Assessment information 1. Develop a project proposal outlining a business plan for an in-depth investigation of a contemporary organisational challenge. 2. Analyse and interpret secondary data gathered from a range of sources, to assist in defining and refining the contemporary issue. 3. Apply theories, concepts and tools to the challenge faced by the organisation or industry. 4. Develop strategies based on the results of analysis of data considering stakeholder objectives and constraints, such as competitive pressures and regulation that demonstrate respect for ethics and diversity. 5. Develop insights into theory, research practice and challenges of leadership by assessing the significance of recommendations relative to the dynamic and complex nature of organisations in uncertain environments. Assessment 1: Proposal Overview This assessment aims to begin the planning process and to encourage creative thinking in developing and designing the final project report. There will be an opportunity for the student to gain important feedback regarding the selected project which will eventually form part of the major assessment. The written proposal should contain secondary data (e.g. academic literature, business reports, industry journals etc.) which highlight and complement the selected project topic. This will guide the student to determine their selected topic and how this will assist their selected organisation. The proposal must include (but is not limited to) the following components: Proposed business topic Succinctly summarise the issue you are exploring, show why it is important and what you expect to achieve in your project. Background information Provide sufficient background information to the business and/or situation for reader to understand the context of the issue being explored. Situation analysis Provide a summary of the relevant situation. For example, a discussion of relevant internal business factors impacting the organisation. Proposed theory and/or conceptual tools Outline and justify your use and/or intended use of theories, concepts and other constructs. Include the use of one or more analytical, modeling, framework and/or conceptual tools. Proposed data resources and plan for completion Summarise the information which you will need and/or would like, and the resources which you intend to describe in the final report. In addition a range of articles is expected to be listed in a bibliography and a schedule outlining intended plan as appendix.  Note: Since most of us suffer from constant pressure of work, submitting consideration based on “work pressure” would not be considered an “exceptional circumstance”.  Note: The maximum length for this assessment is 1,500 words. Any reports longer than this may risk not being marked beyond this word limit. Marking criteria and standards CRITERIA STANDARDS Develop a project proposal: Identification of business topic and background information. (20%) Unclear or absent definition of business topic and/or unclear background information, No indication of what you want to achieve. Identified business topic but with little justification for the choice of the topic and/or minimal background information. Little indication of what you want to achieve. Identified business topic but with only average justification for the choice of the topic and/or moderate background information. Some indication of what you want to achieve. Identified specific business topic with some discussion justifying the choice. Good background information on topic and organisation. Clear indication of what you want to achieve. Clear identification of business topic, well justified as an issue of importance. Excellent background information. Clear and thoughtful identification of what you want to achieve. 0-3.9 4-7.9 8-11.9 12-15.9 16-20 Literature review: Range of reference used to develop the paper and review of the literature. (15%) Use only online sources with limited credibility. Inadequate review of existing literature. Uses a limited range of texts and company reports. Basic review of existing literature but with minimal justification for sources. Use a large range of literature. Moderate review of literature and justification of sources, although some gaps. Use a comprehensive range of literature. Good discussion of sources and some justification for use of sources. Use an extensive range of literature. Excellent discussion of information required and sources, with convincing justification for use sources. 0-2.9 3-5.9 6-8.9 9-11.9 12-15 Apply frameworks to analyse the situation/issue faced by the firm: Situation/issue analysis. (25%) Inadequate or heavily flawed analysis of situation/issue. Basic analysis, using an inadequate framework overlooking some important components of the situation/issue. Average analysis, using adequate frameworks showing some insight into the situation/issue. Some good points, although limitations. Good analysis, using at least two frameworks showing reasonable insight into the situation/issue. Excellent analysis using at least two frameworks, showing excellent insight into the situation/issue. 0-4.9 5-9.9 10-14.9 15-19.9 20-25 Apply theories, concepts and constructs to the situation faced by the firm: Proposed theories, concepts and constructs. (15%) Absent or inadequate discussion of proposed theories. Identification of basic theory to be applied, but weak justification. Poor link to the topic. Good identification of some theory, but limited in either choice and/or justification. Some link to topic. Choice of theories appropriate with limited justification and link to the topic. Insightful choice of theories, clearly justified and linked to the topic. 