What are the various methods of estimating cost functions? Explain each method with suitable numerical examples.

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Cost Accounting

Assignment Question(s):   (Marks 15)

Q1. Differentiate with suitable examples the relevant cash flows and irrelevant cash flows. What relevant role do these cash flows provide in management decision-making? Provide a suitable example in context to an organization to support your answer.       (3 Marks)

Note: Your answer must include suitable examples of relevant and irrelevant cash flows for management decision-making.          (Week 2, Chapter 1)

 

Q2. What are the various methods of estimating cost functions? Explain each method with suitable numerical examples.        (4 Marks)

Note: You are required to assume values for numerical examples of your own, and they should not be copied from any sources.           (Week 3, Chapter 2)

 

Q3. ALC ltd. manufactures a product ‘X’ for which the selling price per unit, variables cost per unit, and fixed costs are as follows:                                                                                       (4 Marks)

Selling price per unit SAR 750
Variable cost per unit SAR 225
Total Fixed Costs SAR 425,000

Answer the following questions using cost volume profit analysis:

  1. Determine the break-even point in units.
  2. Determine the break-even point in sales SAR.
  3. What will be the pretax profit if the company sells 1,400 units of the product?
  4. How many units the company will be required to sell to reach a target pretax profit of SAR 200,000?
  5. The margin of safety in units if the company’s estimated next year budgeted sales are 1,500 units.                       (Week 4, Chapter 3)

 

 

 

 

Q4. KCC Ltd. uses a process costing system for its sole processing department. There were 35,000 units in the beginning WIP inventory for June and 325,000 units were started in June. The beginning WIP units were 50% complete and the 30,000 units in the ending WIP were 40% complete. All materials are added at the start of processing.                                              (4 Marks)

You are required to:

  1. a) Compute the no. of units started & completed.
  2. b) Compute the EUP for DM and CC using FIFO and WA methods.
  3. c) Calculate total manufacturing cost/EUP under both methods with the following details:
  FIFO WA
Direct Material Cost SAR 850,000 SAR 1,000,000
Conversion Cost SAR 1,025,000 SAR 1,350,000

(Week 5, Chapter 6)

 

 

 

 

How important is the issue of supplier capacity in this case? How did your group evaluate supplier capacity? What level of attention or importance should supplier capacity receive during the sourcing decision? Why?

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Supplier Evaluation and Selection

Questions:

1. What is your recommended sourcing strategy in this case? Please support your decision with quantitative and qualitative evidence gathered during the case analysis. Use a weighted score card to evaluate the suppliers (Excel is required for the calculations). Also, present your plan to reduce any risks associated with your sourcing decision.

Note: We have not covered Total Cost of Ownership as yet but you can attempt those calculations (which are really quite straightforward) and it will be treated as a bonus.

2. How important is the issue of supplier capacity in this case? How did your group evaluate supplier capacity? What level of attention or importance should supplier capacity receive during the sourcing decision? Why?

3. The issue of single versus multiple sourcing is an important consideration during supplier selection. Identify the potential advantages and disadvantages of single and multiple sourcing (not only as they relate to this case).

In order to complete this case adequately, you will need to perform various analyses (using Excel where appropriate). These are designed to support the supplier evaluation and selection decision.

What strategy are they using? Do you think they will maintain this competitive advantage? Why or why not? Do they use —cost advantage or differentiation advantage?

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Module 06: Discussion – Strategic

Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage

Read Case 1 ( 🚀 Attached ): Peloton Interactive, Inc.: Creating New Market Space in the Home Fitness Sector (R. M. Grant, Contemporary Strategy Analysis, 11th edn., Wiley, 2022).

Remember that a case study is a puzzle to be solved, so before reading and discussing the specific case questions below, develop your proposed solution by following these five steps:

  1. Read the case study to identify the key issues and underlying issues. These issues are the principles and concepts of the course module which apply to the situation described in the case study.
  2. Record the facts from the case study which are relevant to the principles and concepts of the module. The case may have extraneous information not relevant to the current course module. Your ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information is an important aspect of case analysis, as it will inform the focus of your answers.
  3. Describe in some detail the actions that would address or correct the situation. Make your response in Yellow
  4. Complete this initial analysis and then read the discussion questions. Typically, you will already have the answers to the questions but with a broader consideration. At this point, you can add the details and/or analytical tools required to solve the case. Make your response in Black.

