Assignment is 3,000 words, +/- 10%. Appendices are allowed outside this limit. Best answers will draw explicitly on strategic concepts and analysis from the module and apply them to the organisation. Clear referencing (Harvard system), professional presentation with appropriate diagrams/tables are required.

The module is assessed (100%) by an individual Strategic Report (maximum 3,000 words) involving an in-depth, strategic analysis of a large organisation. The subject of the report will be decided by the module convenor but students will be able to choose from a list of 6 varied examples. The task is briefed in Week 2 of the module and is due for submission in Week . A further 10% is available for clarity, structure, grammar, correct Harvard referencing and overall professional presentation showing clear report style.

How will your work be assessed? Your work will be assessed by a subject expert who will use the marking scheme indicated below. Feedback will be given in the Turnitin/Grademark system with script comments plus overall points. When you access your marked work it is important that you reflect on the feedback so that you can use it to improve future assignments. In this Strategic Report, high marks come from using strategic concepts and analysis from the module clearly applied to the organisation. Harvard referencing, a professional report style plus appropriate diagrams/tables are also required.

Outline marking expectations are as follows:- Q1: (20%) After a short introduction, we expect 3 key Strategic Issues with explanations and knowledge of why they are “strategic”. The 3 environments (PESTLE, 5 Forces & internal) should be used as a guide. Q2: (40%) We expect strong course knowledge, clear industry CSFs plus the organisation’s resources & unique capabilities well analysed. Also how unique capabilities link to advantage & CSFs, and their Porter generic strategy. Q3: (30%) We expect an evaluation of how their strategy addresses their issues using the three SAFe tests – plus how it might be improved. A short overall conclusion completes the report. PRESENTATION: (10%) We expect a professional report with clear report style (not an essay) e.g. frontsheet, contents, clear sections, tables & diagrams and relevant Harvard referencing. The word count should not be exceeded by more than 10%.

In addition to marker feedback, a full marking rubric will be available within the Turnitin submission system for student consideration. Marking and feedback process - Between you handing in your work and then receiving your feedback and marks within 20 days, there are a number of quality assurance processes that we go through to ensure that students receive marks which reflects their work.

A brief summary is provided below:- Step 1 – The module and marking team meet to agree standards, expectations and how feedback will be provided. Step 2 – A subject expert will mark your work using the criteria provided in the assessment brief. Step 3 – A moderation meeting takes place where all members of the teaching and marking team will review the marking of others to confirm whether they agree with the mark and feedback. Step 4 – Work at Levels 5 and 6 then goes to an external examiner who will review a sample of work to confirm that the marking between different staff is consistent and fair. Step 5 – The Office process your mark & feedback & it is made available to you.

Instructions to Students - If you need to resit this assessment, the requirements are as follows:- You are required to re-work your original submission in line with the original assessment brief and criteria. Your re-submission must address the feedback comments provided by the marker on the original submission. You should provide a summary of the marker’s original feedback from your first submission together with a commentary (maximum of 500 words) that explains how your revisions improve the original submission by addressing the original feedback. In brief your resit submission MUST include:- A summary of the original feedback, A reflective account [500 words] detailing how your revisions have addressed the feedback, and The reworked assignment.