Assessment Guide BM632 Managing & Developing Innovation & Creativity BM632 PR1: Film presentation (10 minutes) with a written report (1200 words) Assignment Brief: Local Innovation Challenge (Individual Challenge). For BM632 Assignment, You are required to explore and propose an innovative idea that supports the growth, sustainability, or impact of a local independent organisation within your town centre. This could involve an existing small business, a charity, a not-for-profit organisation, or a completely new venture that you design.

The objective is to identify a clear gap, challenge, or unmet need within the local market and develop a creative, practical solution that demonstrates both originality and commercial or social viability. Your final submission (presentation video) should clearly communicate and “pitch” your idea, showcasing both your innovation thinking and professional communication skills.

Note: You must focus on independent organisations, local initiatives, or your own original idea. Large chains or franchises are not permitted.

What You Need to Do Define the Opportunity

Identify and clearly explain a specific local issue, customer need, or business opportunity. This may relate to:

Supporting independent local businesses through new offerings

Addressing sustainability or environmental concerns

Improving customer experience or accessibility

Creating a new start-up concept

Enhancing ethical or community-focused practices etc.

Conduct Research

Support your idea with relevant evidence, including:

Secondary (desk) research such as reports, articles, or market data

Primary research where appropriate (e.g. surveys, interviews, observations)

This research should justify the need for your proposed solution.

Generate and Select Ideas

Use creative thinking techniques to develop multiple potential solutions.

Evaluate these options and select the strongest idea based on:

Feasibility

Potential impact

Alignment with the identified problem/opportunity

Provide clear justification for your final choice.

Apply Innovation Frameworks

Demonstrate your understanding of innovation processes by applying at least one recognised model, such as:

Innovation funnel models (Tidd and Bessant, 2020)

Design thinking frameworks (Utley and Klebhan, 2021)

Show how your idea evolves through this process.

Use Problem-Solving Tools

Incorporate appropriate techniques to analyse and refine your idea, such as:

Brainstorming or mind mapping

Cause-and-effect analysis

Creative modification tools (e.g. SCAMPER)

Explain how these tools contributed to your development process.

Implementation Plan (12 Months)

Develop a structured plan outlining how your solution could be introduced over the next year. Include:

Key milestones and stages

Required resources (financial, human, physical)

Stakeholder involvement and collaboration

A clear timeline

Strategic and Project Considerations

Demonstrate your ability to think like a project manager or junior executive by including:

Basic business or operational planning

Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies

Strategic considerations relevant to your idea

Risk and Innovation Audit

Evaluate potential risks and barriers to success. Consider:

Market demand and readiness

Legal or regulatory factors

Resource constraints

Community acceptance or participation

Suggest ways to mitigate these challenges.

BMM5163 People Management Assignment BMM5163 Individual Report (4000 words) BMM5163 Learning Outcomes: By the end of BMM5163 module, the student should be able to

Appraise the effectiveness of a range of people management models, theories, and concepts, including those dealing with setting up teams.

Recognise the role of the personnel and HRM specialists in public and private organisations.

Demonstrate the ability to work within a team and reflecting on their personal skills and areas for development.

Analyse and present complex information from research as part of the team.

Task Requirements: People management literature shows that effective people management is essential for organisational success, as it leverages the potential of employees to contribute to the attainment of strategic objectives (Lepak & Gowan, 2010).

Critically discuss, analyse, and evaluate approaches to people management in practice in the organisational context, by using and applying theory, models, and approaches studied in this module to an organisation and/or a manager of your choice, to contextualise your analysis, critique, arguments, discussion, and conclusions.

Introduction and context (500 words)

Theoretical Framework (i.e., which theories/approaches and frameworks/models of people management and why; in what order and why, justify your choices) (1500 words)

Application of Theories, Analysis, and Discussion (i.e., how, you may link your selected theories/approaches and frameworks/models of people management with factors influencing their successful application) (1500 words).

Conclusion and Recommendations (500 words)

References

List of Figures

List of Tables Your assignment may include the following structure:

Appendices

Core texts: Armstrong, M., & Taylor, S. (2020). Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice (15th edition). Kogan Page

Torrington, D., Hall, L., Taylor, S. & Atkinson, C. (2017) Human resource management, 10th ed., Harlow: Pearson.

Wilkinson, A., Redman,T. & Dundon, T. (2017) Contemporary human resource management: text and cases, 5th ed., Harlow: Pearson.

Bratton, J. & Gold J. (2017) Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice London, Palgrave.

Recommended texts: Furnham, A. (2008) People Management in turbulent times, London, Palgrave Macmillan.

Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. (2008) The Leadership Challenge, London: Jossey-Bass.

