AQ045-3-2 FSA An individual Assignment Marks are awarded based on the following guidelines: Grade Description of performance level Distinction 75-100% Excellent analysis, application and evaluation Good understanding of basic concepts and models is demonstrated

Question

AQ045-3-2 FSA An individual Assignment

Marks are awarded based on the following guidelines:

Grade

Description of performance level

Distinction 75-100%

Excellent analysis, application and evaluation

Good understanding of basic concepts and models is demonstrated.
The candidate is able to evaluate and apply these concepts and models to answer the question.
Clear understanding of alternative points of view is shown.
Excellent use is made of evidence and/or theoretical analysis to evaluate the issues/arguments/appropriate models identified and to support conclusions. A clear final judgement is made.
The answer is very well organized. Descriptions and explanations are clearly expressed. Appropriate use is made of relevant terminology.
Where appropriate, varied and up-to-date academic sources of information for referencing.

Credit 65 – 74%

Good analysis but limited application an evaluation

Good understanding of basic concepts and models is demonstrated.
The candidate is able to apply these concepts and models to answer the question.
Some appreciation of alternative points of view is shown.
Satisfactory use is made of evidence and/or theoretical analysis to evaluate the issues/arguments/appropriate models identified and to support conclusions.
The answer is well organised. Descriptions and explanations are clearly expressed. Appropriate use is made of relevant terminology.
Where appropriate, varied and up-to-date academic sources of information for referencing.

Good Pass

55 – 64%

An adequate answer with some correct analysis but very limited evaluation

The candidate has made a reasonable attempt to apply concepts and ideas.
A satisfactory understanding of some basic concepts and theories is demonstrated and there is some evidence that the candidate can analyse issues.
There will be some attempt to present alternative points of view and to evaluate the issues, arguments and/or data.
There is some logic and coherence in the organisation of the answer. Some descriptions and explanations are easy to understand, but the answer may not be expressed clearly throughout.
There is some evidence of the correct use of relevant terminology

Pass

50-54%

A poor answer but some understanding is shown

An attempt is made to use basic concepts to answer the question but the candidate’s explanation may become confused and analysis will therefore be very limited.
There may be some attempt to present alternative points of view but any attempt at evaluation is limited or superficial.
There is some logic and coherence in the organisation of the answer.
Some use of appropriate terminology is made but this is not always applied appropriately.

Fail

0-49%

A very weak answer

Few, if any, relevant issues are recognised.
Concepts and principles are not adequately understood or applied to the question.
No satisfactory analysis or evaluation.
There might be some evidence of organisation in the answer but generally it fails to answer the question.
Descriptions and explanations lack clarity.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar may be poor. There is little use of appropriate terminology

Assignment Assessment Criteria

The criteria below detail the areas, which will be taken into account when the assignment is marked.

To address the subject satisfactorily, a typed format is mandatory.

Pass assignments are expected to be legible, tidy, well organized and written in clear understandable English.

High grades [70%, 75%, +80%] need to demonstrate sustained coherent analytical ability. A systematic approach to analysis and evaluation is required for grades 60% to 85% - for grades at the higher end of the scale, integration and synthesis is a requirement. The quality of the arguments used to develop and support prescriptions/recommendations are, in our view, the essential test of integration.
Evidence of reading and some understanding of models and concepts are needed to achieve a pass grade [50%]. Integration of theory and practice is expected for any grade above 65%.
You are expected to clearly state any assumptions you make, and support statements and theories by referencing to appropriate sources. [This is essential for higher grades but does not necessarily prejudice a pass mark [50%] if it is missing].
The assignment is to be submitted as a single written report of between 2,500 and 3,000 words.
As well as submitting a hard copy of your assignment you are also required to submit the electronic version. Unless both, hard copy and electronic versions are provided it will not be counted as submitted.

Attention will be paid to:

There must be proper referencing and citation. Harvard Referencing is a must. Citation must include, apart from the normal details, the page number from where the issue for discussion has been taken.

Additional instructions

Please submit your assignment into Turnitin for originality checking. Class ID and password for the Turnitin submission are as followed:
Print out the screenshot of the originality index and attach it as an Appendix to your assignment.

Question 1

Below are various ratios that can be used to analyze a company’s performance:-

Price to Earnings
Earnings Per Share
Dividends
Return on Assets
Return on Equity
Current Ratio
Quick Ratio
Financial Leverage
Debt/Equity
Days Sales Outstanding

Required:

Analyze the 3 years financial performance of the any public listed company which would be important to an investor, and discuss whether the company’s performance related to these items listed above appeared to be improving, deteriorating, or remaining stable. Justify your answer.

(60 marks)

Discuss several types of business analysis that can be done in order investor to decide whether or not to invest in the company chosen. (at least 5 types of analysis)