Discuss your insights into the sustainability of Peloton’s competitive advantage.

  1. What strategy are they using? Make your response in Red.
  2. Do you think they will maintain this competitive advantage? Why or why not? Make your response in Orange
  3. Do they use —cost advantage or differentiation advantage? Make your response in Green.

Discuss the concepts, principles, and theories from the attached Slides. Cite and cite any other sources if appropriate. It’s a must.

To which extent do you agree or disagree with the author point of view “that internal customers’ needs are important as externals to create a true quality environment” and Why?

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Quality Management (MGT 424)

Assignment Question(s):

  1. In your own words, summarize the article. ( 150 – 200 words ) ( 5 marks )
  2. To which extent do you agree or disagree with the author point of view “that internal customers’ needs are important as externals to create a true quality environment” and Why? ( 150 – 200 words ) ( 5 marks )
  3. Discuss the tools needed to operate within the new environment as indicated by the author. ( 150 – 200 words) ( 5 mark )

Define the term “Knowledge”. Use proper example to differentiate the term “Knowledge” from Data, and information. Write a detailed note on major types of Knowledge.

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Knowledge Management (MGT 403)      

Assignment Questions:  (15 Marks)

This Assignment is a report-based assignment.

Besides other materials like journal papers, report, and research articles, students are advised to read chapter 1 to chapter 3 thoroughly from the book prescribed for this course.

Students must use proper references to justify their assignment work. 

The Assignment structure is as follows:

1. Introduction: The introductory part must contain the following. (5 Marks)

  1. Concept of knowledge management.  (Provide minimum 3 definitions of knowledge management by well-known authors) followed by detailed discussion about the concept of Knowledge management and its importance in present day world of business.  (400-500 Words) (3.5 Mark) Chapter 1
  2. Define the term “Knowledge”. Use proper example to differentiate the term “Knowledge” from Data, and information. Write a detailed note on major types of Knowledge. (400-500 Words) (3 Marks) Chapter 1

References:(1 Mark). 0 Mark for No references, less than 5 References (0.5 Mark) More than 5 references 1 Mark.

 

2. Knowledge management cycles and Models: (5 Marks)

  1. Discuss in detail Bukowitz and Williams Knowledge management cycle. How is it different from Wiig’s KM cycle. Write minimum two points of difference. (Minimum 500 words) (3 Marks) Chapter 2
  2. Discuss in detail the Nonaka and Takeuchi knowledge spiral model of KM. Write a brief paragraph on Choo’s Sense making model. (400-500 words) (3 Marks) Chapter 3

References:(1.5 Marks). 0 Mark for No references, Less than 5 References (0.75 Mark) More than 5 references 1.5 Marks.

 

What responsibility should Sara take for her introduction exercise to be inclusive and respect other cultural customs outside the host culture’s practices?

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Communications Management (MGT 421)

Part-1:

Ali is a successful financial officer in a banking company. He will take over the recently acquired footprint as the new regional CEO. The newly acquired banking institution has a good market reputation

On Monday morning at 10am, Ali had called a meeting. He reached the office at 9am and saw very few employees in the meeting so he got annoyed but keeping his emotions at side, he started the meeting at sharp 10am .Ali was unhappy due to lack of dedication of employees towards the organization, as most of the employees did not arrived on time.

Later that afternoon Ali met the executive team and outlined the strategic goals, objectives and deadlines. A meeting was held with the senior staff members for reporting progress. In the report it was shown that currently the market growth numbers were up and new business numbers were increasing.

A quarter later Ali had a quarterly report result. The report showed both positive and negative result. Ali reviewed the report with his staff and requested them for their input. However his request was greeted with silence. He sensed an uneasy feeling in the room.

