Unit 1: Business and the Business Environment
Assignment Brief of Unit 1: Business and the Business Environment
Qualification Title
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Pearson BTEC Higher National in Business (2024)
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Unit Number and Title
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Unit 1- The Contemporary Business Environment
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Unit Code: Type: Level:
Credit Value:
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H/650/2917
Core Level 4
15 Credits
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Academic Year
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2024
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Academic Tutors
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Cross College
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Unit brief Author
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Assignment Title
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Industry Analysis
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Issue Date
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Submission Date
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Submission Instruction
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One submission to be submitted on Turnitin
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Learner Declaration:
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged.
Student signature: Date:
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Unit Learning Outcomes
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LO1 Explain the different types, sizes and scope of organisations
LO2 Discuss the interrelationship of the various functions in an organisation and how they link to organisational structure
LO3 Use contemporary examples to demonstrate both the positive and negative influence/impact the macroenvironment has on business operations
LO4 Determine the internal strengths and weaknesses of a specific business and their interrelationship with external macro factors
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Submission format
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Submission should be in the form of a Word report, submitted via Turnitin. Ensure all work is supported with research and referenced correctly using the Harvard referencing system. A bibliography must be included. The recommended word limit is 3500–4000 words, but you will not be penalized for exceeding the limit.
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Transferable skills and competencies developed
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- Analytical skills to conduct own analysis to draw conclusions.
- The ability to provide information based on collation, analysis and interpretation of
- data.
- Creative thinking for presenting information and data in a simplified and informative
- manner.
- Digital skills, using different software applications to visually present information and
- data concisely.
- Communicating effectively in all forms, written, visual and oral, for operating efficiently in the international business environment.
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Vocational scenario
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Apple Inc., a global leader in technology and innovation, has consistently been at the forefront of the consumer electronics industry. With its diverse range of products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud, Apple Inc. has established a significant presence in various markets worldwide. As of 2024, Apple boasts a workforce exceeding 147,000 employees globally, with the brand valued at over $2.5 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.
In your role as a junior corporate manager within the Strategic Planning team at Apple Inc., you are integral to the company’s efforts to maintain its competitive edge and explore new market opportunities.
This team is crucial in guiding Apple`s strategic direction by conducting in-depth analyses of consumer behaviour, competitive landscapes, and market trends. The Strategic Planning team collaborates closely with senior leaders, the executive team, and the CEO, providing data-driven insights and strategic recommendations on Apple’s critical initiatives. Your key responsibilities include:
1. Supporting Data and Business Analyses:
- Develop comprehensive business plans for Apple Inc. by analysing various data sources.
- Measure the company`s performance by comparing actual data to forecasted values.
- Execute market research projects and gather intelligence on industry trends, technological advancements, and consumer preferences.
2. Strategic Planning and Implementation:
- Formulate strategic action plans to address the challenges and opportunities identified through market research.
- Create financial models to support strategic decision-making and investment planning.
- Evaluate potential new markets and products to expand Apple`s global footprint while mitigating risks and threats.
3. Interdepartmental Collaboration:
- Work closely with different departments such as finance, marketing, product development, and operations to ensure strategic alignment and effective execution of business plans.
- Facilitate cross-functional meetings to discuss strategic initiatives and ensure all departments are working towards common business objectives.
Your role demands a deep understanding of both internal and external factors affecting Apple Inc.`s business environment. You will use various analytical tools and frameworks, such as PESTLE and SWOT analysis, to provide insights that shape Apple’s strategic initiatives and long-term goals. By critically analysing these factors, you will contribute to the decision-making process, ensuring Apple Inc. continues to innovate and lead in the competitive technology landscape.
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Assignment activity and guidance
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You have been tasked with conducting an industry analysis that focuses on the technology industry, specifically Apple Inc., to gain insights into industry perspectives, best practices from other high- performance companies, and high-growth sectors. You will present your analysis to your line manager and the management team. The industry analysis will involve research and analysis of the overall market size (international and national) and different sub-sectors (public, private, voluntary), as well as organizational mapping of Apple Inc., one of the highest-performing companies in the industry.
You will present this industry analysis as a comprehensive Word report, including the following steps:
Explain and analyse how different types, purpose, structure, size and scope of different organisation (i.e. public, private and voluntary sectors and legal structure) link to the business objectives (i.e. vision, mission) and products and service offered by the organisations.
