Business Decision Making: Data Collection Plan for UKCBC Survey

This report outlines a data collection plan for a student survey at UKCBC College, focusing on gathering data to inform business decisions. The report details the methodology, including the selection of four campuses, a two-week data collection schedule, and a budget of £20. It employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires for primary data collection and secondary data from books, journals, and online sources. The sampling frame is based on simple random sampling, with a sample size of 50 students. The report further describes the design of the questionnaire, which includes closed-ended questions, and presents the survey methodology and sampling framework used. Additionally, it analyzes the data collected, computing measures of central tendency such as mean, median, and mode for select questions. The report aims to assess student satisfaction with college facilities and educational offerings, providing valuable insights for UKCBC to improve its services.

BUSINESS DECISION
MAKING

INTRODUCTION
Globalization has paved way for business organizations to gain success and growth.
However many challenges and difficulties also have been arises and it has become vital that
decisions and strategies for business should be formed by adopting strategic and innovative
approach. Decision making for business is a complex and critical process which requires
strategic approaches from the side of the entrepreneur so that required decisions for business can
be taken successfully. In addition to that it aids for making innovative and effective strategies for
performing the business functions successfully. Present report is based on UK college of
business and computing (UKCBC). The report describes about creating a plan for collecting
from students across all campuses. In addition to that survey methodology and sampling frame
presented has been mentioned. Moreover, a questionnaire has been designed for collecting the
data and summaries of data and information has been done in the report. Aim and Objectives
TASK 1
1.1 Plan for collection of data from students across campus
It is imperative that data should be collected from authentic and reliable data sources so
that required outcomes should be successfully gained (Ho, Xu and Dey, 2010). There are two
main methods that are used for gathering necessary data that is required for performing the study.
Plan for collection of data from students across campus is as mentioned :-
Location across all campus :- 4 Campus have been used for completing the study and the
campus are :-
1- Lords House
2 -Crikle Wood
3 -Park Royal
4 – Went worth house
Time/ schedule :- Data will be collected from the respondents in the time schedule of 2 weeks.
Cost or budget :- Total cost of £ 20 will be incurred for completing the study.
Methods to be used for collection of data :- The methods comprise of collection of primary
and secondary data. For collection of primary data, questionnaire will be used. This is comprise
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of close ended questions. Secondary data will be collected from books, journals and online
articles.
The sampling frame to be used :- Sampling frame is defined as source material from which the
entire samples of the study are drawn. The sampling frame for the present research will be
simple random sampling.
The sample size :- Total sample size for carrying out the research is 50 students.
Type of data : Both Qualitative and Quantitative data will be used for completing the study.
The resources to be used :- Resources that will be used for completing the study are Human
resources, financial resources and physical resources. Human resource includes individual who
will collect data from the consumers.
Anticipation of any risk :- There are probability that respondents might not answer the
questions properly that are mentioned in the questionnaire. other risks include loss of collected
data.
Primary data collection methods: - under this primary data has been gathered for conducting
the study in successful manner. Primary data is the data that is being collected at first time and in
this performance of the organization is evaluated. Questionnaire method in which questions
asked to the respondents proves useful for collecting all the necessary information in successful
manner. Along with this primary data collection method has been used for taking the information
from the respondents. It provides an effective medium that could be used for carrying out the
necessary activities of the institution in successful way (Vercellis, 2011).
Secondary data collection methods: - In this method use of secondary data is taken so that
required objectives of the study should be accomplished (Ho, Xu and Dey, 2010)). Data has
been collected from books, journals, online sources such as websites and internet. Use of various
non-econometric and econometric tools have been taken and it has helped for gathering
necessary information. Secondary information that is collected from different sources aids for
completing the study in effective and successful way.
Qualitative data :- It is defined as data that explains descriptive statements about a subject that
are based on observation. It is also known as Categorical data as in this information is grouped
into specific category. For example information about satisfaction level of students in UKCBC
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college is type of qualitative data. Qualitative data is analysed by themes that are prepared from
descriptions. This type of data is collected through participants observation and interview.
