BAM4052 Finance for International Business Assignment Brief 2026
BAM4052 Assignment Brief
| Module code and title: | BAM4052 Finance for International Business | ||
| Assignment No. and type: | CW1: Coursework (1,500 words) | Assessment weighting: | 100% |
| Submission time and date: | Week 10: Friday 19th June 2026 before 14.00 | Target feedback time and date: | Friday 10th July 2026 (with 15 working days). |
learning outcomes:
| LO 1: Set budgets within defined business contexts and use them to monitor and control organisational activity. (Task 2) – K, C, T |
| LO 2: Evaluate financial statements to determine the financial health of an organisation. (Task 1) – C, T |
| LO 3: Explain basic financial tools used in international finance. (Task 3) – K, C |
Assignment Task
This assignment consists of three (3) individual tasks that will collectively form your portfolio. Each of the three (3) tasks carries 30 marks, for a total of 90 marks from the tasks. An additional 10 marks will be awarded for the overall structure, presentation, and use of appropriate references in your report.
For each of the three (3) tasks, you should aim to write approximately 500 words. The content of each task should demonstrate your financial knowledge and critical analysis skills. Ensure you provide evidence-based arguments and support your points with relevant sources.
Task 1 (30 marks)
GreenBite Foods Ltd. is a company operating in the food and beverage industry, specialising in organic and ready-to-eat healthy meals. You are part of the Accounting and Finance team at GreenBite Foods Ltd. and have been asked to analyse the company’s financial statements.
a) Briefly explain the meaning and the importance of the following financial reports:
-
- Income statement
- Statement of financial position
b) Using the figures presented in these financial statements, fill in the blank cells. Please use the last three digits of your student number instead of XXX to complete your calculations in the statements. Calculate the following ratios based on the completed financial statements:
- One of the profitability ratios: either Net Profit Margin or Operating Profit Margin or Return on Capital Employed
- One of the liquidity ratios: Current Ratio or Quick Ratio
- One of the debt ratios: Long-term Debt Ratio or Total Debt Ratio
- One of the efficiency ratio: Accounts Receivable days or Accounts Payable days
Clearly show all the formulas and calculations for the ratios. Round the figures to two decimal places.
c) Analyse the company’s performance between the two years based on the results from your calculations. Discuss possible reasons for the changes in the ratios.
Please introduce the ratios, state their importance, and provide analysis based on the ratios.
The summarised financial statements of GreenBite Foods Ltd. (please note that these are not real statements).
Income Statement (Profit and Loss)
| For the year ended 31 December 2024 | For the year ended 31 December 2025 | |||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
| Sales revenue | 484,XXX | 528,XXX | ||
| Opening inventory | 30,000 | …… | ||
| Purchases | 206,720 | 248,800 | ||
| Less: Closing inventory | (16,400) | (17,400) | ||
| Cost of sales | (……) | (……) | ||
| Gross profit | …… | …… | ||
| Operating expenses | (109,600) | (136,800) | ||
| Operating profit (EBIT) | …… | …… | ||
| Finance cost | (12,000) | (16,000) | ||
| Profit before tax | …… | …… | ||
| Tax (20%) | (……) | (……) | ||
| Net profit | …… | …… | ||
Statement of financial position (Balance Sheet)
| As at 31 December 2024 | As at 31 December 2025 | |||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
| Non-current assets | ||||
| Property | 336,XXX | 340,XXX | ||
| Machinery & Equipment | 233,000 | 229,000 | ||
| …… | …… | |||
| Current assets | ||||
| Inventory | …… | …… | ||
| Receivables – trade | 95,000 | 117,600 | ||
| Prepayments | 13,080 | 13,160 | ||
| Cash | 61,600 | 56,000 | ||
| …… | …… | |||
| Total Assets | …… | …… | ||
| Shareholder Equity | ||||
| Issued share capital | 70,XXX | 70,XXX | ||
| Share premium account | 221,200 | 221,200 | ||
| Retained earnings | 197,880 | 177,560 | ||
| …… | …… | |||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||
| 10% loan notes | 120,000 | 160,000 | ||
| Current liabilities | ||||
| Payables – trade | 137,000 | 140,200 | ||
| Accruals | 9,000 | 4,200 | ||
| …… | …… | |||
| Total Liabilities | …… | …… | ||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholder Equity | …… | …… | ||
Task 2 (30 marks)
You are a financial analyst working in a medium-sized, privately owned company, QuickPrint Ltd., which operates in the low-cost printing and stationery industry. The company provides affordable printing, copying, and office supply services to individuals, students, and small businesses. QuickPrint Ltd. is planning to introduce a new range of budget-friendly customised stationery products for the upcoming back-to-school season. The management team has decided to allocate a budget for this project and wants to ensure that the launch is both financially viable and cost-effective.
