ASSIGNMENT FRONT SHEET

Student Name:

Certification: I certify that the whole of this work is the result of my individual effort and that all
quotations from books, periodicals etc. have been acknowledged.

Student Signature: Date:

Student Registration Number:

Student email address:

Programme: MBA Year/Level: 1/7

Academic Year: 2024/2025 Semester: 1
Module title: Financial Insights and Business Intelligence Assignment no.: 1
Module code: BUS7B47 Word guide: 2,000
Percentage Weighting of this assignment for the module: 50%
Issue date: Return date: 12th December 2024 before
10.00AM
Lecturer: Taofik Adeosun Second marker:

Notes for students:

1. Electronic copy of assignment must be submitted through the Turnitin software.
2. This assignment will be marked electronically and results available online through
Grademark in Turnitin within 3 weeks of the submission date.
3. 10% of marks are awarded for satisfactory use of language and/or good presentation.
4. 5% of marks are awarded for satisfactory referencing and/or presentation of a bibliography
where either is required. Note that all referenced work should be obtained from credible
sources.
5. Students should ensure that they comply with Wrexham University’s plagiarism policy.
6. Students should make correct use of the Wrexham University Harvard referencing method.

Learning Outcomes Tested in this Assignment:

1) Present critical insights of the finance functions in an organisation.

2) Apply appropriate financial analysis and make recommendations on capital

structures, business valuation and investment alternatives available to an
organisation.

4) Critically evaluate financial performance of an organisation

 Mark (%)

Would students please note that achievement of the learning outcomes for this assessment is
demonstrated against the assessment criteria shown below (which are not necessarily weighted equally).
All marks/grades remain indicative until they have been considered and confirmed by the Assessment
Board

Assignment 1

Apple’s income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement are provided
below for the years 2021, 2022, 2023 in Exhibit 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
You are a financial wealth manager, and your manager has asked you to do the following:

Question A

Calculate 3 liquidity ratios, 3 efficiency ratios, and 3 payable ratios. Please put your
workings and results in a table. Your table should fit on to one page. Within your
table state the equation you have used. In 500 words, critically evaluate how you
would improve each ratio you have calculated.

(25 marks)

Question B

Based on the below Appendix. Forecast the ratios you have calculated above by 3
years. Show your new income and balance sheet in an appendix. using an
appropriate forecasting method. Please provide graphs to show how the forecast
develops compared to prior years. Please list the assumptions you use in bullet
points. Please list the limitations of your model in bullet points.

(50 marks)
Question C2011

Critically discuss how rising inflation, and lowering interest rates will affect apple’s
financial statements.

(10 marks).

In your assignment. Clearly show Question A, B and C in a separate section. State at

the top of each question how many words are included within each section.
There are 5 marks for referencing, 5 marks for presentation, and 5 marks for
grammatical accuracy.

88

Exhibit 1. Apple Income statement 2020-2023 ($ Millions)

2021 2022 2023

Net product Sales 94,665 79,268 70,080
Net service Sales 41,322 27,738 18,908
Total net sales 135,987 107,006 88,988
Operating expenses
Cost of sales 88,265 72,651 62,752
Fulfillment 17,619 13,410 10,766
Marketing 7,233 5,254 4,332
Technology and content 16,085 12,540 9,275
General and admin 2,432 1,747 1,552
Other operating expense 167 171 133
Total operating expense 131,801 104,773 88,810
Operating income 4,186 2,233 178
Interest income 100 50 39
Interest expense (484) (459) (210)
Other income (expense) 90 (256) (118)
Total non operating income (294) (665) (289)
Income (loss) before income taxes 3,892 1,568 (111)
Provision for Income taxes (1,425) (950) (167)
Equity method investment activity (96) (22) 37
Net income (loss) 2,371 596 (241)
Exhibit 2. Apple’s Balance statement 2020-2023 ($ Millions)

2021 2022 2023

Current assets
Cash and cash 19,334 15,890 45781+14,557
equivalents
Marketable securities 6,647 3,918 6,859
Inventories 11,461 10,243 8,299
Accounts Receivable 8,339 10,654 5,612
Total current Assets 45,781 35,705 31,327
PP&E 29,114 21,838 16,967
Good Will 3,784 3,759 3,319
Other Assets 9,723 3,445 2,892
Total Assets 88,402 69,747 58,505
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 25,309 20,397 15,459
Accrued expenses 13,739 10,372 9,807
Unearned revenue 4,768 3,118 1,823
Total current liabilities 43,816 33,887 28,089
Long Term debt 7,694 8,227 8,265
Other long-term 12,607 9,249 7,410
liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock 5 5 5
Treasury stock (1,837) (1,837) (1,837)
Additional paid-in 23,186 17,394 15,135
capital
Other comprehensive (985) (723) (511)
loss
Retained earnings 4,916 2,545 1,949
Total stockholder 19,285 13,384 10,741
equity
Total liabilities and 88,402 69,747 58,505
equity
Exhibit 3: Cash flow statement 2020-2023

