MBA 5003 – Managing Logistics and Technology Assessment Guide

For the assessment of MBA unit 5003, there are five assessment tasks you have to fulfil in order to complete the unit. Details are given in the unit descriptor and on

“Studyboard@VIT”.

Assessment time table:

No	Assessment Name	Date open	Date of submission
1	Discussion Participation: 20% weightage	Week 1, 2, 3, 5, 6	No submission by student
2	Operation Plan – (50% weightage)	Week 4	11th January
3	Supply Chain Group Report – (30% weightage)	Week 7	1st February

Each week our LMS will guide, you on all the course requirements of our MBA program including what to do in that particular week, and how. For each assessment, our

“Studyboard@VIT” will provide details on the assessment task and guidelines including how you will be assessed on each assessment task, marking criteria and so on.

Some clarification on each assessment:

1. Assessment 1: Discussion Participation: You will be assessed based on your accessible login on LMS, using the “Discussion Participation” on the LMS and your interaction through email etc with the faculty and coordinators here in Australia.
2. Assessment 2: Operation Plan: Based on the guideline provided, each student must submit a case study.
3. Assessment 3: Supply Chain Group Report: Group presentation and a mini group report

The following instructions are strictly applied throughout our MBA programme:

1. The assessments are an important part of unit progression and are to be attended to diligently. Hence, no attempt at an assessment means no marks.

• Assessment tasks must be submitted within the timeframe given. Late submission will attract a 5% deduction in the mark for each day the submission is late.

• Assessment guidelines must be followed, for example, if the assessment involves a written report of 2,000 words, the word count is important. If the word count is more than 10% outside the guideline, there will be a deduction of 5% off the final mark.

• All assessments must be submitted to VIT, Australia and will be checked, marked and the student provided with feedback.

Assessments can be submitted on LMS and by email.

• Students are required to achieve 50% of the overall marks to pass the unit.

• The authorised agent/local facilitator can help students understand the various parts of the assessment and also will be appointed as “Invigilator” (supervision only) for the assessment.

Note – For all assignments, the preferred layout is in 12-point Calibri, with 1.5 line spacing, 5 centimetres left-hand margins and bold headings. Whenever you use the ideas and arguments of other writers, you must make reference to the writers and their work. By acknowledging the work of others, you avoid plagiarism. The Harvard style requires a reference list at the end of your assignment. It is arranged in alphabetical order by author surname.

For further clarification you can contact the coordinator via email.

Further details on each assessment for MBA 5003 can be found on the following pages.

MBA 5003 – Assessment 1 Discussion Participation: Weightage: 20%

Guidelines

1. In this class, online discussion will count towards your overall grade for the course. The purpose of the discussion board is to frame and promote collaborative learning. Active and regular participation is not only important from the lecturer’s point of view but is also important for you in learning the course content and in developing your thoughts and position on various topics.
2. You are expected to participate in at least three (3) different forums. You should begin at least one thread and provide at least three posts in response to other participants’ threads. Posting should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. Word totals for each post should be in the 100-200 words range.
3. During the discussion, when you agree or disagree explain why with supporting evidence and concepts from the readings or a related experience. Include a reference, link, or citation when appropriate.
4. During the discussion, be organized in your thoughts and ideas. Incorporate correlations with the assigned readings or topics. Stay on topic. Provide evidence of critical thinking in your responses or interactions. Avoid summarizing.
5. During the discussion: Contribute to the learning community by being creative in your approaches to topics, being relevant in the presented viewpoints, and attempting to motivate the discussion.
6. During the discussion be aware of grammar and sentence mechanics. Use proper etiquette.
7. Remember that being respectful is critical at all times in the classroom, online and during forum chat discussions.

The Assessor will assess you on the following

Discussion and Participation:

• Is made in a timely fashion, giving others an opportunity to respond.
  1. Is thoughtful with appropriate analysis of the content or question asked.
  1. Poses new possibilities or opinions not previously voiced
  1. Ideas are expressed clearly and concisely with appropriate use of vocabulary and attention to spelling and grammar.
  • Spends the time constructing creative, challenging and engaging discussion assignments, which promote participation.

MBA-5003 – Assessment 1 Discussion Participation

Marking Sheet – For Faculty Only

Assessment Task: Discussion Participation: Weightage: 20% Name of the Student:

Batch No:

Lecturer’s Observation on Student Participation

Rate Student from 5=Very Good, 3=Good, 1= Average.

