SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Assignment Brief
COURSEWORK Session 2023/2024
| Module Title | Operations in Business |
| Level of Study | SCQF 8 |
| Module Code | LNDN08004 |
| Programme of Study | BA (Hons) International Business Pathways |
| Submission date and time | Assessment 1: 19th July 2024 by 2 pm Assessment 2: 12th July 2024 by 2 pm |
| Weighting of assessment | Assessment 1 – 50% of total mark Assessment 2 – 50% of the total mark |
| Learning outcomes | L1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the functional role of operations in an organisation and its strategic importance. L2: Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of issues associated with the design and management of the operations of an organisation. L3: Demonstrate knowledge of planning and control systems. |
Trimester(s): 3
Credits: 20
Assessment 1 – Managerial Decision (50%)
This is an individual problem-solving report of 2000 words and carries 50% marks. The scenario is provided in this handbook. The submission date for this assignment is 19th July 2024 by 2 pm. Assignments must be submitted through the Turnitin link provided within the module AULA page. Deadlines must be strictly adhered to. You must submit your assignment on, or before, the submission date and time provided. Please note that a submission will be considered late even if it is only a few seconds after the published deadline. This assessment covers LO1 and LO2.
Title: ‘Investigating the Operations design challenges in the food processing industry’ Instruction: Conduct desk research to complete the report covering the scenarios below: Scenario: You are an operations manager hired by a food processing company that is facing challenges in the design and management of its operations. The company is struggling with inefficiencies, quality issues, and rising costs.
- X – Choose any food processing company of your choice from any context.
- The chosen company is currently facing challenges in the areas of production inefficiency and supply chain disruption. Firstly, production inefficiency due to inefficient manufacturing processes leading to low productivity, long lead times, and high production costs. Secondly, Supply Chain Disruptions due to vulnerabilities in the supply chain, including delays in raw material delivery, inventory shortages, and transportation bottlenecks. Based on the assessment of these operations challenges, define clear strategic objectives aligned with the organization’s overall goals and competitive priorities.
- The chosen company is also facing serious issues with product design and selecting an appropriate process to achieve operational excellence. With regards to product design, the company is facing challenges in managing the complexity of its product portfolios with increasing demand for product variety and customization in the sector. This includes developing and manufacturing a wide range of SKUs (stock-keeping units) while minimizing production costs, inventory levels, and time-to-market. Given this scenario, provide a clear assessment of these product design-related issues. Then, propose some operational approaches/practices to address these issues.
- With regards to process design, the company is facing challenges in designing efficient manufacturing processes that minimize waste, reduce cycle times, and maximize throughput. Factors such as equipment layout, workflow optimization, and production scheduling must be carefully considered to achieve operational efficiency. Given this scenario, provide a clear assessment of these process design-related factors. Then, propose some operational approaches/practices to address these issues.
Word Count: Maximum 2000 words (+ 10%) excluding references. Mark will be deducted if word count exceeded.
Submission Date: 19th July 2024 by 2 pm via AULA Format:
Font= Times New Roman,
Font size = 12 (for heading and main paragraph)
Line spacing = 1.5,
Title page = Title page must include your assignment topic, programme of study, module code, module name, module coordinator name and Banner ID.
Headings should be bold.
Reference: Harvard style, citation software such as Mendeley can be used.
Guidance:
This coursework develops upon your research and analysis of the organisational studies OM. The assignment extends the research and analysis of the case study organisation’s OM practices.
The work should be presented within a report structure. Each section of the report should be structured and defined, and an introduction or overview should be provided. An executive summary is not required. Across the report you will also need to show evidence of assessing a range of resources, e.g., internet, journals, textbooks, and organisational documents such as annual reports, sustainability reports, company newsfeeds etc. A Harvard Referencing style should be followed.
The report is marked out of 100%.
Submitting your Work on Turnitin:
Where a module is assessed by written report work you must accept the responsibility and ownership for any work produced. Please see the UWS Student Guide to Undertaking Individual/Group work available on AULA site. If you have any problems or difficulties in working, you should report this immediately to the Module Coordinator.
Turnitin submission is the approved method for your programme of study. You must submit your assessed assignments to the relevant module AULA site. Submission of a printed copy is NOT allowed. Please consult the Turnitin information on your programme AULA site and work through the ‘Guide’ to familiarise yourself with the Turnitin submission. Module Coordinator will explain any exceptions to Turnitin submission for your Module, if it applies any special circumstance.
