Problem Solving and Research Methods for Managers – Summative Assignment
This module assessment develops students’ ability to apply problem-solving tools, techniques and research methods to an original business problem. The assessment consists of two summative components. Summative 1 comprises two 25-question multiple-choice questionnaires covering the key learning areas taught throughout the module. Summative 2 consists of a video presentation and an individual reflective piece. For the video presentation, students must prepare a 10-to-15-minute presentation demonstrating competent application of the problem-solving tools, techniques and research methods taught during the module. The presentation should address an original problem identified within a business where the student has previously worked or currently works. Where the student does not have relevant work experience, a business that the student is interested in working for in the future may be selected. The presentation should include an appropriate analysis of the problem, application of relevant problem-solving and research methods, conclusions and recommendations. References should be included at the end of the presentation using the Harvard referencing system. The second component is an individual reflective piece of 1,000 words. The reflection should document the student’s learning experience, the outcomes of the experience and how the learning will inform future professional practice. The assessment brief emphasises that reflective writing should go beyond simply describing events. Students are expected to explore their thoughts and emotions and develop deeper self-awareness. The use of one or more reflective or learning frameworks is recommended to structure the reflection. The assessment is designed to assess both practical application and reflective learning. The video presentation should demonstrate the ability to connect theory with a real or relevant business problem and produce appropriate conclusions and recommendations. The reflective component should demonstrate what the student has learned from the experience, how that learning has influenced their understanding and how it can be transferred to future practice. Students must use Harvard referencing. The assessment is submitted through the relevant Moodle/Turnitin or Panopto submission links. The assessment brief states that presentation references are not included in the presentation word count. Students should also ensure that their final submission follows the required file-format and deadline instructions provided on Moodle. The marking rubric places substantial emphasis on the quality of presentation design and delivery, the depth of reflection and learning demonstrated, and clarity of writing, structure, grammar, Harvard referencing and use of visuals. Strong work should therefore demonstrate a clear connection between the business problem, the selected problem-solving and research methods, the resulting analysis, conclusions and recommendations, followed by a genuinely reflective discussion of the learning experience and its implications for future practice.
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