Assessment Information
Subject Code: MBA503
Subject Name: Operations Management and Decision-Making Models
Assessment Title: Organisation Crisis and Decision-making Models
Assessment Type: Written Essay
Length: 800 words
Your task
You are required to select a crisis experienced by an Australian organisation to use
as a case study. You imagine you are an expert consultant who works with
companies to improve their decision-making processes. You are asked by a
company which has recently experienced a crisis to review the decision-making
processes it employed and recommend ways in which it can improve in the future. In
your essay presenting your findings to the board of the company.
Assessment Description.
An organisational crisis is a significant, essentially unexpected event which threatens
the company’s reputation, financial standing and/or ability to operate. Examples of
organisational crises include; natural disasters, security breaches, fraud, product
recalls and environmental spills.
Assessment Instructions
1. Provide a brief overview of the company and its crisis (Approx. 50 words).
2. What decision-making models or approaches were used by the company
when managing this crisis? In answering this question refer at least 1 (one)
decision-making model which could have been followed. (The model must be
found from the lecture slides that I had attached)
3. Identify on a minimum of 2 (two) decision-making biases or errors might have
influenced the decisions made (See Week 8 Lecture). What could have been
the impact of these biases or errors?
4. Make a minimum of 2 (two) recommendations regarding the strategies that
could be put in place, in the future, to avoid your identified decision-making
biases or errors.
5. A short conclusion (Approx. 50 words).
6. Reading lecture slides are the must before you start writing.
7. A minimum of 5 academic references should be used to support the
statements made and arguments presented in this essay.
8. Refer to the Marking Guide below and try your best to follow up all the
requirements.
Assessment Marking Guide
Decision-Making Models (30% of total mark): Extensive, detailed, and in-depth
analysis of the chosen DM model – limitations and advantages apparent.
Connections between the context and the DM model thoroughly detailed. Academic
research and sources skilfully embedded and support the arguments being
developed.
Decision-Making Biases or Errors (30% of total mark): DM biases/errors
thoroughly and meticulously analysed. A deep, extensive and detailed connection
made between the context and the bias. Insightful reflections made re the impact of
DM biases/errors. Academic theory support and augments discussion.
Recommendations to the Board (30% of total mark): Discerning, thorough, precise
and measured recommendations included. Strategies logical with strong likelihood of
successful outcomes. Perceptive linkages between DM biases and
recommendations.
Structure (10% of total mark): Excellent structure, clear and logical progression of
ideas. Additional materials and qualitative reference used in the presentation support
and augment the position being developed.