In the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma coursework assessment, students embark on a transformative journey, delving into the realms of Research, Problem Solving, and Business Reporting within the context of executive management. This comprehensive assessment unfolds as an immersive exploration of vital skills and strategies crucial for achieving strategic success in the dynamic business landscape. At its core, this assessment equips students with the requisite research methods essential for making evidence-based decisions in the realm of executive management. Participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in the intricacies of research, unveiling a plethora of methodologies and techniques to acquire, evaluate, and interpret data relevant to business reporting and strategic decision-making. A pivotal component of this assessment centers on problem-solving techniques, addressing the core challenge of identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex issues that executives encounter in their roles. Students delve into a repertoire of problem analysis methods and problem structuring methods, equipping them with the tools necessary to dissect multifaceted challenges within organizations effectively. One of the key methodologies explored is the scientific method, which fosters a systematic and empirical approach to problem-solving. By following this structured process, students gain insights into the importance of formulating hypotheses, conducting rigorous experiments, and drawing evidence-based conclusions, thereby enhancing their problem-solving capabilities. Moreover, this assessment underscores the significance of adopting a systems approach when addressing business challenges. By viewing organizations as interconnected systems, students are better prepared to analyze problems comprehensively and develop holistic solutions that consider the interplay of various components and stakeholders within an organization. A central focus of this assessment lies in the practical application of problem-solving and research skills to real-world scenarios. Students are tasked with addressing complex business problems within the context of Network X, a fictional organization operating in the National Processing sector of the Healthcare Industry. This simulation-based approach enables students to immerse themselves in the intricacies of executive management, applying problem-solving techniques and research methodologies to tackle industry-specific challenges effectively. Additionally, this coursework assessment emphasizes the art of effective business reporting as a critical outcome of the research and problem-solving processes. Students learn to distill complex findings and insights into clear, concise, and actionable reports that can guide strategic decision-making within organizations. In summary, the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma assessment is a comprehensive educational journey that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in executive management. By exploring research methods, problem-solving techniques, and business reporting, students are well-prepared to navigate the intricate landscape of strategic decision-making. This assessment fosters a deep understanding of the importance of evidence-based decision-making, problem analysis, and holistic problem-solving approaches in the dynamic and evolving world of executive management. It ensures that graduates are ready to excel in their roles and contribute to the strategic success of organizations across various industries.
Table of Contents
1.1. Critical Analysis of strategic and operational strengths and weaknesses:
Healthcare Industry (NUTRIADD Ltd.):
Problem Analytical techniques:
Relevance and Usability of Scientific Method:
Relevance and Usability of Systems Approach:
Relevance and Usability of Problem Analytical Techniques:
1.3. Critical Examination of relevant decision making tools:
Relevance and Usability of Decision making tools:
Research and Development Questions:
The requirements of an effective report:
Why the Research of the above topic is essential:
2.1. Critical Application of Principles and Practices of Quantitative and Qualitative Research:
Reasons of Willingness: (Quantitative Analysis)
Business Propositions and Recommendations:
Awareness of 3D/4D ultrasound Technology:
3.3. Producing Effective Reports:
Business Problems and Scenario:
In this assignment we will assess the research methods and use of research methods and evidences. We will also discuss the methods to identify and solve business using different tools and will analyze the competence of a business in writing using these tools.
Let’s consider Network X which is operating a GCC-based domestic scheme, Jupiter. It is the first independent vendor which is certified by both the Visa and MasterCard for car payments in the Middle East. This company is also a member of the JCD and UnionDay card schemes. Diners Club International franchise in the UAE is owned and managed by this Network X. This company possesses a strong footing in Arab world. Network X is a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certified company. It continues to increase its geographic reach by investing in strategic partnerships and also to enhance the eco-system of innovation among different stakeholders. Network X has head office in Dubai while operation centers in UAE, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa. It always stays ahead of other companies in payments industry and continues to develop new solutions.
SWOT Analysis (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threats is used to analyze the strategic and operational strengths and weaknesses of a company.
