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AYB240: Superannuation Regulation & Practice- Research Report Writing Assignment
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Internal Code: MAS7706
Abby recently read an article on new superannuation funds that are more targeted to her generation. She likes the idea of switching to a fund more suited to her age group, as most superannuation funds seem to be for older people. After a quick search she has found Spaceship Super and Grow Super which are aimed at her generation.
The same article mentioned that superannuation fund governance arrangements are outdated. Abby has seen some recent media coverage on proposed changes to superannuation funds where they talked about superannuation funds having lower governance requirements than corporations. She thinks superannuation funds should be responsible investors, but she has never considered the governance requirements. In particular, she wonders whether the proposed changes will improve governance.
Requirements
1) First, compare Abby’s existing superannuation funds and the two other funds she is considering (you should use a table for this). From this comparison, make a recommendation as to which fund Abby should choose. Second, if there is investment choice available, make a recommendation as to which investment option Abby should choose. Justify your recommendation, drawing on investment theory and Abby’s characteristics.
2) Consider the government’s recent proposed changes to superannuation fund governance. Drawing on research, critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of superannuation fund governance compared to current corporate governance requirements. Conclude as to whether the proposed changes are necessary or not.
Professional Communication:
1. The research project is to be completed individually by students. The work must reflect your personal work and any outside sources should be appropriately referenced. Plagiarism will be checked via Turnitin. Any plagiarism will be dealt with in accordance with University policy
2. Your research report must be typed, appropriately referenced, and professionally presented. The word count is 1,500 words, not including references. Tables do not form part of the word count if inserted as an image. Relevant appendices may be attached and do not form part of the word limit. 10% above the word limit is acceptable. Grading will be based upon the text that is within the word limit (or 10% above). Words exceeding 10% above the word limit will not be evaluated.
3. Your assignment must be presented using a business report format, including specified section headings as shown below. It is not necessary to include an executive summary or table of contents.
A. Introduction
B. Comparison of Funds and Recommendation
C. Superannuation Fund Governance
D. Conclusion
4. In addition, your report should have:
A. A cover page
B. A brief introduction and conclusion
C. A reference list
D. Any necessary appendices
5. You should prepare the report as though you are presenting it to Abby. It is up to you which narrative form you use.
6. Your work should be free from spelling and grammatical errors, and formatting should be consistent throughout.
7. An electronic copy of the report must be submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard. Your report should be in Word format and the file name should be your family name followed by your first name initials (e.g. JonesS.doc).
8. It is your responsibility to check online submissions have been uploaded correctly (i.e. students should open the file from the online platform to check this, once it has been uploaded). You must ensure the correct file has uploaded correctly prior to the due date and time.
9. You are strongly encouraged to use the QUT cite|write guide (www.citewrite.qut.edu.au) on citing, referencing and academic writing to assist you with the preparation of the project report. Another useful resource is Starting Your Business Degree: Academic Skills for Success by Ros McCulloch and Andrea Reid, published by the QUT Business School in 2010.
Research Report Writing Assignment:
Task: Purpose of Assessment: This assessment item assesses the following learning outcomes: Higher Order Thinking (HO) 2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts. Professional Communication (PC) 3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts. Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE) 5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues. Scenario Abby is a 28 year old line manager at Costmart, a large retail chain store. Abby is paid a base salary of $48,000 p.a., plus overtime when she works over 38 hours in a week. On average Abby works 5 hours of overtime a week, which is an additional $206 in her weekly pay ($10,712 annually). In addition, Abby receives $325 per year in laundry allowance. Recently, after noticing a lot of advertisements and news stories about superannuation, Abby looked into her own superannuation. She has her main superannuation account that she opened when she started working at Costmart, as well as two other accounts with different funds from past jobs. Abby knows that she should consolidate her super, but she has no idea which fund she should keep, or if she should be looking for a new one. The balances and dates of last contribution are shown below:
Abby recently read an article on new superannuation funds that are more targeted to her generation. She likes the idea of switching to a fund more suited to her age group, as most superannuation funds seem to be for older people. After a quick search she has found Spaceship Super and Grow Super which are aimed at her generation.
The same article mentioned that superannuation fund governance arrangements are outdated. Abby has seen some recent media coverage on proposed changes to superannuation funds where they talked about superannuation funds having lower governance requirements than corporations. She thinks superannuation funds should be responsible investors, but she has never considered the governance requirements. In particular, she wonders whether the proposed changes will improve governance.
Requirements
1) First, compare Abby’s existing superannuation funds and the two other funds she is considering (you should use a table for this). From this comparison, make a recommendation as to which fund Abby should choose. Second, if there is investment choice available, make a recommendation as to which investment option Abby should choose. Justify your recommendation, drawing on investment theory and Abby’s characteristics.
2) Consider the government’s recent proposed changes to superannuation fund governance. Drawing on research, critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of superannuation fund governance compared to current corporate governance requirements. Conclude as to whether the proposed changes are necessary or not.
Professional Communication:
1. The research project is to be completed individually by students. The work must reflect your personal work and any outside sources should be appropriately referenced. Plagiarism will be checked via Turnitin. Any plagiarism will be dealt with in accordance with University policy
2. Your research report must be typed, appropriately referenced, and professionally presented. The word count is 1,500 words, not including references. Tables do not form part of the word count if inserted as an image. Relevant appendices may be attached and do not form part of the word limit. 10% above the word limit is acceptable. Grading will be based upon the text that is within the word limit (or 10% above). Words exceeding 10% above the word limit will not be evaluated.
3. Your assignment must be presented using a business report format, including specified section headings as shown below. It is not necessary to include an executive summary or table of contents.
A. Introduction
B. Comparison of Funds and Recommendation
C. Superannuation Fund Governance
D. Conclusion
4. In addition, your report should have:
A. A cover page
B. A brief introduction and conclusion
C. A reference list
D. Any necessary appendices
5. You should prepare the report as though you are presenting it to Abby. It is up to you which narrative form you use.
6. Your work should be free from spelling and grammatical errors, and formatting should be consistent throughout.
7. An electronic copy of the report must be submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard. Your report should be in Word format and the file name should be your family name followed by your first name initials (e.g. JonesS.doc).
8. It is your responsibility to check online submissions have been uploaded correctly (i.e. students should open the file from the online platform to check this, once it has been uploaded). You must ensure the correct file has uploaded correctly prior to the due date and time.
9. You are strongly encouraged to use the QUT cite|write guide (www.citewrite.qut.edu.au) on citing, referencing and academic writing to assist you with the preparation of the project report. Another useful resource is Starting Your Business Degree: Academic Skills for Success by Ros McCulloch and Andrea Reid, published by the QUT Business School in 2010.