0-2.9 3-5.9 6-8.9 9-11.9 12-15 Clarity of communication: Superior overall paper style (e.g. easy to read, good flow of thoughts, interesting and well written) and layout. (10%) Basic with no paper reader engagement. There is no obvious logic and difficult to read. Basic paper with little reader engagement. It provides little insights and logic and/or lacks structure. Paper creates some interest and provides some insights and logic with a basic structure. Paper is interesting and easy to read, but could be better structured. Good layout. Paper is well laid out and has logical flow of thoughts, is well structured and a pleasure to read. 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Clarity of communication: Referencing and paraphrasing (10%) Material is paraphrased poorly, and/or inadequate in-text citations and/or no or incomplete reference list. Poor in-text citations and/or incomplete reference list provided and/or content may be poorly paraphrased. Satisfactory in-text citations, paraphrasing and reference list, with some errors. Satisfactory in-text citations, paraphrasing and reference list, with minor errors. Excellent in-text citations, paraphrasing and reference list. 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Schedule of proposed work: (5%) No schedule of work provided Limited schedule and inadequate information to support a plan of completion. No milestones or unachievable milestones. Good schedule with some information to support successful completion. Limited milestones. Good schedule with information supporting successful completion. Substantial schedule with comprehensive information supporting successful completion. Achievable milestones. 0-.9 1-1.9 2-2.9 3-3.9 4-5 Assessment 2: Progress report (10%) Overview The progress report is designed to demonstrate the level of progress that the student has achieved at approximately the half way point (10 weeks). The progress report will provide evidence that the student has developed a strategy to assist in keeping to a set schedule. Details The progress report will provide evidence that the student is progressing towards the completion of the project. Such evidence will consist of an updated schedule and discussion of issues arising from the project. The progress report must demonstrate either a favourable comparison between original plan and actual progress OR justify why the plan has not been achieved and include evidence showing how the project will be completed by the due date. The progress report must include (but is not limited to) the following components: Summary of progress Provide a summary of the current status of the project including the progress made towards completion of the project. Information about issues and/or updated plan Provide information about to any issues arising from the plan to complete the project. If the progress has fallen behind the original schedule, provide information detailing a plan for how the project will now be completed on time. Updated schedule Provide an updated schedule showing progress towards completion of the project. Include any deviations from the plan Due: This assessment is due in the first Quarter (Session 10) before 6.00pm on day of class. This assessment must be submitted online. See page 16 for Turnitin and other submission requirements. In the interests of being fair to all students, late assignments will be penalised by 10 per cent per day unless you have applied for special consideration, and that application is considered acceptable. Applications for extensions must be made before the submission date, and will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.  Note: Since most of us suffer from constant pressure of work, submitting consideration based on “work pressure” would not be considered an “exceptional circumstance”.  Note: The maximum length for this assessment is 1, 000 words. Any reports longer than this may risk not being marked beyond this word limit. Marking criteria and standards CRITERIA STANDARDS Summary of progress: (40%) Progress is unknown. No discussions about milestones completed and/or the project plan. Progress is known with respect to plan although there is limited discussions regarding milestones completed and/or future project plan. No evidence of strategy to ensure successful completion. Progress is known with respect to plan. Discussions regarding milestones completed and/or future project plans. Limited evidence of strategy to ensure successful completion. Progress is known with respect to plan. Discussions regarding milestones completed and/or future project plans. Evidence of strategy to ensure successful completion. Detailed discussions on milestones completed. Detailed discussions regarding future project plan. A well thought out strategy to ensure progress. Explained in an innovative and detailed manner. 0-7.9 8-15.9 16-23.9 24-31.9 32-40 Challenges and issues faced to date (30%) Challenges and issues are not identified. Challenges are identified although appear to be superficial. There is discussion about the challenges and issues identified during this phase of the project. There is considerable discussion regarding the challenges and issues identified in undertaking the project. There is comprehensive discussion regarding the challenges and issues identified in undertaking the project. 