Small Business Enterprise 4eg26

Assignment Brief Unit Number:

Unit 33 – Small Business Enterprise

Credit Value:

15 credits

Assessor/Tutor:

I Nawaz

Assignment QA Approval Date:

Unit Number/Code: Guided Learning Hours: Internal Verifier:

H/601/1098 60 Dr S K

Date Issued to Learner:

Draft Submission Date: Final Submission Date: Unit Aim The aim of this unit is to give learners the opportunity to focus on the processes involved, through change management, of reviewing and improving the performance of a small business enterprise. Unit introduction This unit is designed primarily for learners who are interested in small business enterprises and looks at the development and expansion of these businesses. The unit will be particularly appropriate for learners currently working in a small business enterprise. The unit is also appropriate for learners who have had work placements or work experience in small businesses and for learners who wish to pursue careers in the small business sector of the economy. The government’s vision is for more people in the UK to have the opportunity, aspiration and motivation to use their talent and initiative to be enterprising, and to have an increased proportion of people starting a business. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is responsible for small business and enterprise policy. Statistics from the Federation of Small Businesses website show that there are almost 5 million small businesses in the UK, almost 14 million people are employed in small- and medium-sized enterprises and over half a million people start up their own businesses every year. The small business sector provides employment and career opportunities which may appeal to many learners not attracted to a career in large organizations. The unit draws together many of the topics covered in other units and allows learners to practice the business skills needed in reviewing and managing the performance of a small enterprise.

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Learning outcomes and assessment criteria In order to this unit, the assignment that you present for assessment needs to demonstrate that you can meet all the learning outcomes listed below. Learning Outcomes (LO)

Assessment Criteria (AC)

LO1 Be able to investigate the performance of a selected small business enterprise

1.1 produce a profile of a selected small business identifying its strengths and weaknesses 1.2 carry out an analysis of the business using comparative measures of performance

LO2 Be able to propose changes to improve management and business performance

2.1 recommend with justification, appropriate actions to overcome the identified weaknesses in the business 2.2 analyse ways in which existing performance could be maintained and strengthened 2.3 recommend with justification, new areas in which the business could be expanded

LO3 Be able to revise business objectives and plans to incorporate proposed changes

3.1 produce an assessment of existing business objectives and plans 3.2 revise business plans to incorporate appropriate changes 3.3 prepare an action plan to implement the changes

LO4 Be able to examine the impact of change management on the operations of the business

4.1 report on the impact of the proposed changes on the business and its personnel 4.2 plan how the changes will be managed in the business 4.3 monitor improvements in the performance of the business over a given timescale.

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Before you get started please read the following information very carefully. Assignment Format/Style Produce an informal report/paper that addresses all the tasks in the assignment brief. You are encouraged to use diagrams or tables to illustrate and reinforce your findings. Any references to academic theory should be correctly cited and referenced in a bibliography at the end of the report. (please do not copy and paste information)        

Fully completed assignment cover page Title page Table of contents Introduction Main body of the report clearly identifying the separate outcomes and assessment criteria Conclusion and recommendations ( if relevant) References and bibliography Appendices only if relevant and necessary

Assignment Content The assignment brief includes headings relevant to the unit outcomes, read and follow the tasks listed under each heading and this will make certain that you cover all the outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve the unit. Assessment and Grading Read the assessment grading criteria before attempting the assignment tasks, as it contains important information about how you should approach your assignment and how grading is applied in order for you to achieve a , merit or distinction. Assignment Submission All assignments must be submitted by the agreed date, via MOODLE. Assignments submitted late, but with permission, will be marked as a only. Assignments submitted late, without permission, will not be marked until the end of the year, or the next time the unit is scheduled. Please ensure that your assignment is attached to the assignment submission receipt and that you read and sign the statement confirming authenticity. Check that all relevant fields are completed fully before submission. Assignment Once the assessor has marked your assignment, you will receive written , either confirming that you have met the required standard and grade awarded, or that you have not yet met the standard and what you need to do to make the necessary improvements. Please note that achieved and confirmation of grades is provisional until signed off by the Internal Verifier. Student Guide to Writing an Assignment This is an assignment guide to help you while completing your BTEC Assignments. It includes:  Assignment writing guidance  Referencing guidance Recommended Reading A reading list will be given to you at the first session unit session. You should also read a good quality newspaper and/or use relevant internet sites regularly and identify key influences and recent and relevant research with regard to your subject area. You should read topical case studies and read about national campaigns and government initiatives in your area of interest. Good Luck!

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Assessment and Grading Criteria (Tutor guidance will be given) The grading of Edexcel BTEC Higher National Qualifications is at the unit and the qualification level. Each successfully completed unit will be graded as a , merit or distinction. Learners will be awarded a merit or distinction grade by the aggregation of points gained through the successful achievement of individual units. The points will be calculated based on the unit credit size, the points available for each credit is: = 0 merit =1 distinction= 2. To achieve a merit grade overall you will need to accumulate a minimum of 75 points and for a distinction a minimum of 150 points. To achieve a

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A grade is achievable by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for for each unit.

To achieve a Merit a learner must:

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The learners evidence shows, for example:

Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

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Effective judgments have been made Complex problems with more than one variable have been explored An effective approach to study and research has been applied

Select/design and apply appropriate methods and techniques

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Relevant theories and techniques have been applied A range of methods and techniques have been applied A range of sources of information has been used The selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified The design of methods/techniques has been justified Complex information/data has been synthesized and processed. Appropriate learning methods/techniques have been applied.

