Month: June 2020

INTERNATIONAL PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

QUESTION 1
KFC is the largest fast food brand in China with over 5,000 stores across 1,100 cities (Businessinsider,
2019). Evaluate the factors that have contributed to KFCs success in China and assess whether you
feel they will continue to be successful in the future. Note: in your answer you should refer to both
the written and video case study material.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 2
Answer both (a) and (b)
(a) Critically evaluate some of the political and economic challenges that global companies face
when entering a new market.

(20 marks)
(b) Many global companies such as Starbucks, Apple and McDonalds have entered China in
recent years. Evaluate the specific challenge that a US company might face entering China in
today’s political environment.

(5 marks)
Total (25 marks)

QUESTION 3
Answer all parts
The Uppsala Model, Born Global and Network Model are three theories that help to explain the
internationalization process of firms.
Evaluate any TWO of the three theories mentioned above. Show ONE company example for each
of your chosen models to help illustrate your answer.
(a) The Uppsala Theory

(12.5 marks)

(b) The Network Model

(12.5 marks)

(c) The Born Global Model

(12.5 marks)
Total (25 marks)

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QUESTION 4
Answer both (a) and (b)
Market research is the organized effort to gather important insights about consumers’ needs and
preferences. While traditional methods of market research remain important there has also been a
growing number of new innovative approaches to market research now available.
(a) Choose TWO of the following traditional/non-traditional approaches to market research
approaches from the list below. Then evaluate the particular approach and give an example
of how it could be used in practice by global marketers.
(i) OBSERVATION
(ii) SURVEYS
(iii) CROWDSOURCING
(iv) FOCUS GROUPS
(v) SOCIAL LISTENING

(20 marks)
(b) Identify any three ways that technology has impacted the global market research industry.
(5 marks)
Total (25 marks)

QUESTION 5
You have been hired as a consultant by Insomnia – an Irish chain of coffee shops. Having seen the
recent success of Starbucks in India they are keen to consider it as a future investment location. They
have asked you to write a report advising them on the cultural implications of operating their coffee
chain in India. Using the 5 Elements of Culture as your structure (Cateora and Graham) write this
report. Note: your answer should attempt to provide specific recommendations in the case of India.
(25 marks)

QUESTION 6
Answer both (a) and (b)
(a) Use the message communication process as a framework to help explain the steps involved
in developing effective marketing communications campaigns.

(15 marks)
(b) The annual Clio Awards recognise creative excellence in marketing and advertising. One of
the awards categories each year is for “Best Integrated Marketing Campaign”. Evaluate the
importance of Integrated Marketing Communications. Use an example (or examples) of
recent Clio Award winners and show why they might have been recognised for excellence in
Integrated Marketing Communications.

Programming for Data Analysis

Assessment Requirements / Tasks (include all guidance notes)
This assignment will use employment data of Wales from the StatsWales data
source. This dataset provides workplace employment estimates, or estimates of
total jobs, for Wales and its NUTS2 areas, along with comparable UK data
disaggregated by industry section.
For this assignment students will undertake a data analysis and machine learning
approach to reveal the workplace employment landscape of Wales.

  1. Data processing
    1.1. Download the dataset for the period 2009 – 2018 and create a dataframe that
    concatenates Wales (total) employment value only.
    1.2. Check for any null value or outlier. If found replace that with mean value.
    1.3. Change the name of the industries as bellow
    The final dataframe should look like following
    Industry 200
    9
    201
    0
    201
    1
    2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Agriculture
Production
Construction
Retail
ICT
Finance
Real_Estate
Professional_Servic
e
Public_Adminstratio
n
Other_Service

  1. Data analysis
    For each question provide graph/chart along with your own interpretation (~ 50
    words)
    2.1. Which industry employed highest and lowest workers over the period?
    2.2. Which industry has the highest and lowest overall growth over the period?
    2.3. Which years are the best and worst performing year in relation to number of
    employment. (highest and lowest employment)
  2. Visual analysis
    Create a dynamic scatter/bubble plot showing the change of workforce number over
    the period using Plotly express.
  3. PCA/Correlation
    4.1. Undertake a PCA (PC=2; columns should be like PC1, PC2, Industry) and
    produce a scatter plot. Write your interpretation about the plot and in relation
    to the analysis of section 2 & 3 (for example which industries are correlated
    over the years as well as in PCA etc.)
    4.2. Make a year wise correlation for each industry. Does the aforementioned
    industries are also correlated over the years? Explain your answer.