0-5.9 6-11.9 12-17.9 18-23.9 24-30 Schedule update (30%) There is no evidence of a schedule or the existing schedule does not show any updated information. The schedule has been updated although there is limited evidence of information comparing actual progress to plan. The schedule has been updated and there is evidence of information comparing actual progress to plan. The schedule has been updated and there is comprehensive evidence of information comparing actual progress to plan. The schedule has been updated and there is comprehensive information comparing actual progress to plan. The approach taken is innovative. 0-5.9 6-11.9 12-17.9 18-23.9 24-30 Assessment 3: Presentation and final report (60%) Overview The Final Output will include two parts. Part 1: Multimedia Presentation (10%) The presentation will enable the student to present their project in a multimedia format. The aim is for the student to express their knowledge and understanding of their business project. The presentation aims to summarise the project in a form other than the written report. In addition, the student has the opportunity to show case their project to broad audience. Part 2: Individual written report (50%) The written report should contain the results of work conducted from the proposal including secondary data (e.g. academic literature, business reports, industry journals etc.) which highlight and complement the selected project topic. The report should also incude the results of analysis and evaluation of data collected during the project. Importantly the report should contain recommendations and/or solutions to the problem or issues raised in the original proposal. Details: Part 1 – Individual presentation (Multimedia) (10%) This assessment aims to demonstrate the student’s ability to create a ‘multimedia’ file that will summarise the project. The output will be shared with the class for comment and will be marked by the lecturer. The aim is for the student to express their knowledge and understanding of their business project. The presentation aims to summarise the project in a form other than the written report and to demonstrate the student’s ability to ‘sell’ their project to an audience. A copy of the multimedia should be loaded on vUWS. The presentation should be professional and utilise technology to assist in presenting the information. For example, U-tube, mobile phone video, PowerPoint and/or Prezi. The presentation must capture the essence of the project and include the following. Business topic, background information, theories, strategies and recommendations Clearly identify the project topic you explored. Provide sufficient background information to the business and/or situation for audience to understand the context of the issue. Provide a summary of the frameworks and justify their use Provide a summary of the analysis and evaluation that support the recommendations in the project. Make specific recommendations as to what you believe the organisation should do as a result of your overall analysis Graphic design Use of graphics to communicate the ideas and project detail to the audience Use of multimedia technology Use multimedia technology to enhance the presentation Content organisation Provide the audience with a clear sequence and paths of information Due: This assessment is due during Session 8 and must be uploaded by 6.00pm on day of class. In the interests of being fair to all students, late assignments will be penalised by 10 per cent per day unless you have applied for special consideration, and that application is considered acceptable. Applications for extensions must be made before the submission date, and will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.  Note: Since most of us suffer from constant pressure of work, submitting consideration based on “work pressure” would not be considered an “exceptional circumstance”.  Note: The maximum length for this assessment is 10 minutes. The multimedia output should be uploaded onto vuws prior to class. Marking criteria and standards – Multimedia presentation CRITERIA STANDARDS Identify and use relevant information: Project identification and background information (10%) Absent or very general background information, not clearly relevant to the topic chosen. General background company information, but only peripherally related to the specific topic chosen, or general topic information, with little context. Moderatebackground information, but providing only a basic background to either the company or topic chosen. Good background information on topic and organisation, but lacking in some areas. Excellent background information, providing appropriate and relevant information on both the organisation and topic chosen. 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Content: Discussion of the theories/ constructs/frameworks (10%) Does not adequately explain the theories/ constructs/ frameworks underpinning the project. Some explanation of the theories/ constructs/ frameworks underpinning the project. Obvious gaps evident in the presentation. Good discussion of the theories/ constructs/ frameworks underpinning the project. However the link between theories and the project is not clear. Good discussion of the theories/ constructs/ frameworks underpinning the project. Clear link between theories and the project. Comprehensive discussion of the theories/ constructs/ frameworks underpinning the project. Clear and unambiguous link between the theories and project. 