2021 2022 2023

Cash and cash 94,665 79,268 70,080
equivalents, beginning
of period
Operating activities
Net income (loss) 2,371 596 (241)
Adjustments to
reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash from
operating activities:
Depreciation of PP&E 8,116 6,281 4,746
Stock-based 2,976 2,119 1,497
compensation

Other operating 1,060 155 129

expense
Other expense (20) 250 59
(income)
Deferred income taxes (246) 81 (316)
Excess tax benefits (829) (119) (6)
from stock based
compensation
Changes in operating
assets and liabilities
Inventories (1,426) (2,187) (1,193)
Accounts receivable (3,367) (1,755) (1,039)
Accounts payable 5,030 4,294 1,759
Accrued expenses 1,724 913 706
Additions to unearned 11,931 7,401 4,433
revenue
Amortisation of (9,976) (6,109) (3,692)
unearned revenue
Net cash provided by 17,443 11,920 6,842
operating activities
Investing activities
Purchases of PP&E (6,737) (4,589) (4,893)
Acquisitions net of cash (116) (795) (979)
Sales of marketable 4,733 3,025 3,349
securities
Purchases of securities (7,756) (4,091) (2,542)
Net cash provided by (8,876) (6,450) (5,065)
investing activities
 2021 2022 2023
Financing activities
Excess tax benefits 829 119 6
from stock-based
compensation
Proceeds of debt 621 353 6,359
issuance
Repayment of long- (354) (1,652) (513)
term debt
Repayment of capital (3,860) (2,462) (1,285)
leases
Repayment of finance (147) (121) (135)
lease
Net cash provided by (1,911) (3,763) 4,432
financing
Foreign currency effect (212) (374) (310)
on cash
Net increase (decrease) 4,444 1,333 5,899
in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash 19,334 15,890 14,557
Equivalents end of
period
 Marks Marks
Assessment Criteria
Awarded Available

25
1 Historical performance of Apple

50
2 Forecasting ratios and financial statements

10
3 Interest rates and inflation evaluation
Wide ranging references with the correct use of the
4 5
Wrexham Harvard System

Quality of the written work. Clear structure to the work 10

5 and correct spelling was used throughout.
Additional Comments from Second marker or External Examiner (if required):
Assessment Rubric: Level 7

Grade 0 1-29% 30-39% 40 – 49% 50 – 59% 60 – 69% 70 – 79% 80 – 90% 90-100% Total
Boundaries
%
Learning Unsatisfactory Minimum Satisfactory Fairly good Good Excellent Exceptional Outstanding
outcome: (insert (insert (insert (insert (insert (insert (insert learning (insert learning
learning learning learning learning learning learning outcome) outcome)
1. outcome) outcome) outcome) outcome) outcome) outcome)

Does not meet Minimum Some basic Reasonable Good Excellent Exceptional Outstanding
the learning systematic systematic systematic systematic systematic systematic systematic
outcome and understanding understanding understanding understandin understandin understanding understanding of
criteria to of knowledge of knowledge of knowledge g of g of of knowledge knowledge with
pass the with critical with critical with critical knowledge knowledge with critical critical
assignment awareness of awareness of awareness of with critical with critical awareness of awareness of
current issues current issues current issues awareness of awareness of current issues current issues
and insights and insights and insights current issues current and insights and insights
Non-submission

unsupported unsupported unsupported and insights issues and unsupported unsupported by

by research. by research. by research. unsupported insights by research. research.
by research. unsupported
by research.
Lacks critical Limited Some critical Good critical Excellent Exceptional Outstanding
evaluation, critical evaluation, evaluation, critical critical critical
creativity and evaluation, creativity and creativity and evaluation, evaluation, evaluation,
original creativity and original original creativity creativity and creativity and
application of original application of application of and original original original
knowledge. application of knowledge. knowledge. application application of application of
Little to no knowledge. Some Good of knowledge. knowledge.
evidence of Limited evidence of evidence of knowledge. Extensive Unprecedented
autonomy in evidence of autonomy in autonomy in Substantial evidence of evidence of
planning and autonomy in planning and planning and evidence of autonomy in autonomy in
organisation planning and organisation organisation autonomy in planning and planning and
of work. organisation of work. of work. planning and organisation of organisation of
of work. work. work.
 Ideas are Limited Fairly good Good organisation Exceptional Outstanding
poorly communicatio communicatio communicati of work. communicatio communication
communicated n of ideas. n of ideas. on of ideas. Excellent n of ideas. of ideas.
. communicati
on of ideas.

Comments
Criteria for the Award of Marks and Grades at Level 7
% Criteria
Outstanding: Outstanding systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current
problems and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of
professional practice. The work demonstrates an outstanding knowledge of techniques applicable to
research and advanced scholarship. Application of knowledge is original with outstanding practical
understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret
knowledge in the subject discipline.