Page 5 of 8

  1. Clustering (k means & hierarchical)
    5.1. Using the best and worst performing year column’s employment data (2.3)
    undertake a K means clustering analysis (K=2 & 3) and identify industries
    cluster together. Write your own interpretation (~100 words).
    5.2. Using the same dataset (best & worst performing) create a hierarchical
    cluster. Compare the cluster with k means clusters.
  2. Discussion
    Provide a brief discussion (~ 300 words) on employment landscape of Wales based
    on the employment data analysis results.
    Assessment Criteria
    1.1 Data preparation 05
    1.2 Data preparation 05
    1.3 Data preparation 05
    2.1 Data analysis 05
    2.2 Data analysis 05
    2.3 Data analysis 05
    3 Visual analysis 20
    4.1 PCA 10
    4.1 Correlation 10
    5.1 Clustering 10
    5.2 Clustering 10
    6 Discussion 10
    Submission Details
    Please see Moodle for confirmation of the Assessment submission date.
    Presentation will be on 4:00 PM of submission date.
    Any assessments submitted after the deadline will not be marked and will be
    recorded as a Non-Attempt.
    The assessment must be submitted as a zip file / pdf / word document through the
    Turnitin submission point in Moodle
    Your assessment should be titled with your Student ID Number, module code and
    assessment id, e.g. st12345678 CIS4000 WRIT1

Page 6 of 8

Feedback
Feedback for the assessment will be provided electronically via Moodle, and will
normally be available 4 working weeks after initial submission. The feedback return
date will be confirmed on Moodle.
Feedback will be provided in the form of a rubric and supported with comments on
your strengths and the areas which you improve.
All marks are preliminary and are subject to quality assurance processes and
confirmation at the Examination Board.
Further information on the Academic and Feedback Policy in available in the
Academic Handbook (Vol 1, Section 4.0)
Marking Criteria
70 – 100%
(1 st )

Addressed all sections and provided correct answers with elegant
presentation of results. Applied correct data analysis approaches
and provided excellent interpretation on each section.

60-69%
(2:1)

Addressed all sections and provided correct answers with good
presentation of results. Applied mostly correct data analysis
approaches and provided very good interpretation on each section.

50-59%
(2:2)

Addressed most of the sections and provided mostly correct answers
with average presentation of results. Applied some correct data
analysis approaches and provided an average interpretation on each
section.

40-49%
(3 rd )

Addressed few sections with few correct answers with/out any
presentation of results. Applied mostly incorrect data analysis
approaches and provided

Economics

To submit,

  1. A copy (file or picture) of the original essay your picked from publications.

The grading will be based upon both numerical analysis and explanation.

Guide for research

Below are some suggested candidates for research topics.

  1. Planning for retirement savings
  2. How much should you earn to justify the cost of your college education?
  3. How much is the value of attending the graduate school?
  4. Project planning
  5. For other topics, please contact the instructor.

Please note that these are open questions. You need to determine your financial needs, the time line, the financial parameters, and how you can achieve your financial goal.  

I have included some useful financial sources.

International Economics

QUESTION 1
Answer both (a) and (b)
(a) Suppose for health reasons a tax is placed on cigarette consumption with the sole objective of
reducing the demand for cigarettes.
The tobacco industry objects to the tax and argues that, since the price elasticity of demand for
cigarettes is very low, the only impact of the tax will be an increase in government revenue.
Using demand and supply diagrams, present the tobacco industry’s argument and suggest other
measures the government could use to achieve its objective.

(15 marks)
(b) Imagine you are the new owner of a bus company that is struggling to survive. You have access
to the following information about the elasticities of demand for bus travel:

Income elasticity = -0.4
Own-price elasticity = -1.2
Cross-price elasticity with respect to rail fares = +2.1

Briefly explain the meaning of each of these terms and discuss how this information could
influence your business decisions.

(10 marks)
Total (25 marks)

QUESTION 2
Answer both (a) and (b)
(a) Why is it necessary to have competition legislation?

(15 marks)
(b) Discuss the main factors which prevent market forces from eroding the market power of
monopolies and oligopolies.

(10 marks)
Total (25 marks)

QUESTION 3
What is meant by the term ‘The gig economy’?
Analyse the main advantages and disadvantages to firms and workers of the gig economy.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 4
Monetary and fiscal policies are often used by governments to achieve their objectives. Drawing on your
knowledge of these policies, evaluate their effectiveness in achieving economic growth.