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Content Develop business strategies: Evaluation of potential strategies. (10%) Inadequate or heavily flawed analysis and/or evaluation. Basic analysis and/or evaluation, though not well justified and overlooking obvious issues. Average analysis and/or evaluation, with some good points though with some limitations. Good analysis and/or evaluation, in most aspects. Insightful and well justified analysis and/or evaluation of potential strategies. 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Content Recommendations (10%) No inclusion of recommendations and findings. Recommendations and findings included but unclear links to literature and planning tools. Recommendations and findings included but with limited links to literature and planning tools, and unclear practical implementation. Recommendations and findings included with links to literature and planning tools, but may have limits to practical implementation. Recommendations and findings included with clearly defined links to literature and planning tools and practical business implementation. 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Graphical Design (20%) Little evidence of graphics and special effects and the message is conveyed in a bland and uninteresting communication of content and ideas. Emphasis upon graphics and special effects although a weak message and fragmented communication of content and ideas. Attention paid to visual design criteria such as balance, proportion, harmony and restraint. There is some tendency toward random use of graphical elements. Graphical and multimedia elements accompany content There are considerable design elements and content combine effectively to deliver a high impact message with the graphics and the words reinforcing each other. The combination of multimedia elements with words and ideas takes communication and persuasion to a very high level, superior to what could be accomplished with either alone. The mixture brings about synergy and dramatic effects which reach the intended audience with style, pizzazz and elegance 0-3.9 4-7.9 8-11.9 12-15.9 16-20 Language (10%) Lesson has many spelling errors and/or grammatical errors. Lesson has some misspellings and/or grammatical errors. Lesson has fewer than two misspellings and/or grammatical errors. Lesson has no misspellings or grammatical errors Lesson has no misspellings or grammatical errors 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Use of multimedia technology (20%) No evidence of multimedia technology used or so poorly developed that they detract from the presentation. Multimedia technology used but poorly prepared and/or used inappropriately. Multimedia technology contributed to the quality of the presentation. However, there are still issues. e.g. difficult to hear/see/understand, too much information, or unimportant material etc. Multimedia technology contributed to the quality of the presentation. Appropriate information is included although some material is not supported. Extensive use of multimedia technology resulting in an enhanced presentation. The presentation was prepared in a professional manner. Information is organized to maximize audience understanding. Details were minimised so main points stand out. 0-3.9 4-7.9 8-11.9 12-15.9 16-20 Content organisation (10%) No logical sequence of information; Menus and paths to information are not evident. Some logical sequence of information, but menus and paths are confusing or flawed. Logical sequence of information. Menus and paths to more information are clear and direct Logical, intuitive sequence of information. Menus and paths to some with information direct. Logical, intuitive sequence of information. Menus and paths to all information are clear and direct. 0-1.9 2-3.9 4-5.9 6-7.9 8-10 Details: Part 2 – Individual Report (50%) The purpose of this assessment is for students to demonstrate their capacity to identify a business issue, undertake quality secondary research to uncover both external and internal influences via relevant theory learned in prior units and then provide concise recommendations to address the issue. Feedback from the business proposal should be considered when developing this report as it is expected that the direction recommended in this earlier document will be translated into firm strategies and recommendations in the final report. Whilst many items in the proposal are expected to be discussed in the final report, students may find themselves discarding others due to further insights being uncovered as their research and analysis continues. If this is the case, the report must include reasons why any items were/were not progressed through to the final plan. Students must apply relevant theories and concepts to their report. Focus should be on selection of relevant theories, concepts and constructs and how these can be integrated to work for the chosen topic.  Note: The final report is expected to significantly build upon the work completed in the original proposal. Where there has been no further information developed in a particular area, it is expected that the student will provide a brief summary of the original information that relates to the final recommendation rather than simply repeating it in full. The final report should contain (but is not limited to) the following components: Business topic Succinctly summarise the issue you are exploring, show why it is important, and what you believe you are achieving in your report. Background information Provide sufficient background information to the business and/or situation for a reader to understand the context of the issue you are exploring. Situation analysis (including application of relevant frameworks) Provide a summary of the relevant situation, including the use of frameworks. Evaluation and application of appropriate theories to arrive at potential strategies Evaluate and apply appropriate theories to the analysed situation so as to arrive at potential strategies. Recommendations Make specific recommendations as to what you believe the organisation should do as a result of your overall analysis.  