Thompson, N. (2013) People Management, London: Palgrave MacMillan

Useful Websites TED – https://www.ted.com/topics

CIPD – CIPD The Professional Body for Human Resources and People Development

People Management – People Management homepage

Management Today

com

Useful Journals Academy of Management Learning and Education

British Journal of Management

Human Resource Management

Journal of Management History

Management Learning

CA7013QA Sustainability in Global Companies CA7013QA Assessment 2: Sustainability Strategies of two companies Individual Report : 1,500 words Task Write a 1500-word CA7013QA report on the following:

CA7013QA is a critical review of the sustainability strategies of two multinational companies as communicated by their Sustainability reports. This report will compare the levels of engagement in the sustainability challenges and evaluate resilience to potential or actual business risks.

MN7001QA Operations and Technology Management Assessment 2: Individual report MN7001QA assessment mainly assesses learning outcomes (LO) 2 and 4 of the module, but builds upon LO1 and LO3, the LOs are that on successful completion of the module students will be able to:

Analyse how technology is used currently and may be used in the future to deliver value (LO1).

Critically evaluate the contribution of operations management and information systems to a business organisation’s strategic aims (LO2).

Critically evaluate the key concepts and theories of digital business (LO3).

Critique key concepts and theories within the areas of operations management, service operations, and process management (LO4).

Objective of MN7001QA assessment The operations function of any enterprise has a direct and significant impact on the competitiveness and success of the firm. Upon completion of this project, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how the goals and objectives of an operation are realized in the way they do business. The project will draw upon one of the below concepts, theories and models about the use of operation management in your chosen company:

Lean Operations

Capacity planning and management

Inventory management

Material Requirement Planning (MRP)

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Quality management and improvement

Process technology

Supply chain management and logistics

Managing risks

Service or manufacturing Organizations: Case Study Select an organisation that you can apply what you are learning on this course, and research relevant articles in journals and conferences. This could be a service operation, such as a coffee shop, project and construction companies, other retail or distribution, transport or manufacturing operation but it has to be one where you can identify the contribution of operations management. As suggestion, you may select the company from the following list (but are not limited to):

FedEx

NHS

Tesco

Amazon

H&M

Toyota

ZARA

Starbucks

McDonald

KFC

VOLVO

Nike

Schindler UK

Unilever4

Rolls-Royce

BMW

Intel

Ford

Boeing

Xerox

Burger King

Required to answer in your report: In accordance to learning outcomes 2 and 4, there are two main parts should be answered in your report. You need to concentrate on the following sections and questions while strategizing and preparing your report.

Evaluate the objectives of the selected organisation. You might discuss aspects of operations strategy, goals and objectives, contribution to competitive priorities. Flowing on from this analysis, in a strategic sense what is operations management expected to deliver?

How does the organisation do operations?

How does Operations and technology management translate these organisational goals into tangible outcomes and processes?

What does it aim to be exceptional at?

How does operation management deliver on the competitive advantage identified above?

Essentially address the question how does the operation management of your organisation deliver on the strategy?

What are the opportunities and barriers of implementing operations management in your chosen company?

Please include at least one of the following operations management (OM) outputs into your coursework e.g. statistics, results, charts, figures, tables, reports with in-text citation

process mapping, appropriate process measurements

pull versus push system and just in time (JIT) outputs

sources of wastes, lean production tools

continuous improvement, Plan, Do, Check Act (PDCA),

quality function deployment (QFD)

level versus chase capacity plan and results

economic order quantity analysis and calculations

MRP analysis and reports

supply chain network

supplier selection and evaluation

quality tools

flow Principle

TQM, EFQM, ISO standards implementation and results

failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) outputs.

Assessing and reporting the impact of a process technology on OM performance e.g. IoT, Industry 4.0, RFID

Principles of Leadership and Management (M/618/5501) Principles Of Leadership And Management Assignment Brief Qualification OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management (603/6820/2) Unit Reference Number M/618/5501 Unit Title Principles of Leadership and Management Unit Level 6 Number of Credits 20 Total Qualification Time (TQT) 200 Hours Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 80 Hours Mandatory / Optional Mandatory Sector Subject Area (SSA) 1.3 Health and Social Care Unit Grading Structure Pass / Fail Unit Aims The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ leadership and management knowledge and skills, underpinning their practice as effective health care professionals. The unit introduces the management of teams and approaches to dealing with complex situations, providing quality service outcomes through effective practice and policy implementation.

Learning Outcomes And Assessment Criteria Learning Outcomes – the learner will: Assessment Criteria – the learner can:

1. Understand theories of leadership and management relevant to the health and social care sector. 1.1 Analyse key leadership and management theories. 1.2 Evaluate the challenges of leadership and management in the health and social care sector.
2. Understand the challenges that impact employee performance in the health and social care sector. 2.1 Examine the influencing factors on staff performance 2.2 Explore key factors which contribute to job satisfaction

2.3 Analyse the role of performance management in the success of healthcare organisations.

3. Understand the development and effectiveness of teams in the health and social care sector. 3.1 Analyse the different models of team leadership and its application to the health and social care sector. 3.2 Evaluate the roles of teams and benefits of having teams in the health and social care sector.
4. Understand the development and implementation of health and social care organisational policy. 4.1 Examine roles and responsibilities, accountabilities and duties in a health and social care setting. 4.2 Evaluate the contribution of one key role in the development and implementation of health and social care organisational policy.

