Assignment 1(a): Case report
Assignment 1(a): Case report (15%) – Due date: 18 August
Topic and requirements
Prepare a written report on Fletcher Building Limited (https://www.fletcherbuilding.com) based on the company’s annual reports and other related information for the past three years.
Finn Barnes has come into a substantial inheritance from his late uncle and he plans to invest part of it in shares. After talking to his best friend Sawyer who is a firm believer in supporting New Zealand businesses, he has identified Fletcher Building Limited as a potential investment.
Listed in both the New Zealand and Australia stock markets, Fletcher Building has experienced some ups and downs over the years. Buoyed by recent developments in housing and construction in the region, the company has performed better than analysts’ expectations. Upon Sawyer’s recommendation, Finn has approached you, a reputable business consultant, to seek your advice on whether Fletcher Building Limited is a good investment for him.
The purpose of this report is to assess your ability to demonstrate an understanding of the integrative nature of accounting through an in-depth investigation of a “real life” organisation. You are expected to utilise the knowledge gained through your study material (the 110.303 course and other courses) and any other information you have acquired from your own research and/or work experience to prepare an analysis of Fletcher Building Limited.
Your report should include the following in an integrative manner:
a) A critical examination of the company’s financial performance* and position in both New Zealand and Australia, focusing on accounting and related policies and decisions made in any of the areas covered in the course; and
b) A discussion (with illustrations) of the impact of the environment on the company’s accounting
and related strategies/policies and performance.
*Should you decide to examine the share price and EPS of the company, focus on the New Zealand market.
Additional guidelines for the preparation of your report
A good written report is expected to have a proper structure facilitating a logical flow of the discussion of issues, conclusions, and recommendations. It should:
a) have a report recipient
b) explain the purpose of the report
c) demonstrate an understanding of the uniqueness of the company, that is, its nature, internal and external settings, and key issues or problematic circumstances
d) explain how accounting is implicated in the issues identified
It is important that:
a) The information gathered is accurately represented, ethically and professionally treated.
b) The sources of information, including published materials used in preparing the report, are suitably acknowledged and referenced (For 110.303, please use the APA citation format).
The maximum word limit of the report is 1,000 words (excluding the list of references and appendices). This word count should be stated clearly on the cover page. For guidance on case report presentation, please see Topic A2, Additional Reading:
Emerson, L. (2013). Writing guidelines for business students (5th ed.). South Melbourne, Vic.: Cengage Learning.
[Chapter 6: Report to a client, pp.36-53].
Presentation of report
Assignment 1(a) must be submitted as a single Word document (.docx format is preferred, but .doc is acceptable) or as a single pdf file created from the original Word document. It must be presented in the following format:
| ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ | Size: Orientation: Font: Spacing: Pagination: | A4 (21cm x 29.7cm) with margins of 2.5 cm. Portrait. Times New Roman or Arial. 1.5-line spacing. Each page should be numbered in one continuous sequence. |
| ▪ | Headings: | Commence numbering from the page following the title page. Use appropriate headings and sub-headings for clear structure. |
| ▪ | Cover/Title page: | Place the cover page on top of the work. This should give your full |
| name, your student number, the title of the report, the course code | ||
| ▪ | File name: | and title, assignment number, and the word count. Label this assignment as follows: “Surname, Initial, ID, 110303A1” |
Marking guide of report
| CRITERIA | VALUE |
| Presentation ▪ Proper report format (Introduction, Discussion with appropriate sub-sections); Conclusions; Recommendations; References; and Appendices (if required) ▪ Appropriate referencing system (APA citation system) ▪ Correct use of language ▪ Consistent and coherent style | 10 |
| Evidence of research ▪ Genuine effort in gathering information ▪ Relevant material incorporated ▪ Appropriate acknowledgement of sources both in text and in the references section | 10 |
| Content ▪ Accurate portrayal of the company (coherence in terms of purpose) ▪ Critical analysis of identified issues ▪ Logical flow of discussion ▪ Well-supported arguments ▪ Consideration of accounting and other implications ▪ Valid conclusions and sensible recommendations ▪ Display of independence of thought and insightful opinion | 70 |
| Overall quality ▪ An overall assessment of the report (i.e., comprising all the elements above) | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Suggested format of case presentation
| Introduction (Background and problem identification) |
| A brief description of the situation and a clear statement identifying the issues to be addressed in the discussion/analysis section. Note that, in this section, you must clearly: 1. State the purpose of the analysis. 2. Identify the target audience. 3. Relate to your role; and ideally. 4. Provide an outline/agenda of your presentation. |
| Discussion and analysis |
| A logical in-depth analysis of the identified key issues and problems paying particular attention to the interrelationships among these issues, and the possible ways of resolving the issues. |
| Conclusions |
| A summary of what have been discussed. |
| Recommendations |
| A set of appropriately justified courses of action logically linked to the issues and/or problems discussed. |
Marking guide of presentation
| CRITERIA | VALUE |
| Delivery Clear, legible articulation Proficiency in using audio visual aids Gathering and maintain audience interest Good use of eye contact Logical flow with good focus on issues *Coordination among team members (Each member shall contribute.) *Appropriate handling of Q & A session [*Only applied to internal group presentations] | 30 |
| Structure Clear, organised structure Thoughtful approach Focus on key issues Relevant research incorporated | 10 |
| Content Analysis Critical analysis of key issues Depth of understanding Recommendations with justifications Logical arguments and flow of discussion Discussion of possible solutions/actions | 60 |
| Total | 100 |