4. Business Strategy .................................................................................................................................... 5
6. Business Decision Making ..................................................................................................................... 10
7. The Internet and E-Business ................................................................................................................. 16
8. Managing Communication Knowledge and Information ........................................................................ 24
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1. HNC COURSE STRUCTURE
TERM 1: Core Modules (60 Credits)
SSK – Study Skills BET - Business Environment MFD - Managing Financial Resources and Decision OGB - Organisations and Behaviour MPP - Marketing Principles
TERM 2: (60 Credits)
BSY - Business Strategy BDK - Business Decision Making IEB - The Internet and E-Business MCI - Managing Communications, Knowledge and Information
2. HNC REGULATIONS
Programme Structure:
Term 1 60 credits
Term 2 60 credits
Completion
The student must have 120 credits to successfully receive the final certificate
The student has to meet all assessment criteria requirements to be able to pass the module
The students can also achieve a merit or distinction if he/she covers the criteria required
In the event that all of assessment criteria are not met but the assessor and the IV consider that the student possesses the knowledge to rectify the submission then the assessor may refer the assignment to the student for them to make good. If the student successfully rectifies the shortcomings, the student will pass the module and progress. If not, the student will fail and be required to redo all of the module assessments.
Results
At the end of each term you will have assessments, feedback for which you will get at the beginning of following term.
At the end of every term CTL‘s Progression Board meets to finalise the results.
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Failure Absence/ Non-submission: Students who fail to submit set coursework by the required date(s)
will be deemed to have failed in the module(s) in question.
Candidates who fail in a module may be allowed to resit the assessments of the module in question on the subsequent occasion at the discretion of the Exam Board.
Re-sit/Retake Fees Re-sit any taught module Re-sit/Retake Fee: Please check the information in the ‗Student Handbook‘.
Unfair Practice: Plagiarism! Plagiarism is passing off, or attempting to pass off, another‘s work as your own. It includes copying the words, ideas, images or research results of another without acknowledgement, whether those words etc. are published or unpublished. It is plagiarism, for example, to copy the work of another student, of a member of staff or a published article without crediting the author. Persons who allow their work to be plagiarised are also guilty. Coursework, dissertations, or creative work are meant to be your own original work. Obviously you will use the work of others. Not only is this inevitable, it is expected. All scholarship builds on the work of others. The important thing to remember is always to acknowledge your sources. Consult your tutors if you have any problems, in particular with the method of citing books and articles, which may differ from subject to subject. There are no penalties for asking for advice and guidance; there are severe penalties for plagiarism! Unfair practice detected first time will be recorded as first offence and any subsequent work submitted and suspected of unfair practice will be automatically referred for an investigation and could lead to the termination of your studies.
Please refer to a Student Resources Portal for more information:
http://resources.ctlondon.ac.uk.
Please ensure you access the student portal for general information, in particular the student handbook and course timetables.
Lateness and Early Leaving
If a student does not arrive by the published start time for a timetabled class, they will be prevented from entering the class and only permitted to enter after the attendance register has been marked for that session.
The student should see the lecturer at the end of the session only to obtain a LATE mark on the attendance register.
Two late class arrivals will be treated and marked as one absence.
Leaving early is considered the same as a late arrival
If you arrive late to your classes, it is your responsibility to ensure the lecturer adds your „presence‟ to the attendance register at the end of the class
HNC – Higher National Certificate - Term 2 - Assessment Schedule
AUTUMN INTAKE (February 2012)
S. No. Module Code
Module name
Assignment 1 Assignment 2
Due Submission
Type Due
Submission Type
1 BSY Business Strategy 04-May-12 OTS 09-May-12 OTS
2 BDK Business Decision Making 09-May-12 OTS
3 IEB The Internet and E-Business 09-May-12 OTS – Report
& CD - Website
4 MCI Managing Communications, Knowledge and Information
04-May-12 OTS
OTS - Turn-it-in submission. „‟Turnitin Tutorial For Students‟‟ available under Unfair Practice category on the Students Resources Portal.
EMS - Email submission. Please email the assignment soft-copy to [email protected] by 4:00 pm of the submission deadline
Refer to the Students Resources Portal (http://resources.ctlondon.ac.uk) for the detailed Submission Type instructions
NOTE: THERE IS NO LATE SUBMISSION – IF YOU MISS SUBMISSION DEADLINE YOUR ASSESSMENT WILL NOT BE MARKED
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4. BUSINESS STRATEGY
TERM 2
Business Strategy
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A. MODULE SUMMARY
Module Code and Title: Business Strategy
Code: BSY Level: 5
Credits: 15 Terms Taught: 1
Assessments: 2 assignments
Teaching Methods: Lectures, Seminars, Case studies.
