BUS5004

Business Analysis
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3

Question 1........................................................................................................................................4

Question 2........................................................................................................................................7

Question 3......................................................................................................................................10

Question 4......................................................................................................................................13

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................16

References......................................................................................................................................17

Appendix........................................................................................................................................19
Introduction
This report was prepared based on the business analysis, in which a person is required to explain
the many aspects of the organisation. In this report, each person is responsible for preparing all
four sections by responding to the corresponding four questions. All of these questions are about
the data gathering that the organisation does, including from which sources they do collect data,
how the organisation uses the data by sifting through thousands of data to discover the right data
and several additional questions along similar lines. The first section of the report requires the
person to provide a description of the organisation's population as well as the sample size, as
well as the method used to pick the sample size from the overall population. In this report, an
organisation is required to explain the circumstances in which they changed the work
environment by increasing the number of work hours and working days. In the second section of
the report, a person is required to explain primary research and secondary research, determine
which method is more efficient, and explain how the organisation would decide which method to
use to get information about the organisation. In addition to this, the differences between
elementary and secondary education, as well as their respective benefits and drawbacks, have
been discussed.
Question 1
Since its founding in 1884, the worldwide retail conglomerate is known as "Marks and Spencer"
has maintained its position as the most successful in the retail industry in the United Kingdom.
They have 78,000 people working for them in the organisation who are responsible for assisting
with the organisation's operations. Recently, management at the firm has been considering
extending the number of hours that employees are required to put in each day to meet the rising
productivity demands of the market (M&S, 2021). To conclude this issue, the organisation is
interested in hearing the thoughts and perspectives of its staff members who are now employed
by the organisation. For the company to learn about the employees' points of view, it must first
determine both the population and the size of the sample taken from the population. "Marks and
Spencer" can make a choice that is by the views of the employees based on the feedback
received from a representative sample of customers. There is no possibility of exerting any kind
of pressure on the worker to complete their task; rather, the organisation would make a decision
based on the outcome of an opinion poll or survey of the workers' opinions, and the outcome of
the poll or survey would be very efficient and accurate (Palepu and Healy, 2013). An
organisation has a team that is responsible for supervising the process of conducting a survey or
primary research to receive the findings concerning an organisational change. This team will take
the views of the employees who work for the organisation and collect them via a survey. A group
of fifty individuals has been assembled by the organisation to supervise the project of the survey.
These individuals will handle all of the essential assistance and things to ensure that the survey is
carried out well and does not produce biased findings or outcomes.

All of the people working at "Marks and Spencer" make up the population to fill out the survey
that the company is conducting. The word "survey" refers to the practice of conducting survey
research and competitive landscape analysis for a specific objective, whether that purpose
pertains to a person or an organisation (Cyphert, 2017). These individuals make up the target
group of people. An inquiry into the many capabilities possessed by the population being
targeted, including their investing qualities and their purchase opportunities. The employees of
"Marks and Spencer" are the subject of this study, and it is anticipated that the business will
implement several reforms as a direct result of the feedback provided by those workers. The
responsible group has to pick the sample size from the whole population to finish the survey
about the organisation.

A population is defined as an exhaustive collection of components that all share a consistent

parameter. This definition applies to research, where a population is defined as an exhaustive
collection of components. In this study, the term "population" is common parlance among all
participants (Haugen and Musser, 2012). It is a phrase that is often used to refer to human
populations or the total number of people who reside in a certain geographical area of a country
or state, who work in an organisation, or who do anything else. When referring to research being
conducted by a person, an organisation, or both, the phrase "population" does not always mean
human participants. Any data parameter that has a certain quality may be used for this purpose as
long as it satisfies the requirements. A sample is a subset of the whole population or a component
of the whole population that is chosen at random to be representative of the whole. When doing
any form of study, the sample is considered to be a reflecting representation of the whole
population. "Marks and Spencer," as a consequence of this, may state that a sample is a subgroup
or subset that occurs within the population (Horino and Miura, 2014). During this phase of the
investigation, the sample may be investigated to look into the characteristics or behaviours of the
data about the whole population. The process of producing data samples involves the use of a
variety of research methods, including probability sampling and non-probability sampling,
amongst others. The type of the investigation and the required degree of specificity both have a
role in determining the methodology that should be used for sampling, which in turn is
influenced by the form of the research.

