BA (Honours) in Business Management Global Business Directions 30 Credits Conference Debate and Report 2016 – 2017 Semester Two Assessment S2 MKTG60258 Module Leader O’Bryan Grandison W104 [email protected] Heart of Worcestershire College Hand in location: (tick as appropriate) STOKE STAFFORD Moodle HOWC x Assignment Details Course Business Management Module Title Global Business Directions Module Code MKTG60258 Assignment Title Group Debate (up to 15 minutes) plus a Group Report (2500 words) Weighting 50% (of total Module Assessment) Tutors Isabel Clarke Word Guideline 2500 Assignment Timetable: Date Set February 2017 Submission Date Debates will take place during Week 27th and 29th March 2017 TBC Group Report, Full Time students, should be submitted by 1200hrs Midday 8th May 2017 Group Report, Part Time students, should be submitted by 1200hrs Midday 10th May 2017 Expected Return: Week commencing 17th June 2017 Learning Outcomes to be Assessed: 1. Critically evaluate key aspects of contemporary and modern developments within the business environment and how they impact on business directions and management responses. 2. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to justify the recommendations of alternative approaches to business developments within appropriate ethical perspectives. 3. Critically evaluate and apply to contemporary organisations the impact of changing constraints, opportunities, demands and threats to business in an international context. 4. Apply theories to different scenarios and present the analysis using an effective medium. 5. To Synthesise the concepts, ideas and issues learned in the Module and reflect on the consequences of these to their personal direction and communicate these using appropriate and effective media Assignment set by: Isabel Clarke Assignment verified by: Scrutiny panel (TBC at date of briefing) Assessment Information Part 1 - Group Debate Based largely on the content of the speaker presentations which took place during the 3 day Conference, you will need to work in groups to research one question relating to a particular business topic and take part in a Group Debate. Groups will be formed from tutorial groups and must have 4-6 members. Everyone must contribute to the debate and you should be prepared to answer questions about your individual opinions on the topic. Time will be facilitated during your GBD sessions to assist with your group presentation. You will need to bring copies of your notes and research to the assessment (presentation) as evidence of your work. Debate Questions 1. With reference to specific case studies, discuss the opportunities and threats to consider when entering a new international market. 2. What are the challenges to brand development and brand management when operating within a competitive domestic market? Please use case studies within your discussion. 3. What factors need to be considered when planning a growth strategy as an SME? Is growth always the best approach to business success? 4. How can organisational culture impact on staff engagement and productivity? Discuss in both negative and positive contexts. 5. Discuss the impact of technology, both positive and negative, on policing in the UK today. 6. ‘People buy People’ – discuss different approaches to sales and relationship building and evaluate which is the most effective. Part 2 - Group Report Each group will produce a report of their research findings into the debate question. You will need to present and justify both sides of the debate within the report. (2500 words). Please submit one copy of the report per group via Turnitin and Moodle Assessment Criteria: The Debate (15 minutes) Clear and confident presentation Evidence of research and verbal references to published theory Organised and logical flow to the arguments Good time management Appropriate use of business language and terminology Clear references to speaker presentations where appropriate Ability to reflect on the topic from an individual perspective The Group Report (2500 words) will be appropriately presented (report style) and should include: Clear introduction to the topic Discussions on both sides of the debate question Appropriate references and acknowledgements in Harvard style (at least 20 sources should be cited) Appropriate appendices to support your evaluations Use of appropriate business language and presentation Be written in a mature and professional manner, to an excellent standard Demonstrate synthesis and integration Utilise terminology appropriate to the topics and in a manner that indicates thorough understanding of business practices Demonstrate achievement of the learning objectives Academic Misconduct and Submission Information The Business School takes any cases of academic misconduct, including plagiarism very seriously. The penalties are severe and can in some cases result in a student not being allowed to continue their studies. The policy on Academic misconduct can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/assets/academic_misconduct_tcm44-26770.pdf The Group Report should be submitted via Turnitin Group Report, Full Time students, should be submitted by 1200hrs Midday 8th May 2017 Group Report, Part Time students, should be submitted by 1200hrs Midday 10th May 2017 If you fail to submit any assessment for a module you will be given a Grade Point N (Fail due to non-submission) for that module and you will not have a guaranteed re-sit entitlement. Any further attempt entitlement will be at the discretion of the Award Board. Assignments must be submitted by the due date. The only circumstance in which assignments can be submitted late is if an extenuating circumstances claim is made. In these circumstances work may be submitted up to 5 working days late only (this is not automatic). If the extenuating circumstances are upheld, the assignment will be graded as usual. If the claim is rejected and the work is of a pass grade a maximum of a 4R for undergraduate and 7R for postgraduate will be awarded. If your work is submitted after the 5 working days a 0 will be awarded. If you have a Learning Support Agreement in place and require additional time to complete the work please agree a submission date with your tutor. Maximum Word Length: State the number of words used on the assignment front sheet. You may include diagrams, figures etc. without word penalty. A sliding scale of penalties for excess length will be imposed according to the amount by which the limit has been exceeded. 