BSB123 ASSESSMENT ITEM 2 Research Report Task

Due Date: Word Limit: Weighting: Submission: Wednesday 31st August 2011 to be submitted to ASSIGNMENT MINDER 1500 words, with a tolerance of 20% 30% As an individual OR a group of two (2)

Rationale In this task, you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the relevant statistical concepts and techniques by applying them to real world data Topic - Superannuation funds The first Australian superannuation fund was established in 1862 for the employees of the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac). Since then the super savings pool has grown to over $1 trillion and has been projected to reach $3 trillion in a decade. There are numerous superannuation funds currently available in the market, these funds use a range of different investment strategies and exhibit a variety of returns. In this research report you will be analysing two sets of data of which can be found in an EXCEL file available for download in the Assessment section of the BSB123 Blackboard site. The first dataset (available in the worksheet 2011 data) contains detailed information relating to 467 superannuation options. This data has been sourced from www.SelectingSuper.com.au The dataset includes the following variables:

Fund name 1 year return % (i.e. performance to 30 June 2011) Fund type Segment (i.e. Master trust, Industry fund, Corporate fund or Government fund) 3 year return %

The second dataset (available in the worksheet Yearly data) contains historical superannuation information. This data has been sourced from http://www.apra.gov.au/ The dataset includes the yearly figures for:

Average Rate of return (entities with more than four members) Cash flow adjusted net assets ($million)

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Tasks As a research officer, you have been asked to summarise, analyse and interpret each of the datasets. Specific tasks include the following:

2011 data your focus is 1 year returns and what influences them a. Consider the distribution of 1 year returns i. Prepare a chart to summarise the distribution ii. Analyse & interpret the data; noting any key features

b. Consider the following bivariate relationships to determine which factors most influence
the 1 year returns of these superannuation funds. 1 year return & fund type 1 year return & segment 1 year return & 3 year return For each of the above bivariate relationships you should: i. Prepare a table or chart to summarise the data ii. Analyse & interpret the data; noting any key features Please note that part of this task is for you to assess which is the most appropriate table/chart to use for each section of analysis and generally this will mean that you need to try various options before making your final decision. As well, it is important to note that it is OK to include more than one table or chart per section of analysis SO LONG as there is a good reason to do so i.e. you would only include more than one table or chart if you need them to show additional analysis. For example, one option to extend your analysis is to consider the influence of two variables simultaneously on the 1 year return (i.e. trivariate analysis).

Yearly data your focus is on historical analysis of superannuation a. Prepare a chart(s) to summarise the historical information b. Analyse & interpret the data; noting any key features

You are to prepare a report to summarise your findings. As a research report your work should be presented in a professional manner and the report should be structured accordingly. Report structure As a research report your work should be presented in a professional manner and the report should be structured accordingly. 1. Executive summary a. The report MUST INCLUDE an EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. b. Length: 300 words. c. What is an executive summary? (Source: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/eli/buswrite/Executive_Summary.html)
An executive summary is a report, proposal, or portfolio, etc in miniature (usually one page or shorter). That is, the executive summary contains enough information for the readers to become acquainted with the full document without reading it. Usually, it contains a statement of the problem, some background information, a description of any alternatives, and the major conclusions. Someone reading an executive summary should get a good idea of main points of the document without becoming bogged down with details.

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That is, the executive summary contains enough information for the readers to become acquainted with the full document without reading it. Usually, it contains a statement of the problem, some background information, a description of any alternatives, and the major conclusions. Someone reading an executive summary should get a good idea of main points of the document without becoming bogged down with details. The executive summary is a highly condensed version of the most important information the full document contains. The executive summary is placed at the beginning of the document. With the possible exception of the conclusion and recommendation, the executive summary is the most important part of a report. As such, it should be the best-written and most polished piece of the document. This is because many readers may only look at the executive summary when deciding whether or not to read the entire document. In some companies, the executive summaries are distributed so that employees are informed as to what information is available, and interested readers may request the entire document. In short, you may expect that an executive summary will be read more frequently and by more people than will your entire document.

2. Technical report a. The TECHNICAL REPORT will include all of the Tasks described above. b. Length: 1200 words. Marking Criteria Your report will be assessed according to the criteria sheet provided on Bb. You should read through the criteria sheet carefully so as to be aware of the criteria on which your research report will be graded. Please remember to attach a copy of the criteria sheet to the report you submit (it can be downloaded separately from the Blackboard site).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Terminology A Terminology worksheet has been included in the EXCEL file to help you become familiar with various superannuation terms. If you are not familiar with any of the terminology used in this assessment item, we would recommend that you undertake some general reading on this topic. Most superannuation fund websites will have such information; as well there are many online dictionaries which can be searched to define terms. Referencing The research report is primarily based on the data provided. If however you wish to include additional information, then please include a bibliography. However please note that the focus of this research report is on the summation, analysis and interpretation of the data itself. Late submissions and extensions All information relating to the late submission policy and the procedure for applying for an extension is included on the Blackboard site in the Assessment section.

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