To keep the analysis comprehensive we analyze the Strengths or Weaknesses considering all the parameters including social, economic, technological, environmental and political parameters.
We are going to assess the SWOT analyses according to the parameters of different organizations in a considerable detail to justify the strategic and operational strengths and weaknesses for range of sectors.
Network X is completely aware about the requirements of payment cards industry. This company knows how important the compliance is for payment cards industry. The client data protection is first priority of Network X, so this company continues to invest in new tools and better technologies to ensure the protection of client data.
As this company is the leading payment card company for merchants. So, the company may suffer due to the malicious practices of a few merchants. As Network X relies on these merchants, this reliability may cause some damage.
About 70,000 merchant partners are working with Network X. On the other hand the market is growing exponentially, so the company possesses a great opportunity to gain more merchants. As we know this company has many competitors too, the threats arise due to those competitors who are marketing their products aggressively.
The main competitors of Network X are National Processing, PayTooCorp, Emerald World ET, Inc. etc. The company has no threats or worries regarding political or social factors in UAE, as these factors are steady and are not dangerous for companies.
If we have a brief look on National Processing, it not only provides Credit Card Processing, but also ACH processing, Retail Credit Card Processing, Mobile Credit Card Processing, High Risk Merchant Account and Merchant Services. Their price is low as compared to Network X and is a verified processing and it has active clients base of about 5000.
We may also consider Intrix Technology which possesses a client base of around 3000.
Aramex is an internationally renowned courier and logistics company that is based in Dubai, UAE. This company was established in 1982. It is the only Arab based company that got listed in NASDAQ. Aramex is currently operating in 54 countries and has over 13,800 employees. This company got $116.1 million income in 2016.
Aramex has done well in keeping the prices in very reasonable range as compared to other couriers while the services are never compromised due to the price and the customers are completely satisfied.
Aramex first started its expansion process in Middle East and South East Asia due to less competition and it worked wonders for them. They are taking up courier companies around the world for rapid expansion all over the world. This company has a well-established place in Dubai Financial Market.
Aramex is continuously introducing new innovations into their company. They have a great website and several applications for different operating systems. This company is also utilizing technology in their delivering service which helps in delivering things quickly.
The company has made its place into all the possible sectors. They even have initiative for e-commerce start-ups which helps them out on their new journey. The “Shop and Ship” service provided by them allows the people to shop from 24 countries situated around the world and then the products are shipped to their home for less shipping charges.
DHL, FedEx and UPS are main stakeholders in courier industry. These companies mainly hold the international market. So, Aramex needs a long struggle to expand towards western countries and to establish themselves in a better way.
Aramex has not been able to make a big change in the markets of USA, UK or Canada. The company has not been able to show the potential in the international market.
Aramex mainly eye the small companies. This company will get better opportunities if they work with bigger companies.
Aramex should try to expand around the world as the bigger countries have huge markets and needs.
The company doesn’t have worked much regarding advertisements. The company should focus to establish more advertisement campaigns especially in holidays.
The company is doing well in the market but there is a huge space for improvement. The company should improve its services to make the customers happier.
The company is quite famous in Middle East and South East Asia but DHL and FedEx are also getting into these areas. So, Aramex will have to work hard to compete.
Aramex is providing very good price base but the prices are increasing daily. This weakness can be utilized by other companies or it may lead to loss of customers.
NUTRIADD Ltd is well known for its services in medical sector. This company is providing healthcare products like food supplements and medical devices in Middle East.
This company is positioned in the marketplace where it has a strong ground for advanced healthcare supplies and innovations. The network of distributors of this company is very efficient and is working with this company for years.
Nutriadd is very successful in Saudi Arabia, but it has not much presence in UAE, Qatar and Oman. If the company establishes some headquarters in UAE it may come up as a major player in this area and gradually will be able to expand towards Qatar and Oman.
If the regional economy gets better the company may retain some loyal customers and should ensure that they don’t lose their customers to competition on the other hand some customers may be costly to retain.
