Question 1
a) Compare and contrast the differences between a literature search and a literature review, when used to complete a literature survey, and explain how they can be used as part of an iterative process.
b) What questions should you ask yourself when planning to write a research report? Illustrate your answers with examples.
Question 2
a) Why should you reference other people’s work in a report? Give four reasons.
b) What three strategies can you use to blend source materials in with your own, making sure it is written in your own style and properly documented? Describe how you would apply each method.
Question 3
When completing an application for a job, you may be asked to give evidence of a previous situation where you have had to solve a problem. Briefly outline how you can use the STAR technique to structure your answer and demonstrate different skills and competencies.
b) When applying for a job, how will you know what the employer is exactly looking for? Give some examples of the types of information that you will need to be aware of.
Question 4
List the main types of commercial organization and describe some of the characteristics of each type.
b) Describe the difference between operating costs and overheads, and the different ways that companies may charge for overheads.
Question 5
A company has to lease industrial equipment for the manufacture of its products. It can either pay the lease costs up-front for three years, or it can pay it in annual payments at the start of each year. If the up-front cost is £24,000 for 3 years, or the alternative is an annual cost of £8,000 (payable at the beginning of each year), determine whether it is best to pay up-front or by yearly payments, over a 3 year period. You will need to take into account that the inflation rate is 5% per year, and the bank interest rate is 3%. To do this you will need to determine the Net Present Value (NPV) costs of each method of payment.
What would happen…