Assignment 1 Remit

Programme Title	BSc Business Management
Module Title	Managing in Business to Business Markets
Module Code	07 32139
Assignment Title	“Firms need to be aware of and react to the fact that different positions within the value chain differ in their commercial attractiveness”. Critically discuss this statement, with reference to firms’ strategic value chain positioning and outsourcing decisions. Illustrate your answer with case evidence.
Level	UG Year 2
Weighting	50%
Lecturers	Lonsdale
Assignment Format	Essay
Assignment Length	1800 words at least The references list at the end of the assignment and diagrams do not count in the word count, but any text-based tables and appendices do count. Note that any assignments over the 2,000-word limit may receive deductions in their marks. No 10% leeway. The assignment should be properly presented, with a title page, sections (introduction, etc.), numbering and titling of tables and diagrams, and references.
Submission Format	Online	Team

Assignment:

What is sought from students is that they show they understand (a) what a value chain is; (b) the factors that determine the relative attractiveness of different stages of the value chain; and (c) how these link to a firm’s strategic positioning and outsourcing decisions. Of the three tasks, it is tasks (b) and (c) that are the most critical to the assignment. However, as a baseline, students are expected to show that they know what a value chain is and not confuse it with Porter’s work on the ‘internal value chain’.

In developing their arguments, students are expected to draw upon the core readings, notably those that relate to the competitive dynamics of a value chain and the tangible / intangible resource sets and capabilities that help to shape these dynamics.

In addition to covering the basics, a distinction-level answer might seek to provide an account of some

of the key constraints facing firms when choosing to strategically reposition, or indeed outsource their ‘non-core’ activities. With respect to the latter, this might include the impact of supplier opportunism on the make-buy decision (something which is addressed in the latter parts of the module).

Conversely, weak essays will be confused about the core concepts; be overly descriptive; show a lack of awareness of the debates around make-buy and positioning; make no attempt to address the practical limitations on operationalising strategic positioning/outsourcing decisions and/or fail to link their discussion to case material, a key part of addressing this assignment task.

Please also note:

Relevant cases from the module CAN be used in your essay, although you are also encouraged to find your own case examples if you prefer. In your essay, you can either illustrate your argument via one case firm or a number of firms.

Cases and diagrams taken from the module material should be referenced as follows:

Lonsdale, C. (2021) ‘Diagram name’, Module name, lecture notes, Session
Lonsdale, C. (2021) ‘Case name’, Module name, lecture notes, Session

Further guidance will be provided during the module

Module Learning Outcomes:

In this assessment the following learning outcomes will be covered:

Recognize the concept of the extended value chain;
Understand the factors driving firm positioning within extended value chains;
Understand and critique the boundary of the firm (outsourcing) decisions made by firms in extended value chains;
Be able to interpret case examples of firms operating within extended value

Grading Criteria:

Effectiveness in addressing task;
Quality of argument;
Use of evidence;
Use of

Feedback to Students: Both Summative and Formative feedback is given to encourage students to reflect on their learning that feed forward into following assessment tasks. The preparation for all assessment tasks will be supported by formative feedback within the tutorials/seminars. Written feedback is provided as appropriate. Please be aware to use the browser and not the Canvas App as you may not be able to view all comments.

Plagiarism: It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand correct referencing practices. You are expected to use appropriate references and keep carefully detailed notes of all your information sources, including any material downloaded from the Internet. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are not vulnerable to any alleged breaches of the assessment regulations.

More information is available at https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/as/studentservices/conduct/misconduct/plagiarism/index.aspx.

APA

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