Assessment To achieve a ‘pass’ for this unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria.

Learning Outcomes to be met Assessment criteria to be covered Type of assessment Word count (approx. length) All 1 to 4 All ACs under LO1 to LO4 Portfolio of evidence 3000 words

Unit 601 Developing Personal Effectiveness and Impact Unit 601 Developing Personal Effectiveness And Impact Assignment Brief ILM unit number: 8360-601 Unit Title Developing personal effectiveness and impact Unit Level: 6 Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 14 Credits 6 Assessment Method: Assignment Guidance on word count: Suggested minimum word count: 2,750. Being able to communicate in a succinct manner is important, so the guidance for maximum word count is +20%, therefore 3,300 words. With 11 assessment criteria, this equates to approx. 250 words per assessment criteria. Please note this is anomal word count, so you will not be marked down for reasonable variance from this guidance. Aim In relation to your current management role and duties you will utilise meta skills and apply your understanding of crisis management, agility and resilience to develop personal effectiveness and impact. This will be in the context of your organisation, or one with which you are familiar.

All Assessment Criteria and Assessment Requirements must be met and utilised to structure your assignment, supported by work-product evidence.

It is recommended that before you start this assignment you discuss with your tutor how you intend to put your learning into practice as evidence of skills applied in real-work situations is required.

Assignment Task LO1 The Learner Will Be Able To Apply The Meta Skills Required For An Effective Manager. Assessment Criteria The learner can…. Guidance

Assessment Requirements (Sufficiency)

AC1.1

Common sources to draw from:- Appraise own communication skills and their use within the management  role

–                  Distributed Leadership –                  DISC personality preferences

–                  Presentation skills

–                  360° feedback report

The learner must appraise a minimum of two personal communication skills detailing why these are needed at management level. AC1.2

Common sources to draw from:- –  Article: ‘The hidden traps in decision making’

Assess own skills in critical thinking and its relevance to problem solving at management level

–                       Article: ‘Learning the art of critical thinking’ –                       Shifting limiting to empowering beliefs

–                       Challenging assumptions / biases

–                       Problem-definition tools – CATWOE; 6 bums on a rugby post; fishbone analysis;

Socratic questioning method

The learner must assess a minimum of two personal critical thinking skills detailing their relevance to problem solving at management level. AC1.3   Common sources to draw from:- –                6 thinking hats

–                Problem-definition tools – CATWOE;

Compare and contrast creative thinking tools/techniques or models applicable at management level.

 

6 bums on a rugby post; fishbone analysis; Socratic questioning method

Suggested wider reading sources:-

–       SCAMPER technique

–       Mind mapping technique

The learner must compare and contrast at least two creative tools/techniques or models applicable at management level. AC1.4

Produce an action plan to enhance own 4 meta skills

 

 

Following your analysis of AC1.1, 1.2 (critical thinking and problem solving), then 1.3, write your action plan

The learner must produce a Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time (SMART) action plan that enhances all four personal meta skills including: ·        communication

·        critical thinking

·        problem solving

·        creative thinking

LO2 The Learner Will Understand Leader Behaviours Within An Organisation Assessment Criteria The learner can…. Guidance

Assessment Requirements (Sufficiency)

AC2.1 Common sources to draw from:- – Bloom’s hierarchy of learning – Peoplewise Development triad

Evaluate models of continuous development and their importance – Kolb’s Reflective learning model

Guidance: focus on how the model has been useful to you and your development as a leader.

The learner must evaluate a minimum of two models of learning and their importance. AC2.2 Common sources to draw from:- – You’ve had feedback from a range of

Analyse the characteristics of a selfaware leader and how they apply to own behaviours sources (PsyCap, 360, feedback on programme, module observations,

coaching) – identify 3 characteristics where you have raised your self-awareness, making reference to your impact on others.

The learner must analyse a minimum of three characteristics of a self-aware leader and their application to own behaviours, making reference to impact on others. AC2.3

Common sources to draw from:- – DISC personality preferences – intentional shifts in self-image to work

mask

Evaluate models/theories of behaviours which support impression management

–                       7 seismic shifts – intentional shifts in leadership approach –                       Distributed leadership – intentionally drawing in other’s capabilities

–                       PsyCap potential or 360 – any examples of increasing or reducing certain

behaviours to support impression

management

The learner must evaluate a minimum of two models/theories of behaviours which support impression management. LO3 The Learner Will Be Able To Apply Their Understanding Of Crisis Management, Agility And Resilience To Improve Their Personal Impact Assessment Criteria The learner can…. Guidance

