Research project

Task

The following collaborative research project aims to advise Small and Medium Enterprise Managers regarding Software Tools that support corporate decision-making.

The project requires you to work in groups, each group consisting of approximately 2 or 3 students. Please confirm your group composition and the topic of your selection with your lecturer.

Sub Task

Research 1-2 commonly used Software Tools that support corporate decision-making through modelling and analysis. Describe the growth of such tools in the past decade. You can use graphs, tables, case studies, as you deem fit, to present your case(s).

List and briefly illustrate at least 2 features of commonly used Software Tools that support decision-making. Decision making can include - statistical decision making and quality control, forecasting, simulation, inventory management, project management or any other area(s) of interest to you.

Professionally presented and referenced report, in your own words, as a PowerPoint with voice added to each slide.

Individual reflection on the group process, outlining team formation, communication, task allocaion, peer review and conflict management.

Making presentations and working in teams are important professional skills. As a graduate accountant with a Master's degree you are expected to be able to justify and communicate accounting advice and ideas in diverse collaborative contexts. In doing this assessment you are developing and demonstrating some of these skills.

Guidance for effective collaborative work is available in Resources.

Your report should be professionally presented, in your own words, as a PowerPoint with voice added to each slide. The voice addition that you make is your presentation to the business clients. It should not simply repeat what you have on the slides. Your presentation (5-7 slides not counting the slides with reference) needs to sell what you have researched.

Your research should include at least 3 references, such as the professional body articles as well as text books and peer-reviewed academic journals. Vendor websites are not appropriate sources of information for this task. Use appropriate referencing in your report.

Here are some resources you can use to help you prepare the best presentation. Only one team member need submit the PowerPoint presentation but each team member must submit a 250 word individual reflection on the team process.