Quantitative data :- This data is concerned about discovering numerical facts and figures about
the selected subject and it assumes a fixed and measurable reality. Quantitative data is collected
through numerical and statistical tools and techniques. Example of this type of data includes age
group of the students in UKCBC college. Quantitative data is collected through measuring things
such as questionnaire and interview method.
1.2 Presenting the survey methodology and sampling framework used
Survey methodology :- It is defined as field of applied mechanics in which study of
sampling of individual units is done (García-Peñalvo and Conde, 2014). Various survey data
collection techniques are used under it and it helps for completing the survey in successful
manner. This methodology helps for identifying and selecting the potential sample members and
evaluating and testing the questions. For example, questionnaire and interview methods are type
of survey methodology.
Methodologies used for the purpose of data collection :- Methodologies that are used for
collection of data includes observation, questionnaire method and interview method (Solomon,
2014). Observation method is used for collection of primary data. In this method observer
observes the population and records the results. Types of observation includes structured and
unstructured observations. When the observations are characterized by careful definition of units
to be observed, style of observations and selection of observation than it is defined as structured
observations. Interview method is also used for taking response from the participants of the
study. Types of interview comprise of face to face interview, focus group interview and
telephonic interview. In the present study questionnaire method has been used for collecting the
data and information from the respondents of the study. Survey monkey and Social media
websites also provides an effective medium for collecting all the necessary data and information.
Sampling :- Sampling is a process used in the research study for taking out the samples from
entire population.
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Sampling frame used for the study :- sampling frame is a technique that is used by the
researcher for taking response from the participants of the research study. Simple random
sampling will be used in this study.
Simple random sampling :- In this type of sampling method Each unit of population gets equal
opportunity for being included in the population. This method provides for representing the
entire population and it is more efficient type of methods.
Quota sampling :- It is a sampling method in which representative group of individuals are
selected from a particular sub group.
Stratified sampling :- This sampling method provide medium for dividing the entire group of
population into homogeneous subgroups that are called as Strata. Every element representing the
population is divided into stratum.
Cluster sampling :- This type of sampling plan is used when mutually homogeneous groups
represents the entire population. Entire population is divided into subgroups which are known as
clusters.
Systematic sampling :- In this type of sampling method sample members from a large
population group are selected on the basis of random starting point and a fixed periodic interval.
In the present study Simple random sampling method has been used for taking response
from the respondents. Total 50 students from UKCBC college have been selected for completing
the study.
1.3 Designing a questionnaire for collecting the data
Definition of questionnaire: It is a set of written questions in printed form which is
designed for the purpose of completing the survey. It is a research instrument in which a series of
questions are mentioned with objective to collect the information from the participants of the
study.
Purpose of questionnaire: Major purpose of using questionnaire is to collect relevant data
from students.
In the present study scholar will make use of questionnaires method so that necessary
data for evaluating performance of UKCBC can be collected. Reviews of students about the
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existing educational performance can be taken. It will aid for gaining a meaningful insight for
ensuing that students in the organization should receive quality education so that their bright
future can be ensured.
SAMPLE SIZE :- Sample of 50 students from the entire population has been chosen so that their
opinions and views can be collected for carrying out the study.
Nature of questions :- Closed ended types of questions have been mentioned in the questionnaire.
Number of questions :- Total 8 Questions have been mentioned in the questionnaire.
. The questionnaire that has been prepared for taking views of candidates is as described
–
QUESTIONNAIRE
NAME –
AGE-
GENDER-
EDUCATION QUALIFICATION –
(1) From which age group you belong ?
1. 18-20
2. 21-24
3. 25-27
(2) Do you feel satisfied with the Education courses that are being offered at the college?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Can’t say
(3) Are you agree that there E-learning platform is provided in the college ?
1. Yes
2. No
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3. Can’t say
(4) Do you feel satisfied with the College facilities such as canteen, toilets and computer
labs that are being provided by the college entity?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Can’t say
(5) Tutors provide proper academic support in the classrooms. Kindly mark your
statement.
 Highly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Highly disagree
(6) There is need for making improvement in the quality of learning material that is
provided by the college. Kindly mark your statement.