Assessment Requirements (Sufficiency)

AC3.1   Determine the importance of crisis

management

Common sources to draw from:-

– ‘Leading change’ module

Guidance: ensure you make reference to all four stages of crisis management (precrisis, crisis, response, recovery)

The learner must determine the importance of crisis management for an organisation making reference to each of the four stages. AC3.2   Critique organisational agility and resilience

Common sources to draw from:- –                  PsyCap capabilities

–                  Kotter’s 8-step change model

The learner must critique own organisation’s agility and resilience in relation to crisis management. AC3.3  Assess own personal effectiveness and preparedness in relation to crisis management, agility and resilience

 

 

Common sources to draw from:- –                       Your PsyCap potential assessment, and development efforts on these since receiving the report

–                       Personal assessment against Kotter’s 8step change model

The learner must assess their personal effectiveness and preparedness in relation to AC 3.1 and AC3.2, including: ·        crisis management

·        agility

·        resilience

AC 3.4

Produce an action plan to develop personal effectiveness and preparedness in relation to crisis management, agility and resilience

 

Guidance: ensure this plan answers the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Realistic,

Timely) criteria across all 3 elements of crisis management, agility, and resilience

The learner must produce a SMART action plan to address areas of personal effectiveness and preparedness in AC3.3  including: ·       crisis management

·        agility

·        resilience

MRPROJHF Masters Research Project Handbook 2026 | Hrper Adams Universit

MRPROJHF HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

Module Descriptor

Module Title	Masters Research Project
Academic Department	Educational Development and Quality Enhancement
Module Code	MRPROJHF
Credit Value	60 credits
Level	Level 7
Pre-requisite Achievement	Experimental Design and Analysis, Advanced Research Methods or similar training in appropriate research methods (for those courses that do not include either of those modules within their Programme Specifications)
Co-requisites	None
Module Approval Date	18th July 2025
Academic Year Module First Runs	2025-26
Duration of Approval	September 2025 – August 2031
Courses for which Module Validated	All Level 7 Programmes

Overview of Module and Indicative Content: 

The Masters Research Project (MRP) is an opportunity for students to research challenges which appeal to curious heads, practical hands, and courageous hearts, and which contribute to communities growing together, whether that is a scientific community, the university community or, perhaps a professional community to which you belong.

The Masters Research Project enables you to develop skills in research and the communication of ideas, while deepening your knowledge in a specialist area relevant to your programme of study. You will go through a journey of research, while developing your skills to support that process.

This project module recognises that research takes many forms including traditional experimental design, investigating business problems and solutions, to product development. The module is intended to apply to any situation where rigorous research is undertaken using established methods.

All students will follow some key steps in planning, undertaking a research project, but each project will be individual. No matter what your topic of research is, or how you choose to present it, everyone on this module will follow a path to: 

• Generate ideas for the focus of the study.
• Use literature and discussion to develop a plan for the project (please note plans must be formally approved for both ethics and feasibility).
• Critically review literature to inform the project design and to help make sense of findings.
• Develop research questions that will guide the project and consider how your project may align to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Conduct an ethically approved research programme using recognised research methodologies e.g. experimental design, narrative inquiry, action research, case study, mixed methods, survey research, or systematic review.
• Analyse results in an appropriate way to generate conclusions which are useful for specific audiences or stakeholders.
• Present the project in an effective and impactful way.

The topic of the dissertation, the methods used to undertake the research, and the way in which projects are presented will be agreed with your supervisor. As you consider the development of a topic, consider a range of factors: personal interests, pressing challenges that exist around you or in wider society, consider engaging with ideas (theories, methods and published works) from different parts of the globe, and consider how drawing upon different areas of theory or even borrowing ideas from different disciplines may help you to address your research challenge.

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Learning and Teaching Activities: 

Supervision meetings on a one-to-one or tutorial group basis will be used to guide the following stages:

• Ideas generation.
• Literature review and (where applicable) the professional or industry context for the research project topic.
• Formulation and refinement of the research question.
• Selection of the appropriate research methodology.
• Development of an ethical framework for the research work that upholds academic integrity and has appropriate approval gained.
• Planning and completion of the research work.
• Interpretation and analysis of the findings.
• Consideration of how to communicate this work.
• Presentation of the findings.
• Reflection of the impact of the findings, and the extent it addressed the original challenge/ research question/ hypothesis.
• Reflection on personal development.
  Independent study is expected throughout which may involve reading, desk research, discussion, writing, and engagement with peers. The supervisor will guide progress, signpost resources (e.g. articles, theories, examples), and will provide feedback e.g. though discussion to support progress.

Approaches to Digital Learning:

Through supervision you will be signposted to different tools, as well as different learning opportunities to support your individual project work.

Graduate Attributes and the UN Sustainability Goals:

Details of the relevant graduate attributes and UN Sustainability Goals that will be reflected in assessments are detailed overleaf in the Assessment table. These will be reflected in the following ways through learning and teaching activities.