As a financial analyst, you have been asked to prepare a budget for this new product line. Using the information and figures provided below, you are required to develop an appropriate budget and complete the following tasks:
a) Explain the importance of budgeting for a medium-sized company like QuickPrint Ltd.
b) You have been allocated a total budget of £130,000. You need to allocate the funds amongst the production costs, marketing costs, distribution costs, market research, and a contingency plan (please, see the details below).
Using this information, create a budget for this launch and justify your choice of allocation of funds.
Budget Allocation for QuickPrint Ltd.’s Seasonal SmartStart Launch
Total Budget: £130,000
1. Production Costs:
- Materials – Paper, ink, binding materials, and other stationery supplies.
- Labour – Additional staff for increased production demand; overtime for existing employees.
- Equipment Usage – Maintenance and increased use of printing machines and tools.
- Packaging – Simple, cost-effective packaging for stationery bundles.
2. Marketing Costs:
- Advertising – Online promotions (social media ads, Google Ads); local flyers and posters.
- Promotions – Student discounts, bundle deals, and limited-time offers.
- Social Media Campaigns – Content creation (e.g., posts, short videos); collaborations with student influencers.
3. Distribution Costs:
- Logistics – Delivery costs for supplying products to local stores and direct customers.
- Storage – Temporary storage for bulk production of stationery items.
4. Market Research:
- Customer Insights – Surveys targeting students and parents to identify preferences.
- Competitor Analysis – Reviewing pricing and product offerings from competitors.
5. Contingency Fund:
- Risk Management – Buffer for unexpected costs such as material price increases or delays.
- Flexibility – Support for handling lower-than-expected demand or operational issues.
Summary of Budget Allocation:
- Production Costs:
- Marketing Costs:
- Distribution Costs:
- Market Research:
- Contingency Fund:
Total Budget:
c) Assume that the company has now completed the launch of Seasonal SmartStart Project. The company’s actual expenses were as follows:
- £4,000 higher actual spending on Production Costs
- £4,000 higher actual spending on Marketing Costs
- £2,000 higher actual spending on Distribution Costs
- £2,000 higher actual spending on Market Research
- £0 actual spending on Contingency Fund (unused)
Using this information, conduct a variance analysis and discuss potential reasons for the variances identified. Provide recommendations for each area of concern.
Task 3 (30 marks)
You are working for a UK-based specialty beverage company – BrewCraft Ltd. – which produces premium coffee products and related equipment. The company is considering establishing a trade relationship with a supplier, AndesGold Coffee Ltd., in Colombia that provides high-quality coffee beans. As an intern in the finance department, you have been asked to analyse the challenges and opportunities associated with establishing this international supplier relationship. In your analysis, you should consider the following aspects:
- Discuss opportunities associated with establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
- Identify potential challenges and risks associated with this relationship and suggest ways to overcome the challenges and mitigate the risks.
- Based on your discussion and analysis, conclude whether establishing this relationship is beneficial for the companies.
Please note that your discussion should incorporate any relevant concepts and policies specific to establishing this relationship. Therefore, please consider the case of these two companies and their location in your discussion and avoid including overly generic discussion that can potentially be applied to any trade relationship.
