Information, arguments and evidence are very well presented; the presentation is logical, clear and well supported by evidence. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Expertly presented; the presentation is logical, persuasive, and well supported by evidence, demonstrating a clear flow of ideas and arguments. Engages and sustains audience’s interest in the topic, demonstrates high levels of cultural sensitivity Effective use of diverse presentation aids, including graphics and multi-media.

Effective Communication 25% Difficult to understand for audience, no logical/clear structure, poor flow of ideas, argument lacks supporting evidence. Audience cannot follow the line of reasoning. Information, arguments and evidence are presented in a way that is not always clear and logical. Line of reasoning is often difficult to follow. Information, arguments and evidence are well presented, mostly clear flow of ideas and arguments. Line of reasoning is easy to follow.

Highly developed understanding of the field or discipline/s. A sophisticated understanding of the field or discipline/s. Discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Evaluates the limits & strengths of current knowledge. Well demonstrated capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts. Systematically and critically discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Extends the limits & strengths of current knowledge. Mastery of concepts and application to new situations/further learning.

Knowledge and skills demonstrating creativity and initiative Limited understanding of required concepts and knowledge Knowledge or understanding of the field or discipline. Thorough knowledge or understanding of the field or discipline/s. 25% Critically evaluate the role of operations management in the strategic management of organisations and supply chains. Key components of the assignment are not all addressed. Key components of the assignment are all addressed. Often conflates/confuses assertion of personal opinion with information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials. Supports personal opinion and information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials. Explores the limits & strengths of current knowledge Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts.

Clear understanding of the impact of financial, social, political, environmental issues on the business. Demonstrates commercial awareness of product development/service provision. Understands the operations of the business. Can prepare and presents business cases/proposals. Understands and evaluates the impact of financial, social, political, environmental issues on the business; and where relevant, as they relate to different countries where the business may operate. Demonstrates commercial awareness of product development/service provision and cost relationships. Synthesises and evaluates information from a variety of sources. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Critical understanding of the impact of financial, social, political, environmental issues on the business; and where relevant, as they relate to different countries where the business may operate. Demonstrates commercial awareness of product development/service provision and cost relationships.

Application of knowledge to practise 25% Identify the critical components of operations management function in differing organisations and clearly demonstrate their relationship to decision making and value chain. Limited understanding of the internal and external business environment. Lacks a global perspective for potential market and trends. Uses a limited range of information as the basis of recommended practice. Understands the internal and external business environment including commercial context and market forces. Understands local and global markets/trends. Accesses relevant information. Utilises information from a variety of sources. Gathers/utilises competitor knowledge.

Credit (Proficient) Distinction (Advanced) High Distinction (Exceptional) The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is clear. The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is very clear. The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is excellent. The rationale for the research methodology is stated and appropriate for the research question/project. The rationale for the research methodology is compared with alternatives and the chosen method is appropriate for the research question/project. The rationale for the research methodology is compared and evaluated against alternatives and the chosen method is appropriate for the research question/project.

Assessment Attributes Fail (Unacceptable) Pass (Functional) Understanding of research principles and methods applicable to MBA The focus for the research question(s) or basis for the project is unclear. The focus for the research question(s) or basis for project is adequately clear. 25% Evaluate, apply and articulate the principles and quantitative methodologies to assist decision- making in operations process planning, scheduling and inventory management The rationale for the research methodology is inappropriate for the research question/project. The rationale for the research methodology is appropriate for the research question/project.

This essay requires an individual operations plan and a process map for a product or service. How the assessment fits into the subject/course: The assessment of this subject equips students with the theories, concepts and models which support operations from a strategic perspective, design measurement and performance management of operations RESOURCES TO BE PROVIDED: • An electronic library and reading guide is provided to all students including a range of e- textbooks and journals available through online journal databases including EBSCO. Criteria • Understanding of research principles and methods applicable to MBA • Application of knowledge to practise • Knowledge and skills demonstrating creativity and initiative • Use of effective communication