 Questions:

  1. To what extend do you think Ali process Emotional Intelligence. (2.5 Marks)
  2. Do you think the concept of emotional intelligence is important in organizational setting? Briefly justify your answer. (2.5 Marks)

 

Part-2-Case Study

Sara, a third-year adjunct faculty member at a major university, looked at her course evaluations from students for the term just ending and shook her head in disbelief: What could have prompted the very negative comment one student made? She remembered vividly the day in question. It was the first day of class for a new school year and a new semester. Since this was a freshman-level class, students were also new to campus. New classes routinely require introductions, and Sara tried to have an interesting icebreaker. She had the students do a “mix it up” exercise where they had to stand up, move around the room, shake hands with and greet every other person in the class. The room buzzed with excitement as the new students greeted each other, and it seemed to be quite a success. The rest of the semester went as expected, and students continued to network with each other. Now, at the end of that term, Sara was looking at a student’s comment on the semester end course evaluation and was shocked. The student rated her “D” (the lowest possible) and commented: “The instructor was very insensitive and unaware. She even expected us to shake hands during introductions.” Thinking about that first day of class, Sara did not recall that any of the students participated reluctantly. No one seemed to hesitate, or to avoid the activity, or to ask to be exempt from the introductions. She wondered why the student did not immediately indicate any discomfort. Why did this student not ask for an alternative way to participate? Looking back, Sara tried to think through how students who were reluctant to “touch” anyone else could participate. While she thought of the handshake as a form of friendly interaction, clearly some students did not see things that way. How could she re-design the exercise so that students from outside the main culture could fully participate but not have to do anything that would make the giver or the receiver of the handshake uncomfortable? She also thought about the idea that religious beliefs were not the only reason for a reluctance to touch others. Perhaps students were germphobic, had skin sensitivities, or were adverse to having others touch them for health reasons. She asked herself what other inclusive instructions could have been provided, such as, “If anyone does not want to shake hands, let’s work out an alternative now, before we start.” This would have provided an option before the activity started. Also, in a low-key, positive and friendly way, any concerned student needed to be prepared to suggest an alternative action, such as, “I am not able to shake hands, but I would be very happy to do this [provide alternative].” No big loud “ugh..” no moaning or groaning, but a maturely presented alternative. It was now apparent that, for the entire semester, the student had harbored a grudge about the handshake introductions.

Discussion:

  • Q1. What responsibility should Sara take for her introduction exercise to be inclusive and respect other cultural customs outside the host culture’s practices? (2.5 Marks)
  • Q2. What recommendations you have for the student who did not want to shake hands? (2.5 Marks)

 

Part-3

Think about any difficult situation/conversation, which you might have encountered in your professional life or student life. Based on that conversation, answer the following

  1. Briefly discuss the conversation/situation. (1 mark)
  2. Evaluate your and others’ performance in terms of assuming the best in one another, staying calm, finding common ground, disagreeing diplomatically, avoiding exaggeration.(2 marks)
  3. Describe three ways you would approach the conversation differently if you again encountered the same situation (2marks)

How effective is large group interventions from your point of view? Discuss some of the issues associated with organization process interventions. Briefly explain Organization Confrontation Meeting in your own words and discuss why it is important.

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MGT Questions

Click on the following link to read about communities of practice, how they support the organization and different types of communities.

https://www.apqc.org/expertise/knowledge-management/communities-of-practice

 (Question):

  1. How communities of practice support organizations? Which type of community is best for the organization you work in?

Watch the short video in the following link and answer the question given in test your knowledge section.

(Question):

  • Q: Briefly describe the main points highlighted in the video.

Required Readings:

Chapter 10: Evaluating and Institutionalizing OD Interventions.

 

6.3 Test your Knowledge (Question):

  • Q: Explain Third-Party Interventions and provide an example.

 

Required Readings:

Chapter 11: Organization Process Approaches.

  • Q1: How effective is large group interventions from your point of view?
  • Q2: Discuss some of the issues associated with organization process interventions.
  • Q3: Briefly explain Organization Confrontation Meeting in your own words and discuss why it is important.

 

(Question):Chapter 8, you learn about the social media age. Compare between User 1.0 and User 2.0.

Question):)You learn about the different types of routine business messages (task-oriented and relationship-oriented). Pick one and write a sample routine message following the element of the selected type.