Graduate Attributes:

• Applied (Attribute A) All research will have a practice element in deploying research methods to investigate complex phenomena.
• Digital (Attribute B) Technology will support the individual research journey for example using statistical or analytical tools, Boolean web searches, the use of artificial intelligence in research or using specialist technologies.
• Inspire (Attribute C) As you review the literature and develop your own project you will need to look at the strengths and limitations of existing research, you may choose to follow previous approaches or choose to take a different approach.
• Inspire (Attribute D) At various stages of your project, you will need to make choices about how to use and evaluate research tools in practice.
• Care (Attribute E) The selection of a project must take account of the wider context; research should contribute to the challenges of our time.
• Care (Attribute F) Through your research you will engage with diverse stakeholders, and you will encounter diverse ideas. Students are encouraged to actively seek diverse literature, from different international settings as well as different disciplines to inform their research.
• Growth (Attribute G) Throughout your project, you will reflect on your personal and professional development and pursue independent learning and activities that enable you to carry out projects that the address problems or questions of an ever-changing world.
• Global (Attribute H) You will be encouraged to review international studies and compare approaches across regions or cultures and consider how your findings relate to global challenges and policies (e.g. UN Sustainable Development Goals).

UN Sustainability Goals: This will depend upon your choice of topic. All projects will map to SDG 4 “Quality Education” through knowledge development. Consideration should be made at the planning stage of whether individual projects map to other SDGs.

Preparation for Assessment and Feedback:

The details of formal assessment are provided in the table below alongside the module learning outcomes. The marks from each of these will contribute to the overall mark for the module. A grade of 40% is needed to pass the module. Students are prepared for assessment by discussing with their supervisor ahead of time. Feedback is usually provided through the Virtual Learning Environment after the project has been submitted.

Reading lists will be set by course teams.

Module Learning Outcomes:

1.Critically evaluate existing sources to identify a researchable complex problem, question or hypothesis.
2.Design ethically sound, rigorous research approaches maintaining academic integrity and using recognised approaches which are suitable for the problem and context of research.
3.Undertake data collection to address the research problem, question or hypothesis, showing high ethical regard and effective use of specific research approaches.
4.Communicate the project in a manner which is appropriate to the discipline and intended audience.
5.Reflect on lessons from the project work in a way that can inform future research, work, and personal development.

Assessment: Achievement will be assessed on one the following assessments, which will test the learning outcomes and graduate attributes below.  The assessment type must be set at the project approval stage. [Currently only assessment types Research Dissertation and Journal Article are available]

Assessment type and scale

Reassessment type and scale if applicable

% Weighting of Assessment to overall mark

Mark Scheme

Module Learning Outcome number (see list above)

Relevant Graduate Attributes (see key below)

Relevant SDGs

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Research dissertation (10,000 -15,000 words). Wordcount is set by the course team within this range depending on discipline needs.

Resubmission

100%

Numeric, 40% pass mark

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Dependent on topic

Journal article (6,000-8,000 words depending on the specific journal requirements) accompanied by a suitable narrative such as a literature review (3,000 words)

Resubmission

100%

Numeric, 40% pass mark

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Dependent on topic

Podcast series (totalling 90 minutes – 60 minutes must be of your original input with up to 30 minutes for guests and other inputs) with an accompanying narrative of up to 3,000 words.

Resubmission

100%

Numeric, 40% pass mark

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Dependent on topic

Workplace exhibition sharing your research amongst peers (captured via a portfolio of evidence with a narrative of up to 5,000 words)

Resubmission

100%

Numeric, 40% pass mark

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Dependent on topic

A recorded lecture on your original research – pre-recorded for use with a virtual audience or given at a community event which is recorded for the purpose of marking (50 minutes) Note slides and audio are assessed, with a supplementary narrative of 2,000 words.

Resubmission

100%

Numeric, 40% pass mark

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Dependent on topic

An immersive game or animation which demonstrates the learning from your research in a way that has impact with a narrative of 5,000 words.

Resubmission

100%

Numeric, 40% pass mark

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Dependent on topic

A business or organisational consultancy report containing key recommendations. (8,000 words plus up to three infographic summaries)

Resubmission

100%

Numeric, 40% pass mark

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Dependent on topic

Graduate Attributes Key

A	Applied	Systematically and creatively address unpredictable and complex problems through the effective application of critically selected techniques.
B	Digital	Select and use technology to advance personal learning, enable effective communication and to enable practice at the forefront of the profession or discipline.
C	Inspire	Evaluate how established techniques of research are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline or profession.
D	Inspire	Plan and undertake relevant research with a high degree of self-direction and communicate this effectively with a range of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
E	Care	Resolve problems and engage with opportunities to help address the social, environmental, political and economic challenges of our time in a way that shows critical engagement with evidence and argument, and which demonstrates ethical awareness.
F	Care	Recognise the importance of diverse people and ideas to personal growth, professional practice, and the nature of knowledge in the discipline.
G	Growth	Demonstrate independent learning abilities and a commitment to continued personal and professional development and reflection in the context of an ever-changing world.
H	Global	Seek global perspectives in scholarship and practice for a more holistic understanding of the discipline or profession.