Number of Lectures/workshops per
week:
4 hours Contact Hours: 40 hours
Aim: The aim of this unit is to give learners the knowledge and understanding of how a business unit can strategically organise and plan for likely future outcomes in order to be successful.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the sessions students should be able to:
Understand the process of strategic planning
Formulate a new strategy
Understand approaches to strategy evaluation and selection
Understand how to implement a chosen strategy.
Business Strategy
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B. MODULE ABSTRACT One of the aims of this unit is to build on learners‘ existing knowledge of the basic tools of business analysis such as PESTLE and draw it together so that the learners think strategically. Learners will be introduced to further analysis tools needed for the process of strategic planning. They will be able to explain the significance of stakeholder analysis and carry out an environmental and organisational audit of a given organisation. Learners will learn how to apply strategic positioning techniques to the analysis of a given organisation and prepare a strategic plan based on previous analysis. They will also learn how to evaluate possible alternative strategies (such as substantive growth, limited growth or retrenchment) and then select an appropriate future strategy for a given organisation. Finally, learners will compare the roles and responsibilities for strategy implementation and evaluate resource requirements for the implementation of a new strategy for a given organisation. Learners will then be able to propose targets and timescales for implementation and monitoring of the strategy in a given organisation.
C. UNIT CONTENT 1 Understand the process of strategic planning Strategic contexts and terminology: role of strategy; missions; visions; strategic intent; objectives; goals; core competencies; strategic architecture; strategic control Strategic thinking: future direction of the competition; needs of customers; gaining and maintaining competitive advantage; Ansoff‘s growth-vector matrix; portfolio analysis Planning systems: informal planning; top-down planning; bottom-up planning; behavioural approaches Strategic planning issues: impact on managers; targets; when to plan; who should be involved; role of planning Strategic planning techniques: BCG growth-share matrix; directional policy matrices; SPACE, PIMS 2 Be able to formulate a new strategy Stakeholder analysis: stakeholder significance grid; stakeholder mapping Environment auditing: political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal and environmental analysis (PESTLE); Porter‘s 5 force analysis; the threat of new entrants; the power of buyers; the power of suppliers; the threat of substitutes; competitive rivalry and collaboration Strategic positioning: the Ansoff matrix; growth; stability; profitability; efficiency; market leadership; survival; mergers and acquisitions; expansion into the global marketplace The organisational audit: benchmarking; SWOT analysis; product positions; value-chain analysis; demographic influences; scenario planning; synergy culture and values 3 Understand approaches to strategy evaluation and selection Market entry strategies: organic growth; growth by merger or acquisition; strategic alliances; licensing; franchising Substantive growth strategies: horizontal and vertical integration; related and unrelated diversification Limited growth strategies: do nothing; market penetration; market development; product development; innovation Disinvestment strategies: retrenchment; turnaround strategies; divestment; liquidation Strategy selection: considering the alternatives; appropriateness; feasibility; desirability 4 Understand how to implement a chosen strategy The realisation of strategic plans to operational reality: communication (selling the concepts); project teams; identification of team and individual roles, responsibilities and targets; programme of activities; benchmark targets at differing levels of the organization Resource allocation: finance; human resources; materials; time Review and evaluation: an evaluation of the benchmarked outcomes in a given time period in relation to corporate, operational and individual targets
Business Strategy
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D. MODULE SCHEDULE
E. LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
LO1 Understand the process of strategic planning
1.1 explain strategic contexts and terminology – missions, visions, objectives, goals, core competencies 1.2 review the issues involved in strategic planning 1.3 explain different planning techniques
LO2 Be able to formulate a new strategy
2.1 produce an organisational audit for a given organisation 2.2 carry out an environmental audit for a given organisation 2.3 explain the significance of stakeholder analysis
LO3 Understand approaches to strategy evaluation and selection
3.1 analyse possible alternative strategies relating to substantive growth, limited growth or retrenchment 3.2 select an appropriate future strategy for a given organisation
LO4 Understand how to implement a chosen strategy
4.1 compare the roles and responsibilities for strategy implementation 4.2 evaluate resource requirements to implement a new strategy for a given organisation 4.3 discuss targets and timescales for achievement in a given organisation to monitor a given strategy.
F. ASSESSMENTS
ASSIGNMENT 1
Conduct an environmental analysis and an organisational audit on company of your choice. Then select and justify a suitable strategic positioning taking into account the influence of stakeholders on planning issues and the potential range of planning techniques available to an organisation.
