Summary: it will demonstrate an understanding of the entire semester’s tutorials, lectures, allocated readings and additional research. Students will be required to choose a business case from three that are provided. Drawing on the entire semester, you will be asked to respond to the questions outlined for the case.
Task: Using material from lecture and any additional, relevant research, you are required to choose one of the three cases provided. These willl be available via Blackboard in Week 2. The critical evaluation will be written throughout the semester as more information becomes available, or at the end of semester. Also, you will have completed the online modules ‘Critical Thinking in Business’ and this should be evident in your work.
Submission: On Blackboard via Turnitin.
Assessment Criteria
> Introduce and summarise the chosen case study
> Critically evaluate the case using materials from tutorials, lectures and readings
> Provide evidence of additional quality research
> Use an academic writing style
**Reference sources by using the BSRG. Not doing so will incur a penalty.
Feedback – What, when and how feedback will be provided for this assessment
Students will receive written comments on their work, plus a mark and grade, via Turnitin. It is expected that assignments will be returned two weeks after the submission of the assignment, assuming an assignment is submitted on time. Opportunities for feedback are also provided during tutorials and tutor consultation sessions.
Select one of the following case studies:
Case study #1 – Bitcoin and the future of traditional monetary systems
Context
Bitcoin is a virtual monetary system that works without a central bank, is based on digital tokens without intrinsic value, and relies on a system of trust of users recording transactions on a publicly-available ledger. Major retailers are now accepting Bitcoin in exchange for physical goods purchased online, and its legitimacy as a currency has been recognised by authorities worldwide.
Questions
Evaluate the opportunities and/or threats Bitcoin presents to traditional monetary systems.
How might the regulation of the Bitcoin market have to change, if the use of Bitcoin becomes more widespread?
Case study #2 – Expansion of China Southern and its impact on the airline industry in the Asia-Pacific
Context
China Southern has undergone significant expansion in recent years leading to its dominance as Asia’s largest airline in fleet size and number of passengers carried.
Questions
Evaluate how China Southern established its competitive advantage in the industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
How has China Southern’s growth impacted other airlines in the region? How might national airlines such as Qantas or Singapore Airlines re-focus to remain competitive?
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Case study #3 – Misconduct of Commonwealth Bank financial planners
Context
Evidence has recently shown that financial planners employed by the Commonwealth Bank misled customers in the provision of advice between 2003 and 2012. It is estimated that thousands of clients were affected by this misconduct, and the Bank’s response has been deemed inadequate to date.
Questions
Evaluate the Commonwealth Bank’s response to this crisis. How would the response have been improved?