EB101
ASSIGNMENT 2006
The effectiveness of teams in the management of a
family-owned versus a non-family owned small
business
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STRUCTURE OF PRESENTATION
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Introduction
Purpose of assignment writing
Working in groups
Assignment instructions
Literature overview
Empirical research
Writing the report
Plagiarism declaration
Lecturer’s evaluation
Before handing in
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INTRODUCTION
The practice of writing assignments:
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Accepted teaching method for most university courses
Compulsory for all Business Management modules
Develops effective report writing skills
Develops scientific research skills
Expands knowledge of subject area
Group work prepares students for the business world
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PURPOSE AND VALUE OF ASSIGNMENT WRITING
• To compile a written research report in accordance with scientific
assignment rules and guidelines, e.g., Harvard method
• Students get to tackle a ‘real life’ problem in the business world
• Application of theoretical concepts learnt in EB101 to a practical
situation
• Develops independent thought and critical thinking
• Prepares students for more advanced report writing projects
• Develops students’ ability to gather and condense relevant information
See Du Toit & Geel (2006:1)
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WORKING IN GROUPS
Benefits:
• Prepares students for their working careers
• Opportunity to collaborate on projects with a desired end result
• Develops teamwork skills – can include in CV
Challenges:
• Equal participation of all members
• Planning with deadline date in mind
• Setting tasks and establishing clear goals from the outset
• Keeping lines of communication open
• One person does all the work
• Free riders
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WORKING IN GROUPS
Tips and tricks:
• Appoint a group leader and allocate specific tasks
• Identify time frame and set up a chart commencing with deadline
date
• Schedule meeting dates, times, venues well in advance and send
out reminders
• Ensure everyone knows what to do
• Know your way round the library
• Expel non-performers
• Focus on end result at all times
• Check final document as a group
• Output is a finished product group should be proud of
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FORMAT FOR SUBMISSION OF GROUP NAMES
SURNAME
FIRST
NAMES
STUDENT
NUMBER
CONTACT
NUMBER
GROUP
STRUCTURE
GROUP
Mon/Wed
Tues/Fri
Tues/Thurs
Group leader
Member
Member
Member
(A4 sheet only. Tiny scraps of scrap paper not accepted!!!!)
After 10 March 2006 groups may not be changed
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TIMEFRAME EXAMPLE
Week 1
25 Feb
Week 2
3 Mar
Week 3
10 Mar
Week 4 Week 5 Week 6
17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Mar
Week 7
7 April
Assign roles
& tasks
Set
objectives
Meeting
dates
Commence
lit search
Literature
search
Identify
suitable
businesses
Set up
appointments
Study HCSA
Visit Writing
Centre
Literature
search
Assignment
writing
Literature
search
Assignment
writing
Final proof
reading
Make
adjustments
All
attachments
included
Submit
Fri 7th
10:30-11:30
Assignment
writing
Finalisation
of draft
report
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDOUT
Topic
• The effectiveness of teams (partners) in the
management of a family-owned versus a non-family
owned small business
Aim
• To investigate how effective teams (partners) operate in
managing their own business and to establish whether
teams (partners) operate more effectively if the members
are related to each other versus those that are not
related.
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDOUT
1. It is compulsory to consult the book “How to complete a scientific
assignment and report” (HCSA) by Du Toit and Geel (2006 edition),
in the completion of this assignment.
2. Your assignment must be set out according to the Harvard method,
as discussed by the authors of HCSA. It will be marked according
to the evaluation schedule discussed in class.
3. A special assignment lecture will be given on how to complete this
assignment and attendance is compulsory.
4. Set up a title page. (Please provide two copies; one is required for
proof of submission purposes).
5. Set up a table of contents.
6. Set up an introduction.
7. Provide a literature overview (see contents below).
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDOUT
8. Relate theory to practice:
• Conduct two interviews. One with a team member that manages a
small family business and one with a team member that
managers a small non-family business. A family business is one
where two or more family members are working in the business
and the family owns more than a 50% share in the business. The
two businesses should have been in operation for at least 1 year.