1. Highly agree
2. Agree
3. Neutral
4. Disagree
5. Highly disagree
(7) Do you recommend this college to your family members, friends and other people who
are in contact?
 Yes
 No
 Can’t say
(8) Do You feel that modern facility that are being offered at the college are satisfactory?
1. Yes
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2. No
3. Can’t say
TASK 2
2.1 Computing measure for Central tendency
In the statistical tools there are different number of techniques are to be used by the
scholar in order to analyses about the research and business problem. Some tools which are
adopted in the current case for determine level of satisfaction of the students of UKCBC College
are such as mean, median as well as mode. The data are to be collected in the present case is
using the questionnaire and feedback from the 17 students of the college which are of the
ungrouped type. Moreover, calculation is also performed with the help of ungrouped collected
data and information. Further, calculation of such tools and techniques given as below:
Number of
respondents Q5 Q6
1 2 1
2 2 2
3 2 1
4 3 3
5 1 5
6 5 1
7 4 2
8 2 1
9 3 1
10 1 1
11 2 3
12 2 1
13 1 4
14 3 2
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15 2 1
16 4 5
17 2 1
Mean 2.41 2.06
Median 2 1
Mode 2 1
Mean: The value under which the scholar able to know average value of the data set which is
derived from the total 17 students of the college. By this the company or educational institute is
easily able to assess that on an average there are how much students are more agree as well as
satisfy from the services and education which provided to them by UKCBC (Nutt and Wilson,
2010).
Median: The other tool of measure of central tendency is median which helpful and supportable
to the scholar for dividing the overall data into two kind of equal parts. Another kind of measure
of central tendency is like as median where the investigator determine that what is the middle
and central value of the data set. Further, it helps to known that upper value from the median or
lower values are more better. On the basis of this, the college can know that upper the median
value college able to satisfy and attract the more students or lower the median value. On the basis
of this further decisions in the UKBC college are to be made.
Mode: Other measure of central tendency used in the current case is such as mode by which the
scholar can know that in whole data set there are which one value occurs often. The value or
number of those students who are more satisfy from the educational institutions are easily
assessed and known by the researcher (Pettigrew, 2014).
Satisfaction level of students in terms of knowledge provided by tutors.
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Mean 3.4
Mode 4
Median 4
From the current calculation it can be observed that, among 17 students, only 3 strongly
agree by the knowledge which is provided by the teachers or tutors of the UKCBC college. Only
4 students are those who often occur on the agreeness level by the education system.
Comments on the improvements in the method for providing teaching within UKCBC college.
Mean 3.4
Mode 2
Median 2
It can be said from the current computation that, majority of the students like to comment
on the UKCBC that, it has to make improvement in its system of providing the teaching to the
students. Apart from this, at the middle level only two students are there who gives same
comment.
2.2 Interpretation and analysis of the results
Mean: From the above mentioned calculation it can be analysed and interpreted that average
value of the whole data and respondents is such as 2.41 which shows that students are rely
between the agree and neutral situation. Most of the numbers of students are fully neither agrees
nor neutral and they are at the middle position. Apart from this, the 2.06 value of average shows
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that the students of college totally agree that college needs to improve its educational systems for
make them highly satisfied.
Median: It is not possible that every time available data will be in small scale and due to
segregate in equal two parts the current measure of central tendency is to be used. At the current
case, middle value of overall data is 2 which shows that most of the students and respondents of
the UKCBC college are agree by the knowledge which is delivered to them (Robert, 2010).
Apart from thus, as pert the second kind of theme or question it has been ascertained that the
more number of students are highly agree and thinks that method of delivering the educational
knowledge must be improve.
Mode: It can be clearly said that value of mode in first case is 2 and in the second question it
determines at the one. It indicates that most of the students are repeated on the second option that
is agree where they satisfy with the knowledge of education provided by UKCBC to them. On
the other side in the second condition it can be said that the students are often select option one
by which they wants that college must need to improve way of education services.