Weightage %	Very Good	Good	Average	Comment
Discussion and Participation: Is made in a timely fashion, giving others an opportunity to respond.
Is thoughtful with appropriate analysis of the content or question asked.
Extends discussions already taking place or poses new possibilities or opinions not previously voiced.
Ideas are expressed clearly and concisely with appropriate use of vocabulary and attention to spelling and grammar.
Spends     the     time      constructing                       creative, challenging               and                    engaging         discussion assignments, which promote participation.
Comments
Total
Overall student’s assessment score

Weightage 20% =

Lecturer’s Signature:                                                              Date:      /     /

Name:

MBA 5003 – Assessment 2 Operations Plan – Weightage 50% Guidelines

Assignment Tasks

This assessment will require students to develop a detailed Operations Plan for an operation relating to a product or service to be delivered across national borders. The main assignment tasks are the following:

1. Identify a product or service company (or other organization) with which you are familiar. Provide a brief description of the company.
2. Describe, in general, the key operations in this company and how these operations

relate to the company’s strategy, its competitive priorities, and the key performance

indicators used by the company

• Using the operations model presented in Unit 5003 Modules A, B, and C, define in detail one of these operations, clearly identifying the transforming and transformed resources, the transformation process, and the outputs and outcomes of the operation
• Provide a critical review of this key operation and its management that might underpin its future improvement and contribution to the company’s competitive priorities
• Present this in an Operations Plan for this operation (based on your analysis and review) which highlights the resources and key management decisions that might need to be made to secure improvement in the operation.

Developing an Operational Plan

Operational planning takes the broad strategies and objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan, turns them into specific tasks and allocates the people and other resources of the organisation to get them done. It addresses the question – ‘What do we need to do to make it all happen and know we are on track?’ It provides the staff and volunteers in the organisation with their day to day and week to week tasks, lets them know where they are going and gives them a measure of what they are expected to achieve.

It makes sense that the people who are most directly responsible for ensuring that the outcomes are achieved are included in the development of the workplans. Specific activities are nominated that are necessary to achieve the strategies and goals set by the board or management committee. Specific staff, timelines and resources are allocated to these activities which then form the basis for reporting and evaluation.

Assignment task requires a description of the allocation of resources, a timeline, and the performance indicators against which the plan will be measured and assessed. This will involve a description of:

• Allocation of Human Resources (Who is responsible?)
• Allocation of Financial Resources (How much budget?)
• Setting Timelines (When does this happen?)
• Setting Performance Indicators (What are we aiming to achieve?) Each of these elements is explained below:

Allocating Human Resources

Every strategy must have an “owner” i.e. somebody has to be responsible for the implementation of that strategy. If someone is not made responsible for the strategy, it is highly likely that it will not be implemented.

Human Resources Plan

Can include: Any proposed staff/volunteer changes; Professional Development Plan (including Management Committee, staff, volunteers)

For example:

Strategy	Person Responsible
Conduct series of three Clinics for Coaches	Coaching Director

The strategy may be allocated to just one person, or to a group of people e.g. a team of people, a sub-committee or a department.

Allocating Financial Resources

Not every strategy requires money, but most will. If people have to be paid to carry out work, then there will be financial resources needed for their remuneration. If volunteers are involved, money may need to be set aside for food and/or other necessities. Many strategies will involve administration costs in the form of telephone calls, printing and photocopying and postage. Some strategies will involve the purchasing of equipment, or materials, or promotional costs such as advertising.

The point is that thought has to be given to all possible costs that might be incurred if a strategy is implemented. If there is an inadequate allocation of money for the implementation of a strategy, chances are it will fail.

A financial plan can include:

• Annual budget
• Cash flow projection
• Cash management plan

Setting Timelines

The implementation of any strategy needs a timeline, that is a time period during which work is performed to achieve the desired outcome. The time period can be as short as a day, or it can be several months. The time period could be in the near future, or it might be scheduled for a future year.

The purpose of inserting a timeline for each strategy in the Operational Plan is to give order to the many tasks that need to be carried out. There are always limited resources and therefore, at any given time, decisions need to be made as to priorities and where work effort should be focused. It is pointless focusing the work effort on strategies that don’t need to be completed yet at the expense of work being performed on strategies that are urgent.

For example:

Strategy	Timelines
Submit application for Government funding of new all-weather pitch	Costing completed by 30 March 2013 Submit application by 30 June 2013

Set Performance Indicators

There are a number of reasons why it is a general practice of business planning to set performance indicators. The term ‘performance indicator’ may be defined as a standard or target that should be achieved. If the standard is reached or the target is achieved, then the strategy might be considered as “performed”, in other words it is a success.

