The assignment has three parts: 1) Research notes [30% of the assignment grade] 2) Annotated Table of References/Annotated Bibliography [30% of the assignment grade] 3) PowerPoint presentation [40% of the assignment grade]
Prepare a PowerPoint based presentation (8-10 slides – with accompanying notes and an annotated Table of References) analysing in appropriate depth applicable factors in your allocated company’s business environment. These may include the following:
• Size and stated corporate objectives
• Growth
• Main competitors
• Competitive industry environment
• International expansion into foreign markets, and
• Comparison of different international business environments
The assignment has three parts:
1) Research notes [30% of the assignment grade]
Research notes (approximately 1000 words) outlining research undertaken using a variety of independent sources of information to prepare the presentation. The notes should provide evidence of the research undertaken and its substance. Notes should be in methodical structure mirroring the PowerPoint slides; the notes should be organised thematically. Short paragraphs providing information to substantiate the points made on the slides.
2) Annotated Table of References/Annotated Bibliography [30% of the assignment grade]
The notes must be accompanied by an annotated Table of Reference in the correct format. The annotated Table of References is not included in the word limit.
Note: Please refer to the module handbook ‘Referencing – a basic guide’ section for further guidance.
3) PowerPoint presentation [40% of the assignment grade]
Presentation of the results of an analysis of key factors in the allocated company’s business environment including, as applicable: Size and stated corporate objectives; Growth; Main competitors; Competitive/industry environment; International expansion into foreign markets; International business environments
In order to gain higher grades, you will demonstrate the following skills:
• Information seeking
• Information handling
• Interpreting information
Information seeking is about the way you research your assigned company. It will be demonstrated by searching for information from appropriate sources, in sufficient quantity and in sufficient depth.
Information handling is about evaluation of information. It will be demonstrated by how you evaluate the amount and weight of evidence revealed by your research. Expert opinions, journalistic comments, results of scientific research, reports from authoritative organisations have different value as information/evidence. Your analysis should show your ability to use different types of information/evidence.
Interpreting information is about how you reach conclusions based on the analysis presented and whether they are justifiable given the evidence presented. The conclusion should state whether, or to what extent, the assigned company’s external environment is changing. Conclusions that take into account “mixed” evidence (for example, some factors might be stable, some might be changing gradually/predictably, some might be changing rapidly/unpredictably) are likely to attract higher grades.
Do not contact the company
The presentation should be based on publicly available information. Make use of learning resources identified in the library seminar and those listed in the Module Handbook; ensure you do not rely solely on the company website. The more independent sources of information used the better the scholarship and quality of your work is likely to be.
Make sure the work you submit is your own. Quotations, factual information and opinions that are not your own require references to the original source. Provide all appropriate references in a conventional academic style.
