This individual assessment for the Financial Performance Management module requires students to produce a comprehensive analysis of the financial and non-financial performance of an international organisation and its closest competitor. The assessment is designed to develop students’ ability to evaluate organisational performance using financial analysis techniques, critically assess strategic performance-management frameworks, and examine the benefits and challenges associated with Integrated Reporting. The report has a maximum length of 3,500 words, with a 10% tolerance, excluding references, tables, figures and appendices, and accounts for 100% of the summative assessment. The first part of the report focuses on financial performance using ratio analysis. Students must select an international organisation as Company A and identify its closest competitor as Company B. The competitor should be selected using appropriate criteria, including comparable operating activities, industry, country and financial characteristics. Students are expected to obtain financial statements covering at least the most recent two years available for analysis. The ratio analysis should cover a broad range of areas, including liquidity, working capital cycle, profitability, leverage and valuation. Students should calculate and interpret relevant ratios, compare performance between the two organisations and across different years, and critically discuss the overall financial position. Input data and calculations may be presented in the main report or appendix, supported by appropriate tables and graphs. The second part examines Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management System. Students must critically evaluate the relevant Balanced Scorecard literature and consider whether the traditional model remains appropriate in contemporary business environments. The report should discuss possible limitations or areas for improvement and then develop a proposed Balanced Scorecard specifically for Company A. The proposed scorecard should be linked to the organisation’s strategy and vision and should identify suitable objectives, measures and critical success factors. The third part focuses on Integrated Reporting. Students must critically analyse the potential benefits and challenges of adopting Integrated Reporting for Company A, using relevant academic literature and the International Integrated Reporting framework. The discussion should consider how Integrated Reporting combines financial, non-financial, historical and forward-looking information and how it can help stakeholders understand an organisation’s use of resources and prospects for long-term sustainable success. The report should follow an appropriate academic structure, including an introduction, financial performance analysis, Balanced Scorecard analysis, Integrated Reporting analysis and conclusion. Harvard referencing is required, supported by a comprehensive range of relevant academic and professional sources. The recommended structure allocates approximately 1,000 words to each main question, with approximately 250 words for the introduction and conclusion.
Financial Performance Management · Ratio Analysis · Financial Performance · Competitor Analysis · Liquidity Ratios · Working Capital · Profitability Ratios · Leverage Ratios · Valuation Ratios · Balanced Scorecard · Kaplan and Norton · Strategic Management
Megaminds has supported academic requirements in financial performance management, financial performance management and related disciplines.