The privacy laws and some other legal problems may cause some hurdles for this company. They may face many problems in advertising as the regional laws are much strict. The company has already tested many strategies which proved to be highly successful in past times.
We have two main approaches for structuring and solving problems namely Scientific Method and Systems Approach. These two approaches play a vital role in problem solving while their application and usability may differ in different cases and situations.
We have five steps in Scientific Method. These steps are given bellow:
a) Recognition of Phenomena in real world
b) Formulation of hypothesis about the causes or effects behind the phenomena.
c) Testing the hypothesis using different experiments.
d) Evaluation of the results obtained from experiments.
e) Drawing conclusions regarding the hypothesis.
In the scientific method we first make hypotheses, derive the predictions and then we carry out the experiments or empirical observations according to those predictions. In this approach we need to follow the steps in complete sequence if the method is applicable in certain case.
In scientific method this step is very important and plays a crucial role. This step links the whole process with real life problem which is to be eradicated and this process should be followed in a logical and unbiased way. In this step we basically analyze the given problem as applicable in real life.
In this step we basically identify the causes or effects of every hypothesis. Basically hypothesis is a result which consists of the complete knowledge while addressing answers to different questions. For this step we completely analyze the problem by putting different questions in consideration and then getting their answers. When we get the answers we are well ready to present the hypothesis. The hypothesis is specific in many cases while it may also have a broader range.
In this step of research we conduct different experiments under some controlled factors and specific environment according to the prescribed settings. In a research process this step consumes much more time and is very tedious in nature. This step needs to be performed very patiently and carefully as the results obtained from this step have some great implications in the future of the problem and decisions.
In this step we evaluate the results obtained from the experiments. This step is also very important because it is necessary to get the most perfect decisions at the end of the whole process. As the decisions have big impact of this step.
Last but not the least is drawing conclusions regarding the hypothesis. In this step we use the results obtained by evaluating the results obtained from experiments. These conclusions are then used to make some very important decisions regarding a problem.
This approach is modified form of scientific method. In this approach we follow the systematic process of problem solving. The problem, its aspects and solutions are analyzed and driven in context with the systems. So, this approach leads to a well-organized system of interrelated activities.
a) Defining a problem or an opportunity regarding a systems context.
b) Gathering the data which describes the problem or solution or opportunity
c) Identifying alternative solutions
d) Evaluation of every alternative solution
e) Selecting the best solution
f) Implementing the selected solution
g) Evaluating the success of the implemented solution
In this step we define a problem/opportunity according to the systems context. This is very important step in research process because exact definition of problem/opportunity leads to eradication/using respectively. If we define the problem exactly, we will be able to eradicate it and if we define the opportunity exactly, we will be able to use that opportunity for betterment of a system.
In this step we gather the data which completely describes the under consideration problem or solution or opportunity. This provides a complete detail about the considered factor.
In this step we identify the alternative solutions which may be used for betterment of the solution. We make a list of all alternative solutions where the solutions may be suggested by different employees in a system. We use different approaches to develop the alternatives. These approaches are Brainstorming and Lateral Thinking etc.
In this step we go through every item of the list created in previous step and evaluate every solution for its effects. After evaluation we complete the list of effects for every alternative solution. Selecting the alternative solutions involves following factors:
In this step we have a look at the effects of every solution one by one. After assessing we choose the best possible solution from the list created in third step using the list of effects in last step.
In this step we implement the selected solution.
In this step we evaluate the solution which was implemented in previous. This evaluation is done using different techniques. This step helps us to know how good the solution was and how well the implementation went.
There are many techniques in problem analysis. We will discuss two main techniques Cause & Effect Analysis and BPR.
Cause and Effect analysis tool is basically a hierarchy of all the factors that caused a certain problem. According to this rule a problem don’t just happen there is always a cause behind every problem and in this hierarchy every factor leads to another effect and one after another effect it leads to the final problem. This approach is very helpful in analyzing big problems and the bigger scenarios where many factors are interrelated.