Assessment strategy

The dissertation will be assessed against standard assessment criteria by an internal marker.  

The marking criteria will be based on the learning outcomes and will transcend the different types of submission available. Submissions will be marked on 

1.The extent to which the critical use of source material (of all types) informs the project development.
2.The design an ethically sound, rigorous research approaches that maintain academic integrity using recognised approaches which are suitable for the problem and context of research.
3.The extent to which data collection addresses the research problem, question or hypothesis, showing effective use of specific research approaches.
4.The quality of communication of the project in a manner which is appropriate to the discipline and intended audience.
5.The reflection on lessons from the project work in a way that can inform future research, work, and personal development.

44-710481-AF Task Two – Dissertation Article:

Module Leaders: Dr Ellen Bennett, Dr Tony Lynn and Dr Emily Moorlock		Level: 7
Module Name: Dissertation		Module Code: 44-710481-AF
Assessment Type (e.g. portfolio/presentation etc.): Portfolio		Module Credits: 60
Individual/Group: Individual	Weighting: 80%	Wordcount or equivalent: 6,500 (+/- 10%)
Final submission date and time: please see the assessment schedule on the module Blackboard site	Online submission: Yes	Format: Microsoft Word
Assessed Module Learning Outcomes 1. Develop clear and appropriate research objectives that address a contemporary disciplinary issue. 2. Review and critically appraise relevant disciplinary literature in relation to the dissertation topic. 3. Develop, justify and apply an appropriate research approach and design for the project,considering both its limitations and compliance with the required research ethics process.

The dissertation article submission has two components:

1. Dissertation article:

You must prepare your dissertation article for submission using the structure below. Please do not deviate from this format. Your final article for submission should be 6,500 words (+10/-10%) – your supervisor will stop reading if you exceed this and the remainder will not be marked.

2.Supporting appendices and associated anonymised data:

You should be guided by your supervisor as to what to include here but, if would be usual for this to include:

• the final (signed) version of your SHUREC (ethics form) – including any associated documents (participant information sheet, final consent form template [unfilled/ blank], recruitment materials) and any data collection tools (such as questionnaires), the final (signed) version of your risk assessment (if applicable)
• associated anonymised data as agreed by your supervisor (e.g. transcripts or anonymised SPSS raw data codebooks; copies of anonymised analysis/outputs (e.g. SPSS tests/outputs, thematic analyses or similar); DO NOT include any data that are not anonymised.
  oYour supervisor will also verify your raw data, such as the audio-recording of interviews, if this data is not verified you will receive a mark of zero for this task.

Dissertation article structure

The first page should include:

1.Title of paper*
2.Author Name, Student Number and Supervisor’s Name*
3.Abstract (maximum 150 words). This should include areas such as background, method, findings and conclusion*
4.Keywords (3 to 5 keywords)*
* These sections are not included in the word count.

1.Title*

Aim for no more than 12 words in the title. The title should be short and relevant to the main objectives of your study. Ensure the title is specific and reflects the scope of your study.

2.Author Name and Supervisor’s Name*

On the same page as the title page make sure you include your full name, student number, course name using the following format:

Student Name: ……….
Student Number: ……….
Course: ……….
Supervisor: ……….

3.Abstract

This should be 100-150 words that provide a top-line overview of your dissertation article, including areas such as the background, method, key findings and conclusion.

4.Introduction

Introduce the research focus/problem you are seeking to address, including the aim and objectives, providing relevant context to your research. Aim for around 500 words.

5.Literature review

Building on from the literature review in task one and the associated feedback, as a starting point, you should produce around 2000 words of academic background to your work.  Start by presenting the broad context, working towards an increasingly narrow focus specifically to address your research focus.  You should write in the style of a literature review, incorporating clear critical evaluation, and use meaningful subheadings.

6.Methodology

Build on the method from task one and the associated feedback, as a starting point to produce 1000-1500 words summarising your method with a clear rationale (i.e. underpinning) as to why this is the best approach for you to have taken. You should carefully structure this work using subheadings.  The method should be described with enough clarity and specificity that readers can understand how the study was conducted and how the analytical approach was applied to the data, in a way that is appropriate to the study’s philosophical and methodological orientation.

7.Findings and Discussion

We recommend blending these sections unless your discipline is better suited to a separate findings and discussion section. Depending on your research approach, your raw data should be transformed (e.g. into graphs or tables, or presented in a meaningfully summative way). Where appropriate you should apply appropriate qualitative or quantitative data analysis techniques and appropriately report these outputs. You results should be described in free-text, structured to aid meaning. You shouldn’t duplicate the content presented in tables/ graphs in free-text but your writing should aid the interpretation of the data summaries that have been included.

