ASSESSMENT BRIEF AND MARKING RUBRIC

Module title: Business Simulation with Professional Development (SG7003) Assessment point: Assessment point 1 – PART A (Week 6)

Assessment task: Individual Simulation Evaluation Report

Word count limit: 3000 words +/- 10% (excluding references and

appendices) Width: 50% of overall module grade

Procedure in the event of illness or other valid cause (extenuating circumstances)

If you believe that:

• your performance in assessment or reassessment has been impaired, or;

• you were unable to attend for an assessment or reassessment, or;

• you were unable to submit assessed or reassessed work by the scheduled date due to

illness or other valid cause (as defined in the Procedures Governing

Extenuating Circumstances), may submit an application for extenuation for the

relevant component(s) to Unicaf Extenuating Circumstances team

([email protected]).

*Once a component has been capped, extenuation does not uncap it.

Academic misconduct including plagiarism

Ensure that you are familiar with the relevant regulations regarding academic

misconduct. By submitting the assignment, you declare that it is your own work and that

the material and sources of information used, including internet sources, have been fully

identified and properly acknowledged. In addition, you confirm that the presented work

has not been submitted for any other assessment. You also acknowledge that the faculty

reserves the right to investigate allegations of plagiarism and other forms of academic

misconduct which, if proven and dependent on the severity level of the offence, may

result in a penalty that could affect your progress.

By submitting your work, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed with

the above statements.

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General Guidance

Your assignment should be MS Word processed (handwritten assignments are not

accepted), using Times New Roman size 12 font, double spaced, with numbered pages

and your student number printed as a footer on every page. Note this is a report

supported by academic research so you should adhere to the appropriate referencing

guidance. The word limit stated for this assignment excludes the list of references at the

end of the assignment but includes all text in the main body of the assignment (including

direct quotations, in-text citations, footnotes, tables, diagrams and graphs). Please be

aware that exceeding the word limit will affect the academic judgement of the piece of

work and may result in the award of a lower mark. Appendices are not considered a

supplement and will not be assessed as part of the content of the assignment. As such,

they will not contribute to the grade awarded; however, it may be appropriate to use an

Appendices section for any material which is a useful reference for the reader. Please

note that appendices are not included in the word count. The majority of references

should come from primary sources (e.g. journal articles, conference papers, reports,

etc.) although you can also utilise area specific textbooks. You must ensure that you

use the Harvard style of referencing. Please indicate the word count length at the end of

your assignment.

Marking and assessment

This assignment will be marked out of 100% and contributes to 50% of the total module

mark. The pass mark is 50%. Nevertheless, in order to pass this module, you must both

achieve an aggregate mark of 50% and also meet the assignment threshold marks.

The marking rubric is included below, which offers guidance on the assessment criteria

and weighting.

Late Submission

There will be a stipulated deadline date for all assignments. All assignments will need to

be submitted by the set time on the stipulated deadline date. Assignments submitted up

to 24 hours late will be accepted, but the assignment mark will be subject to a deduction

of 5 marks from the mark awarded.

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Learning outcomes applied in this assessment

Knowledge

LO.1 explain the theory and practice of businesses (COI, CID, SID)

LO.2 describe a range of current problems and changes that organizations face in being

successful (COI, CID, IC, SID).

Thinking skills

LO.3 critically evaluate research and theory to support decision-making and explain

progress (COI, CID, SID).

LO.4 analyse complex issues, make reasoned judgments with incomplete data, and

communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences (COI).

Subject-based practical skills

LO.5 students will discuss good practice for organization success (COI, CID, SID).

LO.6 undertake a critical audit of skills and capabilities for a professional career and

identify areas required for improvement (COI, CID, EID).

Skills for life and work (general skills)

LO.7 developing and communicating critical evaluations of organization progress

(CID, EID, SID).

Assessment guidelines

Produce a 3000-word report (+/- 10%) (excluding the list of references) which offers

students the ability to demonstrate their developing knowledge and application of the

teaching and learning material covered in weeks 1 to 7. It also encourages students to

develop their thoughts and perspectives on contemporary business issues, and be

intellectually creative (underpinned by credible resources).

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Task

You are required to prepare a 5-year strategy review to shareholders for

evaluating the business simulation activity of a listed (registered) company

of your choice.

In your report you should cover:

– Vision and Strategy (e.g. vision, values, mission, HR, Culture)

– Performance review of each year’s progress including:

✓ Competition analysis: Porter’s Five Forces; market choice/ share;

competitors; internal capabilities; industry trends/ attractiveness;

✓ Simulation performance results

✓ Performance analysis (evaluation of strategy, decisions – Marketing/

HR/ Logistics / Finance / Product development / Event response

– Future Plans and Recommendations (Key decisions for next 5 years, identify

any changes to current strategy, why and how to achieve, recommendations

based on your performance and analysis, potential growth, internalisation/

diversification or acquisition)

– Appendix (include full Business Plan)

Further Details:

Performance review:

o Assess the success of the strategy or strategies compared to industry

conditions and competitors

o Analyse company performance e.g. comparing actual performance with

targets in Business Plan, financial data analysis, decision analysis, and

justification of performance measures and strategy, application or

business scorecard etc.