The organisation formed a team for completing the task and the team decided to use probability
sampling to complete the assignment of writing this report (Qasim, 2017). So, they would decide
what would be the population and what would be the sample size and would continue the task
according to that. By the principles of probability sampling, the organisation decided to use
techniques of a random sample to collect accurate data for the survey. Because the organisation
would take into consideration the employees' points of view on the most current thinking
regarding the growth of the organisation's workday and work hours. Therefore, in this
investigation, there is a significant potential for erroneous findings to be obtained if the
organisation selecting the samples does so by systematic sampling or stratified sampling.
Therefore, the responsible party decided to collect 500 samples randomly from the population of
the employee (Mason, 2015). A questionnaire form has been produced by the responsible team to
continue the research survey to find out the outcome of the problem that the "Marks and
Spencer" Company is facing. The questionnaire may be found in the report's appendix where it
has been supplied for your convenience. The results of the questionnaire survey may be seen
below, along with an explanation of those results.

Result of Questionnaire
21
6 103
376
113
5 80
307
12
4 57
431
40
3 43
417
55
2 96
349
103
1 75
322
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Disagree Neutral Agree

Figure 1: Employee Responses

Based on the replies of the employee, it is possible to deduce that the majority of the
organisation's workforce shares the same viewpoint and is interested in implementing new
policies. Because workers in the workplace are interested in trying something different, and
because doing so would contribute to an improvement in the workflow's efficiency, The vast
majority of workers want to put in more hours or work on an additional day of the week since
doing so would increase their hourly wage. Because of this, the rate of organisational production
will grow, which will be beneficial to the organisation.
Question 2
When an individual collects data from the sources, which they have found out by providing the
highest effort and have to prepare the result based on the information is known as primary data.
In primary data collection, the data collector does not get information from one source, they have
to find out data from various sources (Paul Vogt, 2016). This kind of source is considered to be
more reliable than secondary data sources. This particular kind of data source is regarded as
having a higher level of reliability than secondary data sources. The gathering of primary data
might be carried out using a wide number of distinct approaches.

The overwhelming bulk of secondary data comes from various non-governmental organisations.
On the other hand, the term "secondary data" may also be used to refer to information that was
compiled internally inside a corporation and then utilised for a purpose that was unrelated to its
original purpose (Foster, 2012). In the next portion of this essay, both the benefits and drawbacks
of making use of secondary data will be examined in more detail. This is the only way to begin
the process of contextualising secondary data. Examining them is the next step that we will do.
Any information that was acquired for a cause that is not directly relevant to the activity that is
now being discussed is referred to as "secondary data," and the word may be used to refer to any
such information. Secondary data can originate from inside an organisation; however, it is much
more common for these data to originate from a source outside of the organisation. If it helps to
differentiate the two, secondary data is just the primary data that was gathered by another
organisation. They are less difficult to get than primary data, and they may be used more than
once to solve a broad range of problems (Primary Research Group, 2018). Even if secondary
data may be of less utility for a particular endeavour than primary data, they are often
nonetheless extremely well organised and possess a very high degree of accuracy. The following
is a breakdown of the key distinctions between primary and secondary sources of information.

The data that is obtained for the first time are the ones that are referred to as primary data. Any
data that has previously been compiled by another organisation is referred to as "secondary data,"
and falls under this category. This information is regarded as being one of a kind since the
investigator was the one who got it for the very first time. Since they were put together by
another person for their objectives, there is no way that they could be considered unique in any
manner. They are more reliable and relevant to the activity at hand as a result of the fact that they
were acquired particularly for the inquiry. Not only does the collection of primary data take a
large expenditure of time, but it also necessitates the use of resources. The collecting of
secondary data requires less time and results in lower expenses, making it a more efficient use of
resources.

Advantages and disadvantages of primary data

Humans do the research and collection of primary data, giving each of the areas they wanted to
examine the utmost focus and consideration throughout the process. As a direct consequence of
this, primary data tend to have a higher degree of precision than secondary data (Primary
Research Group, 2014). The majority of the time, individuals are more likely to rely on
themselves than on the information that is offered by others. The data that are produced are those
that are acquired straight from the source. This is because individuals depend on the information
that was created more recently and is more current. The knowledgeable individual who is in
charge of handling all of the activities associated with the survey is also accountable for
maintaining the data's confidentiality. The problem that was being addressed has been resolved
as a result of the participation of the individuals who were tasked with collecting the data.