Your attention is drawn to the University’s policy on Plagiarism and Collusion which apply to this assessment. Details are available in your Student Diary.
You should also be aware that late submissions will be penalised in line with University regulations.
Marking Matrix
| Attributes | Weighting | Mark/Comment |
| Introduction Guiding the reader what is included in the assignment, sequence, and brief explanation of the sections. Highlight the key focus of the work done. Introduce the case briefly. | 5% | |
| Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context This assesses the capability of demonstrating the role of OM in an organizational setting. This assesses the capability of identifying the key OM objectives within an organization. Identify the core OM approaches to achieve operational excellence. Assess the range of literature and other resources used. Use of practical examples from varieties of sources. | 35% | |
| Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges Assess the evaluation capacity and capability of how OM design (e.g., product / process design) influence the overall OM aims and objectives in a context. Critical assessment of OM design challenges. Assess the range of literature and other resources used. Use of practical examples from varieties of sources. | 40% | |
| Recommendations and Conclusion Assess the capability of developing logical, practical, data/info driven and valid recommendation and conclusion withing the chosen context | 10% | |
| Overall quality of presentation Report Structure – Structure, flow, presentation, academic writing style Referencing – Use of Harvard Referencing style. Application of academic sources and demonstration of applied critical thought. | 10% | |
| Total | 100% |
Instructions for the students for Assessment 2: Online Class Test – MCQ
This is an individual class test. The class test is from first seven lectures of the module covering seven topics: introduction to operations management, operations strategy and competitiveness, product design and process selection, supply chain management, total quality management, just-in-time & lean concepts, and planning and control. However, more focus is given on planning and control. The questions can be from anywhere related to taught lectures. Core text including other books/materials directed in lectures will be helpful resources and should be studied prior to undertaking the class test. This assessment predominantly covers LO3 but also covers some parts of LO1 and LO2.
The following applies to all students:
- You can do the class test from any location at your own comfort.
- You need to Login on AULA (It’s the student’s responsibility to confirm prior to the date of class test that his/her AULA login is working) to complete the test within the date and time specified.
- Only one attempt per student is allowed
- There will be 50 multiple-choice questions and each question will carry an equal mark 4-No negative marking
- The class test will last 60 minutes; no second attempt or extra time will be facilitated.
- The test link will be activated at 10 am on 12th July 2024 and the link will be closed by 2 pm. So, ensure you complete the test between 10 am – 2 pm.
Appendix A
Detailed grading Matrix for Assessment 1
| Grade | Description of evidence |
| 90 – 100 (A1) Exceptional | Introduction: Exceptionally outline the key aims and objectives of the report. Very clear guidance for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Brilliantly and concisely introduce the case company highlighting and linking the key aspects of the reports. Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays exceptional knowledge and understanding on different aspects of OM and its importance. Insight, originality, and exceptional ability to analyse and evaluate how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Exceptionally talent to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. Very high ability in professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Evidence of high degree of almost complete autonomy and independent judgement to provide solution to the OM design related issues. Recommendations and Conclusion: Exemplary and unique consultative judgement based on data and information collected. Proposed outside of box ideas and innovative OM practices and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Exceptional structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and clear communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with no spelling and grammatical error. Highly cohesive and coherent write up. |
| 80 – 89 (A2) | Introduction: The coverage of key aims and objectives of the report is outstanding. Clear guidance for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Concisely introduce the case company highlighting and linking the key aspects of the reports. |
| Outstanding Significantly exceeds threshold standard for a pass | Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays a consistently thorough, deep, and extensive knowledge and understanding on different aspects of OM and its importance. Originality and very high-level ability to analyse and evaluate how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Outstanding talent to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. Very high ability in professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Evidence of high degree of almost complete autonomy and independent judgement to provide solution to the OM design related issues relative to threshold expectations. Used wide range of practical examples to support arguments. Recommendations and Conclusion: Unique, practical, and credible consultative judgement based on data and information collected. Proposed outside of box ideas and innovative OM practices and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Outstanding structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and clear communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with extremely limited spelling and grammatical error. Highly cohesive and coherent write up. |
| 70 – 79 (A3) Excellent Very much exceeds threshold standard for a pass | Introduction: Excellent coverage of key aims and objectives of the report. Clear guidance for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Concisely introduce the case company highlighting and linking the key aspects of the reports. Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays a consistently thorough, deep, and/ or extensive knowledge and understanding on different aspects of OM and its importance. Very high ability to analyse and evaluate how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Use wide range of practical cases to support the arguments. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Excellent capability to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. Very high ability in professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Evidence of high degree of almost complete autonomy and independent judgement to provide solution to the OM design related issues relative to threshold expectations. Used wide range of practical cases to support arguments. Recommendations and Conclusion: Practical, and credible consultative judgement based on data and information collected. Proposed innovative OM practices, ideas, strategies and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Excellent structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and clear communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with limited spelling and grammatical error. Highly consistent and coherent write up. |