Considerable time and effort should be put into interpreting what your findings mean in the context of the associated academic field/ literature base. A discussion section should present a clear ‘so what?’ – i.e. why- does what you have found matter? You should compare and contrast your findings with those that have been published by other authors/ research groups.
You should draw this section to a close by considering:

• the limitations of your work and the effects these might have had on your findings;
• recommendations for future research based on where gaps remain in the literature.

Together this should be around 2000-2500 words.

8.Conclusion

This is not a summary – it should be interpretive and explain how your findings add to or change current thinking in your discipline area or if not, why that might be the case and what we should do next. You might consider how the findings conform to/verify existing theory? If they differ, explain why and the implications of this (practical and/or theoretical). Aim for around 500 words.

9.Acknowledgements* 

This section is optional and an opportunity to thank those who supported you through the dissertation process. This typically would be 1-2 sentences.

10.References*

These should follow APA7 format. Please note: the final references list does not count towards the word count, but in text citations, tables/figures/schematics etc. do.

11.Use of AI (AI Transparency Scale)*

You must include a statement of how you have used AI, including all prompts used. You are able to use AI on this task to support you with an outline structure and to prompt thinking. For your dissertation AI tools should not be used for concept development. This is a core part of the learning on the module, and the use of AI in this manner will undermine your development and the integrity of your work. You cannot take any content directly from AI to include in the dissertation article – it must be refined and reviewed by you. If any of your raw data is inputted into AI this will result in an automatic failure of the module as this goes against the University’s ethics policy. Do not use AI to generate entire sections, draft arguments, analyse data or create literature reviews. Submitting AI-generated text as your own is considered academic misconduct.

Statement examples: 

3.I confirm that no AI tools were used in the preparation or completion of this assessment. This submission aligns with AITS 1 of the Artificial Intelligence Transparency Scale (AITS).   or
4.I used AI at AITS 2 (AI for Shaping) of the Artificial Intelligence Transparency Scale (AITS). I acknowledge the use of AI to….

Formatting

You must use the following formatting and font/font sizes:

Fonts: Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial.
Font size non-headings: 12 point font
Font size headings: 14 point font in bold
Font size sub-headings: 12 point font, italics
Line Spacing: Double spaced

All figures and tables must be numbered, have a title and be referred to in the main body of your dissertation article.

44-710481 Assessment Criteria – Task Two

Assessment CriteriaDistinction (96-74)Merit (69-52)Pass (58-52)Fail (45-0)

Introduction (LO1) Clearly identify and justify the research focus within your field/discipline	Excellent and insightful articulation of the research focus. The focus is exceptionally well justified, tightly aligned with research aim, objectives and/or research questions and context.	A clear and well-articulated research focus. The focus is well justified and aligned with the research aim, objectives and/or research questions and context.	A research focus is identified and generally relevant to the topic area, though broad or underdeveloped.	No or limited clarity on project focus, no clear aim/objectives/research questions. Focus is overly broad, contradictory, inappropriate, or work is not submitted.
Literature Review (LO2) Demonstration of rigorous and critical understanding of relevant theory and literature	Exceptional breadth and depth of engagement with literature, critical appraisal and strong synthesis of relevant literature.	Good appraisal and evaluation of relevant literature with wider reading and appropriate critical evaluation.	Satisfactory appraisal and evaluation of literature with reasonable engagement with wider reading. Limited critical evaluation.	Little evidence of reading and engagement with relevant literature. Lack of wider reading.
Methodology (LO3) Ability to select, justify and apply an appropriate research methodology	Research approach is highly appropriate, critically justified and demonstrates advanced methodological understanding. Design and analytical strategy are rigorous and tightly integrated with research focus.	Research approach is clearly articulated, well aligned with aims and logically explained. Methodological choices reflect good understanding and limitations are appropriately discussed.	Research approach is appropriate and broadly aligned with research focus. Some justification provided, though limitations discussion is generic.	Research approach absent, inappropriate or poorly articulated. Methodology lacks coherence, justification and alignment with research focus.
Findings and Discussion Demonstrate rigorous analysis and interpretation of findings	Rigorous, systematic and critical analysis. Exceptional integration of theoretical frameworks. Excellent identification of limitations and future research directions.	Rigorous and systematic analysis with good integration of theoretical frameworks and clear future research recommendations.	Basic but adequate analysis. Some attempt to integrate theoretical frameworks in interpreting findings.	Inadequate analysis with no meaningful interpretation linked to research objectives.
Conclusion(s) Recognition of significance of findings	Outstanding conclusions that effectively pull together implications of findings.	Strong conclusions that bring together key implications of findings.	Basic conclusions that build on findings and discussion.	Conclusions absent or not clearly linked to findings and discussion.
Structure and Presentation Appropriate dissertation structure, academic writing, referencing	Dissertation follows structure exceptionally well. Academic writing demonstrates outstanding clarity, coherence and rigour. Referencing is comprehensive and accurate throughout.	Dissertation follows appropriate structure. Good clarity, coherence and rigour. Referencing is accurate and consistently applied.	Appropriate structure with reasonable clarity and coherence. Some academic weaknesses and referencing errors.	Structure not followed. Poor clarity, coherence and academic rigour. Inaccurate or inconsistent referencing.
Engagement Constructive engagement with supervisor throughout project	Highly proactive, consistent and professional engagement. Feedback actively sought and applied. Demonstrates exceptional project knowledge.	Regular and constructive engagement. Feedback thoughtfully considered and applied. Good project knowledge demonstrated.	Basic engagement with supervisor. Feedback acknowledged and partially acted upon.	Minimal or absent engagement. Feedback ignored. Lack of project knowledge. Failing this element means the task cannot receive a pass mark.
Supporting Appendices Complete and organised appendices evidencing originality and ethical procedures	Comprehensive evidence showing adherence to health, safety and ethical requirements. Strong evidence of originality and rigour.	Logically presented evidence demonstrating ethical compliance and originality of research.	Adequate evidence showing ethical compliance and originality of work.	Poorly organised, inadequate or missing appendices. Insufficient evidence of originality or research process.
Ethics Approval Research conducted ethically and in line with approval	Pass – Ethics approval received and adhered to.	Pass – Ethics approval received and adhered to.	Pass – Ethics approval received and adhered to.	Fail – Ethics approval not received and/or not adhered to. Assessment cannot receive a pass mark.
Data Verification Supervisor has seen original/raw data	Pass – Raw data seen and verified.	Pass – Raw data seen and verified.	Pass – Raw data seen and verified.	Fail – No raw data seen or verified.

