Engineering Management II.

In our lectures we covered topics relating to the role of Engineers in management, industrial management, structure of business organisations, the external pressures faced by these organisations and we looked at financial aspects of a company.

Aim:

The aim of this work is to inquire into the Volkswagen scandal on diesel emissions. Write an executive style report detailing the impact this has had on the VW group? What will yourecommend VW does in order to recover from this, if at all possible, and what future safeguards need to be put in place?

Required Outputs (With hints)

A well presented executive report with the following sections and attributes;

1. A 300 word (-10%) executive summary. This information must be on its own page and be the first page after the cover pages. [10 Marks] (Hint: Your MD is a very busy person and has instructed their secretary to bin any reports from the managers that goes over 300 words and less than 270 words, if you fail in this aspect you would be sacked, in this essay you will score zero marks to reflect that scenario)

2. A 1500 (+/- 10%) word document that explains and presents your analysis of the task given to you and your conclusion. You may present graphs and charts to aid understanding. [30 Marks](Hint: Research about Volkswagen as a business and its associated businesses as well as the main players in this field. Your work must be original, quotes and citations are a waste of a senior managers time unless vital. But do remember to reference any facts & data you use from others. Contrary to popular belief, executive style reports have to be short, but must contain all relevant information. Every unnecessary or redundant word will cost you marks, yet a lack of fluidity and style will get you marked down. The challenge is to write something a non technical person with little time can read, yet understand the full technical details. )

3. A reference section which correctly points to the 1500word essay and is referenced using the Harvard system. This is not part of the word count. [5 Marks](Hint: your work must be original and this section lists all the references).

4. An optional Appendix where you can present your calculations if any are necessary [ Supports the 1500 word essay, so can help you score top marks in point 2 above]This is not part of the word count

5. Presentation. A well presented work is essential [5 marks]

Background Work:

1. Inquire about the history of Volkswagen and its market position. How did other similar scandals end?

2. Inquire into any competitors and any other external influences?

3. Use the resource on Harvard referencing on your portal

4. Refresh your knowledge on Executive style reports

Marking Criteria

1. Executive summary 20%

How well is the executive summary written? Does it deliver a punchy and assertive statement? Does it sell your work?

2. Originality of discussion and ideas 20%

How much of this work is your own in terms of ideas? Did you think of unconventional ideas, new things? What is the wow factor, how does it bring new ways of analysing things?

3. Argument Justification 20%

Is there a logical case to support your decisions? How convincing is it?

4. Compelling nature of style 20%

Is the report well structured and logically presented to make it easy to understand and compelling for the target reader? A good logical structure is essential to scoring a good mark; please note this is not an assessment of the aesthetic style, but the logic and selling of the idea.

5. References 10%

Is the work properly referenced in the Harvard style? Are there sufficient references? What is the quality of the references used? Avoid cyclic references!!

6. Presentation 10%

How well is your work presented? Is it catchy enough to steal the show in a subtle manner? Is it professional? This work is not a technical report, so despite good content it can fail to impress a non technical audience, so make sure you sell your work.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this assessment you would have met these learning outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the functions of the manager and his/her relation to technology

• Develop a deeper understanding on the need to provide leadership and motivation, co-ordination of authority and delegation and define the structure and methods of communication;

• Observe and reflect on the company’s business environment and the impact of its decisions on competition;

• Develop a greater appreciation on the importance of project management and the development of project teams with mutual trust;

Note: Plagiarised work and late submissions without a valid extenuating circumstances report will simply score Zero.

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