Assessment 2: A report - 2500 words (50%) This assessment tests the attainment of the following module learning outcome: b) identify the influence and impact of key economic concepts and factors on business; c) demonstrate an understanding of regional, national and international political, legislative and governmental factors on business; d) identify the impact of social, demographic and technological change on the business environment. Assessment 2 Task: Choose a UK firm. Using secondary data only (e.g. statistics, reports, published documents and press information), identify the major political, economic, social and technological changes that have recently occurred/are likely to occur in the future and that are important to your firm’s performance. Using relevant theories studied as part of this module, explain how these PEST factors are likely to positively or negatively influence the firm’s performance both in the short-run and in the long-run. Suggest ways in which the firm could respond to these macro-environmental changes. The results of this study should be presented in the form of a report (2,500). The following headings should be used within your report: • Title page • Contents • List of tables and diagrams • Acknowledgements, i.e. thanks to those • Summary, i.e. key points of the report • Introduction, including aims and objectives • Methodology • Findings/results • Discussion • Conclusions and recommendations • References Use a consistent font size, with a point size no smaller than 12 and at least 1.5 line spacing. Make sure your work is fully referenced (both in the text and through a reference list at the end of the text). If you have ANY doubts on this matter, please see a module tutor or the Study Skills Handbook or the Study Advice Service. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA • Adherence to the assignment brief • Evidence of independent thought • Ability to apply theory to practice. • Use of an extensive and varied range of pertinent, contemporary source material to support and illustrate points made. • Appropriate written expression, presentation and referencing. NB. The above assessment criteria for the report should be read in conjunction with ‘Level 4 Generic Assessment Criteria and Grading Descriptors’ presented below.