Description Assignment Details Since the 1970s, war on crime has been fought by increasing severity of sanctions against offenders, including the following: Increased correctional budgets Increased probation populations Increased prison and jail populations Increased parole populations Crime has decreased during this time frame. Some observers the credit get-tough policies for the decline. On the other hand, some critics argue that such policies have little effect on crime rates but do much more damage to families and communities. Research your state’s current Department of Corrections (DoC) budget. Analyze where funds are currently allocated. Scenario Your state is suffering from a terrible budgetary crisis. The state legislature is cutting your state correctional budget from $5 billion to $2 billion. There are many ways that the correctional budget can be cut. For this assignment, address the following: Recommend programs you will either cut or eliminate to reduce expenditures. Determine whether your focus will be on staff reduction or inmate reduction. Will you close facilities? Will you change the various services and accommodations you provide to inmates? Determine whether sentencing strategies need to change to assist your state during this time of economic struggle. Support your reasoning by referencing your state’s DOC budget breakdown. What would your recommendations to lawmakers be about sentencing strategies and how they are connected to correctional budgets?

Complete the attached “IT Capstone Report Template” by completing the following:

A.  Write the “Summary” section by doing the following:

•   Describe the problem from Task 2.

•   Describe the process followed in executing the project.

•   Describe the outcomes of the project.

 

B.  Write the “Review of Other Work” section by summarizing three new works on your topic that supported the actual development of this project. The works summarized must be different than the works summarized in Task 2.

1.  Explain how each of the works reviewed in part B supported the implementation of the project.

 

Note: The works may include interviews, white papers, research studies, or other types of work by industry professionals.

 

C.  Write the “Changes to Project Environment” section by describing the changes made to the organizational culture, environment, or strategy after the completion of your project.

 

D.  Write the “Methodology” section by explaining how you executed each phase of the standard methodology that was used for the implementation of your project.

 

E.  Write the “Project Goals and Objectives” section by explaining how at least one of your goals and its respective objectives were accomplished or not accomplished.

 

F.  Write the “Project Timeline” section by explaining why you did or did not meet the timeframes set for your project, including any differences between the projected dates and the actual completion dates. The project timeline dates must be in the past.

 

Note: The dates in the timeline must be in the past.

 

G.  Write the “Unanticipated Scope Creep” section by describing a problem that occurred within the project and how it was or was not resolved.

 

H.  Write the “Conclusion” section by discussing the actual results and potential effects of the completed project.

1.  Explain why the project was successful or unsuccessful using the evaluation framework from part H in Task 2.

 

I.   Complete the “Appendices” sections by including copies of three artifacts and describe how each artifact is related to the project.

 

Note: Possible artifacts may include the following:

•   code samples or screen shots

•   flowcharts, UML, or other process diagrams

•   charts, tables, and graphs

•   network diagrams (before and after)

•   training materials

•   technical IT product itself

 

J.  Acknowledge sources, using in-text citations and references, for content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.

 

K.  Demonstrate professional communication in the content and presentation of your submission.