Write a 2,500-word report critically analysing how the strategy of merger and acquisition is used in the energy sector during the oil price drop of 2014-2016.
Write a 2,500-word report critically analysing how the strategy of merger and acquisition is used in the energy sector during the oil price drop of 2014-2016. The report should include the application of two appropriate academic models. One academic model should focus on internal and external factors.
Background The period 2014-2016 has been a difficult time for the energy sector due to the oil price drop. Companies have had to achieve a balance between short term viability and maintaining their long term objectives and investments as the oil price drop has impacted on profits and spending on projects. During times like this energy firms consider different strategies which will help to stabilise or improve their position through either gaining access to new markets, technology or resources. Merger and acquisition is one strategy that is used in the energy sector. “The sharp decline in oil prices in the past year has put a damper on many big energy producers’ prospects, but that hasn’t kept them from joining the gusher of mergers-andacquisitions activity”. (Energy M&A Surges Despite Oil Slump, Mattioli, D and D, Cimilluca, The Wall Street Journal, 2015) Assignment Task Write a 2,000-word report critically analysing how the strategy of merger and acquisition is used in the energy sector during the oil price drop of 2014-2016. The report should include the application of two appropriate academic models. One academic model should focus on internal and external factors. The other model used in the report should focus on strategy. You should also consider the following when carrying out your research: ? The report should include appropriate energy examples of merger and acquisition deals during the oil price drop of 2014 to 2016, and should critically analyse the challenges and benefits of merger and acquisition as a strategy within the energy sector. ? The report should not analyse any ongoing merger or acquisition deals. Total Marks for Assignment: 100Page 1 of 5 Coursework Assignment Brief Semester: C16 Summer 2016 Module Code: POG303 Module Title: Strategic Management Programme BSc Oil and Gas Management Level: Level 6 Awarding Body: Plymouth University Module Leader Ann-Marie Laffey Format: Report Presentation: No Any special requirements: All work should be submitted on the Student Portal. Work to be submitted in a professional manner, and as directed by the Module Leader. Word Limit: 2,500 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway) Deadline date for submission: Thursday, 4 th August 2pm Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment (please note that this is NOT the assessment task) Analyse the internal and external influences on corporate objectives and strategy Percentage of marks awarded for module: This assignment is worth 60% of the total marks for the module Assessment criteria Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria Maximum marks for each section Page 2 of 5 Knowledge and Research (content, relevance, and originality) Clear demonstration of rigorous research from recognised authoritative sources. Audience focus. Meeting the deliverables. 35% Writing and Presentation (format, references or bibliography, and style) Rigorous use of the Harvard Methodology for citation and referencing; page numbering; correct display of direct quotations. 10 % Argument and Analysis (Critical analysis, evaluation, and application) Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion. Demonstration of a clear understanding of the issues. Use of academic models. Full articulation of ideas developed. Offering wellargued solutions and/or alternatives if and where appropriate. 55% Page 3 of 5 Background The period 2014-2016 has been a difficult time for the energy sector due to the oil price drop. Companies have had to achieve a balance between short term viability and maintaining their long term objectives and investments as the oil price drop has impacted on profits and spending on projects. During times like this energy firms consider different strategies which will help to stabilise or improve their position through either gaining access to new markets, technology or resources. Merger and acquisition is one strategy that is used in the energy sector. “The sharp decline in oil prices in the past year has put a damper on many big energy producers’ prospects, but that hasn’t kept them from joining the gusher of mergers-andacquisitions activity”. (Energy M&A Surges Despite Oil Slump, Mattioli, D and D, Cimilluca, The Wall Street Journal, 2015) Assignment Task Write a 2,500-word report critically analysing how the strategy of merger and acquisition is used in the energy sector during the oil price drop of 2014-2016. The report should include the application of two appropriate academic models. One academic model should focus on internal and external factors. The other model used in the report should focus on strategy. You