Business Decision Making: A Case Study

The assignment delves into the crucial role of business intelligence (BI) in informed strategic decision-making. It encourages students to analyze provided case studies and delve into relevant research papers that shed light on the impact of BI capabilities, decision environments, and analytical frameworks on organizational success. The focus is on understanding how BI transforms decision processes and contributes to effective outcomes.

Business Decision Making

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1....................................................................................................................................................3
1.2....................................................................................................................................................3
1.3....................................................................................................................................................5
1.4....................................................................................................................................................6
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................7
2.1....................................................................................................................................................7
2.2....................................................................................................................................................8
2.3....................................................................................................................................................9
TASK 3 ................................................................................................................................................9
3.1....................................................................................................................................................9
3.2..................................................................................................................................................11
3.3..................................................................................................................................................13
TASK 4...............................................................................................................................................13
4.1..................................................................................................................................................13
4.2..................................................................................................................................................13
4.3..................................................................................................................................................15
4.4..................................................................................................................................................17
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................19

INTRODUCTION
In the present time, it is the responsibility of manager to take decision by reviewing the
performance of the firm on a periodical basis. Moreover, monitoring helps manager in assessing the
deviations which take place in organizational performance. In this, by collecting data and evaluating
it on the basis of statistical tools business entity can determine the suitable solution of the issue
identified. The present report is based on the case scenario of Ann's college which is facing problem
in relation to the poor student numbers and declining sales revenue. In this, the present report will
describe the manner through which university can investigate the issue through the means of
primary and secondary data. Besides this, it will also shed light on the ways in which financial and
statistical tools help in decision making.
TASK 1
1.1
St. Ann's college is one of the main constituents of the University of Oxford in England. On
initial level it started as women college and now it offers educational facility to both male and
female. It has achieved the status of larger colleges in Oxford and offering educational services to
450 undergraduate and 200 graduate students. Progressive outlook, architecture and well-
established library is one of the main strengths of such college. With the aim to expand the services
Ann's college has employed the acquisition strategy. Annual review of 2013-14 entails that college
endowment was £37 million in such period. Cited case situation entails that numbers of the student
decreased to the large extent. Due to this, sales revenue of the college decreased to the significant
level which in turn hampers the overall performance of the institution.
1.2
Primary Data
To understand any issue or concern related to organisation primary data is preferred over
Secondary data in situation where sample size is manageable and reachable. Primary data collection
focusses on retrieving the data directly from the subject or individuals concerned (Sutherland and
Holstead, 2014). Ann's college should interview the existing students and those trying to seek

admission into the college to get the feedback and reviews of students and incorporating reasonable
suggestions into the functioning and administration of college. Researchers should closely observe
the patterns and examine the behaviour of students pursuing into the college for better
understanding the issues. Action research is applied exclusively and mainly into education sector for
continuous improvement of the process and methods involved and improvise the approach involved
earlier (Popovič and et.al., 2012). Organisation should also critically examine the case study if any
about a similar kind of situation faced earlier in same industry background which will provide a
clear picture to entity to overcome the current business problem.
Questionnaire would act as an excellent method for gathering information from 20 students
around which should contain set of printed questions with multiple choices and should be free from
ambiguity and personal bias of students to test and examine the opinion and preferences of students
of college (Craft, 2013). Studying the culture of students and college and their interaction as per
Ethnography would lead to successful research to derive meaningful information for existing
business problem. Longitudinal data should be preferred and collected from previous students
qualified from ANN's college to derive their suggestions and feedback regarding quality of
education and services provided by organisation and comparing the results with services provided
now.
Secondary Data
Secondary data is the data which have already been collected by some other user and is
readily available to an organisation for further usage relying on the terms and conditions under
which such data and information was collected and interpreted (Zolfani and et.al., 2013). Ann's
college should firstly and for mostly refer the earlier researches conducted by them if any to derive
most relevant information related to current business problem however in absence of any such
previous research, official statistics published by UK government or any other public authorities
should be relied upon. Statistics and figures published by top newspapers regarding youth and
students interested in courses offered by Ann's College should be viewed in newspapers such as The
Sun, Daily Mail, Metro, The Times etc. (Isik, Jones and Sidorova, 2013). Retrieval of Historical
data and information may be preferred to understand the situation of decreasing revenues and

downfall in number of students as well. Government reports published on periodical basis should be
used as a tool by researchers to examine the drawbacks and streamlining the current situation and
Web based information should be used to convert the present threat into opportunity and grab the
maximum attention of students seeking career counselling and promoting courses offered by ANN's
college.
1.3
Questionnaire
Demographic information
Name ….........
Age ….........
Gender ….......
Type of course in which do you enrol
Graduate ()
Undergraduate ()
1. Do you regular attend the classes?
 Yes ()
 No ()
2. Do you agree that each and every concept is presented by the lecturers in a clear as well as
precise manner?
 Agree ()
 Strongly agree ()
 Neutral ()
 Disagree ()
 Strongly disagree ()
3. Are you satisfied with the supporting notes or study material provided by the tutors?
 Satisfied ()
 Highly satisfied ()
 Neutral ()

