Question - Business Performance

Assess how Business Performance is measured, financially and non-financially, in your organization* and analyze its business performance.

Organization is InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

What are the key metrics? Which takes precedence - financial or non-financial measures? How do the metrics change as you look across and up/down the organization? How well does the finance/accounting function communicate with other departments? Does your organization adopt a balanced scorecard or do financial measures dominate?

Calculate a range of financial ratios and interpret the findings. How effective is the current performance measurement system in helping to guide the organization's progress? What are the implications from your analysis?

General hints:

Balance theory and application - Don't overdo one over the other

Use the results of your "research" - What does it really mean for your organization?

Focus on answering the question, the whole question and nothing but the question. - Write concisely

Assessment criteria -

- Understanding and critical evaluation of theory and frameworks

- Application of theory and frameworks in practice

- Methodology for gathering and using data

- Ability to evaluate critically, data and evidence

- Ability to draw insightful, evidence based conclusions

- Demonstration of learning from reflection on practice

- Report presentation and quality including referencing.

The assignment report should include

a) Within the 2,500-word count:

• an executive summary
• an outline of relevant concepts (eg: theories, frameworks and/or models)
• application of selected concepts, models etc to the chosen organization as the basis for diagnosis and analysis
• an outline of methodology, including discussion of the strengths and limitations of their approach to data collection and analysis
• critical evaluation and reflection on the concepts in the light of their application in the specific organizational context
• conclusions and recommendations for the organization - which should take into account the financial and other resources required and their practical feasibility

b) Not included in the 2,500-word count:

• a table of contents
• a references section
• other supporting appendices with data and background information as appropriate