Learning outcomes: 1 Understand the process of strategic planning 2 Be able to formulate a new strategy
Assessment criteria 1.1 explain strategic contexts and terminology – missions, visions, objectives, goals, core competencies 1.2 review the issues involved in strategic planning 1.3 explain different planning techniques 2.1 produce an organisational audit for a given organisation 2.2 carry out an environmental audit for a given organisation 2.3 explain the significance of stakeholder analysis
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ASSIGNMENT 2
Give empirical and theoretical evidence about the strategic choices adopted by an organisation you are interested in with specific reference to their appropriateness, feasibility and desirability in attaining competitive advantage and in its implementation (resource allocation and evaluation).
Learning outcomes: 3 Understand approaches to strategy evaluation and selection 4 Understand how to implement a chosen strategy
Assessment criteria 3.1 analyse possible alternative strategies relating to substantive growth, limited growth or retrenchment 3.2 select an appropriate future strategy for a given organisation 4.1 compare the roles and responsibilities for strategy implementation 4.2 evaluate resource requirements to implement a new strategy for a given organisation 4.3 discuss targets and timescales for achievement in a given organisation to monitor a given strategy
GUIDANCE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT
Instructions:
You must following the assessment criteria above to ensure that you meet all of the criteria in order to pass the module.
Your assignment should be in report format
You must include in your assignment a cover page with your details and your course details using the template provided.
Submission deadline: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
Submission type: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
References: Ensure that all references are quoted at the end of any question/document submitted; you must apply the Harvard System of Referencing in your work. Referencing guidelines are available on the Students Resources Portal
Ensure that font style should be Arial or Times New Roman and font size should be 12 in all Assignments
Ensure that (in paragraph) line spacing should be 1.5 and alignment should be Justify
Ensure that all work has been proof-read and checked prior to submission.
Ensure that the layout of your documents is in a professional format
G. REFERENCES 1. EDEXCEL Business Study Guide Level 4 and Level 5 —Pearson Custom Publishing Others references will be given by the lecturer
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6. BUSINESS DECISION MAKING
TERM 2
Business Decision Making
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A. MODULE SUMMARY
Module Code and Title: Business Decision Making
Code: BDK Level: 5
Credits: 15 Terms Taught: 1
Assessments: 1 assignment
Teaching Methods: Lectures, Seminars, Case studies.
Number of Lectures/workshops per
week:
4 hours Contact Hours: 40 hours
Aim: The aim of this unit is to give learners the opportunity to develop techniques for data gathering and storage, an understanding of the tools available to create and present useful information, in order to make business decisions
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the sessions students should be able to:
Use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary
Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes
Produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context
Use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation.
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B. MODULE ABSTRACT In business, good decision making requires the effective use of information. This unit gives earners the opportunity to examine a variety of sources and develop techniques in relation to four aspects of information: data gathering, data storage, and the tools available to create and present useful information. ICT is used in business to carry out much of this work and an appreciation and use of appropriate ICT software is central to completion of this unit. Specifically, learners will use spreadsheets and other software for data analysis and the preparation of information. The use of spreadsheets to manipulate of numbers, and understanding how to apply the results, are seen as more important than the mathematical derivation of formulae used. Learners will gain an appreciation of information systems currently used at all levels in an organisation as aids to decision making.