 Dissatisfied ()
 Highly dissatisfied ()
4. Do you agree that knowledge level and skills of the tutors of Ann's college is highly wide?
 Agree ()
 Strongly agree ()
 Neutral ()
 Disagree ()
 Strongly disagree ()
5. Is environment of the college highly effectual and supportive?
 Yes ()
 No ()
6. Do you agree that library of the college has huge collection of the books and other articles which
are presented by the different authors?
 Yes ()
 No ()
 Neutral ()
7. From the following factors which one helps you in performing best in the examination?
 Supporting material or notes delivered by tutor
 Online lectures ()
 Library ()
 Own study ()
 All of the above ()
8. Any recommendation which do you want to give for further improvements
…........................................................................................................................
1.4
Sampling methods can be classified into two types Probabilistic and non probabilistic .In
Probabilistic sampling every individuals forming part of sample is having chance of being selected

through random sampling or systematic sampling or stratified sampling (Hacklin and Wallnöfer,
2012). Most appropriate method for ANN's college is random sampling according to which every
student is having equal chance of being selected therefore free from personal bias and would
provide accurate and reliable information to incorporate the changes suggested and preferred.
Researchers should select set (strata) of 20 students to perform research to closely
understand the issue of loss of revenue and lack of new admissions to the college enquiries and
interviews should be conducted on students to obtain information regarding their satisfaction level
and experience with the college (Sharma, Mithas and Kankanhalli, 2014). Random sampling is
preferred to choose a few students among the whole population of students pursuing education from
ANN's college to closely observe and derive information and finding out the way to enhance the
quality of services offered by the Institute and incorporating suggested feasible changes and
removing and outlining the competition by providing world class education and complimentary
services to students and faculties.
TASK 2
2.1
Mean, mode and median are the main statistical tools which help in evaluating the large data
set in a highly structured format (Provost and Fawcett, 2013). Moreover, mean present average
value whereas median represents the 50% figure of the data set. In this, by considering such tools
management of college can take suitable decision.
Computation of mean, mode and median
Marks (￡)
Number of
students (F) Mid- value(X) FX
Cumulative
Frequency (CF)
0-20 6 10 60 6
20-30 17 25 425 23
30-40 38 35 1330 61
40-50 53 45 2385 114

50-60 79 55 4345 193
60-70 94 65 6110 287
70-80 53 75 3975 340
80-100 25 90 2250 365
365 20880
Calculation of mean:
Mean = ∑FX/∑F
= 20880 / 365
= 57.21
Computation of median
Median = ∑F/2
= 365 / 2
= 182.5
This figure lies in the class interval of 50-60.
Median= L1+ [(N/2 – C)/F]* i (difference between the class interval)
M = 50 + [(365 / 2 – 114) / 79] * 10
M = 50 + 8.7
= 58.7
Mode:
Number of students (F) Mid- value(X)
6 1
17 1
38 1
53 2
79 1

94 1
25 1
2.2
From the above mentioned calculation it has been assessed that average marks which has
been attained by the students are 57. Besides this, 50% students got the marks of 58 which is highly
closer to the average numbers. Hence, out of 100, 57-58 marks has been generated by most of the
students. In addition to this, from the analysis it has determined that mode is 53. Hence, by
considering such aspect it can be said that Ann's college needs to make improvement in the existing
course framework (Mansor, Tayles and Pike, 2012). Along with, by giving training to the teachers'
college can deliver high quality services to the students.
2.3
Computation of standard deviation and quartiles
Marks (￡)
Number of
students (F)
Mid-
value(X) FX
Cumulative
Frequency
(CF) X^ FX^2
0-20 6 10 60 6 100 600
20-30 17 25 425 23 625 10625
30-40 38 35 1330 61 1225 46550
40-50 53 45 2385 114 2025 107325
50-60 79 55 4345 193 3025 238975
60-70 94 65 6110 287 4225 397150
70-80 53 75 3975 340 5625 298125

