Description

Regent College London

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

Module Code: 4003

Module Name: Business Environment

Assessment Number: 1

 

Assessment Type: (and weighting) Individual Coursework-written piece -3000 words (100%)

Assessment Name: Case Study Analysis for Navigating Market Challenges at British Gas

Assessment Submission Date: 26th January 2025

 Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1: Describe and apply economic models, data and concepts to real-word business issues.

LO2: Describe and analyse the regulatory framework and the legal constraints which UK businesses operate under.

LO3: Analyse the challenges businesses face in a globalised and hyper-connected economy.

Assessment Scenario:

British Gas is a leading energy provider in the UK, known for offering affordable energy solutions to millions of customers. However, the business is currently facing significant challenges due to intense market competition, rising inflation, and skyrocketing oil and gas prices. As a newly appointed Business Analyst, you have been tasked with analysing relevant data and recommending innovative solutions that align with British Gas’s strategic objectives for growth while maintaining its reputation for affordability.

Assessment tasks:

As part of your role, you have been provided with market data and trends by your line manager. The analysis will focus on understanding how British Gas can navigate through the following challenges:

  • Fierce competition within the energy market.
  • High inflation rates (which hit 10% last year), leading to increased cost of living for customers.
  • Record-high oil and gas prices affecting both costs and pricing strategies.

Using the data provided and relevant economic and business concepts, you are required to address the following tasks posed by your line manager.

Task 1: Application of Economic Models and Concepts (1500 words)

Explain and apply relevant economic models, data, and concepts to address the business challenges faced by British Gas.

  • Identify and explain at least two economic models (e.g., Supply and Demand, Price Elasticity of Demand, Cost-Benefit Analysis) that are relevant to the current market scenario and challenges faced by British Gas.
  • Apply these models to analyse the effects of inflation, high oil and gas prices, and market competition on British Gas’s pricing and profitability.
  • Evaluate government’s current intervention policies that affect British Gas (e.g. public investment, trade policy, tax breaks and subsidies).

Task 2: Examination of the Regulatory Framework and Legal Limitations (1500 words)

Examine the regulatory framework and legal limitations faced by UK businesses, particularly in the energy sector, and how these may impact British Gas’s strategy.

  • Provide an overview of the regulatory environment that governs the energy sector in the UK (e.g. price caps, environmental regulations, and consumer protection laws).
  • Analyse how these regulations may limit or support British Gas’s ability to respond to market challenges, such as adjusting prices or altering supply chains.
  • Provide recommendations for how British Gas can adapt its strategy to remain competitive in a global market while maintaining its core values of affordability and reliability.

You may use graphs, diagrams, and tables, were you feel necessary.

Secondary Research Source Requirement at Level HE4 – It is expected that the Reference List will contain between five and ten sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include one refereed academic journal and three academic books.

Assessment Preparation and Submission:

See section 12 of the module guide for Guidelines on the Preparation and Submission of Assignments.

Additional Submission Instructions:

You are required to submit a soft copy via “Turn-it-in UK” on the module Moodle page. The software will allow you to check your work against other material on the internet. It will also compare your work against other students work.

You will be able to upload your written work into turn-it-in as many times as you wish before the deadline.

You will not be able to overwrite the final submission after the deadline.

You can only submit a single file.

Advice:

  • The recommended word count is 3000 words +/-10%
  • Do not cut and paste phrases or paragraphs from published sources. You should seek to use your own words to explain concepts and theory.
  • If you wish to refer to specific quotes from published sources, then you must use full Harvard presentation.
  • Do not share work with other students.

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4003: Business Environment (January 2025 assignment)

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