Present and communicate appropriate findings

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The appropriate structure and approach has been used Coherent, logical development of principles/concepts for the intended audience A range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used. Communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts The communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media have been used.

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To achieve a Distinction a leaner must:

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The learners evidence shows, for example:

Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

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Conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified. The validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria. Self-criticism of approach has taken place Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success.

Take responsibility for managing and organising activities.

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Autonomy/independence has been demonstrated Substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organized. Activities have been managed The unforeseen has been accommodated The importance of interdependence has been recognised and achieved.

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Ideas have been generated and decisions taken Self-evaluation has taken place Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied Receptiveness to new ideas is evident Effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts

Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking

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Please use the headings shown below when writing up your report

Assessment Criteria coverage

Assignment Title: Investigating the performance of a selected small business enterprise involves business profile, comparative measures of performance, and analysis of business information.

Title is provided

Context: Briefly discuss Bolton’s (1971) definition of Small Business Enterprise.

Context of assignment is provided

Be able to investigate the performance of a selected small business enterprise. (Learning Outcome 1)

Task 1: Choose a small business organisation and identify its strengths and weaknesses.

AC 1.1

Task 2: Analyse a small business by comparing it with another small business in similar industry, covering areas of financial performance, production, marketing information, sales, human resource and use of technology

AC 1.2

Be able to propose changes to improve management and business performance. (Learning Outcome 2) Task 3: From your identification of the weaknesses of a small business (in Task 1), present a justified recommendation of appropriate actions to overcome these weaknesses.

AC 2.1

Task 4: Analyse ways in which existing performance could be strengthened and maintained.

AC 2.2

Task 5: Recommend which new areas the business could be expanded and provide justification for your suggestions.

AC 2.3

Be able to revise business objectives and plans to incorporate proposed changes (Learning Outcome 3) Task 6. Assess existing business plans and objectives

AC 3.1

Task 7: Present the revision of business plans including their changes.

AC 3.2

Task 8: Prepare an action plan for the implementation of the changes.

AC 3.3

Be able to examine the impact of change management on the operations of the business (Learning Outcome 4) Task 9: Produce a report for management that outlines the impact of your proposed changes (in Task 7) on the business and staff.

AC 4.1

Task 10: Present you plan of the way the changes will be managed in the business.

AC 4.2

Task 11: Explain how improvements will be monitored in the performance of business over a given timescale.

AC 4.3

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Grafton College of Management Sciences BTEC Level 5 HND in Business – Unit 33 Small Business Enterprise

Assessment and Grading Criteria Learning Outcomes LO.1 Be able to investigate the performance of a selected small business enterprise.

To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the criteria, the learner is able to: An effective approach to study and research has been applied in identifying right small businesses and their strengths and weaknesses. (M1) Detailed analysis with complex problems with more than one variable has been explored. (M1)

To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the and merit criteria, the learner is able to: Ideas have been generated and decisions taken. (D3)

2.1 recommend with justification, appropriate actions to overcome the identified weaknesses in the business 2.2 Analyze ways in which existing performance could be maintained and strengthened 2.3 recommend with justification, new areas in which the business could be expanded

Effective judgments have been made in order to make realistic recommendations. (M1) A range of methods and techniques have been applied. Relevant theories and techniques are applied.(M2) The selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified to make recommendations for business growth. (M2)

Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success. (D1) In analysis validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria. (D1)

3.1 produce an assessment of existing business objectives and plans

Complex information/data has been synthesized and processed. (M2)

3.2 revise business plans to incorporate appropriate changes

A range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has been accurately used. (M3)

3.3 prepare an action plan to implement the changes

Appropriate Communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts for the audience. Appropriate media has been used. (M3)

While making estimated unforeseen factors are evaluated and accommodated. (D2) Substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organized. Autonomy and independence has been noted. (D2) Good critical approach has taken place. (D3)

4.1 report on the impact of the proposed changes on the business and its personnel 4.2 plan how the changes will be managed in the business

Coherent, logical development of principles/concepts for the intended audience. (M3) The appropriate structure and approach has been used (M3)

4.3 monitor improvements in the performance of the business over a given timescale.

Appropriate methods/techniques have been applied. Chosen methods and techniques are justified. (M2)

To achieve a grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to: 1.1 Produce a profile of a selected small business identifying its strengths and weaknesses. 1.2 Carry out an analysis of the business using comparative measures of performance.

LO.2 Be able to propose changes to improve management and business performance.

LO.3 Be able to revise business objectives and plans to incorporate proposed changes

LO4 Be able to examine the impact of change management on the operations of the business

While undertaking various activities have been managed well. (D2)

Effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts. (D3)

Self-evaluation has taken place. (D3)

Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied. Receptiveness to new ideas is evident. (D3) Conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified. (D1)

Assessment and Verification Sign Off record 6

Grafton College of Management Sciences BTEC Level 5 HND in Business – Unit 33 Small Business Enterprise Final Unit Grade Achieved:

Merit Distinction None (refer) Date:

Assessor Signature:

Verification of Assessment Outcomes Have the learning Is the evidence? outcomes been met? Sufficient Reliable Yes Valid No Authentic

Is given to the student? Yes No

Are the grading decisions reliable?

Comments

Yes No

Internal Verifier Signature: Date: (if sampled) Standards Verifier Signature: Date: (if sampled) NB: Please ensure that all student is recorded on the standard GCMS form and attached to the assignment brief before presenting for internal verification.

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