2.3 Computation of measure of dispersion
Number of
respondents Q5 Q6
1 2 1
2 2 2
3 2 1
4 3 3
5 1 5
6 5 1
7 4 2
8 2 1
9 3 1
10 1 1
11 2 3
12 2 1
13 1 4
14 3 2
10

15 2 1
16 4 5
17 2 1
Standard
deviation 1.12 1.43
Interpretation
The value which shows that from the generated outcome value of average or mean is up
to which extent deviate in the whole data set is identified as standard deviation. In the current
case both the value are deviate up to high level which is better for the college. It has been
analysed that in the first question most students are at the first option when in another kind of
question they are at the middle of first and second (Siegel, 2013). Standard deviation of both the
data sets like as question five and six is such as 1.12 and 1.43 respectively.
2.4 Calculating quartile and correlation
Number of respondents Q5 Q6
1 2 1
2 2 2
3 2 1
4 3 3
5 1 5
6 5 1
7 4 2
8 2 1
9 3 1
10 1 1
11 2 3
12 2 1
13 1 4
14 3 2
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15 2 1
16 4 5
17 2 1
Lower quartile 2 1
Middle quartile 2 1
Upper quartile 3 3
Correlation -0.055
Interpretation
By considering the current calculation it can be said that at two levels of quartile like as
lower and middle values are same in both the case which are such as and 1 respectively. Apart
from this as the level of quartile enhances in the data set then value also giving in the same
direction which is better and profitable for it. Upper quartile value in question five and six is
such as 3 and 3 respectively. Moreover, as per the correlation there are value comes at -0.055
which shows that if one variable will increase then second independent variable will reduce.
Hence, it can be said that between both the variable there is negative and week relations
(Siemens and Gasevic, 2012).
The quartile as well as percentile, these both the statistical tools or techniques helpful for
the UKCBC in order to segregate the whole available data set into four equal parts. When the
data set and items are too much huge and management not able to assess that information then
such mentioned tools are supportive in terms of dividing it among four parts. Through this, data
can be summarized in the proper ways which helps to UKCBC in terms of taking better
decisions. The reason is that data become short and summaries by which it can make proper and
effective analysis. When the data set analysed in appropriate way then management able to better
and real conclusion. Therefore, business decisions can be made by the firm in effectual way
which lead to enhance its capability for achieving objectives and goals.
Apart from this, correlation is helpful for the UKCBC in terms of assessing the
relationship between two variables. Among them, one variable is depended and other is
depended. Further, it shows that one independent variable impact on the depended variable in
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which manner or direction like positive or negative. After considering that, the company make
decisions that which kind of actions are needed to make it profitable within education industry.
TASK 3
3.1 Graphical representation of data
Are you satisfied with the knowledge provided by tutors in the classrooms?
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Column chart
Highly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Highly disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4
6
2
4
1
Bar chart
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4
6
2
4
1
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Pie chart
4
6
2
4
1
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Histogram
Interpretation and Analysis
By considering as well as analyzing the above mentioned analysis it has been ascertained
that level of satisfactions of most of the students agree by the knowledge which is given and
provided by the professors and staff in the lectures and classrooms. There are 7 students agree
that the education service and knowledge given by the staff in classroom is highly effective.
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Further, there are five among the 17 students are highly satisfied from the educational services
which are provided in the classroom of UKCBC college.
Do you feel that there is need for making improvements in the method for providing teaching in
the college?
Column chart
Highly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Highly disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5
7
2 2
1
Bar chart
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Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
5
7
2
2
1
Pie chart
5
7
2
2
1
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Histogram
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Interpretation and Analysis
On the basis of the above mentioned analysis as well as chart it can be clearly found that
total 5 students between the whole selected data and respondents are highly agree. They are
highly agree in order to improve as well as enhance the services which are given and provided by
the UKCBC to their potential and all the students. They think that if it will improve way and
method of delivering the knowledge then able to attract more number of the students and satisfy
them up to higher level. Moreover, total seven number of respondents between the whole agree
that the management of UKCBC needs and must require to improve the method for providing the
educational services as well as knowledge to students.