Note: This assessment is due during Session 10 and must be handed in by 6.00pm on day of class. In the interests of being fair to all students, late assignments will be penalised by 10 per cent per day unless you have applied for special consideration, and that application is considered acceptable. Applications for extensions must be made before the submission date, and will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.  Note: Since most of us suffer from constant pressure of work, submitting consideration based on “work pressure” would not be considered an “exceptional circumstance”.  Note: The maximum length for this assessment is 4,000 words. Any reports longer than this may risk not being marked beyond this word limit. It is expected that no report would be less than 3,500 words. Marking criteria and standards – Individual report CRITERIA STANDARDS Identify and use relevant information: Identification of business topic. (5%) Unclear or absent definition of business topic. Identified business topic but with little justification for the choice of the topic. Identified business topic but with only average justification for the choice of the topic. Identified specific business topic with some good, though limited, discussion of the justification for the choice. Clear identification of specific business topic which has been critically chosen and well justified as an issue of importance. 0-0.9 1-1.9 2-2.9 3-3.9 4-5 Identify and use relevant information: Background information. (5%) Absent or very general background information, not clearly relevant to the topic chosen. General background company information, but only peripherally related to the specific topic chosen, or general topic information, with little context. Moderate background information, but providing only a basic background to either the company or topic chosen. Good background information on topic and organisation, but lacking in some areas. Excellent background information, providing appropriate and relevant information on both the organisation and topic chosen. 0-0.9 1-1.9 2-2.9 3-3.9 4-5 Literature Review: Range of references used to develop the topic and analysis. (5%) Uses only online sources with limited credibility (e.g. news reports). Uses a limited range of sources i.e. news reports and company reports. Uses a large range of sources from news reports, to books and journal articles. Uses a comprehensive range of sources e.g. books, news reports, journals and internet sources. Uses an extensive range of sources e.g. journals, books, magazines/newspapers and internet sources. 0-0.9 1-1.9 2-2.9 3-3.9 4-5 Apply frameworks to the situation faced by the firm: Situation analysis. (15%) Inadequate or heavily flawed analysis. Basic analysis, overlooking some important components of the situation. Average analysis, with some good points, but some obvious limitations. Good analysis, showing some limited insight. Excellent analysis, showing excellent insight into the situation. 0-2.9 3-5.9 6-8.9 9-11.9 12-15 Develop business strategies: Discussion of theoretical concepts. (5%) Missing or inadequate theoretical concepts. Basic and/or unjustified application of one theoretical concept. Average application of one or two theoretical concepts with some obvious limitations. Good application of two or more theoretical concepts with good justification. Insightful, well-justified application of two or more theoretical concepts. 0-0.9 1-1.9 2-2.9 3-3.9 4-5 Develop business strategies: Evaluation of potential strategies. (30%) Inadequate or heavily flawed evaluation. Basic evaluation, though not well justified and overlooking obvious issues. Average evaluation, with some good points though with some limitations. Good evaluation, in most aspects. Insightful and well justified evaluation of potential strategies. 0-5.9 6-11.9 12-17.9 18-23.9 24-30 Develop business strategies: Recommendations (15%) No inclusion of recommendations and findings. Recommendations and findings included but unclear links to literature and planning tools. Recommendations and findings included but with limited links to literature and planning tools, and unclear practical implementation. Recommendations and findings included with links to literature and planning tools, but may have limits to practical implementation. Recommendations and findings included with clearly defined links to literature and planning tools and practical business implementation. 0-2.9 3-5.9 6-8.9 9-11.9 12-15 Clarity of communication: Referencing and paraphrasing. (5%) Material is paraphrased poorly, and/or inadequate in-text citations and/or incomplete reference list. Poor in-text citations and/or incomplete reference list provided and/or content may be poorly paraphrased. Satisfactory in-text citations, paraphrasing and reference list, with some errors. Satisfactory in-text citations, paraphrasing and reference list, with minor errors. Excellent in-text citations, paraphrasing and reference list in all respects. 