Structure, Presentation, Referencing (10 marks)
In addition to the content of your analysis, ten (10) marks will be awarded for the general coherence, structure, presentation and using Harvard referencing in your report.
Your report must be well-structured and well-presented. The structure includes the orderly presentation of relevant material. In addition, the extent of the research is evidenced by the appropriateness and adequacy of in-text referencing.
The report should be presented in a clear and organised manner, with the following sections:
- Cover Page
- Include the report title, your name, student number, and the date.
- Table of Contents
- Provide a clear and accurate table of contents, listing the main sections and subsections of the report.
- Introduction
- Briefly explain the purpose of the report and provide an overview of the key topics to be covered.
- Main Body
- Present the relevant materials in a logical and coherent manner, with appropriate headings and subheadings.
- Conclusion
- Summarize the key findings and insights from your analysis.
- List of References
- Include a list of all the sources you have referenced in your report, formatted according to the required citation style.
Referencing and formatting
- The extent of your research should be evidenced by the appropriateness and adequacy of in-text referencing throughout the report. Ensure that you properly cite any sources you have used to support your analysis and findings.
- You are required to use the Harvard referencing style throughout your report. This includes properly formatted in-text citations as well as a comprehensive reference list at the end. Ensure consistency in formatting, tone, and referencing style.
- Proofread your work thoroughly before submission.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively showcase your financial knowledge and expertise in this portfolio assessment.
Word Count
Please note that the word count for your report excludes the cover page, table of contents, formulas and calculations, list of references, and any appendices. By adhering to these formatting and presentation guidelines, you will ensure that your report is well-structured, easy to follow, and demonstrates the depth and breadth of your research and analysis.
Total marks 100
Assessment Criteria
| 1, 10, 20 | 32, 35, 38 | 42, 45, 48 | 52, 55, 58 | 62, 65, 68 | 72, 75, 78 | 82, 85, 88, 92, 95, 98 | |
| Criteria | Fail | Marginal fail | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Not successful | Below required standard | Satisfactory | Good | Very Good | Excellent | Outstanding | |
| Task 1 (LO2) – C, T
Analysis and criticality and transferrable skills 30% This includes: Clarity of introduction (brief explanation) of the financial statements and their importance. · Accuracy of calculation of the ratio calculation over the two years. · Level of analysis and discussion of the main results in relation to company performance between the two years (analysis and criticality).
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The work shows a limited or substantially inaccurate introduction and understanding of the financial statements and their importance.
Incorrect calculation of the main ratios; significant mistakes are present in calculations throughout, or ratios may be missing from the calculation.
The work has very limited or no analysis and discussion of the results from the calculation of ratios in relation to company performance; there could be significant gaps in the analysis and discussion of the possible reasons for the changes in ratios. As a result, very limited analytical skills demonstrated.
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The work demonstrates insufficient introduction and understanding of the financial statements and their importance.
Inaccurate or incorrect calculation of the main ratios with significant mistakes in calculations; some ratios may be missing from the calculation.
The work demonstrates limited analysis and discussion of the results from the calculation of the ratios in relation to company performance; there could be some gaps in the analysis and discussion the possible reasons for the changes in ratios. As a result, limited analytical skills demonstrated. |
The work demonstrates a basic yet systematic understanding and satisfactory introduction of the financial statements and their importance.
Satisfactory calculation of the main ratios; some mistakes may be present in the calculations.
The work demonstrates satisfactory analysis and discussion of the results from the calculation of the ratios in relation to company performance between the two years, including the possible reasons for the changes in ratios. As a result, satisfactory analytical skills demonstrated.
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The work demonstrates a sound or good understanding and sound or good introduction (brief explanation) of the financial statements and their importance.
Sound or good calculation of the main ratios; some insignificant errors may be present in calculations.