3.2 Trend line chart of the data for forecasting
In the graphical presentation there is one of the most important chart is trend line which is
adopted and used by most of the firms, business entities as well as the current selected college
also. Key purpose and requirement of the trend line chart is to forecast and predict about the data
which are it has in the company. On the basis of forecasting further decisions to make the firm
more profitable (Trkman and et.al., 2010). At the current case scenario, the UKCBC college able
to determine that at the further financial years it will be able to raise more number of students or
not. Further, trend line is to be prepared for the UKCBC which is shown as below:
Trend Line
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Line chart
1 2 3 4 5
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
5000
7000
9000
12000
15000
The above trend line graph or chart indicates about the number of students which increase
year by year. The trend of taking admission in the UKCBC by students is increasing in each and
every year which is profitable for it in the education industry. It has been analysed that at the first
year there are 5000 students which reaches up to the 9000 students at the end of third year. Apart
from this, in the fifth year ending number of students is such as 15000 which indicate that
UKCBC has effectual strategies to attract the students. It can be forecasted that in the future
years the UKCBC college will attract more students and number of students also raises in all the
upcoming years (Baepler and Murdoch, 2010).
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3.3 Power point presentation
3.4 Formal report
FORMAL REPORT
To: QAA
From : Sigita Gutiera
Date : 17/05/2017
Subject : A survey about student satisfaction and experiences at UKCBC
Presents report describes about the satisfaction level of the students of the college along with the
number of students. By doing survey with the help of questionnaire it has been analyzed from the
respondents such as students that they are agree as well as some highly agree between total 17 that
they are satisfy with the level of knowledge delivered in the classroom. Due to only agree to
enhance their satisfaction it is necessary to improve and enhance method and ways which UKCBC
adopted in the existing situation.
On the basis of analsying the second kind of questionnaire it has been indicated that most of the
students thinks as well as highly agree that UKCBC must necessary to enhance their method by
which at the current scenario it provide educational services to them. In the overall college of
UKCBC, very less number of students agree by the method and ways which are undertaken for
delivering and providing education to the students. Hence, it can be suggested to the management
of UKCBC that it needs to enhance its strategies and method of delivering the educational services
and knowledge up to the students. When the management of the education institution like UKCBC
will raise and make the system of education highly effectual and better, then easily able to attract
students. Each and every parent concerns that education needs to be highly effective which helps to
their children in order to make qualified and talented. Moreover, sales and number of students will
be enhance consistently which is sign of generating higher profit in further year.
TASK 4
4.1 Support for business decision making at strategic, operational and tactical level
It is important that business decisions should be taken so that growth and success of the
business can be ensured. There are major activities that are included for taking decisions for
business and it comprise of planning, organizing, scheduling, coordinating and controlling. It is
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critical that all the decisions for business all the decisions for business are taken at three level
and it comprise of these –
Information processing :- It is explained as procedure for processing the information by an
organism or by computer for gaining more meaningful information from the existing
information.
Importance of information processing tools :- Information processing tools are used in the
organization for handling and managing various types of data that are collected in the enterprise.
These tools helps for supporting the decision making at various levels of organization. The levels
includes Operational, Tactical and strategic level.
Use of tools at various levels
Operational level – In this level all the day to day functioning of the business is ensured and
decisions are taken for performing the required operational activities in successful manner. Line
managers are basically responsible for taking these decisions and it influence the people that are
working at lower level of management (Zimmerman and Yahya-Zadeh, 2011).
There are many decisions that needs to be taken and daily reports needs to be prepared
regarding sales in case of marketing business. Use of information processing tools is taken for
taking decisions on day to day basis and short term decisions are taken. For example Decisions
for managing the employees, ordering of goods, planning and scheduling daily activities, dealing
customer queries .
In addition to that cash positions should be completed on daily basis so that required
activities of entity van be performed without facing much challenges and difficulties. Future
objectives of the company can be achieved if operational level decisions are taken in effective
manner. These types of decisions are taken by data and information that is being collected
internally and less accurate decisions are taken for performing the functioning of entity.
Tactical level – In this type of decisions medium term decisions are taken and it support for
gaining competitive advantage for the business. short term plans for carrying out the business
Activities are needs to be completed. actual procedures that required to be completed are
undertaken at the tactical level and it supports for achieving the long term and short term
objectives of the business in successful manner.
