*** ACCA P3 March 2018 Exam was.. Instant Poll and comments ***

I can’t remember exactly Q1 A Question.

Q1 A – Strategy drift, was tricky. I analysed the performance from 2007 to 2017 for each table provided and commented on it.

As far i remember they provided breakdown of sales by sales mode: BookShop. Internet intermediaries, ABC own website. Another table gave breakdown in there high selling area vs ABC accumulated sales.

There some key trends and strategy drift : People were moving from traditional old ways of buying to internet sales, that is why Internet sales increased from 30% to 68% via Internet Intermediaries.

However regardless of sales increase, the revenue of ABC did not improved. Reason could be discount sales or charges paid to Internet Intermediaries.

This clearly shows strategy drift and ABC need to move towards the development of its website own website to capitalise on changing requirements of customers. Need for more E-Marking led strategy.

2. Analyse the differences in strategy when old CEO (Robert Hart) in position and after takeover by Venture Capitalist ( Strategy Lenses )

CEO ( Robert Hart ) : Strategy Experience – Old school guy army guy, had practical experience there fore hired people from same background.

Vs BV Venture capital came with : Ideas and Design and experience as well in turnaround of Publishing business but not actual related to real life army experience like Robert hart and passion like him. BV Venture were more profit focused. vs Robert hart continued doing what he believed and enjoyed.

3. Discuss the critical success factors and key performance indicators in relation takeover from venture capitalist

Linked Mission statement with CSF and KPIs of Venture capital and provided comments why it was important

4. Define mission statement, how it can impart value. Discuss how integrated reporting can explain the objectives in mission statement

Defined Mission statement, Purpose, Value, Policies etc linked with VS Capital and steps taken by them and how it will impact challenging demands of Market ABC operates. Explained Integrated reporting as it cover all value added activities of business and compared to corporate reporting with limited focus, and gave final comments to some up.

Let me know your thoughts !!

@seannyd

I didn’t use SWOT analysis for part A of question 1. I rather used a financial analysis approach. I looked at both financial and non financial indicators. Also looked at the decline in sales through the previous 2 channels.

In terms of strategic drift, I spoke about how there was evidence of it in the case as ABC had failed to implement a change in strategy when there was clear indication of a change in market trends (internet sales) it was only in 2015 when such changes had been made.

For the CSF and KPI question I defined both and identified them in the case. Was relatively starting forward.

For the mission statement, defined it, and analysed the MS in the text. It was well defined and the memo supported it well. Picked on the fact that there was no mention of how they would attract employees to work for them as it was mentioned in mission etc.

I picked Q 2 and Q3 from optionals.

Q2
Question was pretty straightforward applying the BCG and ashridge portfolio by looking at the data provided. Focusing mainly on market share and growth rates. My classifications were Star,Heartland + Question mark value trap + Dog Alien.

Benchmarking was straightforward too. Different types of benchmarking I.e internal + external, adv and disadvantages.

Q3
Identify problems in the procurement process , how it affects value and how would you redesign it. Very simple, no need for models.

Part B was to do with Job Design. Required to Define scientific management, job enrichment
And Japanese method. Fell short of time
So couldn’t answer t completely.

Hoping for the best. Insha Allah.

@eagledave said:
I can’t remember but were we required to write the answers in the form of briefing note to get the professional marks? I only remembered after the exam!

No, the professional marks were for structure, style, layout and clarity of your answer across the whole of question 1. I didn’t really pay much attention to them, I try to structure my answers and write professionally anyway so I didn’t approach it any differently to the other questions really.

@eagledave said:
I couldn’t remember strategic drift, but I saw in the scenario that BV Ventures uses the SWOT approach or something, so I thought, even if I gained 2-3 marks has to be better than nothing. I couldn’t even remember Ashridge, and after the exam, I remembered them so well, so annoyed with myself.

I only remembered the strategic drift model as it came up in a question I practiced on Wednesday. I realised I didn’t know it very well so I quickly revised it. I don’t think that was the only way to approach the question though and I’m sure you’d get some credit fro your SWOT.

It is easy to say what you did and didn’t do. Ultimately, it is a very subjective exam where there is no “model” answer, therefore, if you did do a SWOT analysis for Q1, good, but if you didn’t, that doesn’t matter. And that is the small principles for all the questions.

I felt the examiners were quite cheeky. In Q1, normally there would be a 15-20 mark question on PESTEL/5 forces/value chain, etc. which you can waffle about to get marks. However, the questions were very specific, which would have suited those who revised hard.

Ultimately, I think it was a tough exam for those who didn’t study that hard and but quite easy for those who did.

Hi is there anyone from singapore LSBF?

First attempt overall ok paper..
lengthy as usual..couldnt complete last question
50mark was concentrated on tiny part of subject. was it required to write in briefing format??