1.1 Critically identify the features of data and information Assignment brief – Unit 704 Information Management and Strategic Decision Taking Qualification
Information Management and Strategic Decision Taking
Unit Reference
H/506/9069
Qualification Reference (RQF)
601/5335/0
No of Credits
15 Credits
INTRODUCTION Prior to attempting this coursework assignment, Learners must familiarise themselves with the following policies:
Qualifi Quality Assurance Standards Qualifi Quality Policy Statement Centre Specification Can be found at https://qualifi.net/qualifi-level-7-diploma-in-strategic-management-and-leadership/ The aim of this unit is to address the volume and complexity of data and information available to organisations and how to analyse, apply and determine its value in making strategic decisions.
ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc/.docx file). The assignment must be the Learner’s own work and not copies of theories or models. Direct quotes should be kept to a minimum and shown in inverted commas. Models described and other quotes used must be properly attributed and referenced as appropriate. Learners must acknowledge or reference any sources that have been used to complete the assignment, listing reference material and web sites used.
PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION In submitting the assignment Learner’s must complete a statement of authenticity confirming that the work submitted for all tasks is their own. The statement should also include the word count. Plagiarism and collusion are treated very seriously. Plagiarism involves presenting work, excerpts, ideas or passages of another author without appropriate referencing and attribution. Collusion occurs when two or more learners submit work which is so alike in ideas, content, wording and/or structure that the similarity goes beyond what might have been mere coincidence.
APPENDICES Separate Appendices should not be used. Any use of tables, graphs, diagrams, Gantt chart and flowcharts etc. that support the main report should be incorporated into the back of the assignment report that is submitted. Any published secondary information such as annual reports and company literature, should be referenced in the main text of the assignment but not included.
CONFIDENTIALITY Where a Learner is using organisational information that deals with sensitive material or issues, they must seek the advice and permission from that organisation about its inclusion. Where confidentiality is an issue, Learners are advised to anonymise their assignment report so that it cannot be attributed to that particular organisation.
WORD COUNT POLICY Learners must comply with the required word count, within a margin of +10%.These rules exclude the index (if used), headings and information contained within references and bibliographies. When an assessment task requires learners to produce presentation slides with supporting notes, the word count applies to the supporting notes only.
REFERENCING A professional approach to work is expected from all learners. Learners must therefore identify and acknowledge ALL sources/methodologies/applications used. The learner must use an appropriate referencing system to achieve this. Marks are not awarded for the use of English; however the learner must express ideas clearly and ensure that appropriate terminology is used to convey accuracy in meaning.
SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc/.docx file) in your Learning Portal or to submit to the Assessor/Centre Administrator.
LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Learning Outcomes
When awarded credit for this unit, a learner will:
Assessment Criteria
Assessment of this learning outcome will require a learner to demonstrate that they can:
- Be able to understand the importance of management information on strategic decisions
1.1 Critically identify the features of data and information
1.2 Determine the criteria to be applied when selecting appropriate data and information to support strategic decisions
1.3 Critically evaluate the impact of a management information system to an organisation
- Be able to understand the importance of information sharing within an organisation
2.1 Determine the legal responsibilities in sourcing, sharing and storing information sharing within an organisation
2.2 Critically discuss when information should be offered and access allowed
2.3 Critically evaluate the formats in which information can be provided and the impact of using various formats
- Be able to use information to support strategic decision making
3.1 Critically analyse information to identify patterns, trends and impacts on strategic decision making strategic decision making
3.2 Critically evaluate a range of decision making tools and techniques available to support strategic decision making
3.3 Determine data and information sources available to assist in strategic decision taking
- Be able to monitor and review new management information
4.1 Critically identify methods of evaluating management information within an organisation management information
4.2 Formulate processes and methodologies for analysing the impact of information on the strategic decisions made 4.3 Determine methods of developing information capture to inform and support strategic decision making
ASSIGNMENT TASKS Learners may use their own employment context, or that of another organisation with which they are very familiar, as the basis for their assignment. However, in the case that they are not able to do so, please use the below scenario:
Scenario You are a senior manager in a business unit of a medium sized enterprise, with functional management and organisational leadership responsibilities. You are responsible for all aspects of the performance management of your team and its contribution towards the achievement of business goals.
Task 1: FORMATIVE TASK – Information Management How is information shared within your organisation? Your answer must include:
An outline of what information is understood to be within the context of the organisation (LO 1.1)
Identify and explain how appropriate levels of information are accessible to the appropriate people within the organisation (LO 1.2, 2.1, 2.2)
A discussion of the relative merits of different formats for the storage and use of that information (LO 1.3, 2.3)
Formatting: 450-550 words
Justified alignment
Single-spaced
12pt Times New Roman font
Use an appropriate referencing system for footnotes and citations
Task 2: SUMMATIVE – Evaluating Financial Proposals Evaluate the quality of the management information process within your organisation. Your answer must contain the following:
An outline of the method by which you will undertake this analysis by reference to scholarly research in this area (LO 3.3, 4.1, 4.2)
Identify and explain the features of the information management process, including areas of strength and areas for development (LO 3.1, 4.3,
A judgment as to the overall effectiveness of the process, including limited recommendations for potential improvements.(LO 3.2, 4.2)
Formatting: 950-1100 words
Justified alignment
Single-spaced
12pt Times New Roman font
Use an appropriate referencing system for footnotes and citations