Along with this these decisions are partly historic and partly that are taken on the basis of
future vision of the company (Kimmel, Weygandt and Kieso, 2010). Allocation of necessary
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resources is done on the basis of the tactical decisions that needs to be performed in the
company.
Strategic level decisions – These decisions are taken at the top management level and external
sources of data and information is used for taking the Overall goals, policies and objectives for
the business are determined at this level. For example decisions related to merger and acquisition
, decisions for opening a new branch and launching a new products are taken at this level.
Management support system- in this system collection of data and information related to various
departments of the organization is done and it aids for providing all the necessary information in
the form of reports. All the three level of management makes use of MIS and it aids for taking
effective decisions for the business.
Decision support system – it is also used for collecting necessary data and information that is
been required for carrying out the required activities of the entity in successful manner (Ford and
Richardson, 2013). Decision making activities of the enterprise are performed successfully and it
also aids for achieving long term and short term goals of the company by making effective action
plans.
TPS – This system is used for analyzing the detailed information of the company in successful
manner. It aids for taking effective decisions for the entity. Major elements that are included
under this are transaction, data capturing and database maintenance (Zsambok and Klein, 2014).
Conclusion: Information processing tools help for taking decisions for business in effective
manner.
4.2 Project plan
Network analysis :- It is explained as mathematical analysis of several complex working
procedures for planning and controlling the success of the entire project schedule. It is a
graphical diagram that is made up of specific configurations of Arrows and Nodes which
represents logical sequence of various tasks.
Importance of network analysis :- It helps for making use of some specific techniques
that are used for planning, managing and controlling the entire project.
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Project plan activities for UK CBC ARE AS FOLLOWS :-
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24
Illustration 1: Gantt chart

CRITICAL PATH ANALYSIS :- ACTIVITIES SHOWN IN RED WILL REQUIRE MORE
COST OF THE ENTERPRISE.
Critical path: 1 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 8
= 3 + 3 + 3 + 5 + 2
= 16 weeks
Conclusion :- By taking into account the above aspect it can be said that UK CBC will take 16
weeks to accomplish the project within the short time frame. All the activities that have been
mentioned under the plan required to be completed so that required outcomes can be gained
without facing much challenges. It is also critical that allocation of necessary resources should be
done so that activities ca be planned and executed (Vercellis, 2011).
4.3 Project evaluation using financial tools
Calculation of Net Present Value:
Number of years
Cash flow of
project Cost of capital @ 10% present value of project
Initial investment 15000
1 8000 0.909 7273
2 10000 0.826 8264
3 5000 0.751 3757
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Illustration 2: Network diagram

4 5000 0.683 3415
Total 22709
NPV 7709
Computation of Internal Rate of Return:
Formula used to compute IRR:
Year Cash flow DF@ 10% PV @ 10% DF@ 15% PV @ 15%
0 -15000 1 1 -15000.00
1 8000 0.909 7273 0.869 6956.52
2 10000 0.826 8264 0.756 7561.44
3 5000 0.751 3757 0.657 3287.58
4 5000 0.683 3415 0.571 2858.77
NPV @ 10%= 7709 NPV @ 15%= 5664.31
IRR: 10% + (7709/7709-5664.31)*15%-10%
= 10% + 3.77*5%
= 10% + 18.85%
IRR = 28.85%
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By considering as well as analysing the above calculation it can be said that management
of the college and firm must adopt and undertake the current project within the education system
(Internal rate of return and modified IRR, 2017). The key reason is that it provides positive
return and IRR which are like as 7709 GBP and 28.85% of the potential investment at the end of
four years.
CONCLUSION
By summing up the overall analysis it can be articulated that the UKCBC college has
problem in terms of satisfaction level of students and to conduct survey on this problem primary
data are collected using questionnaire. It can be said from the analysis thjat most of the students
are agree by the knowledge which is provided and delivered to them in the classroom. Apart
from this the students are highly agree and says that management must improve method of
education which lead to make them more satisfied. On the basis of trend line it can be said that in
the future number of students will be increase consistently. Further, it can be suggested to the
management that it needs to undertake the project due to having positive and better NPV as well
as IRR.
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