C1:  Reading, selecting, analysing and synthesising information from a range of sources

C2:  Producing different types of document

C3:  Participating in discussions

LP1:  Develop a strategy for using a range of skills to improve own learning and performance

IT1:  Preparing information

IT2:  Processing and presenting information

IT3:  Reviewing the use of information technology

LP2:  Review and Critically Reflect on Progress

LP3:  Evaluate overall effectiveness of strategy and present achievements

N1:  Collecting and recording data

N2:  Working with data

N3:  Presenting your findings

PS1:  Develop a strategy for using skills in problem solving, for a short-term routine problem and a longer term extended problem.

PS2:  Monitor progress and adapt any problem solving strategy as necessary to achieve the quality of outcomes required when tackling one complex problem with at least three options.

PS3:  Evaluate your overall strategy considered in PS2 and consider improvements.

S1:  Plan personal work schedules

S2:  Monitor and manage progress on prolonged tasks

S3:  Review achievement of objectives and the effectiveness of your own self-management skills

WWO2: Working towards identified targets

Learning outcomes assessed:

LO1: Understand the dynamic of business management issues in the contemporary global business environment 

LO2: Critically evaluate a wide range of contemporary management issues by synthesizing relevant theories 

LO3: Assess and critically evaluate the significance of contemporary change and the impacts on decisions, behaviours, human capital and the organisation configuration 

LO4: Critically analyse and evaluate an organisational situation and change so as to inform and improve performance and enhance value 

LO5: Evidence highly developed autonomous learning skills, problem solving and the ability to clearly and appropriately communicate findings and recommendations.

Marks 

Awarded

1. Research-informed Literature

Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions.

2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject

Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline.

3. Analysis

Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence

4. Practical Application and Deployment

Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems.

5. Skills for Professional Practice

Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation.

SATISFACTORY

(3rd / Pass)

GOOD

(2.2 / Pass)

VERY GOOD

(2.1 / Merit)

EXCELLENT

(1st / Distinction)

EXCEPTIONAL

(1st / Distinction)

Engagement with literature (including reading, referencing,

academic conventions and

academic honesty) 

Little or no evidence of reading and/or reliance on inappropriate sources.

Views and findings mostly unsupported and non-authoritative.

Referencing conventions used incoherently or largely absent.

Engagement with a limited range of mostly relevant and credible sources. Some omissions and minor errors.

Referencing conventions evident though not always applied accurately or consistently.

Engagement with a wide range of research-informed literature, including sources retrieved independently.

Selection of relevant and credible sources.  Very good use of referencing, with no/very few inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

Knowledge and understanding (Coherent and detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of the subject area, at least some of which is informed by the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline.)

Major gaps in knowledge and systematic understanding of the subject matter. Substantial inaccuracies. No awareness of knowledge of the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline.

Cognitive and intellectual skills 

(Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of research, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete); logic, argument and judgement.) 

Wholly or almost wholly descriptive work. Little or no analysis, synthesis or evaluation.

Failure to develop arguments, leading to illogical or invalid judgements. Unsubstantiated generalisations, made without use of any credible evidence.

Limited attempt at critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation, tending towards description.

Some evidence to support emerging arguments and judgements but these may be underdeveloped or with a little inconsistency / mis-interpretation.

Asserts rather than argues a case.

Some critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Can analyse new and/or abstract concepts and data without guidance.

An emerging awareness of different stances and ability to use evidence (that may be incomplete) to support the argument.

Mostly valid arguments and logical judgements. Some tendency to assert/state opinion rather than argue on the basis of reason and evidence.

Sound critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation demonstrating critical thinking. Ability to devise and sustain persuasive arguments, and to review the reliability, validity and significance of evidence (that may be incomplete) to make mostly appropriate and valid judgements. 

Excellent critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Ability to investigate contradictory or incomplete information and make strong, persuasive, arguments and sophisticated judgements. Some evidence of independent thought and ability to ‘see beyond the question’, suggesting a grasp of the broader field and wider concepts.

