opinion on the strength of BP’s system of corporate governance (Indicative 500 words maximum) (25%).

 

  1. BP is financed from both equity and debt. Explain the meaning of equity and debt. Using the notes to the accounts 26 and 31 from the 2018 BP financial statements, explain the difference between fixed rate and floating rate debt and between ordinary shares and preference shares and discuss why BP is financed using all of these instruments (Indicative 500 words maximum) (25%).

 
Only one introduction and conclusion is needed. A summary and recommendations are not needed.
 
10% weighting for presentation, report format and referencing using the Harvard system. For basic report structure at DMU see: http://www.library.dmu.ac.uk/Support/Heat/index.php?page=483
 
For part a) please use the ratio calculation methods per the lectures and Scott – Accounting for Business. The ratios and calculations should be included in a table in the report (not in an appendix).

  Indicative Feedback Form Coursework 1 Individual Assignment
 
Student number P
 		  
Requirement % Fail 3rd 2:2 2:1 First
Analysis of BP performance, short term liquidity and working capital (Ratios and discussion).
 		 40          
Explanation and discussion of corporate governance
 		 25          
Explanation and discussion of equity and debt
 		 25          
Presentation including report format, list of references and in-text references. 10          
 
 		            
Comments
 
 
 
 
 
Penalties for late submission or exceeding the word count  
Overall Grade  

 
Plagiarism score checked (please tick and give score if more than 30%)
 
The allocation of marks is based on:

90-100% Judged to be outstanding in all aspects. No fault can be found with the work other than very minor errors, for example typographical, or perhaps failure to satisfy the most challenging and exacting demands of the assessment.
80-89% Indicates a very high level of understanding evidenced by an ability to engage critically and analytically with source material.  Likely to exhibit independent lines of argument. Only minor errors or omissions.
70-79% Judged to be very good, yet not outstanding. May contain minor errors or omissions.
60-69% Indicates a sound understanding of basic points and principles but with some failure to express or to apply them properly. Hence the answer is essentially correct, has some errors or omissions, and is not seriously flawed.
50-59% Indicates a more limited understanding of basic points and principles, with significant errors and omissions.  These errors and omissions, however, do not cast doubt on the basic level of understanding.
40-49% Indicates questionable understanding of basic points and principles yet sufficient to show that learning outcomes have been achieved at a rudimentary level. There may be inaccuracy and inconsistencies.
30-39% Indicates an answer that shows only weakly developed elements of understanding.  The learning outcomes have been insufficiently realised.
20-29% Very little knowledge has been demonstrated and the work shows little coherence of material or argument.
0-19% Only isolated or no knowledge displayed.

 
 
 

 
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Evaluates Oman Airports Company that’s located in Sultanate of Oman using organisational systems and structures theory (vMEME) and all the types of approaches and models of organisational strategy it contains. Critically analyse particular leadership problems and challenges through critical evaluation and appropriate application of theory

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Leadership Proje

Question Description

 
The Task:
Evaluates Oman Airports Company that’s located in Sultanate of Oman using organisational systems and structures theory (vMEME) and all the types of approaches and models of organisational strategy it contains.
Critically analyse particular leadership problems and challenges through critical evaluation and appropriate application of theory
1- Critically evaluate how certain types of leadership/management styles differ depending on history, culture, geographic life and conditions
2- Critically evaluate how certain types of leadership/management styles impact people performance, productivity
3- Critically evaluate how certain types of leadership/management styles determine who will ‘follow and how’.
4- Critically evaluate your personal leadership capabilities and critically analyse the need for future development
Through application of Seven Leadership Mindsets Theory (vMEME) you will have a tool (and the skill) to critically assess and evaluate all types of organisational and sector theories worldviews that include USA, UK, China, European countries, India, Oman, GCC, African countries, etc. Leadership is different depending on the relevant mindset (life conditions, how humans’ individuals adapt to successfully compete and socio-cultural elements). Inevitably leadership mindset impacts everything in a company – strategy, people, performance, productivity, etc.
Instruction: Please answer all of the following questions:
A suggested structure for the written report would include the following: This assignment can be divided into four equally weighted sections. These have been presented as four questions.
1. Having considered the theory, research and science, characteristics of organisations identify and assess:

  1. The seven structures and systems present in your organisation
  2. Analyse and describe how the present Leadership Value Systems and Structures in your organisation impact on leadership, management and staff.
  3. Consider and analyse differences to your competitors (local or global)
  4. Consider to what extent are these differences positive points of differentiation or negative traits of the organisation

2. Now that you understand your organisations structure consider your organisations sector. Critically analyse:

  • How has your sector evolved?
  • In what way do they differ to your competitors (local or global)
  • To what extent are these differences positive points of differentiation or negative traits of the organisation

3. Having examined change and transformation critically assess an analyse how to ensure your organisation’s continued growth and success, organisations need to undertake transformation and growth.

  • What kinds of changes are taking place in your sector and what do you believe the most successful organisations are doing to embrace the changes required to deliver continued success?
  • To what extent is your organisation at the forefront of this transformation (or maybe it is trailing some of the best organisations in the sector). Give examples of specific actions and leadership behaviours you are seeing to underpin your view.

4. Every organisation faces challenges and problems, which can be driven from rapid growth or serious decline. Identify and critically assess:

  1. The top two or three big issues your organisation is facing
  2. Key actions your organisation needs to take to put it on a path of future sustainable success.

*** Words count = 3000 words.
*** In-Text Citations and References using Harvard style.
*** I have attached an audio file for more clarification.

 
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Personal Leadership

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Personal Leadership

Question Description

 
Write a report of 3600 words that critically assesses and evaluates “Ministry of environment and climate affairs” in Sultanate of Oman using organisational systems and structures theory (vMEME) and all the types of approaches and models of organisational strategy it contains.
Critically analyse particular leadership problems and challenges through critical evaluation and appropriate application of theory.
1. Critically evaluate how certain types of leadership/management styles differ depending on history, culture, geographic life and conditions
2. Critically evaluate how certain types of leadership/management styles impact people performance, productivity
3. Critically evaluate how certain types of leadership/management styles determine who will ‘follow and how’.
4. Critically evaluate your personal leadership capabilities and critically analyse the need for future development. Through application of Seven Leadership Mindsets Theory (vMEME) you will have a tool (and the skill) to critically assess and evaluate all types of organisational and sector theories worldviews that include USA, UK, China, European countries, India, Oman, GCC, African countries, etc. Leadership is different depending on the relevant mindset (life conditions, how humans individuals adapt to successfully compete and socio-cultural elements). Inevitably leadership mindset impacts everything in a company ñ strategy, people, performance, productivity, etc.
Instruction: Please answer all of the following questions:
A suggested structure for the written report would include the following: This assignment can be divided into four equally weighted sections. These have been presented as four questions.
1. Having considered the theory, research and science, characteristics of organisations identify and assess:
a. The seven structures and systems present in your organisation
b. Analyse and describe how the present Leadership Value Systems and Structures in your organisation impact on leadership, management and staff.
c. Consider and analyse differences to your competitors (local or global).
d. Consider to what extent are these differences positive points of differentiation or negative traits of the organisation.
2. Now that you understand your organisations structure consider your organisations sector. Critically analyse:
a. How has your sector evolved?
b. In what way do they differ to your competitors (local or global).
c. To what extent are these differences positive points of differentiation or negative traits of the organisation.
3. Having examined change and transformation critically assess an analyse how to ensure your organisationís continued growth and success, organisations need to undertake transformation and growth:
a. What kinds of changes are taking place in your sector and what do you believe the most successful organisations are doing to embrace the changes required to deliver continued success?
b. To what extent is your organisation at the forefront of this transformation (or maybe it is trailing some of the best organisations in the sector). Give examples of specific actions and leadership behaviours you are seeing to underpin your view.
4. Every organisation faces challenges and problems, which can be driven from rapid growth or serious decline. Identify and critically assess:
a. The top two or three big issues your organisation is facing.
b. Key actions your organisation needs to take to put it on a path of future sustainable success.
*** Word count: 3600 words.
*** In-Text citation and references using Havard style.
*** Two voice note related to the subject will be uploaded.
 
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Case Study: Business Ethics

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Title  Case Study: Business Ethics
 
Assignment Guidance
 
 

Section / Title Details / Guidance
 
   
   
Executive Summary Do not include an ES – this is a short report.
 