The questionnaire ought to be easy to comprehend and not complicated. The researchers will
only have a chance of collecting replies that are accurate and dependable if the questionnaire that
has been produced is straightforward and easy to understand (Breen, 2019). Because of the
nature of the analysis, the presence of an experienced expert is required: It is necessary to have
an expert carry out the parts of the data gathering procedure that include strategy, technique, and
analysis since only an expert is equipped to make the whole research endeavour important by
supplying legitimate facts and information.

Advantages and disadvantages of secondary data

Secondary data often comes at a lower cost and may be obtained more straightforwardly than
primary data. Because of the comprehensive and ongoing nature of data collection,
administrative data sets often include a considerable number of samples (Breen, 2019). The fact
that the difficulties that researchers face and the goals that they want to achieve with their study
are both unique, in addition to the fact that secondary data is gathered in advance, implies that
the two do not align with one another. This is the most significant disadvantage of making use of
secondary data. For instance, a manufacturer of consumer goods is considering researching the
likelihood of expanding their company into the market for fireplaces that use coal as their
primary fuel source. The researchers were able to uncover a plethora of secondary data on the
general usage of fuelwood as well as the kinds of fuelwood that are utilised in each region. The
researchers were able to do this by conducting research in many locations (Macinnes, 2017).
They also collected information on the consumers' feelings towards the purchase of fuelwood
and the purchase of other types of fuel, but this information was obtained from second-hand
sources.
Question 3
In this section, a person is tasked with analysing the Marks and Spencer Company's income
statement to determine the company's mean, median, and mode (Ren Carmona, 2016). The
income statement is broken down into two sections: assets on the first, followed by liabilities on
the second.

A person has to investigate the Marks and Spencer Company's data to compute the company's
mean, median, and mode. The information can be found on the company's website. To do this, a
single person has compiled all of the information on the company's 2021 plans and will derive
the amount from those plans.

Current Assets

mode

median

mean

0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 30000

Figure 2: Current Assets

The following table provides the mean, median, and mode values for the company's Current
assets. The conclusion that the mean is 25142.86 may be drawn from the findings is supported by
the fact that this value can be arrived at simply by dividing the average value of the Current
assets (Ang, 2021). The number 6900 represents the median of the Current assets, which is the
middle number. This portion does not include any mode since the mode consists of the same
number across the whole amount. However, there is not a figure that is the same or very near to
it in the Current assets.
 Fixed Assets

250000
202000

200000
142500
150000

100000

50000
0

0
mean median mode

Figure 3: Fixed Assets

The following table provides the mean, median, and mode for the organisation's Fixed assets. It
can be deduced from the findings that the mean is 202000 by dividing the average total value of
the Fixed Assets by the total number of items in the sample. Figure 142500 is considered to be
the Fixed assets' median, which is the midway value. There is also not any mode since the mode
has the same number as the quantity, which means there is no mode. However, there is not a
figure that is the same or very similar to it in the Fixed assets.

Current Laibiliti es
18000
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
1

mean median mode

Figure 4: Current Liabilities

Additionally, the outcome of the present obligations is the same as it was previously. The mean
is 17000, the median is 7300, and the mode is empty since there are no near data or viable
numbers. The reason for this is that there are not enough data.

Non-Current Liabiliti es
250000

200000

150000

100000

50000

0
mean median mode

Figure 5: Non-Current Liabilities

The outcome of the present obligations is the same as it was previously. The mean is 210000, the
median is 25000, and the mode is empty since there are no near data or viable numbers. The
reason for this is that there are not enough data.
Question 4
The preparation of a company's MIS report follows an in-depth review of both the most recent
data and the most recent trend that has been seen in the market. It is the responsibility of the MIS
reporting system to provide the management with essential business information that may be
used for the formulation of difficult decisions (Mathur, 2012). Because of this, the administration
must have accurate data and information on the present state of the market to be in a position to
make a choice that is both prompt and well-informed. The report generated by the management
information system is an extremely important component in the overall improvement of the
organisation's performance, productivity, and profitability.

One may make an analogy between the function of the management information system (MIS) in
an organisation and the role of the heart in the body. The information serves as the body's blood,
while MIS acts as its heart. The function of the heart in the body is to pump oxygen-rich blood to
all of the body's tissues and organs, including the brain so that they can carry out their functions
(TAO, 2015). When there is a need for more blood, the heart beats more quickly and pumps
more blood. It processes the impure blood as it comes in, regulates and controls how much of it
is sent where it has to go and does it in the amount that is required. It satisfies the requirements
of the human body's blood supply both during routine operations and during times of emergency.