Performance analysis further details:

o Explain why business plan achieves / missed, why performance better/

worse than competitors.

o Explain differences from competitors/ industry

o Explain any changes made to business plan and company, why, any

impact.

***

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Report Format

What is a

report?

A report is written for a clear purpose and to a particular audience. Specific

information and evidence are presented, analysed and applied to a particular

problem or issue. The information is presented in a clearly structured format making

use of sections and headings so that the information is easy to locate and follow.

When you are asked to write a report, you will usually be given a report brief which

provides you with instructions and guidelines. The report brief may outline the

purpose, audience and problem or issue that your report must address, together with

any specific requirements for format or structure. This guide offers a general

introduction to report writing.

What makes a good report?

Two of the reasons why reports are used as forms of written assessment are:

• to find out what you have learned from your reading, research or experience;

• to give you experience of an important skill that is widely used in the work place.

An effective report presents and analyses facts and evidence that are relevant to the

specific problem or issue of the report brief. All sources used should be acknowledged

and referenced throughout, in accordance with the preferred method of your

department.

The style of writing in a report is usually less discursive than in an essay, with a more

direct and economic use of language. A well written report will demonstrate your ability

to:

• understand the purpose of the report brief and adhere to its specifications;

• gather, evaluate and analyse relevant information;

• structure material in a logical and coherent order;

• present your report in a consistent manner according to the instructions of the

report brief;

• make appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence and

analysis of the report;

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• make thoughtful and practical recommendations where required.

The structure of a report

The main features of a report are described below to provide a general guide. These

should be used in conjunction with the instructions or guidelines provided by your

department.

Title Page

This should briefly but explicitly describe the purpose of the report (if this is not obvious

from the title of the work); remember to add your name and student

number/assessment number, and which assessment it pertains to.

Summary (Abstract)

The summary should briefly describe the content of the report. It should cover the aims

of the report, what was found and a brief review of the conclusions. Aim for about 1/2 a

page in length and avoid detail or discussion; just outline the main points. Remember

that the summary is the first thing that is read. It should provide the reader with a clear,

helpful overview of the content of the report.

Contents (Table of Contents)

The contents page should list the different chapters and/or headings together with the

page numbers. Your contents page should be presented in such a way that the reader

can quickly scan the list of headings and locate a particular part of the report. You may

want to number chapter headings and subheadings in addition to providing page

references. Whatever numbering system you use, be sure that it is clear and consistent

throughout.

Introduction

The introduction sets the scene for the main body of the report. The aims and objectives

of the report should be explained in detail. Any problems or limitations in the scope of

the report should be identified, and a description of research methods, the parameters

of the research and any necessary background history should be included.

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Methods

Information under this heading may include: a list of research methods used (e.g.

literature review using ProQuest resources and the filter criteria applied for each search)

and other sources of information and details of selection/rejection; reference to any

problems encountered and subsequent changes in procedure.

Discussion

The main body of the report is where you discuss your material. The literature and

evidence you have gathered should be summarised, analysed and discussed with

specific reference to the problem or issue. If your discussion section is lengthy you

might divide it into section headings. Your points should be grouped and arranged in an

order that is logical and easy to follow. Use headings and subheadings to create a clear

structure for your material. Use bullet points to present a series of points in an easy-to-

follow list. As with the whole report, all sources used should be acknowledged and

correctly referenced (remember to use the most credible resources available).

Conclusion

In the conclusion you should show the overall significance of what has been covered.

You may want to remind the reader of the most important points that have been made

in the report or highlight what you consider to be the most central issues or findings.

However, no new material should be introduced in the conclusion. Remember to

specifically answer the initial questions posed.

Appendices

Under this heading you should include all the supporting information you have used

that is not published. This might include tables, graphs, questionnaires, surveys or

transcripts. Refer to the appendices in the body of your report.

List of References

A key feature of academic writing, the list of references should list – in alphabetical

order by author – all published sources referred to in your report. There are different

styles of using references so be sure to refer to the study guide and check your

departmental handbook for guidelines.

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Assessment Criteria

Your assignment will be marked according to the following criteria:

1) Understanding and Reading: The depth of your reading (number, range and

quality of sources) and understanding of it. You are expected to read the

essential and further readings for the question that you choose. You need to

use these readings to support your argument/discussion; you cannot rely on

personal opinion or unsupported statements.

2) Critical Analysis: The level of critical analysis in your writing and the quality of

the argument developed. You cannot rely on simple description, but have to

apply knowledge and theory from the readings to critically engage with the

material.

3) Structure: Your ability to develop a clear, logical structure for your essay

which addresses the question and guides the reader. Your essay and outline

should include a clear introduction, a cogently argued main body, and a

conclusion that summarises the argument and answers the overall question.

4) Presentation and Referencing: Your ability to express yourself clearly in

English using appropriate terminology, correct spelling and grammar. The

extent to which your essay is correctly referenced using the Harvard system of

referencing in-text and with a reference list.

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Section/aspect Content to cover Marks available

Introduction General background on the 5 Marks 300 words topic you are going to discuss.