1-10% excess no penalty 11-20% excess 10% reduction in the mark 21-30% excess 20% reduction in the mark 31%+ excess the work will be capped at a pass i.e. 40% or grade point 4. NB. None of the above penalties will be used to change your mark which is above the pass mark, to one that is below the pass mark. Therefore the maximum penalty for exceeding the word limit will be a reduction to a pass grade. Assessment Criteria 2016-17 Descriptor & % 0-19% 20-29% 30-39% 40-44% 45-49% 50-54% 55-59% 60-64% 65-69% 70+ Criteria Fail 1 Fail 2 Fail 3 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 3 Pass 4 Pass 5 Pass 6 Pass 7 Presentation – accurate referencing, logical structure, language proficiency and coherence. (5%) Confused, negligently presented. Poor written English Very poorly written and presented. Lacking in clarity and coherence. Major referencing omissions, sources used are not cited according to appropriate conventions. Poor written English Poorly written and presented. Lacking in clarity and coherence. Poor referencing. Poor written English. Competently written with some lapses in format and bibliographic apparatus. Some minor referencing issues. Well written and structured. Supporting material and references relate, in the main, to an evident understanding of strategic business management processes Well written and structured. Supporting material and references further a discernible understanding of strategic business management theories and processes Well written and structured. Good referencing and orthography Well written and engaging. Very good referencing, fully supporting a strong understanding. Well written and engaging style. Grammar, syntax, referencing and orthography all excellent Excellent written, logical and resourceful style. Grammar, syntax, orthography, and referencing are exemplary Focus on assignment- Aims and objectives; focus; justification; clarity; significance. (15%) Irrelevant. Failed to answer the question and to meet assessment requirements Has some focus but major task elements omitted. Failed to follow instructions for each element Aims and objectives not clearly stated. Poor interpretation of the task, significant quantity of material irrelevant. Descriptive. Aims and objectives not clearly stated. Limited evidence of critical understanding of the issues under consideration. Descriptive in parts. Aims and objectives are apparent and potentially coherent. Some evidence of critical understanding of the issues under consideration. Identifies and discusses issues relevant to the topic and shows some understanding of theory and practice. Aims and objectives apparent and generally coherent. Evidence of a critical understanding of the issues under consideration. Some issues concerning focus, purpose and relevance. Descriptive in places. Aims and objectives are clearly articulated. General principles are recognised in the way that key issues are articulated and the links between the specifics of practice are recognised. Focus, relevance and purpose still vague in parts. Clear aims and objectives which are directly linked to the assessment. Clarity in focus and purpose with clear focus on key task elements. Clear evidence of a critical understanding of the issues under consideration. Excellent clarity of purpose and convincing rationale. High level of critical understanding of issues under consideration Outstanding work. Clear, concise, consistent, coherent and convincing content. Demonstrates exceptional clarity, convincing argumentation, creativity and originality Theoretical understanding (Key concepts) – Critical; relevant to aims and objectives; key ideas, models and concepts; gaps; identification of authors. (40%) Fails to demonstrate learning of the fundamental principles, concepts, ideas and policies. Generic or no material provided. Does not demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the learning of the fundamental principles, concepts, policies and ideas. Lack of basic knowledge of topic (s) apparent. Dependent on unreliable sources (e.g. Wikipedia and similar) Demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts, policies and analytical frameworks of Global Business Directions topics. No clear material or disjointed and disparate. Lack of relevance to assessment. Demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding but some areas not fully explained. Narrow range of generic material. Limited appreciation of significance to assessment. Demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding of the underpinning theories. Demonstrates sound knowledge and understandingof the underpinning theories Answers demonstrate solid attainment of competences. Knowledge of literature is demonstrated with key ideas highlighted. Lacking critique and identification of a variety of approaches. Answers provide some clear, in-depth understanding of key concepts. Good knowledge of the relevant literature with clear links to the assessment. A critique of the available literature is provided. Clear in depth understanding of key concepts. Substantial knowledge of relevant material showing a clear grasp of issues and themes relating to the assessment. Engages in a high level of critical thinking throughout and demonstrates clear, underpinning theoretical framework. Exemplary use of relevant literature. Comprehensive critique and linkage to assessment. Critical understanding- Level of analysis, and critical evaluation. Critical reflection, appropriate application of theory in relation to aims and objectives. (40%) No evidence of analysis and critical understanding of issues under consideration. Few if any links to the literature Weak critical analysis of the issues, trends and driving forces business management Little evidence of critical understanding of the issues under consideration Narrative. Insufficient critical appraisal of the process and applications of business management. Mainly descriptive but with some links to overall purpose. Unconvincing evidence of analytical ability. Some description and a basic critical analysis and critical understanding and reflection relevant to the assessment. Evidence of appropriate and partially justified analysis, comparative inferences and links to the relevant literature Some description but evidence of generally clear links to the overall argument and critical commentary and insight. Evidence of appropriate and justified critical analysis, reflection and understanding and comparative influences. Clear identification of the theory used and critical development and application to theoretical models alongside realistic practical examples Evidence given of logical and reflective thinking in the application of applied theory and concepts. Clear links to overall argument and critical commentary and insight. Strong analysis and critical understanding with clear links to assessment. The elements are developed throughout and in relation to the literature. Excellent rigour in the consistent application of related theory Exceptional analysis and critical understanding demonstrated. Original and critical insights and reflections leading to outstanding contribution/conclusions. Faultless and consistent application of related theory