(25 marks)

Page 3 of 3

QUESTION 5
Critically evaluate Ireland’s membership of the European Union under each of the following headings:
(a) Foreign direct investment
(b) International trade
(c) Growth and immigration

Managerial Economics

QUESTION 1
Critically discuss four assumptions that underlie the Theory of Perfect Competition.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 2
Companies that operate in competitive markets typically invest in advertising and/or celebrity
endorsement to secure or grow sales and market share.
Describe the economic rationale for investing in this way. Include in your answer a description of what
impact advertising or celebrity endorsement can have on the demand curve for a given product,
referencing factors of demand, price elasticity and total revenue.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 3
Brexit is likely to have an economic impact on the United Kingdom and on the European Union,
including Ireland.
Evaluate how Brexit is likely to impact on the following different sectors and suggest how they might
respond to offset the risk:
(i) The UK financial services industry.
(ii) The Irish financial services industry.
(ii) Non-financial services sectors of the Irish economy, including agriculture and food production.
(25 marks)

QUESTION 4
Answer both (a) and (b)
Fiscal policy is one of a small number of ways in which Governments can help to shape the economy
and effect economic growth.
(a) Analyse the differences between expansionary fiscal policy and contractionary fiscal policy.
(10 marks)
(b) Identify how government may use these policies and describe potential negative effects.
(15 marks)
Total (25 marks)

QUESTION 5
Define “cartel” and assess any four problems inherent in forming and maintaining a cartel.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

QUESTION 1
The nature of competition and the behavior of firms differs depending on the structure of the market
within which firms operate.
Evaluate the difference between the Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly market structures and
describe the defining features of each.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 2
The Irish economy is small, open and highly globalized.
Outline the economic advantages for Ireland of membership in the European Union and the opportunities
and challenges of globalization. In particular, explain the impact of immigration on the supply and
demand for labour, on wages and on economic growth.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 3
Monetary policy is one of a small number of ways in which Governments and/or Central Banks can help
to shape the economy and effect economic growth.
Explain clearly the differences between expansionary monetary policy and contractionary monetary
policy and suggest why a government might use these policies.
Use an example to illustrate your answer and address any negative consequences that may result.
(25 marks)

QUESTION 4
Answer both (a) and (b)
(a) Identify and discuss the main options available to a corporation when it needs to raise money so
that it can invest in a new product or a new manufacturing technique.

(10 marks)
(b) Explain the difference between a corporate bond and a government bond, including the level of
risk and interest rate.

(15 marks)
Total (25 marks)

QUESTION 5
Define price discrimination. Describe in detail three conditions must exist before a firm can use it
successfully?

Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Assessment 1: Prepare an explanatory memorandum regarding ergonomics and energy
conservation. (Maximum of 250 words)
Metharom has been experiencing increased overhead costs over the past quarter. The administration
manager has investigated, and found that the increased costs are due to two factors: increased
energy usage, and an increased amount of sick days for the clerical staff.
You are required to create an explanatory memorandum for staff:
a) explaining a minimum of 5 ergonomic practices and
b) a minimum of 5 energy conservation techniques.
You will need to ensure that:
• you refer to Metharom’s Document style guide
• Your document can be easily read and understood by all employees of Metharom Construction
• The document that you create is visually appealing
• The content has been proofread and edited to suit the audience
This assignment should be no more than 250 words.

Assessment 2: Create a template for the sales team to record their quarterly expenses, and make a
recommendation to improve efficiency and accuracy of documents submitted to accounts.
(Maximum of 250 words)
Metharom’s sales team is required to submit an expense report on a quarterly basis. Recently, as the
number of sales has increased, the reports have had a higher rate of errors. In order to prevent this
from happening again, you as an administration officer will need to create an automated sheet to
assist the sales staff.

Your expense report template must include:
A) Name this sheet as ‘Expenses’ and save it in the required format. Calculate total for each
expense using formula
B) Apply conditional formatting to highlight all expense higher than 100 in red colour
C) Link the above expense sheet with a new sheet in the same workbook and name it as “new
expense” so that any changes made on expense will also reflect in new expense sheet.
D) Write a business letter to the sales manager that recommends a minimum of two other
documents that could be automated, and explains the benefits of automation.
You will need to submit both a print copy of the sheet and soft copy of the template as well as the test
document to your assessor.
Maximum of 250 words.

Assessment 3: Using macros and absolute reference

The data reflects payments to the subcontractors for last three quarters which were pending for
approvals.
A) Write the Formula to calculate tax for quarter 1 using an Absolute Reference and then
copy the formula to Quarter 2 and quarter 3 to get amount.
B) Create and record a macro and name the macro as tax
C) Create a test plan to ensure the calculations are correct.
Appendix B
This assessment must be submitted in both hard and soft copy format.

