Business Decision Making and Information

This assignment delves into the complexities of business decision-making. It examines how individuals and groups seek information, the impact of informal learning, ethical considerations in decision processes, and the role of data science in driving informed choices. The assignment also touches upon the influence of authority delegation within firms and the effects of cloud technology on management accounting.

Business Decision Making

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Identify the sources of primary and secondary data .............................................................1
1.2 Survey methodology and sampling technology.....................................................................2
1.3 Questionnaire for the survey..................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Statistical summary of information........................................................................................5
2.2 Analysis of the data................................................................................................................6
2.3 Analysis using dispersion measures.......................................................................................6
2.4 Quartiles, percentiles and correlation coefficient..................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Graphs using spreadsheets.....................................................................................................8
3.2 Trend line chart....................................................................................................................11
3.3 Business presentation...........................................................................................................12
3.4 Formal Business Report.......................................................................................................12
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................13
4.1 Information processing tools................................................................................................13
4.2 Use of financial tools...........................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
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INTRODUCTION
Business decision making can be define as the action that has been chosen from the set of
alternatives available to achieve the organizational goals and objectives. It is the continues
process and helps to manage the business activity. In the present case the Thomas Cook a tour
operator and consultancy has to analysis of market trend, customer trend as well as customer
attitude. The sources of primary and secondary data required for development, survey methods,
sampling frame and strategies has been discussed. Furthermore the analysis of software tool that
has to be uses. Appropriate information processing tools and the new launch of the tour product
has been discussed.
TASK 1
1.1 Identify the sources of primary and secondary data
There are two types of data collection. One is the primary data and another one is
secondary data. Primary data is the first hand data which is collected as per the requirement of
the research (Ferrell and Fraedrich, 2015). The primary data is the fresh new data collection .
The sources for the collection of primary data are as follows:
Case study: It is used to have the detailed comprehensive understand of the consumer response
about the particular product or service. The Thomas cook can use the case study method to get
the primary data . He has to provide the case of the tour which he is planning to do and can
provide to the customers or the other people for the data.
Conducting survey: It is the common method that is used by every organization for the primary
data collection. It is the most popular method, the sample of population is been selected for the
information to collect.
Interviews: This method is used by organization to track the actual consumer experience for the
particular product or services (Zsambok and Klein, 2014). The question are framed and asked to
the people personally. It is the way through which the organization can focus on the consumer
response.
Focus groups: It is the source in which the research has been focused on the particular group for
the information. It is used to get the honest feedback or the suggestions from the customers about
a specific product and services.
Secondary data is the information which is already available. This is second hand data
which is used by the organization which is collected by someone else than the user. The sources
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for the collection of secondary data are government departments, organizational records or the
data which was originally collected for other research purpose (García-Peñalvo and Conde
2014). The information of facts and figure can be collected from the internet. The research can
be done on the basis of the available data and the new research can be done on the basis of
previous data. Thomas cook required the data for the purpose of doing research are as follows:
 customer profile
 preferences
 age group
 Buying behaviour
 attitude
1.2 Survey methodology and sampling technology
SURVEY METHODOLOGY:
Survey methodology studies the sampling of an individual unit among the whole
population, and the associate data. The collection techniques such as questionnaire construction
and improving the responds of survey (Pettigrew, 2014). The survey methodology has the four
methods to collect the information for the survey that are as mention below:
Personal interview: It is the most preferred method also known as face to face method of survey.
The survey is mostly used for the specific population which is targeted. The main motive of this
particular interview is to get the view of the people for the particular product or services.
Mail interviewing: It is the survey which is conducted by sending the questionnaire through e
mails to the people. It helps and make possible to reach all the people. The interview through the
questionnaire in which the questions are framed for the particular product or survey.
