Assignment 1 Additional Information

This assignment is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the relevant issues raised in the assignment question(s). It involves research within the context of existing knowledge. Your investigation may be based on both primary and secondary data that should be analyzed and used to support a logically structured argument. It is important to recognize that mere reporting of facts will be inadequate and I will look for evidence of critical review and analysis. You must ensure that there is a clear link between assignment issues and appropriate theory. The acceptable theoretical model/framework may be sources from the recommended textbook or other acknowledged sources.

The assignment requires you to address the following questions/issues:
How profitable do you think the industry (of your choice) currently is and what are the factors driving that profitability?
Also discuss how will these factor change in the future and what will be the effect of these changes on industry profitability?

Essentially this assignment relates to a critical review of external environmental factors. It requires you to assess the structure of an industry of your choice. The unit of analysis is an ‘industry’ rather than an organization. It is important to have a clear understanding of ‘industry’ as a distinct cluster of organizations. It is pertinent to note that boundaries and membership of many industries has changed quite significantly in recent times. Your discussion of industry analysis should be based on real rather than fictitious or aspirational competitors and their hypothetical actions.

Assessment Item 1

You may choose an industry that is either domestic or international in its scope and operations. It will be helpful to clearly specify the boundaries of your industry. You may choose to focus on a specific or limited aspects of the macro environment (with clearly articulated justification as to why this is desirable) as against considering all elements of the macro environment and their impact on the industry and its profitability.

Assessment Criteria:

Your assignment will be assessed on multiple criteria including an ability to utilise appropriate academic theories that can provide a framework for analysing various issues; ability to develop and present an effective argument for the selected industry; ability to utilise sources such as the Internet and University library facilities to search, locate and summarise relevant information and data to develop and present your argument and an ability to critically analyse information, formulate conclusions and exhibit original thought.

You must make an effort to use multiple sources of information in preparing your assignment. These sources may include- articles from refereed journals (the most important source), electronic database, newspapers, and in some cases (where feasible and desirable) interviews with key stakeholders. Assignments will be assessed based on demonstrated conceptual understanding, evidence of wide reading and research, appropriate editing and consistent use of referencing.

Assessment Format:

Typed double spaced with at least 2.5cm margins following specified style requirements; Times New Roman font 12.

2500 words maximum (excluding appendices)

Reference Style: Harvard

Assignment text may be organized in either essay or report format. In either case it is essential that you include a list of references.

Plagiarism and Other Forms of Cheating: Plagiarism is a serious act of academic misconduct. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s Policies on Examination and Assessment, including plagiarism and other forms of cheating. Students must not submit work that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course.

Late Assignment Submission: I am sympathetic to unforseen personal and professional problems that might arise from time to time. However students are expected to submit their work by the due date to maintain a fair and equitable system. Extensions will only be given for medical or other serious reasons. Requests for extensions must be emailed to the lecturer of the course, preferably before the due date. Each request will be assessed on its merits. Late assignments (without prior arrangement) will be penalised by a 5% reduction for each day the assignment is late.