The work demonstrates sound or good analysis and discussion of the results from the calculation of the ratios in relation to company performance between the two years, including the possible reasons for the changes in ratios. As a result, good/sound analytical skills demonstrated.
|
The work demonstrates a systematic understanding and introduction (brief explanation) of the financial statements and their importance.
Very good calculation of the main ratios; no significant errors are present in calculations.
The work demonstrates very good analysis and discussion of the results from the calculation of the ratios in relation to company performance between the two years, including the possible reasons for the changes in ratios. As a result, very good analytical skills demonstrated.
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The work demonstrates a highly accomplished systematic understanding and introduction (brief explanation) of the financial statements and their importance.
Excellent calculation and presentation of the main ratios; no significant errors are present in calculations.
The work demonstrates excellent analysis and discussion of the results from the calculation of the ratios in relation to company performance between the two years, including the possible reasons for the changes in ratios. As a result, excellent analytical skills demonstrated.
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The work demonstrates an exceptional systematic understanding and outstanding introduction (brief explanation) of financial statements and their importance.
Outstanding calculation and presentation of the main ratios; no errors are present in calculations.
The work demonstrates outstanding analysis and discussion of the results from the calculation of the ratios in relation to company performance between the two years, including the possible reasons for the changes in ratios. As a result, outstanding analytical skills demonstrated.
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Task 2 (LO1) – K, C, T Knowledge, understanding, Analysis and criticality and transferrable skills 30% This includes: · Depth of knowledge and level of articulation (explanation) of the importance of budgeting for a medium-sized company. · Logic and justification of the budget created (problem-solving). · Accuracy of the variance analysis conducted and discussion of reasons for the variances identified; recommendations provided. (analytical).
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Shows very limited knowledge and understanding of the main concepts. Very limited explanation of the importance of budgeting.
Budget is not created or not well-justified. The justification of the budget created is very limited or lacks logical explanation; very limited problem-solving skills demonstrated.
Variance analysis conducted may be inaccurate; and there is almost no discussion of reasons for the variances identified; no recommendations provided. As a result, very limited analytical skills demonstrated. |
Shows limited knowledge and understanding of the main concepts. Limited explanation of the importance of budgeting.
Budget is created but not well-justified. The justification of the budget created is limited or lacks logical explanation; limited problem-solving skills demonstrated.
Variance analysis conducted may have some inaccuracies; and there is limited discussion of reasons for the variances identified; limited recommendations provided. As a result, limited analytical skills demonstrated. |
Shows satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the main concepts. Satisfactory explanation of the importance of budgeting.
Budget is created and has satisfactory logic and justification; satisfactory problem-solving skills demonstrated.
Variance analysis conducted is accurate or mostly accurate; and there is satisfactory discussion of reasons for the variances identified; recommendations provided. As a result, satisfactory analytical skills demonstrated. |
Shows sound or good knowledge and understanding of the main concepts. Sound or good explanation of the importance of budgeting.
Budget is created and has sound or good logic and justification; good/sound problem-solving skills demonstrated.
Variance analysis conducted is accurate; and there is good discussion of reasons for the variances identified; recommendations provided. As a result, good/sound analytical skills demonstrated. |
Shows very good and systematic knowledge and understanding of the main concepts. Very good explanation of the importance of budgeting.
Budget is created and has very good and logical justification; very good problem-solving skills demonstrated.
Variance analysis conducted is accurate; and there is very good discussion of reasons for the variances identified; recommendations provided. As a result, very good analytical skills demonstrated.
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Shows excellent and highly accomplished knowledge and understanding of the main concepts. Excellent explanation of the importance of budgeting.
Budget is created and has excellent and logical justification; excellent problem-solving skills demonstrated.
Variance analysis conducted is accurate; and there is excellent and creative discussion of reasons for the variances identified; recommendations provided. As a result, excellent analytical skills demonstrated. |
Shows outstanding and exceptional systematic knowledge and understanding of the main concepts. Outstanding explanation of the importance of budgeting.