SAMPLE TECHNIQUES:
It is the techniques is the specific process by which the sample has been selected from the
entire population (Hartman and et.al., 2014). To conduct the research it is essential to identify the
research unit or sample of unit. The sample represent the entire population. Some of the sample
techniques are mention below:
Simple random sampling: It is the method which is used in research in which the sample units
has been selected randomly among the population. Any specific type of sample unit is required
or mandatory for the research then this techniques is good to use for the collection of
information. And in the present case it is used to analyse the buying behaviour of the people.
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Convenience sampling: In this method the sample unit is selected on the basis of the
requirement and the convenience of the research. Most of the organization used to prefer this
type of sampling units for the research to get the accurate information.
1.3 Questionnaire for the survey
Questionnaire:
Name:___________
Age:____
Gender:__________
 What do you think about the Thomas cook services ?______________________
 Do you agree that they are best tour service provider?
Strongly agreed
Agreed
Neutral
Disagreed
Strongly disagreed
 Are you satisfied with the services?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Less satisfied
Not at all satisfied
 Is tariff rate of Thomas cook is better as compared to competitor?
Strongly agreed
Agreed
Neutral
Disagreed
Strongly disagreed
 Will consumer get attract towards Thomas cook if they decreases their price?
Yes
No
May be
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 How much would you prefer cost of your tour package ?
£500 but less than 535
£535 but less than 550
£550 but less than 585
£585 but less than 610
£610 but less than 635
 How frequently do you travel ?
Once in a month
Twice in a year
Once in a year
Thrice in a year
Very rarely
 Below are the options as priority that must be included in tour packages at scale of 1-5.
1 2 3 4 5
Accommodatio
n on facilities1
30 20 30 10 10
Local guide 20 5 20 15 30
Packages
needs to be
affordable
20 25 15 20 10
Sports tour 20 10 25 15 20
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packages
 Give your opinion for the improvement of the Thomas cook
services.________________
TASK 2
2.1 Statistical summary of information
There are some tools by which the summary can be explained. Some of them are;
 Mean: it can be defined as the total average value to the value which is presented in the
given spreadsheet. So, in this case, the mean can be calculated by the sum of all the data
and divided that data to the number of respondents. The advantage of mean is that;
◦ It is very easy to calculate
◦ very easy to understand
◦ uses all the data to calculate
Mean = Sum of all the elements / total number of respondents
 Median: this can be described as the number, which is in the middle of entire data set.
The median can also understand as the division of bottom 50% to the top 50%. The
advantage of median is that (Shouzhen, Qifeng, Merigó and Tiejun, 2014),
- It help data scientist in identifying varied trends that exist in the data set.
- The calculation is not affected by the values which are outlying
Mode: It can be defined as the component or the value which is appearing very frequently
in that particular set of elements. The advantage of mode is that, it help one in identifying
hidden trends that exist in the data set. This will not get affected by the values which are
outlying.
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2.2 Analysis of the data
By the observation of the calculation done above, it will be very easy to analyze the
calculations; for question 2, this was showing the result in the form of mode and it is the number
5 which is repeating on the constant basis. So it is clearly visible that the most of the people are
highly recommending this tour package. Because they are finding it more adventurous. The
second number which was repeating on the constant basis was number 4. This shows that out of
90 respondents, some people will find this package interesting and they are recommending it to
the other consumers (Sutherland and Holstead, 2014).
By the data analysis of question 3, it was visible that people travel to these destination
very rarely. Because some of them are having the reason of work and the rest are finding it a bit
more expensive. But in some of the cases, out of 90 respondents, people will love to travel to
those place because they are finding it more interesting.
2.3 Analysis using dispersion measures
Some of the representative measures will only show the location of the set data or two set
of data having similar mean, mode and median. So for that, there are some measures of
dispersion, which can be used in the analysis of the given data;
Standard deviation: this is also known as the variance's square root or the difference
between that, which represents all the statistical information which was collected from the mean
calculation (Frey, Schulz-Hardt and Stahlberg, 2013.).