C. UNIT CONTENT 1 Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary Primary sources: survey methodology; questionnaire design; sample frame; sampling methods; sample error Secondary sources: internet research; government and other published data; by-product data Storage: security of information; data protection issues; ethical issues 2 Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes Representative values: mean, median, mode; calculation from raw data and frequency distributions using appropriate software; using the results to draw valid conclusions Measures of dispersion: standard deviation for small and large samples; typical uses (statistical process eg control, buffer stock levels) Calculation: use of quartiles, percentiles, correlation coefficient 3 Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context Creation and interpretation of graphs using spreadsheets: line, pie, bar charts and histograms Scatter (XY) graphs and linear trend lines: extrapolation for forecasting (reliability) Presentations and report writing: use of appropriate formats; presentation software and techniques 4 Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation Management information systems: computers and information processing tools for operational, tactical and strategic levels of the organisation Project management: networking and critical path analysis, Gantt and Pert charts Financial tools: net present value; discounted cash flow; internal rates of return
D. MODULE SCHEDULE The module schedule for the 10 weeks will be provided by your lecturer in class
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E. LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
LO1 Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary
1.1 create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary data for a given business problem 1.2 present the survey methodology and sampling frame used 1.3 design a questionnaire for a given business problem
LO2 Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes
2.1 create information for decision making by summarizing data using representative values 2.2 analyse the results to draw valid conclusions in a business context 2.3 analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a given business scenario 2.4 explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to draw useful conclusions in a business context
LO3 Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context
3.1 produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on the information derived 3.2 create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified business information 3.3 prepare a business presentation using suitable software and techniques to disseminate information effectively 3.4 produce a formal business report
LO4 Be able to use software generated information to make decisions in an organisation
4.1 use appropriate information processing tools 4.2 prepare a project plan for an activity and determine the critical path 4.3 use financial tools for decision making
F. ASSESSMENTS
ASSIGNMENT Decision making process is key factor for any business success. Being able to make a decision in right
time in right way is always key success factor of any business leader. A major concern in management
has been to understand and improve decision making. Management is in the process of evolving means
of coping with decision-making in conditions of extreme uncertainty. In the last few years, management
has been faced with extreme about the future combined with depressed business conditions. Wage
rates, material costs, fuel costs, government actions and sales levels have all shown sudden major
changes and reliable long-range forecasting of future levels is all but impossible. Yet despite this,
managers must still take decisions with long-range consequences. In recessionary conditions combined
with high inflation rates, these decisions are more critical than ever to the survival and future prosperity of
the firm. Under these circumstances even a decision by default, that does not perceive that there is a
decision to be made and taking no action, can lead to disaster. Thus despite, or perhaps partly because
of this extreme uncertainty about the future, there is an increasing tendency for managers to employ
systematic methods in their decision-making on complex problems.
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Find the company of your choice, where you work or had worked before. Identify the management
problem that requires to be decided for its strategic direction:
1. Identify and evaluate the business problem of the organisation chosen by you. Create the plan
for collection of primary and secondary data using survey methodology and appropriate sampling
techniques with justifications. Design the questionnaire to collect information related to business
problem indicated by you.
2. Summarise and analyse data using representative values, measures of dispersion to draw valid
conclusions and business scenario. Also explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation
coefficient are used to draw meaningful conclusion.
3. Produce the graph and trend lines to draw valid conclusion and to forecast the business trend.
On the basis of this information prepare business presentation and a formal business report.
4. Explain the appropriate information processing tools and prepare project plan for an activity and
determine the critical path. Also discuss the financial tools for decision making.
Learning outcomes: 1 Be able to use a variety of sources for the collection of data, both primary and secondary 2 Understand a range of techniques to analyse data effectively for business purposes 3 Be able to produce information in appropriate formats for decision making in an organisational context 4 Be able to use software-generated information to make decisions in an organisation
Assessment criteria 1.1 create a plan for the collection of primary and secondary data for a given business problem 1.2 present the survey methodology and sampling frame used 1.3 design a questionnaire for a given business problem 2.1 create information for decision making by summarizing data using representative values 2.2 analyse the results to draw valid conclusions in a business context 2.3 analyse data using measures of dispersion to inform a given business scenario 2.4 explain how quartiles, percentiles and the correlation coefficient are used to draw useful conclusions in a business context 3.1 produce graphs using spreadsheets and draw valid conclusions based on the information derived 3.2 create trend lines in spreadsheet graphs to assist in forecasting for specified business information 3.3 prepare a business presentation using suitable software and techniques to disseminate information effectively 3.4 produce a formal business report 4.1 use appropriate information processing tools 4.2 prepare a project plan for an activity and determine the critical path 4.3 use financial tools for decision making. Word limit suggested: 2000 words
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GUIDANCE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT
Instructions:
You must following the assessment criteria above to ensure that you meet all of the criteria in order to pass the module.
Your assignment should be in report format
You must include in your assignment a cover page with your details and your course details using the template provided.
Submission deadline: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
Submission type: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
References: Ensure that all references are quoted at the end of any question/document submitted; you must apply the Harvard System of Referencing in your work. Referencing guidelines are available on the Students Resources Portal
Ensure that font style should be Arial or Times New Roman and font size should be 12 in all Assignments
Ensure that (in paragraph) line spacing should be 1.5 and alignment should be Justify
Ensure that all work has been proof-read and checked prior to submission.
Ensure that the layout of your documents is in a professional format
G. REFERENCES
1. EDEXCEL Business Study Guide Level 4 and Level 5 —Pearson Custom Publishing Others references will be given by the lecturer
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7. THE INTERNET AND E-BUSINESS
TERM 2
The Internet and E-Business
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A. MODULE SUMMARY
Module Code and Title: The Internet and E-Business
Code: IEB Level: 4
Credits: 15 Terms Taught: 1
Assessments: 2 assignments
Teaching Methods: Lectures, Seminars, Case studies.