Budget is created and has outstanding and highly logical justification; outstanding problem-solving skills demonstrated.
Variance analysis conducted is accurate; and there is outstanding and creative discussion of reasons for the variances identified; recommendations provided. As a result, outstanding analytical skills demonstrated. |
| Task 3 (LO3) – K, C
Knowledge, understanding, analysis and criticality 30% This includes: · Level of understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies. · Level of understanding and analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these. · Clarity and logic of the conclusion drawn from the analysis.
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Very limited understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
Very limited understanding and/or no analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these.
Unclear and illogical conclusion from the analysis. As a result, the work shows very limited analytical skills.
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Limited understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
Limited understanding and analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these.
Not convincing or not very clear conclusion from the analysis. As a result, the work shows limited analytical skills.
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Satisfactory understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
Satisfactory understanding and analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these.
Satisfactory and somewhat logical conclusion from the analysis. As a result, the work shows satisfactory analytical skills. |
Sound or good understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
Good understanding and analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these. Good or sound and logical conclusion from the analysis. As a result, the work shows good/sound analytical skills. |
Very good understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
Very good understanding and analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these.
Very good and logical conclusion from the analysis. As a result, the work shows very good analytical skills.
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Excellent understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
Excellent understanding and analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these.
Excellent and logical conclusion from the analysis. As a result, the work shows excellent analytical skills.
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Outstanding understanding and discussion of opportunities of establishing the trade relationship between these two companies.
Outstanding understanding and analysis of the challenges and risks associated with this relationship and ways to overcome these.
Outstanding and logical conclusion from the analysis. As a result, the work shows outstanding analytical skills. |
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Transferrable skills (LO1, LO2): 10% This includes: · Structure and presentation of the work, including introduction and conclusion. · Clarity of expression and written communication · Quality and relevance of sources · Harvard referencing
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The work may be far too short. Unclear structure and presentation; not in a Report format; missing conclusion or introduction.
Expression and written communication need improvement.
There is very limited range of relevant and appropriate scholarly sources or no recent research.
Referencing style needs improvement; does not conform to Harvard style.
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The work may be short. Not very clear structure and presentation; possibly missing or poor conclusion or introduction.
Expression and written communication need improvement.
There is very limited range of relevant and appropriate scholarly sources or very limited/ no recent research.
Referencing style needs improvement; does not conform to Harvard style.
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Satisfactory attempt However, the work may be a little short.
Satisfactory structure and presentation; conclusion and introduction may need improvement.
Satisfactory expression and written communication, but there could be some issues with academic writing.
There is satisfactory range of relevant and appropriate scholarly sources and some recent research.
Referencing style conforms to Harvard style, but there could be some errors in Harvard referencing style.
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Sound or good attempt; word count is generally met.
Well-structured report and good presentation; conclusion and introduction.
Clear expression and written communication, but there could be some small issues with academic writing.
There is a sound or good range of relevant and appropriate scholarly sources and some recent research.
Referencing style conforms to Harvard style, but there could be some small errors in Harvard referencing style. |
Very good attempt; word count is appropriate.
Very well-structured report and very good presentation; conclusion and introduction are very good.
Clear expression and written communication, no major issues with academic writing.
There is a very good range of relevant and appropriate scholarly sources, and the work is informed by recent research.
Referencing style conforms to Harvard style.
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Excellent attempt; word count is appropriate.
Excellent report structure, presentation; conclusion and introduction.
Very clear expression and written communication, no issues with academic writing.
There is an excellent range of relevant and appropriate scholarly sources, and the work is informed by recent research.
Referencing style fully conforms to Harvard style.
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Outstanding attempt; word count is appropriate.
Outstanding report structure, presentation; conclusion and introduction.
Very clear expression and written communication, no issues with academic writing.
There is an outstanding range of relevant and appropriate scholarly sources, and the work is informed by recent research.
Referencing style fully conforms to Harvard style.
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