Assignment Method: Individual Coursework

The assessment method for this module is `Individual Coursework,` aligning with the level and learning outcomes of the assessment protocol. Individual coursework constitutes 100% of the assessment weighting for this module. Students are tasked with composing an individual coursework/essay addressing the following questions:

1. Identification of Industry and Company Selection:

   • Identify an industry from the UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC 2007).
   • Choose a UK public limited company (PLC) operating within the chosen industry.

2. Discussion on Industry Structure:

   • Briefly discuss the structure of the selected industry, highlighting its key characteristics.

3. Analysis of Business Organization:

   • Discuss the nature of the chosen UK PLC in relation to the structure of the industry it operates in.

4. STEEPLE Analysis of External Business Environment:

   • Utilize the Social, Technological, Economical, Environmental, Political, Legal, and Ethical (STEEPLE) framework to analyze the external business environment of the selected company over the past 5-10 years.

5. Economic Factor Analysis:

   • Microeconomic Factor Analysis:
     • Identify microeconomic factors influencing the demand for goods/services of the chosen company.
     • Discuss factors affecting market demand and illustrate with a demand curve diagram.
   • Supply Determinants:
     • List determinants of supply for the business and identify factors causing supply fluctuations.
     • Illustrate with a supply curve diagram.
   • Competitiveness and Future Prospects:
     • Evaluate the competitiveness of the UK market and its implications for the company`s future.
   • Fiscal Policy and Business Impact:
     • Provide examples of `random shocks` undermining UK government fiscal policy.
     • Discuss the potential impact of fiscal policy on the UK economy and the chosen company`s business.

6. Identification of Business Problems and Challenges:

   • Research and analyze the business problems and challenges faced by the selected company.
   • Critically assess the external effects of business decisions on stakeholders and the public.

Each section will be evaluated based on the depth of analysis, coherence, critical thinking, use of relevant examples, and adherence to professional standards of writing.