Possible definitions for terms

relating to the question.

What the essay will include and/or

leave out (scope).

What themes the essay will

discuss and the order they are

presented.

What the essay will argue /

demonstrate.

Business Description 700 words

Company’s Description Vision and Strategy (e.g. vision, values, mission, HR, Culture)

15 Marks

Performance review of each year’s

progress 1300 words

✓ Competition analysis: Porter’s Five Forces; market choice/ share; competitors; internal capabilities; industry trends/ attractiveness;

✓ Simulation performance results

✓ Performance analysis (evaluation of strategy, decisions – Marketing/ HR/ Logistics / Finance / Product development / Event response

35 Marks

Conclusion, Future Plans, and

recommendations 700 words

Key decisions for next 5 years, identify any changes to current strategy, why and how to achieve, recommendations based on your performance and analysis, potential growth, internalisation/ diversification or acquisition

30 Marks

Formatting,

Structure and

Referencing

(list of references not

included in word

count)

High quality presentation of

the material that conforms to

principles of academic writing

and contains minimal errors in

sentence construction,

grammar and punctuation.

15 Marks

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A logical structure was

followed.

The assignment followed appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text citations and referencing.

Total 3000 words

100/100

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Distinction The work has the potential to influence the forefront of the subject, and may be

Distinction The work is considered to be close to the forefront of the subject, and may be

Pass The work is generally sound but tends toward the factual or derivative. Limited

Marginal Fail

of appropriate techniques. The work is generally sound but tends toward the factual or derivative. Little

30-39%

20-29%

The quality of the relevant generic skills do not meet the requirements of the task. Demonstrates inadequate subject knowledge. The work lacks coherence and evidence of capacity to reflect critically.

The quality of the relevant generic skills do not meet the requirements of the

task.

Demonstrates seriously inadequate knowledge of the subject.

Masters Grading Scale

Mark Range Criteria

Demonstrates an exceptional ability and insight, indicating the highest level of

90-100% technical competence.

of publishable/exhibitable quality.

Relevant generic skills are demonstrated at the highest possible standard.

Demonstrates an outstanding ability and insight based on authoritative subject

80-89% knowledge and a very high level of technical competence.

close to publishable/exhibitable quality.

Relevant generic skills are demonstrated at a very high level.

Demonstrates an authoritative, current subject knowledge and a high level of technical competence.

70-79% The work is accurate and extensively supported by appropriate evidence. It Distinction may show some originality. Clear evidence of capacity to reflect critically and

deal with ambiguity in the data. Relevant generic skills are demonstrated at a high level.

Demonstrates a sound, current subject knowledge. No significant errors in the application of concepts or appropriate techniques. May contain some minor

60-69% flaws. Merit The work is well developed and coherent; may show some originality. Clear

evidence of capacity to reflect critically. Relevant generic skills are demonstrated at a good level.

Demonstrates satisfactory subject knowledge. Some evident weaknesses;

50 – 59% possibly shown by conceptual gaps, or limited use of appropriate techniques.

evidence of capacity to reflect critically.

Relevant generic skills are generally at a satisfactory level.

Demonstrates satisfactory subject knowledge to some degree. Some important

45 -49% weaknesses; possibly shown by factual errors, conceptual gaps, or limited use

evidence of capacity to reflect critically.

Relevant generic skills are generally at a satisfactory level.

Demonstrates limited core subject knowledge. Some important weaknesses; possibly shown by factual errors, conceptual gaps, or limited use of appropriate techniques.

40-44% The work lacks sound development. Little evidence of capacity to reflect

critically.

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10-19%

0-9%

The work contains minimal evidence of awareness of relevant issues or theory. The quality of the relevant generic skills do not meet the requirements of the task.

The work is almost entirely lacking in evidence of knowledge of the subject. No

evidence of awareness of relevant issues or theory.

The quality of the relevant generic skills do not meet the requirements of the task.

The work presents information that is irrelevant and unconnected to the task. No evident awareness of appropriate principles, theories, evidence and techniques.

Module Title: Assessment Title: Assessment Point 1

Criteria and 90-100% 80 – 90% 70 – 79%

Excellent Work

60 – 69% 50 – 59% 40 – 49% 20 – 39%

Work does not satisfy assessment criteria

0-19% weighting

Highly Exceptiona l Work

Outstanding Work

Very Good Quality Work

Good Quality Work

Acceptable work with some good aspects

Work fails to meet the assessment criteria

Exceptional and outstanding integration of the appropriate data, contextualised with commercial awareness, business maturity and skill.

Excellent integration of the appropriate data, contextualised with good evidence to show commercial awareness, business maturity and skill.

Very good integration of the appropriate data, contextualise d with evidence to show commercial awareness, business maturity and skill.

Good integration of the appropriate data, contextualised with good evidence to show overall awareness, business maturity and skill.

Adequate integration of the appropriate data, contextualised with good evidence to show overall awareness, business maturity and skill.

Some integration of the appropriate data, contextualised with limited evidence to show awareness, business maturity and skill.

Poor quality of integration of the appropriate data, contextualised with very limited evidence to show awareness, business maturity and skill.

No integration of the appropriate data, contextualis