| 60 – 69 (B1) Very good Well above threshold standard for a pass | Introduction: Very good coverage of key aims and objectives of the report. Clear guidance for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Concisely introduce the case company highlighting and linking the key aspects of the reports. Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays a consistently very good level of knowledge and understanding on different aspects of OM and its importance. Very good ability to analyse and evaluate how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Indicate of practical cases to support the arguments. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Very good capability to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. High ability in professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Evidence of significant independent judgement to provide solution to the OM design related issues relative to threshold expectations. Use of practical cases to support arguments. Recommendations and Conclusion: Practical, and credible consultative judgement based on data and information collected. Proposed some practical OM practices, ideas, strategies, and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Very good structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and clear communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with limited spelling and grammatical error. Mostly consistent and coherent write up. |
| 50 – 59 (B2) | Introduction: Good coverage of key aims and objectives of the report. Some guidance for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Probably introduce the case company highlighting and linking the key aspects of the reports. |
| Good Above threshold standard for a pass | Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays a generally good level of knowledge and understanding on different aspects of OM and its importance. Good ability to analyse and evaluate how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Good capability to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. Good ability in professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Use some of practical cases to support arguments. Recommendations and Conclusion: Logical consultative judgement based on data and information collected. Proposed some logical OM practices, ideas, strategies, and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Good structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and clear communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with few spelling and grammatical error. Consistent and coherent write up relative to threshold expectations. |
| 40 – 49 (C) Basic competence Meets threshold standard for a pass | Introduction: Basic coverage of key aims and objectives of the report. Probably some guidance but not entirely clear for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Probably introduce the case company but with limited highlighting and linking the key aspects of the reports. Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays just satisfactory and basic level of knowledge and understanding on most aspects of OM and its importance. Satisfactory or basic level of analysis and evaluation on how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Basic level of capability to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. Limited professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Probably, use some of practical cases to support arguments. Recommendations and Conclusion: Basic level of judgement based on data and information collected. Proposed some basic and generic OM practices, ideas, strategies, and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Basic structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with few spelling and grammatical error. Meet the acceptable label of coherency and consistent write up. |
| 30 – 39 (D) Does not meet threshold standard for a pass | Introduction: No clear aims and objectives of the report. Probably some guidance but not entirely clear for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Probably introduce the case company but with limited highlighting and linking the key aspects of the reports. Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays some incomplete and unclear knowledge and understanding on most aspects of OM and its importance. Limited ability in analysis and evaluation on how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Limited capability to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. Limited professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Limited or no evidence of practical cases to support arguments. Recommendations and Conclusion: Unclear or no judgement based on data and information collected. Lack of basic and generic skills and knowledge on identifying OM practices, ideas, strategies, and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Poor structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with spelling and grammatical error. Doe not meet the acceptable label of coherency and consistent write up. |
| 1 – 29 (E) Well below threshold | Introduction: No clear aims and objectives of the report. No guidance for the reader what is expected in the subsequent sections in the report. Very limited introduction of the case company and with very limited highlights and links with the key aspects of the reports. Understanding the strategic importance of OM in a context: It displays very limited knowledge and understanding on most aspects of OM and its importance. Inability in analysis and evaluation on how OM objectives are met applying core OM related approaches and strategies. Capability of evaluating OM design Challenges: Very limited and well below level of expectation of capability to identify and evaluate the OM design related issues and challenges in a context. Very limited |
| standard for a pass | and well below the expectation of professional practice skills in identifying the root cause of relevant OM design issues. Limited or no evidence of practical cases to support arguments. Recommendations and Conclusion: No judgement based on data and information collected. Very limited skills and knowledge on identifying OM practices, ideas, strategies, and approaches to address OM design related challenges in a context. Quality of presentation: Very poor structure, presentation, academic writing including Harvard referencing, and communication of proposed ideas, theories, and recommendations across with spelling and grammatical error. Well below the acceptable label of coherency and consistent write up. |
| 0 (N) No work to asses | There is no work to be assessed at first diet, or there is incomplete or no engagement with re-assessment |
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