0-0.9 1-1.9 2-2.9 3-3.9 4-5 Clarity of communication: Superior overall paper style (e.g. easy to read, good flow of thoughts, interesting and well written) and layout. (15%) Basic paper with no reader engagement. There is no obvious logic and is hard to read. Basic paper with little reader engagement. It provides little insights and logic and/or lacks structure. Paper creates some interest and provides some insights and logic with a basic structure Paper is interesting and easy to read, but could be better structured. Good layout. Paper is well laid out and has logical flow of thoughts, is well structured and a pleasure to read. 0-2.9 3-5.9 6-8.9 9-11.9 12-15 General assessment requirements Referencing and citation requirements This unit uses Harvard UWS referencing style. Full details and examples are available on the Library website. Assignment cover sheet You are to keep a copy of all assessments submitted for marking. Submission through vUWS and Turnitin indicates your acknowledgement and acceptance of the work being your own. Some assessments may be required to be submitted with an assignment cover sheet (check the submission requirements section for each assessment). In these instances, links to assignment cover sheets can be located in your vUWS site. Group assignments are to be submitted with a group assignment cover sheet indicating the names of all group participants. Some units may also require you to submit a peer evaluation of group member participation. This may be conducted online or in hardcopy format. Details will be provided via the vUWS site. Learning resources Recommended readings General Saunders M., (2012) Research Methods for Business Students (latest edition) Pearson Higher Ed (UK) Fortune Magazine Harvard Business Review HBS Working Papers The Economist McKinsey Quarterly (online) Strategy + Business (online) MIT World (online) HBS Working Knowledge (online) TED Talks (online) Applied Finance Journal of Banking and Finance Financial Review (US) International Review of Finance Journal of Applied Corporate Finance Journal of Business Finance and Accounting Journal of Empirical Finance Journal of Financial Intermediation Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money Journal of International Money and Finance Pacific-Basin Finance Journal Review of Finance The Journal of Futures Markets The Journal of Portfolio Management: the journal for investment professionals Asia Pacific Journal of Finance Hospitality and Tourism Specialisation International Journal of Hospitality Management International Journal of Tourism Research Annals of Tourism Research International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management Event Management Journal of Tourism Studies Journal of Sustainable Tourism Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research Journal of Tourism and Travel Marketing Journal of Hospitality and Leisure Marketing Tourism Management Tourism and Hospitality: Planning and Development Human Resource Management Asia-Pacific Journal of HRM Employee Relations Gender, Work and Organizations Human Resource Management Journal Human Resource Management Review International Journal of HRM Journal of Industrial Relations Labour & Industry New Technology, Work and Employment Human Resource Management Specialisation As above for Human Resource Management. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialisation Research Policy Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice Journal of Business Venturing Small Business Economics Technovation Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Journal of Product Innovation Management Innovation: Management, Policy & Practice Journal of Social Entrepreneurship Strategic Management Journal Journal of Business Research Futures Foresight Journal of Futures Studies World Future Review Journal of Forecasting Journal of Technological Forecasting and Social Change Long-Range Planning Bloomberg Businessweek (Technology, Innovation & Design, Small Business) Fortune Fast Company Forbes The Economist Harvard Business Review MIT Sloan Management Review Wall Street Journal Logistics and Supply Chain Management Specialisation Journal of Operations Management Operations Research International Journal of Operations and Production Management Supply Chain Management: an International Journal Journal of Business Logistics Management Specialisation Strategic Management Journal Journal of Business Research Journal of Management British Management Journal Australian Journal of Management Journal of Organizational Behaviour Academy of Management Journal Academy of Management Review Leadership Quarterly Marketing Specialisation Australasian Marketing Journal European Journal of Marketing Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science Journal of Marketing Journal of Consumer Marketing Journal of Consumer Research Psychology and Marketing Sustainable Business Specialisation Sustainability in Australian business: principles and practice, 2013 (Moscardo et al) Sustainability at work: readings, cases and policy, 2011 (Benn et al) Sustainability: the corporate challenge of the 21st century, 2003, (Dunphy et al) Sustainability: essentials for business, 2013 (Young et al) Sustainability: The Journal of Record Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability Organizing for sustainable effectiveness Environment, development and sustainability Institute for Leadership and Sustainability Network for Business Sustainability Innovating for Sustainability: A Guide for Executives