For the purpose of this assignment a small business is one that
does not employ more than 50 persons.
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A management team exists when two or more persons own
and manage the business together. In a family business, team
members may be any of the following persons who are related
by blood or marriage, who manage a business together:
husband and wife, siblings, cousins, in-laws etc.
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDOUT
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No chain stores will be accepted e.g. Clicks, Pick ‘n Pay etc.
The Summerstrand Village and Seagate Shopping Centres are
strictly out of bounds.
• Only one group is allowed per business. Groups must make sure
that no other group has already interviewed the businesses they
approach. Should this be the case another business must be
selected.
• Use the questionnaires provided to obtain the necessary
information.
9. Close off your assignment with a conclusion and recommendations.
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDOUT
10. Consult at least six different sources (sources include books,
journals, newspapers, Internet databases, etc.) Consult the
management and organisational behavior textbooks. Additional
information can be obtained from the South Campus library, i.e.
short loan section and Mrs Prinsloo (1st floor). Use the reference
technique described in HCSA.
11. Your assignment must not be more than six A4 pages (excluding
title page, table of contents, list of sources and annexures), it must
be technically correct, typed in 1.5 line spacing, Times New Roman
or Arial font, 12 pt and with margins no bigger than 2.5 cm all
round. It must be stapled in the top left had corner (no plastic
sleeves or folders).
12. The assignment must be completed in a group of 4 persons.
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDOUT
13.
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15.
The due date is Friday 7 April 2006. Handing in instructions:
South campus: Between 10:30 and 11:30 am, in the foyer
outside venue 35OG05. Assignments will not be accepted on the
5th floor or in class.
Vista campus: Between 10:30 and 11:30 am, in office number
D204. Assignments will not be accepted in the class.
A penalty reduction of 10% (of the mark obtained) per day will
be imposed for late submission.
Attachments as annexures to assignment:
• Completed questionnaires
• Plagiarism/group participation declaration
• Evaluation sheet – names and student numbers
(Stapled last)
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDOUT
Proposed table of contents
(Headings must be set out according to HCSA, e.g., bold vs not bold):
1
Introduction
2
Literature overview of teams in business.
2.1 Defining teams: Distinguish between a group, a team and a partnership. Are these
different concepts or one and the same thing? Define each concept and elaborate on the
differences and similarities between them. Also refer to the different types of teams.
2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of working in teams in today’s business environment.
2.3 Key characteristics (conditions) of effective teams. Identify and discuss what it takes
to function effectively as a team? (You need at least 2 references for each
characteristic/condition identified)
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Empirical research
3.1 Background of the family and non-family small businesses interviewed (introduce the
firms
3.2 Report on findings (report findings of questionnaires specifically)
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Summary and recommendations
List of sources
Annexure A: Completed questionnaires
Annexure B: Plagiarism/group participation declaration
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LITERATURE OVERVIEW
Library search:
Effectiveness of management teams in business:
• Defining teams
• Benefits and shortcomings of working in teams
• Key characteristics of effective teams
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LITERATURE OVERVIEW
Where to start?
Prescribed textbook:
• Bosch et al. (2006):
Chapter on General and Strategic Management
Literature sources
Library:
• Open shelves: books on management, organisational behaviour
• Short loan
• Mrs Prinsloo – 1st Floor, South Campus Library
will assist with Journal articles
Electronic full text journals (permission required)
Internet search:
• Only reliable sources may be used
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LITERATURE OVERVIEW
 Suggested keywords for literature search:
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Effective management teams
Effective managing partners
Management teams small business
Management teams family business
Family business management teams
Small business management teams
Shared leadership teams
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EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
Background of the small business interviewed
Section A – questionnaire
Introduce firms to reader
Summary profile of firm – questionnaire items 1.1-11.4
Report on findings
Section B – questionnaire
Report on findings (actual responses to factors influencing teamwork)
Analysis of questionnaire items 1-11
Compare average mean scores for family and non-family businesses
Factors influencing effective teamwork can also be ranked for the
family and non-family businesses
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B FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE TEAMWORK
1 GOALS
Please indicate (X) to what extent you agree with the following statements.
