SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MGMT5601

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 2B
WEEKLY EXERCISES TOPICS 7-12

Introduction

During the unit students will be tasked to read and review the course notes and associated readings,
participate in the class and complete an assignment task associated with each topic.

Assignments will vary from topic to topic depending on the nature of the subject matter; however,
most will require you to complete a short answer or essay-style task addressing questions associated
with content or case study material provided in the course notes. Students may either complete each
topic and its associated assignment before moving onto the next week’s content or advance through
the topics at their own pace.

Description

There are six topics to be covered. Each topic should be addressed in approximately TWO pages.
Referencing (which is essential), should be placed into a separate “references” section at the end of
the document. Combine all six topics into a single document with a cover page and submit to the
LMS in PDF format.

Topics to be covered

Topic Task
Topic 7 Read the Kitsol Pty Ltd (see workbook) case study and prepare a report for the
owners that addresses the following:
• Identify the key weaknesses in their existing approach to human resource
management.
• What are the key things that the owners of KITSOL should consider if they
wish to develop an effective approach to human resources management in
their company, and create team-based operations.

Topic 8 Read the case study Accent Learning Pty Ltd (see workbook)
• What should Julie consider before making an application to a bank for
funding?
• How do you think the bank will view Julie’s loan application and would there
be any concerns for them in considering her case?

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Topic 9 Read the case study Kitsol Pty Ltd (see workbook) and examine their financial
statements
• Assess the financial performance of KITSOL so far, examine its break even,
gross profit and working capital requirements. What type of managers have
the owners been (e.g. excellent, good, bad or busy fools)?
• Prepare a dynamic balance sheet and a radar chart for KITSOL.
• Calculate the funding requirement for KITSOL and determine if the owners
can afford to fund a future planned growth strategy

Topic 10 Imagine that you are seeking to establish a new business venture and wish to
consider franchising in addition to a traditional independently owned and operated
business. Select your chosen business opportunity, and research it using websites or
newspapers. Prepare a short report for subsequent submission:
• Would a franchise offer a superior business model to a solo business?
• What legal structure would you need to establish to proceed with your new
venture and why?

Topic 11 Read the case study Buyer Beware (see workbook)

• What were the key mistakes (if any) made by Susan Taylor during the
purchase process of her business?
• What lessons does it provide that she should remember then next time she
purchases a business?

Topic 12 Read the case study Robotics Pty Ltd (see workbook)
• Prepare a problem statement for Robert and Claire that summarises the main
cause(s) of the difficulties that Robotics Pty Ltd has found itself confronted by
and explain why you have identified these as the main issues to be
confronted.
• Prepare a list of key things the Robert and Claire should consider when
developing a turnaround strategy for Robotics.

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Assessment Criteria

Students will be expected to demonstrate in each of these assignments that you have read the material
in the chapter and the supplementary reading materials provided in the course materials online
database; as well as attending the weekly lectures and listening to the guest speakers. Your answers
should reflect this reading through referencing. Each topic will have equal marks.

Marking Key for Individual Assignment 2B:

Ex VG G Av Fr In
Topic 7: Small firms and human resources
Topic 8: Financing the small firm (Part 1)
Topic 9: Financing the small firm (Part 2)
Topic 10: Franchising and legal issues
Topic 11: Buying selling and valuing the business
Topic 12: The owner-manager and the troubled
company
Evidence of reading, use of course notes and lectures
Grammar, spelling and overall presentation
Note: The Lecturer reserves the right to reward additional contributions not anticipated in the guide.
Ex-Excellent; VG - Very good; Gd - Good; Ave - Average; Fr - Fair; In - Inadequate;

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