Number of Lectures/workshops per
week:
4 hours Contact Hours: 40 hours
Aim: The aim of this unit is to give learners an understanding of the internet and how e-business can be used in organisations.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the sessions students should be able to:
Understand the scope of e-business
Understand how the internet works
Use different e-business models
Use good website design
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B. MODULE ABSTRACT This unit introduces learners to the scope of e-business and the benefits it offers to an organisation through the different business models. It enables sufficient understanding of internet technology for learners to appreciate the potential, and the limitations, of using the internet for business. The features of good website design are also covered. Learners new to studying e-business may already be familiar with e-business through having dealt with them as buyers and/or sellers. One of the aims of this unit is to help learners build on these experiences and look at them more objectively as viable and productive business organisations. Learners will examine the scope of e-business and the inherent models it can follow. The unit will give learners the ontology of the internet and business requirements for usable website design. They will have an in-depth knowledge of the technology behind the HCI of e-business. By studying online business environments learners will gain insight into how business is evolving within the virtual marketplace in order to remain competitive; how the development of a global marketplace impacts on all businesses; and how businesses can take advantage of these opportunities whilst meeting customer expectations.
C. UNIT CONTENT 1 Understand the scope of e-business Definitions: the internet; the worldwide web (www); intranets; extranets; the distinction between e-business and e-commerce; stakeholder transaction types eg business-to consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), customer-to-customer (C2C), customer-to business (C2B) Benefits to businesses of e-business: why a company should have a web presence eg 24/7 trading, global marketplace; overt and covert information collection; how the use of internet technology can reduce transaction costs Barriers to businesses caused by e-business: set-up costs; impact of staff; difficulty of changing processes; ongoing maintenance eg lack of skill, security and protection concerns; managing a 24/7 global marketplace response eg language, demand, logistics; the importance of trust for e-business transactions Security and legislation: methods and role of physical security in e-business eg passwords, access; methods and role of electronic security in e-business eg firewalls, digital signatures, digital certificates, anti-virus software; impacts of national and international legislation eg staff training, taxation Mode of communication: devices to communicate online, fixed and portable; business communications eg shopping cart, FAQs, customer follow-up 2 Understand how the internet works Internet technology: the importance of agreed non-proprietary standards; how messages are transferred across the global communications network using packet switching eg TCP/IP; internet protocols eg FTP, HTTP, SHTTP, IMAP; and the role of URLs; bandwidth as a measure of capacity; why this is an important consideration Introduction to HTML: the main features of HTML as the language of the www, defines format of the information and how it is presented, but not its content as in EDI; (elements (<Tags>) – head, body, title, break, headings, forms, paragraphs, lists, tables, links and images); highlight the number of software packages available to users who can now build pages without learning HTML; brief overview of XML and XTML Clients, servers and browsers: the functions of servers and clients and use of two-tier and three-tier architectures; the nature and role of search engines; the role of the browser in interpreting the HTML and presenting the data to fit the user‘s device screen Intranets and extranets: the differences between the use of the internet; an intranet and an extranet; explain how they can improve security and efficiency within business communication 3 Be able to use different e-business models Business models: the different ways in which the internet may be used to generate revenue by supporting the sale of a product eg CDs; by charging per transaction for the provision of a service eg airline booking; by supplying electronic media information or services eg music downloads; by subscription-based information services eg consumer advice; advertising revenue eg from linked websites, suppliers; by the growing provision of individualized customer-centric products and services requiring customer interaction eg auction sites, photographic services
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4 Be able to use good website design Structure of web-pages: the elements of a web page that may be used by search engines comprising head/title; description; keywords; metatags; body; navigation; download considerations eg images Effective web pages: the design features to engage the visitor ie site stickiness; consistent page layout; corporate colour scheme; consistent with image of the business (brand) and customer expectation; pictures and links; clear; intuitive; informative; builds trust; encourages visitor to return; repeat business Website usability: stakeholder accessibility by meeting the needs of different audiences eg parents, children; multi-sensory access eg visually impaired, colour blind; legal responsibilities eg discrimination legislation
D. MODULE SCHEDULE The module schedule for the 10 weeks will be provided by your lecturer in class
E. LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
LO1 Understand the scope of e-business
1.1 describe the environment in which e-business is conducted and business transaction types 1.2 explain the benefits and barriers to businesses considering an online presence 1.3 assess the security and legislative issues facing an online business organisation 1.4 state the modes of communication available to an ebusiness and their applications
LO2 Understand how the internet works
2.1 explain the internet technologies and their importance in making an e-business successful 2.2 explain the main features of HTML 2.3 analyse the functions of client servers and browsers, and the role of the search engine 2.4 evaluate the use of intranets and extranets within business communication
LO3 Be able to use different e-business models
3.1 illustrate the different e-business models that can be used to generate revenue for a business 3.2 analyse each model in terms of its capacity to generate revenue 3.3 report on future developments in e-business models
LO4 Be able to use good website design
4.1 use the key elements of good web design structure 4.2 evaluate the impact of a well designed website to an e-business 4.3 report on the issues concerning website usability
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F. ASSESSMENTS
ASSIGNMENT 1
The module assessment consists of two assignments. Assignment-1 is focused on the e-business only while assignment-2 will be on internet and technology. You are required to evaluate one of the listed companies‘ website to understand its e-business.