80-100 25 90 2250 365 8100 202500
365 20880 24950 1301850
Variance (S^2) = ∑Fx2 – ((∑Fx)2 /n)/ n – 1
= 1301850 – (20880)^2/365 / (365-1)
= 295.05
Standard deviation = √ Variance
= √ 295.05
= 17.17
Type of quartile Formula Figures
Lower quartile (Q1)
Q1 Q1 = ∑/4 = 365/4
= 91.25
Q1 = L1 + (∑F/4 – C)/F * i = 40 + (91.25-61)/53*10
= 45.7
Upper quartile (Q3)
Q3 q3 = 3(∑F/4) = 3(365/4)
= 273.75
Q3 = L1+ [3(∑F/4)-C/F]* i = 60 + (273.75-193)/94*10
= 68.59
Inter-quartile range (Q3 - Q1) 22.89
Correlation co-efficient
Number of students (F) Attendance (in weeks)
6 2
17 4

38 6
53 10
79 13
94 14
53 15
25 15
Particulars Training expenses Students grades
Training expenses 1 0.67
Students grades 0.67 1
The above table shows that student's performance is highly influenced from the extent to
which they attend the classes.
Month Training expenses Students grades
1 1700 40
2 3300 45
3 3400 50
4 4200 55
5 4500 60
Particulars Training expenses Students grades
Training expenses 1 0.94
Students grades 0.94 1

From the above mentioned table it has been identified that highly positive relationship exist
between the students grade and training expenses incurred. It presents that skills and competency
level of the teachers are significantly raised after the training session. In this way, training event
places positive impact on the grade level of students to the large extent.
TASK 3
3.1
Primary data analysis
Theme 1: Large number of students do not attend class on a regular basis
Particulars Views of respondents % of respondents
Yes 14 46.67%
No 16 53.33%
Theme 2: Students are not highly satisfied from the supporting notes provided by tutors
Particulars Views of respondents % of respondents
Satisfied 6 20.00%
Yes No
42.00%
44.00%
46.00%
48.00%
50.00%
52.00%
54.00%
% of res pondents

Highly satisfied 4 13.33%
Neutral 5 16.67%
Disagree 7 23.33%
Highly disagree 8 26.67%
Primary investigation presents that 53.33% students do not attend the classes regularly.
Whereas, only 46.67% students attend the classes so it may one of the main causes due to which
grades of the student decreased. Along with this, it has been assessed that students are not satisfied
with the notes delivered by the tutor.
Secondary data analysis
SatisfiedHighly satisfied Neutral DisagreeHighly disagree
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
% of res pondents

1 2 3 4 5
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
Graphical presentation entails that in each month training expenses of the college increased
to the great level. On the other side, performance grade of the students increased with the very slow
rate. Hence, institution needs to make on taking feedback from the students which in turn helps
institution in taking corrective action.
3.2
Trend line: It may be served as a forecasting tool which helps in making idea about the near future.
By taking into consideration such aspect college can prepare suitable framework for the near future
(Vitell, Nwachukwu and Barnes, 2013).
Training expenses
Students grades

0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
T ra ining E x penditures
S tudent G ra des %
From the above mentioned trend line it has been assessed that both training and students
performance will grow in the near future. However, as compared to the training expenses grades of
the students will not rise with the very high pace in the near future. Thus, Ann's college need to
make focus on other alternative ways to get the desired outcome or success.
1 2 3 4 5
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000 f(x) = 650x + 1470
f(x) = 5x + 35
Training expenses
Linear (Training expenses)
Students grades
Linear (Students grades)

3.3
Enclosed in power point presentation.
TASK 4
4.1
Decision Making is very much crucial and gains utmost focus of an organisation's
management as success or failure of an entity is wholly dependent upon the decisions taken by the
management.
MIS Management Information Systems: Effective and efficient strategic decision making
is prime focus of the information provided by MIS. Since an educational institution like ANN
college is a data hub of plenty of students and their information which requires collection,
organising, summarising and interpreting results therefore MIS plays a vital role in such an
organisation (Velu and Stiles, 2013). MIS is a modern tool application of which increase the quality
and reliability of information processed by college and increase confidence of users thereupon and
contribute towards removing manual errors.
Decision Support System: DSS is system wherein focus is placed on less structured
problem and decisions are based on managers' intuition and opinion. Since DSS supports flexibility
and accommodates changes n environment easily it is reliable and most suitable for ANN's college
as many innovations and new courses are added to the syllabus of certifications and qualification
offered by the college which will upgrade the quality of information supplied based on which desire
are taken.
Executive Support Systems ESS is an information system which provides easy access to
both internal and external factors which facilitates decision making at higher levels of organisation
(Woodside and Baxter, 2013). ANN college can use various kind of analytical tools to process the
information supplied by EIS to mould and interpret the combination of information provided such
as Financial Information, Work in progress, industry figures, sales, market trend etc.
4.2
Gannt chart and network diagram are the most effectual project management tools which
help business unit in monitoring progress and complete the assignment within the suitable time

