Demonstrate a critical understanding of effective techniques of information preparation and presentation within a specific context.

Assignment Brief

BUS6005 Business Analysis and Planning

Learning Outcomes:

After completing the module, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of effective techniques of information preparation and presentation within a specific context.
2. Identify and implement a data collection strategy using a range of primary and secondary sources
3. Apply a complex range of techniques to analyse data
4. Utilise software as an aid to decision making and control

As part of your role as a service manager in the healthcare sector, you are to promote the ‘NHS integrated working strategy’. This is also supported by the ‘five year ‘forward thinking’ policy (NHS, 2015). With a service user group in mind (e.g. young people, elderly service users etc.), prepare an annual service review report to be submitted to the Mayor of a named local council (or local authority). The report follows on from a ‘service user consultation project’ for which a 1 million grant funding was made available to your client user group. The funders have asked that the 1 million funding cover a 3-year budget plan detailing how the project activities will be resourced.

Task 1: Question: a. What is the strategic relevance of the ‘NHS Five Year Forward View’ to your project especially as it pertains to integrated working with key partners to deliver your chosen service? b. Present a short summary discussion exploring why a report will be best suited to presenting your annual service review to the local authority.

Task 2: Question: Critically discuss the key similarities and differences between qualitative, quantitative and secondary data types. How might each of these be beneficial in helping you complete your annual service review report?

Task 3: Question: Develop and present a 3-year budget to support your service plan. This should show how you will spend the 1 million pounds over the 3 years. You may wish to make assumptions about the income and outgoings including medium and long-term decisions you will wish to make.

Sample Answer

Annual Service Review Report
To: The Mayor
From: Service Manager – Community Health Services
Subject: Annual Review of Integrated Care Services for Elderly Service Users
Project: Supporting Older Adults through Integrated Health and Social Care
Funding Period: 3 Years (£1 million grant)

Task 1a: Strategic Relevance of the NHS Five Year Forward View (FYFV)

The NHS Five Year Forward View (2015) is a key policy that outlines how health and social care services in the UK should change to meet growing demands. One of its core ideas is integrated working, meaning that hospitals, GPs, social workers, community nurses, and voluntary services should work together rather than in separate systems.

This strategy is highly relevant to our elderly care project because it promotes:

• Joined-up services: Older people often need both medical and social support (e.g. GP care and help at home). Integrated working makes this seamless.

• Prevention and early intervention: FYFV encourages keeping people healthy at home rather than treating them only when they’re in crisis.

• Better use of resources: Sharing data and working together means less duplication and more efficient services.

Our project supports this by delivering care through partnerships with local hospitals, GPs, homecare providers, mental health teams, and volunteer networks. We aim to reduce hospital admissions, improve quality of life, and ensure that elderly residents get the right care at the right time.

Task 1b: Why a Report Is Best for Presenting the Annual Review

A report is the most effective format for presenting our annual service review because:

• It organises complex information in a clear, professional structure.

• It includes data tables, graphs, and financial breakdowns that can be easily reviewed by council decision-makers.

• It offers evidence-based insights, showing how the funding is being used and what impact it`s had on service users.

• It enables a transparent audit trail, useful for both stakeholders and funders who want detailed updates.

Unlike a verbal presentation or leaflet, a report can be archived, cited and revisited during policy discussions, future funding reviews, and service planning.

Task 2: Data Types – Qualitative, Quantitative, and Secondary Data

Qualitative Data

• Definition: Non-numeric data that describes people`s experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

• Examples: Interviews with elderly service users, staff feedback, observation notes.

• Benefits: Helps us understand user satisfaction, emotional wellbeing, and what elderly people value most in services. It`s useful for shaping personalised care plans.

Quantitative Data

• Definition: Numeric data that can be measured and analysed statistically.

• Examples: Number of GP visits, hospital admission rates, average time for homecare visits.

• Benefits: Gives us hard evidence of service performance and efficiency. For example, if admissions have dropped since our programme began, we can show real impact.

Secondary Data

• Definition: Existing data collected by other organisations or sources.

• Examples: NHS statistics, government reports, census data, academic studies.

• Benefits: Saves time and resources. We can compare our local findings with national trends, and see if we are aligning with broader NHS goals.

By combining these three types, our report becomes balanced, rich, and evidence-driven. Qualitative data shows what people feel, quantitative data shows what’s happening in numbers, and secondary data gives context.

Continued...