Assessment 4: Import and export data on spreadsheet (Maximum of 150 words)
Data has been provided in Appendices in text format.
You are required to refer to help option on excel and do the following tasks
A) Import the data to an excel file and format. Name and store spreadsheet as “customer” in
accordance with organisational requirements and exit application without data loss or damage,
sort the data in ascending order of names
Headings: bold
font: Arial
font size: 12
colour : black
B) Once the formatting has been completed export the data to text format. (Word document).
Ensure the spreadsheet and the word document is linked. Provide a detailed explanation step wise of
how you have used the online help option. Submit the print copy to your assessor.
Appendix C: Data

Assessment 5: Create a pie chart to represent costs of subcontractors.
The operations manager analysing subcontracting expenses to determine if hiring additional staff for
the work team, would be more cost effective than hiring subcontractors. In order to do this, she has
requested that you
A) Create a chart/graph with labels that represents the percentage of funds spent on subcontractors
for each trade.
B) Explain the use of pie charts
C) Save, view, adjust and print chart and submit to assessor
Refer to the appendices for additional data to assist you. As this is an official Metharom document,
ensure that you refer to and abide by the style guide in the company folder.

Development Economics

a) Provide practical examples of how long-term planning, specifically in health and
education facilities, could support governments’ objective for better quality labour
force. [K&U 4.1: 5 marks]

b) Examine and apply two economic theories related to development (based on the
ones discussed during the course) to the performance experienced by a least
developed country (or countries) of your choice over the years. [A&A 1.4: 7 marks]

c) Identify and explain five challenges encountered by Least Developed Countries
(LDC) that hinder their progress to become developed nations. You are required
to provide practical examples and include empirical data in your answers.

d) Develop a community-based-project that could be carried out by the government
of Nigeria in order to improve the standard of living among locals in a particular
community. You are requested to include practical examples as well as potential
sources to finance such project. [A&A 4.2: 7 marks]

e) Propose solutions and actions that can be implemented by a country of your choice
in specific areas to help the country pursue its development process.

[S&E 4.3: 10 marks]

f) Compile a list of resources (human and physical) that the country requires in order
for the proposals mentioned in question (m) to be implemented. In your answer,
you are expected to individually explain the role of each resource to facilitate the
country to reach its overall economic development objectives.

Maths of Business

Exercise 1:  (16 Points)

I- Solve the quadratic equations:

(a) 7x2 − 18x + 8 = 0

(b) 60x2 − 2x + 70 = 0

II-  Solve the quadratic equations:

(a) 40x2 − 40x + 40 = 0

(b) 9x2 − 23x + 6 = 0

Exercise 2:  (10 Points)

A bottle makes and sells plastic bottles. It is observed that when the price is $42, only 12 bottles are sold in a week; but when the price decreases to $10, weekly sales rise to 25.

 Assuming that demand can be modelled by a linear function,

(a) Obtain a formula for P in terms of Q;

(b) Sketch a graph of P against Q;

 (c) Comment on the likely reliability of the model

Exercise 3: (14 Points)

A company sells packs of cell phone covers for $2. If a customer orders more than 100 packs, the company is prepared to reduce the unit price by 10 cents for each pack bought above 100 up to a maximum of 350 in a single order.

(a) How much does it cost to buy 140 packs?

(b) If the cost is $3524, how many packs are ordered?

plagiarism free assignment?

Plagiarism free work?

This writing is not to support or disagree with the norms in Academic writing. Still, it’s my take on the pretext of the use and misuse of term “plagiarism” to harasses the students by some lazy professors, whose definition of student knowledge can be judged by software like Turnitin or any other.

Many times, my students complained to me, sufficiently annoyed, that their work is showing plagiarized even when they did the entire job on their own without referring any source form book or internet. Initially., I was like, “you must have copied it from somewhere, better change the wordings and sentence structure and submit your work.” Luckily, being an obedient student or rather a helpless student, he did that. To my surprise, there was still a significant amount of plagiarism in work, and any scold him of being such a lazy ass.

Sometimes later, I thought that he is a sincere student, and the chances of him telling a lie is something I am not convinced of. I pulled out his previous and the latest work, matched word by word. To my surprise, he wrote these two works entirely in different words stuffing and sentence structure. Then I re-examined the source of plagiarism suggested by Turnitin, and it took me to surprise, that the first writing was showing to be plagiarized from some “X” site, almost 70% and in the second piece of paper was, after the edition, this “X” is now down to 1%, and ten other sources of writing came up.

After this episode, what clicked my mind was that the questions asked by the professor were a general one, which will have the answers of not more than 1 or 2 paragraphs each. I ran my imagination that how many students have answered these questions and in how many different way to avoid plagiarism is difficult to imagine. How can someone write a different answer to the same problem and how many ways to prevent plagiarism.

Well, a short message to those professors, to get unplagiarized work, a student has to re-edit his answer ten times to write in such a way that nobody else has written, so you should also concentrate on giving non-plagiarised question to get a non-plagiarised answer.

For research work, looking for plagiarism free work is evident as the research is trying to generate some new piece of knowledge that will add to the existing knowledge, but how can a student who is answering a question can give non plagiarised work for the problems that are solved by every student in every college and during every year. So, it will be good if professor develop some good yardstick to judge the knowledge of student rather than leaving that part of work too on some software.