should also consider the following when carrying out your research: The report should include appropriate energy examples of merger and acquisition deals during the oil price drop of 2014 to 2016, and should critically analyse the challenges and benefits of merger and acquisition as a strategy within the energy sector. The report should not analyse any ongoing merger or acquisition deals. Total Marks for Assignment: 100 Page 4 of 5 Marking Criteria for Assessment at Level 6 (Bachelors Degree with Honours) Marks 0-25 (Fail) 26-39 (Fail) 40-49 (3 rd ) 50-59 (2.2) 60-69 (2.1) 70-85 (1 st ) 70-85 (1 st ) Assessment categories Knowledge & Understanding of Subject Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of material at this level. Substantial inaccuracies. Gaps in knowledge, with only superficial understanding. Some significant inaccuracies. Threshold level. Understanding of key aspects of field of study; coherent knowledge, at least in part informed by current research in the subject discipline. Systematic understanding of field(s) of study, as indicated by relevant QAA subject benchmark statements for the degree programme. Good understanding of the field(s) of study; coherent knowledge, in line with subject benchmark, at least in part informed by current research in the subject discipline. Excellent knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and key theories/ concepts of the discipline(s). Clear awareness of the limitations of the knowledge base. Highly detailed knowledge and understanding of the main theories/concepts of the discipline(s), and an awareness of the ambiguities and limitations of knowledge. Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills (e.g. analysis and synthesis; logic and argument; analytical reflection; organisation and communication of ideas and evidence) Unsubstantiated generalizations, made without use of any credible evidence. Lack of logic, leading to unsupportable/ missing conclusions. Lack of any attempt to analyse, synthesise or evaluate. Poor communication of ideas. Some evidence of analytical intellectual skills, but for the most part descriptive. Ideas/findings sometimes illogical and contradictory. Generalized statements made with scant evidence. Conclusions lack relevance. Threshold level. Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and some attempts to synthesise, albeit with some weaknesses. Some evidence to support findings/ views, but evidence not consistently interpreted. Some relevant conclusions Evidence of some logical, analytical thinking and synthesis. Can analyse new and/or abstract data and situations without guidance. An emerging awareness of different stances and ability to use evidence to support the argument. Valid conclusions Sound, logical, analytical thinking; synthesis and evaluation. Ability to devise and sustain persuasive arguments, and to review the reliability, validity & significance of evidence. Ability to communicate ideas and evidence accurately and convincingly. Sound, convincing conclusions. Thoroughly logical work, supported by judiciously selected and evaluated evidence. High quality analysis, developed independently or through effective collaboration.. Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify reasons for contradictions. Strong conclusions. Exceptional work; judiciously selected and evaluated evidence. Very high quality analysis, developed independently or through effective collaboration. Ability to investigate contradictory information and identify reasons for contradictions. Highly persuasive conclusions. Use of Researchinformed Literature (including referencing, appropriate academic conventions and academic honesty) Little evidence of reading. Views and findings unsupported and non-authoritative. Academic conventions largely ignored. Evidence of little reading and/or of reliance on inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources. Academic conventions used inconsistently. Threshold level. References to a range of relevant sources. Some omissions and minor errors. Academic conventions evident and largely consistent, with minor lapses. Knowledge, analysis and evaluation of a range of researchinformed literature, including sources retrieved, analysed independently. Academic skills consistently applied. Knowledge, analysis and evaluation of a range of researchinformed literature, including sources retrieved, analysed independently with accuracy and assurance. Good academic skills, consistently applied. Excellent knowledge of research informed literature embedded in the work. Consistent analysis and evaluation of sources. High-level academic skills consistently applied. Outstanding knowledge of research-informed literature embedded in the work. Consistent analysis and evaluation of sources. High-level academic skills consistently and professionally applied. Page 5 of 5 LEVEL 6 cont… Graduate Skills for Life and Employment (e.g. researchrelated skills; written, graphical and oral communication skills; group working; problem-solving; practical and professional skills) Little…