Exceptional critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation based on judiciously selected evidence. 

Ability to investigate contradictory or incomplete information and make strong, persuasive, arguments and sophisticated, nuanced, judgements. Evidence of independent thought and ability to ‘see beyond the question’, suggesting an outstanding grasp of the broader field and wider concepts.

Practical skills

(Apply/deploy accurately established tools and techniques; initiate and carry out projects; formulate solutions to solve problems in complex and unpredictable contexts.)

Limited or no use of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Little or no appreciation of the context of the application.

Limited understanding of the application of theory to practice or making appropriate links between the two.

Very weak problem-solving skills in complex and unpredictable contexts. 

Rudimentary application of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques but without consideration and competence. Flawed appreciation of the context of the application.

Weak understanding of the application of theory to practice, with only occasional evidence of making appropriate links between the two. Weak problem-solving skills in complex and unpredictable contexts. 

An adequate awareness and mostly appropriate application of well-established methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Basic appreciation of the context of the application. Theoretical knowledge and understanding applied in practice, but not always making logical links between the two.

Can identify problems and propose basic solutions in complex and unpredictable contexts without fully appreciating the complexity. 

A good and appropriate application of standard methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Clear appreciation of the context of the application. Mainly consistent, accurate and logical application of theory to practice, making appropriate links between the two

Can identify problems and propose mostly appropriate solutions in complex and unpredictable contexts.

A very good application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Very good consideration of the context of the application, with perceptive insights. Can identify problems and propose appropriate solutions in complex and unpredictable contexts.

Evidence of some innovation and creativity. 

An advanced application of a range of methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

The context of the application is well considered, and insightful.

Application and deployment extend beyond established conventions.  Can identify complex problems and propose excellent solutions. Innovation and creativity evident.

Transferable skills for life and professional practice

(Exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; professional development; initiate and complete tasks and procedures: individually and/or collaboratively; use appropriate media to communicate effectively; fluency of expression; clarity and effectiveness in presentation and organisation.)

Communication medium is inappropriate or misapplied.

Work is poorly structured, disorganised and/or confusingly expressed. Very weak use of language and/or very inappropriate style. Little or no evidence of autonomy (or collaboration, where relevant) in the completion of tasks. Little or no evidence of the skills required in graduate employment.

Communication medium is poorly designed and/or not suitable for the audience. 

Work is poorly presented in a disjointed manner. It is loosely, and at times incoherently, structured, with information and ideas often poorly expressed. Weak use of language and/or inappropriate style. Weak independent initiative (or collaboration, if relevant). Limited evidence of the skills required in graduate employment.

Can communicate in a suitable medium but with some room for improvement. 

Mostly ordered presentation and structure in which relevant ideas / concepts are reasonably expressed. Work may lack coherence in places. Can work as part of a team, but with limited involvement in group activities. 

Demonstrates the basic skills required in graduate employment, with some areas of minor weakness.

Can communicate effectively in a suitable format, but may have minor errors.

Mostly coherent, organised work, in a suitable structure and is for the most part clearly expressed. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with clear contribution to group activities. 

Demonstrates the skills required in graduate employment, with some areas of strength and some of minor weakness.

Can communicate well, confidently and consistently in a suitable format.

Work is coherent, fluent, well-structured and organised. Can work very well autonomously and/or as part of a team, with very good contribution to group activities. 

Demonstrates very good graduate employment skills, with just occasional minor weakness.

Can communicate professionally confidently and consistently in a suitable format.

Work is coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally. Can work autonomously with initiative. Where relevant can work professionally within a team, showing leadership skills as appropriate, managing conflict and meeting obligations. Demonstrates excellent graduate employment skills and an appetite for further development.

Can communicate with an exceptionally high level of professionalism. 

Work is exceptionally coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally. Can work exceptionally well and professionally within a team, showing advanced leadership skills. Demonstrates exceptional graduate employment skills and an appetite for further development.