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From this data, it is clearly observe that most of the respondents have put the value as 1. one is a
very small value, which is not deviating or fluctuation very much. So this shows a standard or
very standard path which is followed by most of the respondents.
Range: It can be calculated by the difference between the highest value and to its lowest
value. To calculate range is very easy and can be understand quite easily. But there is a draw
back, it only consider the smallest and the largest values (Graham, Harvey and Puri, 2015). All
the other values are ignored by this. This can be hugely affected by the values which are too
extreme.
Semi-interquartile range: This is exactly half the difference between the upper values or
quartiles and the lower quartiles. It can be given as
semi quartile range = inter quartile range / 2
2.4 Quartiles, percentiles and correlation coefficient
Quartiles: This can be described as the one fourth of the information or the quarter of the
information, which can be calculated into four different segments. This can be used in
distinguishing all the elements or the data present into four separate segments which will be on
the basis of the data which is given. It will divide all the respondents into 4 parts.
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Percentile: This is basically calculated to identify the score of the tests which are non
preferred (Atkinson, Bayazit and Karpak, 2015). Percentile can only be applicable to numerical
data which includes income, sales and profiles etc. It can be given as
percentile = number of values below / total number of values * 100
The values of quartiles and percentile are almost same but it just have the change in the method
or technique used in the calculation. The percentile and the quartile range are almost on the
standard level as the opinion of most of the people remains same and it will not deviate from the
average value.
Correlation coefficient: This coefficient is used to establish the connection or relation
between two or more variable. This will be very helpful in defining the dependency of one
variable to another. This can be given as either zero, positive values or negative values. The
coefficient zero means the variables are independent (Ogunfowora, Bourdage and Nguyen,
2013). The positive coefficient can help in increasing one variable, which can helpful in
increasing the another variable. The negative coefficient is, when there is any fall in one of the
variable, which will eventually leads in the fall of another variable.
TASK 3
3.1 Graphs using spreadsheets
The spreadsheet is containing some of the questions, but the discussion and the graph is
only for 3 questions, which will be easy to understand.
Theme 1: Do you agree they are the best service provider?
Strongly Agreed 40
Agreed 20
Neutral 15
Disagreed 5
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Strongly Disagreed 10
Interpretation: From the 90 respondents, it is very much easy to say that Thomas Cook is the best
service provider in tours and tourism. There are majority of people who are agreeing on this
aspect. Some of them are not agreeing just because of the cost issues. They think that, the service
providers are charging some extra money. But all the things kept apart, Majority of the people
are agreeing that, they are the best service provider.
Theme 2: Are you satisfied with the services?
Very satisfied 50
Satisfied 20
Less satisfied 5
Not at all satisfied 15
Interpretation: From this we can understand that, there are about 50 people who are fully
satisfied with the services. 20 people are satisfied from the services. They found the services
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agreed disagreed
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

very good. Some people are less satisfied, and the remaining people 15 out of 90 are very less
satisfied. They are not at all happy from the services provided by Thomas Cook.
Theme 3: Is tariff rate of Thomas Cook is best as compared to its competitors?
Strongly agreed 35
Agreed 15
Neutral 10
Disagreed 20
Strongly disagreed 10
Interpretation: According to the statistics, some of the people around 35, thinks that the tariff
rates of Thomas Cook are best. Around 15 people will agree on that. Some people will remain
neutral on this. 10 people will strongly disagreed disagreed on that.
The graph will be shown below, by which one can easily understand that there are a
majority shifted towards the people who are strongly agreeing on this decision, that the rates and
plans of Thomas cook are the best in the industry.
10
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Less satisfied
Not at all satisfied

3.2 Trend line chart
Interpretation: There is a decline in the graph, which shows that, the market is in declining
phase. And in future also, this will be on the declining side.
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Strongly agreed agreed Neutral disagreed strongly disagreed
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Series1

3.3 Business presentation
This is enclosed in power point presentation.