frame. In this, Ann's college has undertaken project management software with the motive to assess
the path which it needs to follow while performing the business activities and functions (Zolfani
and et.al., 2013).
S. No. Description Activities Predecessor Duration
(Weeks)
1 Conducting primary research A - 3
2 Conducting training to the teacher B 5
3 Installation of equipment C A 2
4 Resource Preparation D A 3
5 Organizing class tests E D, B 3
6 Analyzing results F E, C 5
7 Quality control supervisor G C 1
8 Taking feedback from students H F, G 2

Critical path: 2 + 5 + 6 + 8
= 5 + 3 + 5 + 2
= 15 weeks
By applying project management tools and software it has been determined that Ann's
college will take 15 weeks to complete such training program or event.
4.3
Investment appraisal includes the number of techniques such as discounting and non-discounting to
assess the attractiveness and viability of the investment. In this, cited case situation presents that
with the aim to improve performance of the students Ann's college is planning to invest £80000 in
the training event. Hence, college undertakes payback period, NPV and IRR to determine the extent
to which such proposal will prove to be beneficial for them (Investment appraisal technique, 2016).
Calculation of payback period
Year Cash inflow Cumulative cash inflow
1 15000 15000
2 25000 40000
3 35000 75000
4 30000 105000

Payback period = 3 + 5000 / 30000
= 3 + 5000 / 30000
= 3.2 years
Computation of NPV
Year Cash inflow PV factor @ 10%
Discounted cash
inflow
1 15000 0.909 13635
2 25000 0.826 20650
3 35000 0.751 26285
4 30000 0.683 20490
Total discounted cash
inflow 81060
Initial investment 80000
NPV (TDCF – II) 1060
Calculation of IRR
Year -80000
1 15000
2 25000
3 35000
4 30000
IRR 10.56%
From the above calculation, it has been assessed that payback period of such proposed
investment is 3.2 years. Along with this, IRR and NPV of such project is 10.56% and £1060. Hence,

return which is associated with this project is highly lower as compared to the industry average.
Thus, it is advised to Ann's college to make focus on identifying other proposal rather than selecting
the existing investment worth of £80000. Moreover, out of 4 years Ann's college will take 3 years
and 2 months to recoup the initial investment. NPV offers solution by taking into account the time
vale of money concept. On the basis of this aspect college should select the proposal if they do not
have other alternative.
4.4
Business report
To,
BOD of Ann's college
Date: 1st December 2016 Introduction: Report will describe the causes due to which marks, grades and performance
level of the students decreased over the previous years. Along with this, it will also shed
light on the aspects which business unit needs to follow for enhancing the employee
performance. Methodology: In order to address all the issues more effectively and efficiently primary
and secondary investigation has been conducted by the scholar. Hence, survey has been
carried out by the researcher to gather primary data. Along with this, secondary data related
to students performance, achievement and attendance also has been gathered for assessing
the issue in an effectual way. Discussion and findings: From the primary investigation it has been assessed that there are
several students who do not attend classes on a regular basis. Further, outcome of the
primary investigation also entails that most of the students are not satisfied with the notes
delivered by the tutor. Secondary data investigation also presents that both grades and
attendance of students are highly related with each other. Along with this, most of the
students achieved marks below the range of 60.
 Conclusion and recommendations: From investigation it has been assessed that
performance graph of the students inclined with the lower rate. Hence, it is recommended

to the college to take feedbacks from the students on a periodical basis. This in turn helps
them in employing the suitable strategy according to the preferred mode of students.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been concluded that different methods have been undertaken
by the scholar to gather primary and secondary data. Besides this, it can be inferred from the
secondary data analysis that large number of students got marks below the range of 60. Further, it
can be revealed from the report that attendance is one of the main factors which has positive impact
on the performance level of the students. Thus, by considering this aspect it can be said that Ann's
college needs to frame competent strategies and policies to motivate the students for attending the
class. Besides this, it has been articulated that college institution should makes effort on evaluating
the other investments which in turn makes contribution in the attainment of organizational goals and
objectives.

REFERENCES
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