The management information system fulfils the same function for the organisation. The
administration has ready access to the important data because it is filed away neatly and
organised so that it can be retrieved quickly whenever it is needed. The management team is
responsible for developing projections as part of the strategic planning process and establishing
long-term objectives (O’brien and Marakas, 2016). Therefore, to develop a strategy like this, it is
essential to have accurate reports on the current trends in the market. The management
information system (MIS) employs a variety of mathematical tools to analyse the current trend in
the market and predict future trends based on such information.

The company's strategic planning relies heavily on the information that is provided in MIS
reports. It helps determine the future requirements of the company and in assisting in the
formulation of goals and strategies based on the information obtained (Sej-Kolasa, 2016). The
report generated by the management information system is also helpful in determining the
resources that are necessary for the company to achieve its goal. In addition to this, MIS
reporting incorporates an analysis of the current market trend as well as a forecast of the future
trend. Because of this, it will be extremely challenging for any company to ignore MIS and
reporting.

The MIS report contains information that pertains to all aspects of the activities that are taking
place within the company. Therefore, if any issue presents itself in front of management, MIS
reports are quite helpful in determining the root of the issue. In addition, management
information systems (MIS) and reporting may be of great assistance in resolving a problem of
this kind (Laudon and Jane Price Laudon, 2019). The company's objectives and overall strategy
are developed with the help of the appropriate information that is given by management
information systems (MIS) and reporting. In addition, the performance of the company may be
evaluated with the aid of the reports generated by MIS. Therefore, management information
systems are very important to the process of making the organisation more productive. The
database of management information systems (MIS) stores and manages the pertinent business
data and information of the enterprise. As a result of the fact that the MIS database can be
accessed at any time, it is possible to assess the progression of the organisation by comparing the
present performance of the company with its accomplishments from the previous year.

Therefore, the MIS department of Marks and Spencer Company can satisfy a diverse set of needs
thanks to the use of several distinct systems. These systems include modelling systems, query
systems, analytical systems, and decision support systems (Iyer and Chandran Vaidiki Velanadu,
2017). The operational data required for planning, scheduling, and control are provided by the
management information system, which is a helpful tool for the younger management personnel.
In addition, the Marks and Spencer Company's MIS assists the personnel mentioned above when
it comes to making choices at the operational level to remedy a situation that is now out of
control. Middle management receives aid with short-term planning, the setting of objectives, and
the oversight of company activities thanks to the management information system (Nazareth and
Choi, 2015). This is accomplished by the use of the management tools of planning and control,
which provide the necessary support. The management information system provides support to
upper-level management in the areas of goal formulation, strategic planning, the development of
business strategies, and the related implementation of those plans. The Management Information
System (MIS) is accountable for the generation of information, the conveyance of that
information, the identification of issues, and the provision of assistance in the process of
decision-making (Marble, 2014). As a consequence of this, the management information system
is responsible for performing a function that is critical for the management, administration, and
operation of an organisation.
Conclusion
For the organisation to decide on this matter, it is interested in listening to the ideas and
viewpoints of its current staff members who are currently employed by the organisation. Because
organisations think that their opinions would matter the most as they are the field level worker of
the organisation and would work for the organisation. For that, the organisation is setting the
population and the sample size of the population and the population would be the worker who
would provide the opinions for the survey. "Marks and Spencer" can make a decision that is
determined by the opinions of the staff members based on the feedback obtained from a sample
that is typical of all of the consumers. Someone decided to utilise the total amount of assets as
the foundation for determining the mean, median, and mode to determine what these values are.
The calculation of an individual's mean, median, and mode within an excel file is the single most
important thing that needs to be done to determine an individual's skill level and level of
comprehension regarding the application of excel. This is because these three statistics are used
to describe the distribution of a person's data.
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Appendix
Questionnaire

Questions Agree Neutral Disagree

If the working pattern of the company changes, what would be
your reaction of yours?
If the working day increases on weekly basis, what would be
your reaction of yours?
The organisation would increase the salaries based on the
regular rate; it would be effective?
Organisation thinking about to working hours in the day for the
full-time workers
Organisation thinking about to working hours in the day for the
part-time workers
Do you think overtime is effective for organisational
productivity?