 

 Watch the following link and answer the questions that follows:

https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/top-5-ethics-and-compliance-trends-for-2-57808/ 

  • (Question): Think about all of the communication opportunities provided by social media. How could an organization use social media like Facebook, Twitter and the like, to promote ethical behavior and communicate the organization’s values? What are the advantages and dangers of those media?

 

Watch the following link and answer the questions that follow:

https://www.brighthub.com/office/human-resources/articles/106259/ 

  • (Question): In addition to identifying and training good managers, what else could an organization do to increase levels of employee engagement?

In your own words, explain what can be the possible consequences of hasty application of technological innovation. Explain whether the benefits of technological innovation over power its drawbacks.

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Management of Technology

QUESTIONS:

Q1– ‘Technological innovation is thus the creation of new knowledge that is applied to practical problems. Sometimes this knowledge is applied to problems hastily……’. In your own words, explain what can be the possible consequences of hasty application of technological innovation. Explain whether the benefits of technological innovation over power its drawbacks. (5 Marks, Min words 400-500)

 

Q2. Explain the three ways (in detail) with which a firm can increase the likelihood of the projects being both technically and commercially successful.  (6 Marks, Min words 550-600)

 

Q3– On the basis of your own research, map the timeline of the Most Important Technological Innovation in the last 50 years (1982-2022). Select one innovation as per your choice and write a detailed note about its positive as well as negative effects on the society. (4 Marks, Min words 450-500)

Describe your Industry: Is it a growth industry? What long-term or short-term changes do you foresee in the industry? How will your company take advantage of it?

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MGT402-Entrepreneurship and small business

A business plan is any simple plan, not only limited to the business start-up plan that helps the management to understand the current situation of the enterprises (strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats) and look forward into the future. A start-up plan is a business plan which consists of the mission, vision, objectives and action plans for the future of the new enterprises while the business plan drawn during the operation of the firm is vital for running the firm effectively, acquire new customers, partners, loans and so on. According to Fiore (2005), a business plan involves two dimensions; an organizing tool to simplify and clarify your business goals and strategy, the second one is a selling document that sells the business idea and shows that a product or a service can make a profit and attract funding and company resources.

Imagine you started a new business as an entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia. Briefly mention the specific steps which you consider necessary to a successful business plan.

Please, think and share information on the following items:

  1. Owners, capital structure and company profile (3 Marks)
  2. Your Business Name, Address, E‐Mail
  3.  Form of ownership: What is the legal structure? Sole proprietor, Partnership, Corporation….
  4. Investment capital
  5. Company Business Description (300 – 400 words)
  6. Scope and type of business (5 Marks)

What business will you be in? What will you do? What market segment will you choose?

  • Business idea: what is your big idea? Is it a product or a service? What makes your idea different?
  • Mission Statement
  • Company’s short-term and long-term goals and objectives.
  • Target market and demographics: Who will your customers be? Where do they live? What is your target market passionate about?

 

  1. Business Philosophy (4 Marks)

What is important to you in your business?

  • Describe your Industry: Is it a growth industry? What long-term or short-term changes do you foresee in the industry? How will your company take advantage of it?
  • Describe your most important company strengths and core competencies: What factors will make the company succeed? What do you think your major competitive strengths will be? What background experience, skills, and strengths do you personally bring to this new venture?
  • Risk Assessment: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your business using SWOT.
  • Who is your competition and how do you beat them?
  1. Products and Services (3 Marks)
  2. Briefly discuss your products or services (Technical specification).
  3. Size of business: how many employees? How many offices and retail facilities?
  4. What factors will give you competitive advantages or disadvantages? Examples, include level of quality or unique or proprietary features.

Discuss how the reverse causation (e.g., the employment setting or work itself) might also be true in terms of affecting job satisfaction, organizational commitment, conscious leadership, and job involvement.

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MGT 605 Wk 2 DB2

It is generally accepted that attitudes affect behavior. Discuss how the reverse causation (e.g., the employment setting or work itself) might also be true in terms of affecting job satisfaction, organizational commitment, conscious leadership, and job involvement.