Your report should cover the following themes though you should not be restricted to them.
Illustrate the e-business models used by your selection.
Analyse the model used in terms of its capacity to generate revenue.
Describe the environment in which e-business is conducted and its business transaction type.
Explain the benefits and barriers to businesses considering an online presence.
Assess the security and legislative issues facing by this online business organisation.
State the modes of communication available to an e-business and their applications.
Critically analyse the components of the site and technology used.
Report on future developments in e-business models.
Key Point Issues (KPI) for the report: E-business models for selected website, Business Acquisitions history by the company, revenue model, target market and marketing strategies, critically analyse of the components of the site ,e-commerce transaction types, benefits and barriers to businesses considering an online presence, customer feedback and collaboration technique used, Security and legal issues, future development plan and recommendation. Guideline: The objective of this assignment is to investigate the e-business models and strategies for some of the most successful companies listed above. These are well-known companies with lots of data, statistics available through various sources. Your task is to select one of these sites and show Information Search and Analytical Skills while at the same time evaluate its e-business model and its achievements so far. Once selected, you are required to find the related data and statistics through books, journal, online report and archives. You are also required to look into various case studies related to Key Point Issues for that selection. Resources: You are free to gather the information through various Book, Journal, Online archive, Technology news and blogs. Here are some of the useful resources listed for a head start.
Recommended books: E-Business and E-Commerce Management: Strategy, Implementation and Practice by Dave
Chaffey -BSc, PhD, FCIM, MIDM. E-Business and E-Commerce Management by Dave Chaffey
Web resources: Website by the author and case studies : www.davechaffey.com Online archive: e-Business watch : http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/archives/e-business-watch/ Managing the digital enterprise : http://digitalenterprise.org/ ACM digital library: http://portal.acm.org/
Include diagrams, tables and examples to support your evaluation with appropriate references.
Guide length 2000-2500 words. Important note about referencing : Adding appropriate references always strengthen the argument. It is also means; You must appreciate and give enough credit to the original authors or writer for their hard work and for their lead on the subject area if you take their contents for your report, otherwise can leads to Plagiarism. Please see the reference guideline given by CTL on the resource portal. Assessment Criteria LO1 Understand the scope of e-business
1.1 describe the environment in which e-business is conducted and business transaction types 1.2 explain the benefits and barriers to businesses considering an online presence 1.3 assess the security and legislative issues facing an online business organisation 1.4 state the modes of communication available to an ebusiness and their applications
LO3 Be able to use different e-business models
3.1 illustrate the different e-business models that can be used to generate revenue for a business 3.2 analyse each model in terms of its capacity to generate revenue 3.3 report on future developments in e-business models
Note: A sample guidance of “expected coherent manner of report construction” can be:
Selection of a given topic and justification. Evidence of background reading and appropriate referencing. Identification of e-Business model and evaluation criteria for the selection. Critical analysis of its capacity to generate revenue, target market, benefits and barriers. Observation and evolution of business transaction type for the selection. Identification of the technologies and modes of communication available. Assess the security and legislative issues. Conclusion and recommendation. Report structure and presentation.
ASSIGNMENT 2
The module assessment consists of two assignments. Assignment-2 will be on internet and technology while Assignment-1 is focused on the e-business only. General Guidance Design a Website for a small business containing 5-7 XHTML pages. The site should have a uniform consistent layout (structure), with company branding logos, a banner, menus and content in the same place on each page. Focus can be given to have a persistent Header and Footer on every page. The Web site should be comprised of two layers of structure or more, but do not create too many layers, you will need 5-7 pages but keep in mind the site must be easy to navigate.