For example:

Strategy	Performance Indicator
Conduct series of three Clinics for Coaches	20 coaches attending each
Host an Open Day	100 visitors from the general public

Assignment Assessment Criteria

The following criteria apply to the assessment of assignment submissions:

• Quality of Argument: The submission should demonstrate an understanding of relevant facts and issues as well as appropriate Operations Management theory, models and frameworks. It should be logical, objective in style, with any recommendations being cost-conscious, Unfounded generalisations should be avoided
  1. Submission Structure: The submission should adequately address the required tasks detailed above; be well-structured with an introduction and conclusion; and be systematic in presenting arguments and relevant issues
  1. Style and Communication: The submission should be well-written in a balanced, academic style with accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. It should be concise and precise.
  • Referencing: Sources should be acknowledged and consistently referenced using the standard Harvard citation style. Required minimum 10 academic journals/peer reviewed articles

MBA 5003 – Assessment 2 Operation Plan

Marking Sheet – For Faculty Only

Assessment Task: Operation Plan: Weightage: 50%

Name of the Student:

Batch No:

Lecturer’s Observation on Student Participation

Rate Student from 5=Very Good, 3=Good, 1= Average.

Criteria	Very good	Good	Average	Comments
Argument
Identification of   operations   within   the selected organization and explaination
Clearly identifying the transforming and transformed resources, the transformation process, and the outputs and outcomes of the operation
Critical review of this key operation and its management and future application
Shows understanding of theories/ concepts
Structure
The report contains introduction and conclusion, paragraphs well-formed and linked
Systematic presentation of the plan
Style and Communication
Balanced, objective academic style
Accurate spelling, grammatical sentences, correct punctuation, concise and precise writing
Referencing: Correct citation, adequate acknowledgement of sources, consistent use of referencing style
General Comments Strengths:     Suggestion for Improvement
TOTAL MARK/GRADE
Overall student’s assessment score

Lecturer’s Signature:                                                              Date:      /     /

Name:

MBA 5003 – Assessment 3

Supply chain Group Report – Weightage 30% Guidelines

Students will organise themselves in small groups to investigate the supply chain of a real-life business organisation (preferably a multinational organisation or a large scale enterprise) and propose recommendations to optimise the supply chain management and operations with particular focus on feasibility and implementation (practical success).

You must present,

• Discussing the possible improvements and their practical implementation focusing on the supply chain activity of the chosen enterprise.
• Furthermore, try and define key terms and concepts draw on key logistics and supply chain management strategies that are influenced by a variety of business context.
• Apply logistics and supply chain management strategies to assist functional areas.
• Understand and be able to research the impact that IS has on organisations and the consequent changes that have occurred to the role of business managers.

Also remember to be analytical within your report and examine key terms and theoretical relationships in depth. The Business Report should be written in appropriate business language so that your analysis and discussion have an objective tone. Your writing should be clear and concise and be in your own words. Use headings to guide the reader and include tables or diagrams that make the case clearer.

Definition

In the workplace, reports are often required to as a formal account of a situation. They are produced after consideration of all relevant factors and analysis using relevant concepts in the field. The recommendations and their implementation are then based on this analysis, using business language appropriate to the audience. In the academic context, reports similarly require research and analysis to demonstrate your learning and ability to apply course concepts and theories leading to feasible recommendations.

STRUCTURE THE MINI REPORT

• Executive summary
• Introduction
• Scope
• Reasons for selecting the company
• Current situation (SWOT)
• Marketing strategies
• Supply chain policy

• Management method
• Issues identified
• Recommendations for supply Chain improvement
• Conclusion
• Reference List

Assignment Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria apply to the assignment and should be read in conjunction with the Assessment Marking Sheet Pro-forma for this module. To achieve a pass in the module assignment students must satisfy the examiner against the following criteria:

• Creativity

An innovative approach to the generation of solutions. Contributes to the ongoing development of theory. Is feasible.

• Critical Understanding and Analysis

Is objective and appropriate and makes relevant use of Operation and Supply Chain Management theory. Uses quantitative analysis where appropriate.

• Evidenced Work

Substantive points made and issues raised are supported by evidence. Avoids unfounded generalisations.

• Presentation

Is logically structured and organised. Correct use of language. Correct referencing using HBR system. Is acceptably presented.

MBA 5003 – Assessment 3 Supply Chain Group Report Marking Sheet – For Faculty Only

Assessment Task: Supply Chain Group Report: Weightage: 30%

Name of the Student:

Name	Student Number

Lecturer’s Observation on Student Participation

Rate Student from 5=Very Good, 3=Good, 1= Average.

Criteria	Very good	Good	Average	Comments
Argument
Appropriate use of scholarship /literature
Discussion       of       relevant                            facts/issues. Addresses the question
Logical development of argument
Shows understanding of theories/ concepts
Structure
The report contains introduction and conclusion, paragraphs well-formed and linked
Systematic presentation of argument
Style and Communication
Balanced, objective academic style
Accurate spelling, grammatical sentences, correct punctuation, concise and precise writing
Skilles      of      presentation-                  comfortable, confident presentation skills
Referencing: Correct citation, adequate acknowledgement of sources, consistent use of referencing style
General Comments Strengths:   Suggestion for Improvement
TOTAL MARK/GRADE
Overall student’s assessment score

Lecturer’s Signature:                                                              Date:      /     /

Name:

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