Critically analyse and discuss the interrelationships between organisational function (e.g., finance, marketing) and how they link, create impact and their complexities of different organisations and structure.
Critically evaluate the impacts that both macro factors and micro factors have on business objectives and decision making.
You should apply the appropriate PESTLE model that identifies the positive and negative impacts the macro environment has on business operations by providing a detailed analysis within Apple supported by specific examples.
Apply an appropriate SWOT/TOWS analysis by conducting internal and external analysis of Apple by identifying their strengths and weaknesses and explain how they interrelate with the external macro to justify their influence on decision making.
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Recommended Resources
Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your research – the list is not definitive.
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Textbooks
Burns, J. and Needle, D. (2023) Business in Context: An Introduction to Business and its Environment. 8th Ed. Andover, Hants: Cengage Learning EMEA.
Morrison, J. (2023) The Global Business Environment: Sustainability in the Balance. 6th Ed. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Weatherly, P. and Otter, D. (2018) The Business Environment: Themes and Issues in a Globalizing World. 4th Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Worthington, I., Thompson, E. and Britton. C. (2023) The Business Environment. 9th Ed. Harlow: Pearson.
Websites https://www.apple.com/
www.businessballs.com Businessballs (General reference)
www.forbes.com Forbes (General reference)
www.ibtimes.com International Business Times
“Business” (General reference) www.ted.com TED
(Videos on business and technology
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Expert`s Advice to Write Unit 1 Business and the Business Environment Assignment
To write an effective assignment for Unit 1: Business and the Business Environment, it is crucial to approach the task in a structured and detailed manner. Below is an expert’s guide to help you create a well-organised and comprehensive assignment in British English, ensuring it is plagiarism-free.
Understanding the Business Environment
The first step in your assignment is to clearly define the concept of the business environment. The business environment refers to the various external and internal factors that influence how a business operates and achieves its goals. These factors can include economic conditions, competition, technological advancements, social trends, and legal regulations, among others. It is important to explain how businesses must adapt to these conditions to remain competitive and profitable. The business environment is constantly evolving, so it’s vital to highlight how businesses need to be flexible and proactive to address changes such as shifts in consumer behaviour, technological disruptions, or economic downturns.
Types of Business Organisations
In the next section of your assignment, focus on the different types of business organisations. There are three primary sectors to consider: the private sector, public sector, and voluntary sector. The private sector consists of businesses owned and operated by private individuals or groups, aimed at making a profit. Examples include sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. The public sector includes organisations owned and run by the government, such as local councils or national health services, with the aim of providing services to the public rather than making a profit. The voluntary sector consists of non-profit organisations, such as charities or social enterprises, that focus on providing services for social good rather than financial gain.
For each type, it is essential to explain their key characteristics, legal structures, and the roles they play in the economy. You should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of each business type in terms of ownership, control, and financial viability.
Example Answer of Unit 1: Business and the Business Environment
LO1 Explain the different types, sizes and scope of organisations
Industry Analysis Report: Apple Inc.
Introduction
Apple Inc. is a pioneer in technology, known for its innovative approach to consumer electronics, software, and services. This report analyses Apple Inc.`s role in the technology industry, exploring how its business structure, objectives, and interdepartmental functions align with its strategic goals. Furthermore, the impact of macro and micro factors on Apple’s operations is critically evaluated using the PESTLE and SWOT frameworks.
1. Types, Purpose, Structure, Size, and Scope of Organisations
Organisations operate in three main sectors: public, private, and voluntary, each with distinct purposes, structures, and objectives. These organisational forms influence their mission, vision, and the products or services they offer.
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Public Sector: These organisations, like the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, are government-funded and aim to provide essential services to citizens. Their primary purpose is societal welfare rather than profit generation.
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Private Sector: Apple Inc. belongs to this sector, driven by profit maximisation and innovation. Operating as a publicly traded corporation, its legal structure enables it to secure funding through equity markets while maintaining a global reach.
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Voluntary Sector: Charitable organisations such as the Red Cross focus on addressing social issues through non-profit initiatives. Their purpose is to support vulnerable groups, often funded by donations and grants.
Apple Inc.`s mission, "to bring the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services," aligns with its private-sector objectives of profitability, market leadership, and customer satisfaction. Its product range, including the iPhone, Mac, and services like Apple Music, exemplifies its commitment to technological advancement and premium quality.
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