3.4 Formal Business Report
To,
The Board of Directors
Thomas Cook Tours and Traveling
Introduction
This formal report is the way of presenting the overall experience of the consumers.
There are many positive outcomes from this and this can be seen by the feedback which was
given by the clients (Provost and Fawcett, 2013). During the tour, there were many ups and
downs, and the tour management faced a lot of challenges, but they have encountered all the
problems and made the tour successful.
Discussion
Thomas Cook Tour and Traveling organization is a well renounced and well recognized
organization in UK. They are organizing various tours and that too on very cheap affairs. This
will attract more number of travelers. The last tour of Thomas and Cook was a successful one.
There were around 90 respondents selected, so that they can identify the results of the tour. One
of the question was the quality of services (Craft, 2013). Majority of people have agreed on the
fact that Thomas Cook is the best service provider for the travelers. This will attract more
number of travelers, who are looking for their value for money traveling experience. Another
question was the fare rates of the services. So it can be seen from the graph that about 60% or
more people agreed. Thomas Cook tour rates are way cheaper than their competitors. But the
service qualities are better than the other people companies.
Discussion
Though, Thomas Cook is having lots of tour successful one, but they must provide more
offers and more benefits, so that they can attract more number of customers. They have to
maintain the quality of services as well and that too on low cost (Kouchaki, Smith-Crowe, Brief
and Sousa, 2013). This will keep their company a step above in the tourism industry.
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TASK 4
4.1 Information processing tools
To understand the system, one have to have all the information with him. He must
understand, what the information is telling and how to use the information. To process the
information, some of the tools are there which are very helpful in carrying the information
(Ahmadi, Khanagha, Berchicci and Jansen, 2017). The tools are as follows;
1. Maps: the maps are very crucial to show the information of any area. There are
several areas which can not be explained due to the confusion. There maps can be
very helpful. They shows the geographical features of any area. The data analysis
can also be shown on the maps. By looking at the maps and graphs only, one can
understand the process and its outcome.
2. Data base stores: This is another important which is used in collecting the data as
well as distributing the data (Smyth and Lecoeuvre, 2015). These database stores
are available online and there are many mediums by which one can access these
data stored in the system. The data can be of physical in nature or it can be of
negative in nature. Apart from this, the geological and hydro geologic information
can also be shown on these database stores.
3. Spread sheets: these are the large form of paper known as sheets. They are used to
show the calculation, which can be fixed to some target or any other values used
for calculating anything. To analyze the data, and that too concentric data which
is very confidential, spread sheets can be used.
4. Models: these are also one of the important aspect by which one can share the
information. If anyone want to show something which is used or will require
simulation or transport simulation, then models can be used. A prototype can be
made and all the calculation can be done on that. This will be very helpful when
the organization is making their final project or they are doing their final
calculations.(Provost and Fawcett, 2013).
4.2 Use of financial tools
These are the tools used in managing or planning the financial future. There are some of
the financial tools which are used here, so that it can be easily identified the future and planning
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of new tour will become successful or not. This will take all the market consideration into
account and then it will analyze the data and after that only the calculations were made.
Some of the graphs by using the tools are as follows;
Gantt Chart
This chart is generated in the software which will tell about the success nature of the plans,
which were done earlier.
The second chart is of the network diagram. This shows the critical path which was
followed by the organization in making the plan. This is also made on the software and the chart
was developed after doing all the calculations.
Network Diagram
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4.3 Project evaluation method
Table 1Calculation of payback period
Singapore Thailand
Initial
investment -100000 -130000
1 20000 -80000 30000 -100000
2 30000 -50000 45000 -55000
3 35000 -15000 50000 -5000
4 40000 25000 55000 50000
5 45000 70000 60000 110000
Interpretation
Payback period is reflecting that both projects of Singapore and Thailand will take same
time to cover investment amount. Due to this reason specific alternative is not picked on the
basis of payback period method.