Work evidences outstanding critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship and
methodologies to propose new hypotheses if appropriate. There is evidence of outstanding systematic and
creative management of complex issues to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data.
Outstanding communication of conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Outstanding self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems with evidence of an outstanding
ability to advance personal knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills at a high level.

An outstanding display of the qualities and transferable skills needed for employment that require initiative
90-100

and personal responsibility, complex decision-making and independent learning for continued professional
development.
Exceptional: In most areas, the qualities required for the grade above are displayed, though there may be
80-90

negligible errors.
Distinction

Excellent: In most areas, the qualities required for the grade above are displayed. There may be negligible
70-79

errors and some minor inaccuracies/omissions.

Very Good: Very good systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current problems
and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of
professional practice. The work demonstrates a very good knowledge of techniques applicable to research
and advanced scholarship. Application of knowledge is original with very good practical understanding of
how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the
subject discipline.

Work evidences very good critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship and methodologies
to propose new hypotheses if appropriate. There is evidence of very good systematic and creative
management of complex issues to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data. Very good
communication of conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Very good self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems with evidence of a very good ability
to advance personal knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills at a high level.

A very good display of the qualities and transferable skills needed for employment that require initiative and
60-69
Pass

personal responsibility, complex decision-making and independent learning for continued professional
development.
 Fairly Good: Fairly good systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current problems
and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of
professional practice. The work demonstrates a fairly good knowledge of techniques applicable to research
and advanced scholarship. Application of knowledge is original with fairly good practical understanding of
how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the
subject discipline.

Work evidences fairly good critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship and methodologies
to propose new hypotheses if appropriate. There is evidence of fairly good systematic and creative
management of complex issues to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data. Fairly good
communication of conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Fairly good self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems with evidence of a fairly good
ability to advance personal knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills at a high level.

A fairly good display of the qualities and transferable skills needed for employment that require initiative
50-59

and personal responsibility, complex decision-making and independent learning for continued professional
development.
Satisfactory: Satisfactory systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current
problems and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of
professional practice. The work demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of techniques applicable to research
and advanced scholarship. Application of knowledge is original with satisfactory practical understanding of
how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the
subject discipline.

Work evidences satisfactory critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship and methodologies
to propose new hypotheses if appropriate. There is evidence of satisfactory systematic and creative
management of complex issues to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data. Satisfactory
communication of conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Satisfactory self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems with evidence of a satisfactory
ability to advance personal knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills at a high level.

A satisfactory display of the qualities and transferable skills needed for employment that require initiative
40-49

and personal responsibility, complex decision-making and independent learning for continued professional
development.
Marginal Refer/Fail: Some systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current
problems and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of
professional practice. The work demonstrates some knowledge of techniques applicable to research and
advanced scholarship. Application of knowledge is original with some practical understanding of how
established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the subject
discipline.

Work evidences limited critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship and methodologies to
propose new hypotheses if appropriate. There is some evidence of systematic and creative management of
complex issues to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data. Limited communication of
conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems with evidence of a limited ability to
advance personal knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills at a high level.
Refer/Fail

A limited display of the qualities and transferable skills needed for employment that require initiative and
personal responsibility, complex decision-making and independent learning for continued professional
35-39

development.(Compensation is possible within regulations of board for undergraduate & postgraduate

level).
 Refer/Fail: Minimal systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current problems
and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of
professional practice. The work demonstrates minimal knowledge of techniques applicable to research and
advanced scholarship. Application of knowledge is original with minimal practical understanding of how
established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the subject
discipline.

Work evidences minimal critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship and methodologies to
propose new hypotheses if appropriate. Evidence of systematic and creative management of complex issues
to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data is lacking. Limited communication of
conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Minimal self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems with evidence of a limited ability to
advance personal knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills at a high level.

Minimal display of the qualities and transferable skills needed for employment that require initiative and
30-34

personal responsibility, complex decision-making and independent learning for continued professional
development.
Clear Refer/Fail: Unsatisfactory systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current
problems and/or new insights, informed by the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of
professional practice. The work lacks knowledge of techniques applicable to research and advanced
scholarship. Application of knowledge is unoriginal without practical understanding of how established
techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the subject discipline.

Work lacks critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship and methodologies to propose new
hypotheses if appropriate. Evidence of systematic and creative management of complex issues to make
sound judgements in the absence of complete data is insufficient. Poor communication of conclusions to
specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Inadequate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems with little to no ability to advance
personal knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills at a high level.

Work does not display the qualities and transferable skills needed for employment that require initiative
and personal responsibility, complex decision-making and independent learning for continued professional
1-29

development.

Refer/Fail: Non-submission
0