Introduction:
(around 150 words)		 Short introduction that outlines briefly why business ethics is an important current topic in the leadership and management of people and signposts the principal issues to be addressed if each of the tasks is to be satisfactorily answered.
 
Task 1: (around 400 words) You may use recent ‘scandals’ as examples from the UK or elsewhere that have appeared in the media and deal with one or more aspects of accountability / transparency / employee ethical conduct. Please see the more detailed attached reading
To keep within the word limits you may need to use tables /charts / diagrams to provide some of your ‘evidence’. Ensure you categorise clearly what is meant by ‘risk’ and who the ‘risk’ applies to.
Task 2: (around 400 words) This is asking you to set out what policies and practices you would put in place to ensure ethical operation at the PA. In some cases, this will mean providing alternatives to achieving the three goals of accountability, transparency and employee conduct within your answer. You should base your approach on best practice.
 
Task 3: (around 450 words)  This should provide a focused answer that critically evaluates and justifies an appropriate leadership model to lead strategic ethical change. There is a need to illustrate and justify a suitable change initiative that would be suitable to change the culture of the unethical organisation selected in task one. Lessons learned should be seen as recommendations that could be used for the PA organisation.
Reference List A list of the third-party sources you have consulted and which are cited directly in the text. Predominately these should be those provided on / accessed via, .  A brief note explaining the reason/s for including wider internet sources used should be given at the beginning of your list of references where necessary.
 
All these sources should be properly identified.  Harvard style
Appendices No appendices are necessary.
 
Word Limit 1,400 words +/- 10%
 

 
 
Marking Guidelines
 
Mark Band A: 70-100%
Knowledge (Tasks 1 & 2)
Confident, comprehensive understanding of core issues / concepts and a clear / accurate comprehension of their respective significance and impact on organisation. Higher ‘A’ grades will demonstrate very extensive attempts to write concisely in presenting arguments and evidence.
 
Understanding (Tasks 1 & 2)
Continuous sustained attempt to critically assess and evaluate across the assignment. Signposting of issues in the Introduction will demonstrate some deeper thinking from the student than merely a re-phrasing of the Assignment Brief.
 
Presentation & Persuasion (Task 3)
Conclusions / recommendations are very closely and explicitly linked to any regulatory / performance ‘gaps’ found in the preceding task/s. Higher ‘A’ grades will rank the significance of findings/ conclusions  / recommendations more explicitly than for lower grades. resources will be consistently used and alignment to the questions being addressed will be exact. There will a strong sense of ‘audience’ in Task 3. Clear format which follows report / Harvard protocols accurately
 
Mark Band B: 60-69%
Knowledge (Tasks 1 & 2)
Comprehensive understanding of core issues / concepts and a clear / accurate comprehension of their respective significance, but less clear / developed regarding impact on organisation than for an ‘A’ grade answer.
 
 
Understanding (Tasks 1 & 2)
Analysis and evaluation will predominate, but elements of description may still be evident. Limited efforts to signpost answer in the Introduction.
 
Presentation & Persuasion (Task 3)
Conclusions / Recommendations will be logical and viable but may not be consistently / explicitly linked to gaps found in the preceding task/s. Findings / conclusions / recommendations will not be comprehensively ranked in terms of their importance as an ‘A’ grade answer.  resources will be less convincingly / comprehensively used. Clear format which follows report /Harvard protocols accurately
 
Mark Band C: 50-59%
Knowledge (Tasks 1 & 2)
A good range of literature and research sources on the topic area has been consulted. Citations will generally be of good quality and often support key arguments / points being made.
 
Understanding (Tasks 1 & 2)
There will be an attempt to analyse / evaluate but this may not be consistently maintained and some parts of the answer will remain descriptive. Some attempt to signpost answer in Introduction but this may rely on the detail of the Assignment Brief.
 
Presentation & Persuasion (Task 3)
Findings /Conclusions Recommendations may not be complete / make lack a business case although they will remain logical /viable. They may not be explicitly linked to gaps found in the preceding analysis.  resources may be used patchily. Clear format which follows report /Harvard protocols accurately.
 
 

 
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