Table 2Calculation of ARR
Singapore Thailand
Initial
investment 100000 130000
1 20000 30000
2 30000 45000
3 35000 50000
4 40000 55000
5 45000 60000
Total 170000 240000
Average 34000 48000
ARR 34.00% 36.92%
Interpretation
ARR reflect average rate of return in respect to project. Table reflect that on average
return of 34% can be gained on Singapore project and same in case of Thailand is 36.92%. Thus,
project of Thailand is profitable for the firm.
Table 3Calculation of NPV
Singapore
Pv @
10% Present value Thailand PV @ 10%
Present
value
Initial
investment 100000 130000
1 20000 0.909 18182 30000 0.909 27272.73
2 30000 0.826 24793 45000 0.826 37190.08
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3 35000 0.751 26296 50000 0.751 37565.74
4 40000 0.683 27321 55000 0.683 37565.74
5 45000 0.621 27941 60000 0.621 37255.28
Total 124533 176850
NPV 24533 46849.57
Interpretation
Net present value is 46749.57 for Thailand project and same is 24533 for Singapore
project. Hence, it can be said that Singapore project is profitable for the company.
Table 4Calculation of IRR
Singapore Thailand
Initial
investment -100000 -130000
1 20000 30000
2 30000 45000
3 35000 50000
4 40000 55000
5 45000 60000
IRR 18.04% 13.06%
Interpretation
IRR indicate exact gain that can be made on project. IRR of Singapore project is 18.04%
and same in case of Thailand project is 13.06%. Hence, it can be assumed that Singapore project
is profitable for company.
IRR and ARR are high in case of Singapore project and due to this reason same is
selected for firm.
CVP analysis
Table 5CVP analysis
Singapore Thailand
Fixed cost 80000 150000
Sales 20000 30000
Variable cost 5000 7000
Contribution 15000 23000
CVP 5.33 6.5217391
CVP value is high in case of Singapore project which is 5.33 and same in case of Thailand is
6.52 which means more customer need to be made in Thailand project then Singapore project.
Hence, it will be better to choose Singapore for investment purpose.
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CONCLUSION
From this report, it has been concluded that Thomas cook is the best company in Tours
and Traveling industry. There are lot of plans and efforts made by the staff members to make the
tour successful. After the tool, they always select some respondents and run a survey so that they
are able to identify the faults and defects in their tour. This will be helpful in their next tour. The
results has shown in the form of graphs which will be very helpful in understanding. Some tools
like standard deviation and quartile were used to find out, whether the thinking of people towards
the tour is positive or not, and most of the people were thinking it in a positive way. Thus, by
using all the financial tools and information processing tools, Thomas Cook can make their tour
better and more successful.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ahmadi, Khanagha, Berchicci and Jansen, 2017. Are Managers Motivated to Explore in the Face
of a New Technological Change? The Role of Regulatory Focus, Fit, and Complexity of
Decision‐Making. Journal of Management Studies, 54(2), pp.209-237.
Atkinson, Bayazit and Karpak, 2015. A case study using the analytic hierarchy process for IT
outsourcing decision making. International Journal of Information Systems and Supply
Chain Management (IJISSCM),8(1), pp.60-84.
Craft, 2013. A review of the empirical ethical decision-making literature: 2004–2011. Journal of
Business Ethics, 117(2), pp.221-259.
Ferrell, O. C. and Fraedrich, J., 2015. Business ethics: Ethical decision making & cases. Nelson
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Frey, Schulz-Hardt and Stahlberg, 2013. Information seeking among individuals and groups and
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García-Peñalvo, F. J. and Conde, M. Á., 2014. Using informal learning for business decision
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Graham, Harvey and Puri, 2015. Capital allocation and delegation of decision-making authority
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Hartman and et.al., 2014. Business ethics: Decision making for personal integrity and social
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Ogunfowora, Bourdage and Nguyen, 2013. An exploration of the dishonest side of self‐
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