Assignment Task

Technical Content Criteria

1. Introduction to chosen company and competitor company.

This should focus on financial and market data to indicate key measurements including market trends, financial market performance, and sector position.

2. Schedule of ratios plus justifications for ratio selection                 

This covers the benefits and limitations of ratio analysis for decision making followed by an analysis of ratios selected such as what the ratio or category measures, why this is important and so on. This detail provides important context to the numerical result.

3. Ratio analysis

Using the ratio results you have accessed from a reliable source and referenced:

(i)  Comment on the movement (better or worse); and

(ii)  Analyse the movement across the 2 companies considering the factors responsible for the better or worse ratio position.

The ratio results from the competitor company act as industry average data allowing you to benchmark the results of the chosen company against these. Improves the quality and value of the analysis of the chosen company.     

4. Problems identifying data (methodology) 

Practical explanation of primary and secondary sources used. The benefits and limitations of each source as the results feed into management decision making so must understand the purpose/bias of each source.

5. Critically appraise the ability of chosen company to meet its strategic objectives based upon the analysis of its financial position and performance.

Strategic objectives are published in the Annual Report.

Critically appraise the ratio results of the chosen company in relation to its strategic objectives … are they on target to achieve them or not.

6. Presentation      

• Report style presentation
• Professional use of colour
• Infographics should be used throughout to support your discussions