Home
About
Product / Service
News
Contact
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Design the Web pages using XHTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS),Self-made Templates, Tables to provide the appearance/layout. Pages must be linked properly by making sure that there is no broken link. Precise, meaningful and relevant contents (text and images) to page objective. Usability and accessibility should be given main priority. Your site should be based on 3-clicks concept. Simple but well-defined, User should be able to find the contents within 3 clicks. No need to add any other programming languages and scripting. Site must be visible within at least two major browsers. Each page of the Website should also include a description and keyword Meta tags to be picked up by the search engines. (See the class tutorial how to add Meta tags or seek advice from the lecturer) Include a written booklet approx 1,500 words explaining:
A sitemap/diagram of site hierarchy. Explain the overall business aims of your website. Feature of XHTML Define client/server and cloud computing Define Intranet , extranet and internet How to navigate your Website. Accessibility features to the disabled as possible. Basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques used. Usability features of the Website.
References of contents and resources you have used (if any).
Assessment Criteria LO2 Understand how the internet works
2.1 explain the internet technologies and their importance in making an e-business successful 2.2 explain the main features of HTML 2.3 analyse the functions of client servers and browsers, and the role of the search engine 2.4 evaluate the use of intranets and extranets within business communication
LO4 Be able to use good website design
4.1 use the key elements of good web design structure 4.2 evaluate the impact of a well designed website to an e-business 4.3 report on the issues concerning website usability
Submission criteria:
Type: Hard and softcopy submission. Instructions : To do this you will firstly have to create a folder, we will be calling it as ―working-folder‖ for now, but once finished then rename this folder as follows: Module No-Year-Assignment No-Surname-Firstname. Next copy the folder containing your Web site into this folder and your report. Write the entire folder onto a CD. Level the CD with the information below:
Your Full Name : __________________________
Module No :__________________________
Year :__/__/____ Assignment No :__________________________
The Internet and E-Business
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GUIDANCE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT
Instructions:
You must following the assessment criteria above to ensure that you meet all of the criteria in order to pass the module.
You must include in your assignment a cover page with your details and your course details using the template provided.
Submission deadline: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
Submission type: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
References: Ensure that all references are quoted at the end of any question/document submitted; you must apply the Harvard System of Referencing in your work. Referencing guidelines are available on the Students Resources Portal
Ensure that font style should be Arial or Times New Roman and font size should be 12 in all Assignments
Ensure that (in paragraph) line spacing should be 1.5 and alignment should be Justify
Ensure that all work has been proof-read and checked prior to submission.
Ensure that the layout of your documents is in a professional format
G. REFERENCES Recommended books: 1. E-Business and E-Commerce Management: Strategy, Implementation and Practice by Dave
Chaffey -BSc, PhD, FCIM, MIDM. 2. E-Business and E-Commerce Management by Dave Chaffey Web resources:
1. Website by the author and case studies : www.davechaffey.com 2. Online archive: e-Business watch : http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/archives/e-business-watch/ 3. Managing the digital enterprise : http://digitalenterprise.org/ 4. ACM digital library: http://portal.acm.org/
Module Code and Title: Managing Communication Knowledge and Information
Code: MCI Level: 4
Credits: 15 Terms Taught: 1
Assessments: 1 assignment
Teaching Methods: Lectures, Seminars, Case studies.
Number of Lectures/workshops per
week:
4 hours Contact Hours: 40 hours
Aim: The aim of this unit is to show how communications, knowledge and information can be improved within an organisation including making better use of IT systems.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the sessions students should be able to:
Understand how to assess information and knowledge needs
Create strategies to increase personal networking to widen involvement in the decision-making process
Develop communication processes
Improve systems relating to information and knowledge
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B. MODULE ABSTRACT This unit recognises that communications do not automatically take place effectively in organisations and that both information and work-based knowledge is often insufficient when decisions are made. Learners will look at how managers can improve the planning of their communications processes as well as their communication skills. Learners will understand why managers need to adopt a more inclusive approach to stakeholders affected by the decisions they make and why they need to network on a more structured basis. The unit also looks at how managers can make the information and knowledge they gain accessible to other parts of the organisation. The unit is designed to develop learner understanding of the interaction between communications, knowledge and information. It also covers how IT systems can be used as a management tool for collecting, storing, disseminating and providing access to knowledge and information.