(1) disagree strongly, (2) disagree, (3) neutral, (4) agree (5) strongly agree
My managing team member/s and I …
Disagree.......…Agree
1.1
Have an articulated and clear set of business goals
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2
3
4
5
1.2
Understand our business goals
1
2
3
4
5
1.3
Are committed to our business goals
1
2
3
4
5
1.4
Find our business goals challenging
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2
3
4
5
1.5
Find our business goals motivating
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2
3
4
5
1.6
Agree on what business goals and objectives are important
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2
3
4
5
1.7
Take ownership of our business goals
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2
3
4
5
Average score: 28/7 = 4
Score for goals is 4. Respondent agrees that goals is a factor
which influences effective teamwork
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Non-family business
B FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE TEAMWORK
1 GOALS
Please indicate (X) to what extent you agree with the following statements.
(1) disagree strongly, (2) disagree, (3) neutral, (4) agree (5) strongly agree
My managing team member/s and I …
Disagree.......…Agree
1.1
Have an articulated and clear set of business goals
1
2
3
4
5
1.2
Understand our business goals
1
2
3
4
5
1.3
Are committed to our business goals
1
2
3
4
5
1.4
Find our business goals challenging
1
2
3
4
5
1.5
Find our business goals motivating
1
2
3
4
5
1.6
Agree on what business goals and objectives are important
1
2
3
4
5
1.7
Take ownership of our business goals
1
2
3
4
5
Average mean score: 22/7 = 3.14
Score for goals is 3.14. Respondent is neutral that goals is a
factor which influences effective teamwork
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Family business
EXAMPLE: RANKING TOP 5 FACTORS INFLUENCING TEAMWORK
Table 3.1: Factors influencing effective teamwork in a family vs a non-family business
Rank
Family business
Non-family business
1
Freedom (5)
Trust (4.5)
2
Operational efficiency (4.5)
Goals (4.8)
3
Competency (4)
Leadership (4)
4
Goals (3.14)
Operational efficiency (4)
5
Trust (3)
Work design (3.8)
Table 3.1 indicates a difference in emphasis between the factors that
influence the effectiveness of teams in family owned small businesses
versus those that influence non-family owned small businesses.
Comparison – similarities, differences, insight, recommendations for
future research???
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WRITING THE REPORT
NB NB NB: Consult du Toit and Geel (2006)
Instructions in this guide are clearly set out
Report: 5 main parts
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Introduction
Literature review: what has already been written
Empirical research: report back of interviews
Conclusions and recommendations
List of sources
Layout
• Appearance and technical requirements
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WRITING THE REPORT
INTRODUCTION
• Statement of the problem
Develop a problem statement using topic as a guide
Provides direction for rest of the study
• Emphasis on the importance of or reason for the research
Why is the study necessary
What insights might be gained, any future use
• The objectives of the assignment
Refer to assignment topic
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WRITING THE REPORT
• The method of research used
Literature search
Empirical research
• Difficulties encountered during the research and how the
difficulties were overcome
Condensing a vast amount of information
Group dynamics
• An indication of the contents following the introduction
Alert reader to sections that follow
Du Toit and Geel (2006:13)
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WRITING THE REPORT
MAIN TEXT – BODY OF REPORT
Du Toit and Geel (2006) must be consulted
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Never refer to “I” or “we” – use “the researchers” only if necessary
Headings must be correctly numbered
Page numbers are shown (except on first page)
When taking information from any source, no matter how short the
extract, reference or source MUST be acknowledged and indicated
(otherwise plagiarism)
• All references used in body must be acknowledged in the list of
sources
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WRITING THE REPORT
MAIN TEXT – BODY OF REPORT
What is plagiarism in assignment writing?
