Submission Deadline Marks and Feedback

Before 10am on: 20 working days after deadline (L4, 5 and 7)

15 working days after deadline (L6)
13/11/2020 10 working days after deadline (block delivery)

04/12/2020

Unit title & code

Assignment number and title Assignment 1 Literature Review
Assignment type CW-LR
Weighting of assignment 30%
Size or length of assessment 1,000 words
Unit learning outcomes On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1 Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate a knowledge of alternative research methods and techniques which will enable you to
define research questions, and to understand and assess the theoretical implications and limitations of
chosen research methods

2 Demonstrate the following skills and abilities

Select appropriate areas of academic theory for critical evaluation and review. Develop a research
proposal which defines a precise research question, selects appropriate theoretical concepts to explore,
and potentially identifies empirical data with which to test theoretical models and frameworks

What am I required to do in this assignment?

If you have a referral in assessment 1 only then please continue with the same research topic selected for the main
assessment.

If you have not attempted assessment 1 but have attempted assessment 2 in the main submission then please continue
with the same research topic.

If you have a referral in assessment 1 only then please continue with the same research topic selected for the main
assessment.

If you have not attempted assessment 1 but have attempted assessment 2 in the main submission then please continue
with the same research topic.

Assessment 1 requires you to produce a literature review of no more than 1,000 words
You will need to identify the pertinent issues that impact the subject chosen and construct your literature review around those themes. You
will need to demonstrate some critical evaluation of the literature reviewed. You are asked to draw conclusions at the end. You will need
to use appropriate and recent literature. You need to adhere strictly to the Harvard referencing system.

The proposed work is as follows:

• You will have to conduct significant literature searches so that you can identify and use suitable academic theory and findings from
which to synthesize your review.

 You should address the following points in your review: Definition and explanation of the terms you use.
 Demonstrate your understanding of the issue/s.
 Presentation of the relevant findings to date.
 Critically evaluate the literature.
 Draw conclusions from your findings.

Guidelines and Additional Information

• Preparation for this individual requires significant effort in researching the UoB Electronic Library. You may form your own study
group to discuss the topic. However, each student is required to submit an individual report, comprising their own understanding, review,
critical analysis and recommendations regarding the issue that you will be given
• Your report will be well presented and logically organized.
• Good clear presentation using an appropriate structure demonstrating effort to communicate effectively will result in higher
grades.
• Use of the Harvard referencing style for citing references – see http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/guides/a-guide-to-referencing/referencing
is mandatory. This not only applies to the bibliography but also to in-text references. This is a major attribute of the Learning Outcome of
this unit.

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What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)
In order to pass the Assessment 1 you will need to:
 Demonstrate an ability to understand a research issue and develop a critical review of relevant literature of relevant
academic literature
In order to pass the Assessment 2 you will need to:
 Produce a dissertation proposal of no more than 1,500 words which will enable you to define a research question,
identify the research domains you wish to explore and identify a project plan for the completion of your dissertation.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

We will be filling this section in together in class on make sure you have downloaded/printed out the Assignment Brief
and bring it to the session with you.

The following points should be observed:

We suggest that you avoid writing in the first person (“I”); rather the third person is recommended (e.g. it can therefore be suggested
that...).
You may include headings and subtitles and a contents page if you feel this will help you to stay focused and create clearer sign-posting for
the reader.
The proposal needs to demonstrate an understanding of the key issues of your debate (derived from your research) and ownership of the
work resulting in a critical conclusion. The main assessment criteria are listed in your Unit Handbook.
The following format/structure should be observed for your proposal:
1. Introduction
 Establish the scope of your project (what managerial issue are you targeting?)

2. Brief literature review

 List the main aspects of your literature review and explain why these are relevant to your research.

3. Potential outcomes
a. Summarise what you expect to find or add to the knowledge gathered from previous work.
b. Draw the key points together and consider potential outcomes.

4. Key References
a. The references should comprise a variety of sources used in the text, most of which should be academic journal articles.
Other sources could include books, trade publications, news articles, industry reports, company websites etc.
b. Harvard referencing style is compulsory!

Use of literature:
Use academic source, i.e. books, journal articles etc. Refer to respected industry sources DO NOT overuse the Internet, do not use and / or
quote from Wikipedia.

Reminder:

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You are required to use proper in-text reference and the reference list in the end using the Harvard Referencing System.

The writing:
Try to approach this assignment in a logical and systematic way. Make sure you have a logical structure, a convincing argument, clear
description of the situations which ‘set the scene’, and clear explanation which relate to theories, and a conclusion that draws your
argument together.

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?
This unit introduces the main methods of inquiry including primary research (qualitative and quantitative) and secondary research
(document/data analyses). You will be introduced to the principles and practices of undertaking rigorous research for both academic and
professional purposes in class. You will develop the skills necessary to help you to undertake this assignment.

How will my assignment be marked?

Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page.

You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.

Criteria 3rd Class – 40-49% Lower 2nd – 50- Upper 2nd – 60-69% 1st Class – 70%+
59%
Source Heavy reliance on An adequate use of A good range of literature used. The An excellent work
selection very limited sources. available sources. answer demonstrates appreciation will have wider
(30%) Little evidence of any Correct referencing of their appropriateness. Full and reading about the
attempt to collect a for the most part. accurate referencing. topic. Relevant
broader range of literatures are used
information and to support the in-

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 literature. Poor depth review and
referencing. reflection of the topic
as well as case study
analysis. Full and
accurate referencing.

Critical review A poor review and Average principle Good principle review and reflection Excellent principle
(30%) reflection will show review and will demonstrate students' review and reflection
limited reflection will show appreciation of the relevant theories should demonstrate
understanding of the students' general and principles and their application. deeper thinking of
relevant theories and understanding of Demonstrates a breadth of relevant theories and
principles. A very the relevant understanding of the issues posed in principles and their
narrow view and a theories and the assessment brief applications.
limited range of principles. Shows Demonstrates a
issues addressed consideration of comprehensive
some of the issues consideration of the
in a reasonably issues and apply
coherent way relevant theories to
address the
underlying issues.

Valid Poorly argued with The work will be The work will be soundly argued, The work will be well
conclusion rather unconvincing reasonably argued and the conclusions will be largely argued, and the
(20%) conclusions. The but the conclusions convincing, but some doubt could conclusions will
reader may well will not be entirely remain in the reader’s mind as to follow naturally from
doubt that the convincing from their validity. the evidence
conclusions are valid. the evidence presented. No doubt
presented. The will be left in the
reader will have reader’s mind as to
some doubt as to their validity. A
their validity. conclusion that
contradicts perceived
wisdom and is well
justified will be
particularly
welcomed.

Logical and Report has been put All the required The report is well organized with a The report has a
coherent together without a elements are clear logic. All the elements as logical flow and clear
demonstration clear logic. Some included, but some needed are included, but a clear flow logic between
(20%) required elements elements may not between the sections may be sections. The report
may be missing. The have enough detail. missing. is comprehensive
readers have The content of the with all the required

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difficulty report is clearly elements included.
understanding presented. No Readers can
content of the major difficulties appreciate the
report. understanding the content very easily.
content of the
report