Case Analysis Business Report
Value: 45%
Due Date: 23-Sep-2018
Return Date: 11-Oct-2018
Length: 2500 words +/- 10%
Submission method options: Alternative submission method
Task
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In the contemporary management environment, mergers and acquisitions are hot topics; particularly as mergers and acquisitions are among the most commonly used strategies for growth. The pitfalls of mergers are well known and well-studied in the management literature.
Yet, there are some fundamental challenges that organisations keep stumbling over. One of them is integration. Preoccupation with due diligence and political factors surrounding merger negotiations too often leaves a crucial piece in the merger puzzle left till it is too late – integration of cultures and structures and people. It is well known today that poor results from mergers can so often be put down to people issues.
In this major assessment you are asked to analyse the following case and answer the questions below using a business report format. Further detail on the format of the business report are provided below.
Case study: Who goes, Who stays?
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Questions
Using the knowledge that you have gained from the subject up to, and including, Topic 9, Managing people, answer the following questions.
What conflicting values are at stake in the case? Identify and explain, using relevant management theory and concepts. Contextualise your answer with reference to literature on integration problems in mergers and acquisitions, with specific reference to people issues. (up to 400 words)
Critique the process that is being applied to work out the details of the integration, particularly with regard to structure and top management staffing using relevant management theory and concepts. Ground your answer in evidence regarding people and culture issues in merger integration studies. (up to 700 words)
How would you recommend the conflicting values be resolved? (up to 500 words)
What process would you recommend that the two senior executives and their HR people follow to work out the details of integration in regard to the top structure? (up to 500 words)
Evaluate the usefulness of the management and organisational theories and practices from the subject that you have applied in analysing the case (up to 400 words)
Beyond the resources provided in the topics, you will need to source and use additional literature to support your argument. At least 10 academic and professional references must be used. At least five of these sources must be from academic studies.
Rationale
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This assessment task will assess the following learning outcome/s:
be able to critically analyse and evaluate a variety of management and organisational theories and practices in the context of the contemporary business environment.
be able to research and communicate effectively and professionally in a variety of organisational settings.
Marking criteria and standards
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Criteria
High distinction
Distinction
Credit
Pass
Fail
Evidence-based application of management and organisational theory and practices (25)
(Note: A minimum 10 references is required)
The paper shows comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant management and organisational theories and practices.
There is clear evidence of depth in critical thought, with quality supporting evidence.
An extensive range of high quality information sources is used effectively.
The paper shows wide knowledge and understanding of relevant management and organisational theories and practices.
Sound critical thinking is evident in applying theory and practice.
A wide range of quality information sources is used effectively.
The paper shows knowledge and understanding of relevant management and organisational theories and practices.
The argument demonstrates the ability to think critically about the application of management theory and practices. The sources used demonstrate the ability to be discriminating in the use of information.
The paper makes a credible attempt at applying relevant management and organisational theories and practices. An attempt is made to apply critical thinking in the case analysis. A satisfactory range of source is used.
Does not meet the minimum requirements for this criterion.
Research and professional communication (10)
The paper demonstrates excellent research and professional communication.
All sources are referenced fully and correctly using the APA6 referencing system.
The paper demonstrates a high quality of research and professional communication.
All sources are referenced fully and correctly using the APA6 referencing system.
The paper demonstrates sound research and professional communication.
All sources are referenced using the APA6 referencing system.
The paper demonstrates satisfactory research and professional communication.
A credible attempt is made to reference all sources using the APA6 referencing system.
Does not meet the minimum requirements for this criterion.
Evaluation of management and organisational theory and practices (10)
Management theory and practise is evaluated fully using clear criteria and high quality evidence.
Management theory and practise is evaluated fully using clear criteria.
Management theory and practise is evaluated using clear criteria.
A credible attempt is made to evaluate theory and practise.
Does not meet the minimum requirement for this criterion.
Presentation
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The word counts provided in the question are for guidance only. You can vary these as you see fit.
Use the information on academic writing that you gained in topic 4, together with the skills you have developed while completing assessment 3.
Use the following format to write your business report.
Title page showing the assessment title, subject code and title, your name and student number, and the word count.
Executive Summary
Introduction – one overall introduction to the report
Report sections (this is not a heading)- meaningful use of headings for each question
Summary and Conclusion
List of references.
The word count will not include the executive summary, in-text citations and the list of references. Words contained in images, tables and diagrams are included in the word count.
Include page numbers and a running footer that shows your name and student number and the assessment number.
Requirements
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Assignments MUST be submitted on Turnitin. Assignments not submitted on Turnitin will not be marked.
Details on how to submit on Turnitin will be provided on Interact 2.
It is recommended that your name, student ID and page number are included in the header or footer of every page of the assignment.