C. UNIT CONTENT 1 Understand how to assess information and knowledge needs Sources: internal and external, primary and secondary, formal and informal, team workers, customers and other stakeholders Types: qualitative and quantitative, tacit and explicit, official and unofficial, policy and opinion 2 Be able to create strategies to increase personal networking to widen involvement in the decision-making process Sources: stakeholders and useful contacts, internal and external Methods: formal, informal Strategies: formal and informal, direct or via media, relating and interacting, trust and confidentiality, forming business relationships, decision making and decision taking 3 Be able to develop communication processes Types: meetings and conferences, workshops and training events, internet and email, written, telephone, video conferencing, one-to-one meetings Approaches: structured and coordinated, planned, formal and informal Strategy: advantages, disadvantages; informal, face-to-face, formal in writing, emotional, intelligence 4 Be able to improve systems relating to information and knowledge Type: hard and soft, websites and mailings, access and dissemination Style: trends and patterns, diagrams and text, consistent and reliable, current and valid; legal and confidential
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D. MODULE SCHEDULE
The module schedule for the 10 weeks will be provided by your lecturer in class
E. LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria
LO1 Understand how to assess information and knowledge needs
1.1 discuss the range of decisions to be taken 1.2 examine the information and knowledge needed to ensure effective decision taking 1.3 assess internal and external sources of information and understanding 1.4 justify recommendations for improvement
LO2 Be able to create strategies to increase personal networking to widen involvement in the decision-making process
2.1 identify stakeholders for a decision-making process 2.2 make contact with those identified and develop business relationships 2.3 involve those identified in the decision making as appropriate 2.4 design strategies for improvement
LO3 Be able to develop communication processes
3.1 report on existing processes of communication in an organisation 3.2 design ways to improve appropriateness 3.3 implement improvements to ensure greater integration of systems of communication in that organisation 3.4 create a personal plan to improve own communication skills
LO4 Be able to improve systems relating to information and knowledge
4.1 report on existing approaches to the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of information and knowledge 4.2 carry out appropriate changes to improve the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of information and knowledge 4.3 implement a strategy to improve access to systems of information and knowledge.
F. ASSESSMENTS
ASSIGNMENT
Today, communication improvement in organisations is more important than ever. Not only in the pursuit of high standards for its own sake, but also because customer satisfaction is increasingly important as communication and information become more powerful and people and organisations have the tools to compare standards more easily. It is therefore imperative for managers to carefully plan the processes of communications by effectively involving stakeholders in decision taking in a more structured networking.
1. Select a UK private or public company. How do they take decisions on issues of organisational interest? To what extent do they assess the much needed information and knowledge to aid their decision making process? Discuss briefly the main sources of information (both internal and external). How effective is this information. Is there a way or ways this could be improved? Give reasons
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2. Who are the main stakeholders of your organisation? Analyse their involvement in decision making and suggest ways to improve in the supreme interest of the organisation
3. Describe the processes of communication and how it can be improved. Explain how these
systems of communication could be utilised effectively for organisational success. Assuming you are one of the managers of the organisation, how would you enhance your own communication skills?
4. Examine the business carefully and comment on the different ways it collects, stores and
disseminate information and knowledge. To what extent could changes be made to facilitate improvement? Come out with a strategy that will help the organisation in the improvement of its information and knowledge.
Learning outcomes: 1 Understand how to assess information and knowledge needs 2 Be able to create strategies to increase personal networking to widen involvement in the decision-making process 3 Be able to develop communication processes 4 Be able to improve systems relating to information and knowledge
Assessment criteria 1.1 discuss the range of decisions to be taken 1.2 examine the information and knowledge needed to ensure effective decision taking 1.3 assess internal and external sources of information and understanding 1.4 justify recommendations for improvement 2.1 identify stakeholders for a decision-making process 2.2 make contact with those identified and develop business relationships 2.3 involve those identified in the decision making as appropriate 2.4 design strategies for improvement
3.1 report on existing processes of communication in an organisation 3.2 design ways to improve appropriateness 3.3 implement improvements to ensure greater integration of systems of communication in that organisation 3.4 create a personal plan to improve own communication skills 4.1 report on existing approaches to the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of information and knowledge 4.2 carry out appropriate changes to improve the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of information and knowledge 4.3 implement a strategy to improve access to systems of information and knowledge Word limit suggested: 2000 - 2500 words
GUIDANCE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT
Instructions:
You must following the assessment criteria above to ensure that you meet all of the criteria in order to pass the module.
Your assignment should be in report format
You must include in your assignment a cover page with your details and your course details using the template provided.
Managing Communication Knowledge and Information
College of Technology London Page 29
Submission deadline: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
Submission type: Check and comply with the assessments schedule in your course handbook.
References: Ensure that all references are quoted at the end of any question/document submitted; you must apply the Harvard System of Referencing in your work. Referencing guidelines are available on the Students Resources Portal
Ensure that font style should be Arial or Times New Roman and font size should be 12 in all Assignments
Ensure that (in paragraph) line spacing should be 1.5 and alignment should be Justify
Ensure that all work has been proof-read and checked prior to submission.
Ensure that the layout of your documents is in a professional format
G. REFERENCES References will be given by the lecturer
