During the a2 that is recent studies revision workshops we centered on the necessity for students to utilize independent research evidence to simply help support the lines of analysis their essay points.

One analogy we used was thinking of examples (evidence) since the seasoning in an essay casserole or hot-pot. The seasoning will there be to really make the meal taste great; but you also need the ingredients that are raw! An essay point this is certainly developed to a good depth will always score better utilizing the examiners than answers which are plagued by too many examples.

In March 2012, tour operator and travel agent Thomas Cook announced that its 16,000 UK staff would no longer be able enjoy discounts all the way to 75pc off their holidays. The move was element of a cost-cutting strategy because of the tour operator which has a goal to cut operating costs by Ј35m a in order to improve cash flow and reduce its substantial bank debts year.

So, we have an example of a piece that is recent of news. It’s this that we call evidence – and it’s easy to get hold of simply by reading the business news regularly.

You don’t need to research whatever you are able to about Thomas Cook. You should not memorise Thomas Cook’s recent results that are financial have detailed familiarity with the cost-reduction plan. You merely need some good examples. It is how they are used by you that matters.

How could we make use of the evidence about Thomas Cook’s decision in order to make savings by restricting the staff discount scheme?

The evidence may be beneficial in several contexts. For instance, you could utilize it in an essay on strategic retrenchment, or techniques for profit improvement. You could utilize it as a example of how board-level decisions built to achieve corporate objectives may have effects at a level that is functional. You could make use of it in an essay on culture (new management taking a determination for financial motives without necessarily considering most of the HRM & operational implications)

The thing that is important remember is the fact that evidence has to be used to guide the type of analysis in each paragraphpoint. Use the example and explore the implications. Consider the importance of the example and the ones implications.

An effective option to do this is by using “connectives” – phrases and words which help develop a logical chain of argument.

So, why don’t we see a typical example of that doing his thing. We will utilize the Thomas Cook staff discount evidence/example and apply it to a paragraph point which explores the possibility adverse effects of a strategy that is cost-cutting.

Look at the paragraph below. See how the evidence is used by it after which builds about it. Underline the connectives used – exactly how many is it possible to spot? It’s also wise to note how the example uses business that is relevant – this helps build credibility because of the examiner.

Firms that need to boost their profitability and cash flow will look at reducing inevitably operating costs where possible. However, you will find potential dangers with a cost-minimisation strategy. For example, Thomas Cook has set itself a corporate objective of reducing annual operating costs by at the least Ј35m p.a. since it seeks to boost cash flow within the short-term to help it reduce high gearing levels. It really is implementing a number of measures including shop closures, redundancies and in addition decreasing the cost of financial benefits (such as for example generous discounted holidays) paid to Thomas Cook staff. In the short-term, reducing staff discounts should end up in an important cost saving since TC has tens and thousands of writting essays com staff, although that will depend regarding the extent to which TC staff use the discount scheme. However, there are a few downsides that are potential your choice, including the odds of reduced morale and motivation of staff who value their holiday discounts, which may indirectly end up in worse customer service or lower productivity, ultimately causing lower revenues and profits which as a result could possibly end up in lower cash flows in the long-term. The choice to limit staff discounts may initially seem quite popular with management, however as described, you can find potential hidden tangible and intangible costs which would decrease the impact associated with the decision on TC’s cost-reduction strategy.