• Plagiarism occurs when the work, writing, ideas, etc, of another
author is copied and passed off as one’s own
• Plagiarism can be deliberate or unintentional
• Every source used must be properly acknowledged in accordance
with scientific principles of assignment writing
• Plagiarism is a growing concern in tertiary education today
• Plagiarism is a serious offence which could result in disciplinary
action being taken against the offender(s)
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WRITING THE REPORT
MAIN TEXT – BODY OF REPORT
REFERENCING EXAMPLES (Harvard method)
NB NB NB: Refer to Du Toit and Geel
According to Hunt (2004:38), when leadership responsibility is
shared, individual team members are committed to a tangible vision
which is pursued by the entire team.
Leadership responsibility, when shared, has individual team
members who are committed to a solid vision which is then pursued
by the entire team (Hunt 2004:38).
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WRITING THE REPORT
Plagiarism example:
Shared responsibility leadership results when a team of individuals is
committed to a tangible vision and they all share responsibility for the
pursuit of that tangible vision. In other words, it isn't just the "leader" in
authority who is responsible for making change happen, it is the entire
team.
Piece is copied directly from source (author) to text (body of report)
No credit is given to the author
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WRITING THE REPORT
MAIN TEXT – BODY OF REPORT
REFERENCING EXAMPLES (Harvard method)
NB NB NB: Refer to Du Toit and Geel
Kotler, Grönroos and Carter (2003:172) offer the following
advantages and disadvantages that apply to working in teams in
the current business environment:
Although it is normal to find management teams operating in
family owned businesses, several challenges are unique to the
family business when it comes to working in teams (Kotler et al.
2003:191).
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SHOWING DIAGRAMS
Table 2.1: Heading
90
80
70
Figure 2.1: Heading
60
50
40
30
East
West
North
20
10
0
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
Source: Adapted from Olsen (2001:36)
Source: Adapted from Olsen (2001:78)
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Gray, B.A.
Krüger, J.
Rootman, C.
Van Eeden, S.
200134598
202045781
200347156
200269794
Note: Title page x 2 copies
Group names in alphabetical order
Name of lecturer/lecturers
AIDS AND THE SMALL BUSINESS
THE PERSPECTIVE OF PRO-DIVE
DATE: 7 April 2006
LECTURER: Ms J Krüger
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DECLARATION in respect of PLAGIARISM
EB101 GROUP ASSIGNMENT - 2005
Declaration must be completed and signed by each group member and handed in with the
assignment on the due date. The assignment will not be marked without it.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
I know that plagiarism is wrong and that it means to use another person’s work, e.g.
ideas, words, models, diagrams and pretend that it is my own original work.
Irrespective of the conventions used for quoting and referencing in any specific
project that I submit, I undertake to give credit to each significant contribution to, and
quotation that I have taken from the work(s) of other people. I shall do this by
quoting and referencing. All sources derived from the Internet shall be properly
acknowledged.
I confirm that all written projects which I submit at this University shall be my own
work.
I shall not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as his or
her own work.
This declaration shall apply to all work whether I submit as an individual or as a
member of a group.
I understand that disciplinary action may follow should I be in breach of the above
declaration.
I declare that I participated equally in the preparation of this assignment to the
satisfaction of my group leader and fellow group members.
Signed at Port Elizabeth on the ………………………………………………………2006.
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DECLARATION in respect of PLAGIARISM
Surname &
Initials
Student
Number
Telephone
Number
Group
Structure%
Distribution
of Ass. Mark
Signature
Group Leader
Member
Member
Member
GROUP LEADER:
I declare that I am satisfied that each member listed above made an equal contribution
to the assignment and should receive the percentage mark as indicated above.
…………………………...
Signature of Group Leader
Groups are required to resolve their own problems, in particular problems concerning
member participation. Lecturers will not intervene in group disputes under any
circumstances.
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BEFORE HANDING IN ASSIGNMENT
Due date: Friday 7 April
Document checklist:
Time: 10:30-11:30 only
•Report has been proof read
•Double title page attached
•Additional annexures
•Questionnaires
•Plagiarism declaration (completed & signed)
•Evaluation sheet (names & student numbers written on)
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