Sub : Management theory and practice
Assessment item 2
Strategic Management OR Knowledge & Learning
Value: 45%
Due date: 03­Jan­2016
Return date: 25­Jan­2016
Length: 3000 words
Submission method options
Alternative submission method
Task
You are required to write a 3000 word essay on either Strategic Management or Management Knowledge & Learning as follows:
Use an organisation that is or has been in the news during the past two years (work­related learning) as an example of strategic management practices.Failing that, select an organisation with which you are very familiar such as your current employer.
Apply and evaluate at least three theoretical concepts of either Strategic Management or Management Knowledge & Learning.
Go on to examine and evaluate critically how these theoretical concepts influence managerial practices in your chosen organisation with reference to either Strategic Management or
Management Knowledge and Learning.
Critically reflect on these practices and compile a series of recommendations that would enhance either Strategic Management or Management Knowledge and Learning practice in your chosen organisation.
Academic and professional communication skills: You must follow an essay structure that is at a minimum an introduction; a main body that outlines the argument, analyses the material you have researched and assesses this according to the guidelines above; and a conclusion.Your writing style must follow professional literacy: Citations and a final reference list that follows the
APA 6 guidelines accurately; the quality of writing and presentation: accurate mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.); use respectful language to discuss all people; avoid emotive language; employ inclusive, non­sexist language. Use a minimum of ten (10) citations/references.
In short, you will need to demonstrate an understanding and critical analysis of the theories surrounding the topic, as well as evaluating the practical reality in the workplace. Please refer to relevant academic literature and source materials, as well as drawing upon your knowledge of the organisation.
Rationale
This assignment is designed to address Learning Objectives 1 to 5 (see above) by :
familiarising students with the various theories relating to organisations and organisational planning and control.
encouraging students to discern the strengths and weaknesses of the wide array of theoretical contributions;
encouraging students to use empirical evidence to support their arguments; allowing students to critically analyse and evaluate a variety of management theories and practices;
facilitating students ability to critically examine management and organisational theories and practices in the context of contemporary society and social values.
Marking criteria
Criteria? Standards?
Mark
High Distinction (38.25­45)
Distinction (33.75­37.8)
Credit (29.25­33.329.25­33.329.25­33.329.25­33.3)
Pass (22.5­ 28.8)
Fail (00.0 ­22.05)
An organisation that is or has been in the news during the past two years (work­related learning) is used as an example of Strategic Management (or Management Knowledge and Learning) practices.
/2
Highly appropriate organisation is Identified that provides an outstanding and critical basis for further examination.
Identification of organisation provides a detailed and accurate basis from which to develop further examination.
Identification of organisation provides a sufficiently detailed basis for further examination.
Identification of organisation is underdeveloped, inhibiting deeper examination.
Identification of organisation is inaccurate, inadequate, insufficient, and unclear.
At least two theoretical concepts from Strategic Management or Management Knowledge and Learning are identified, examined and evaluated.
/8
Identifies and examines major alternative theoretical concepts with depth, detail and clarity.
Identifies and examines major alternative theoretical concepts clearly and accurately.
Identifies and examines important alternative theoretical concepts but occasionally lacks clarity or accuracy. Critique is limited.
Identifies and examines alternative theoretical concepts but with some limitations, inconsistency and/or inaccuracy. Superficial critique .
Limited grasp of alternative theoretical concepts; lacking in critical examination.
Application and critical evaluation of these theoretical concepts and how they influence
Strategic Management or Management Knowledge and Learning practices in the chosen organisation. /15
Clearly demonstrates a high level ability to synthesise theory and practice using readings and/or alternative perspectives.
Able to interpret the relationship between theory and practice accurately. Offers appropriate and relevant examples to support line of argument.
Able to identify the relevant relationships between theory and practice. Offers some evaluation, but occasionally lack consistency.
Demonstrates an adequate level of understanding relating theory to practice; and some consideration provided of alternative perspectives.
Descriptive. Reproduces information from lectures and readings. The relationship between theory and practice underdeveloped and is poorly argued.
Critical reflection on these practices and compile a series of recommendations that would enhance Strategic Management or Management Knowledge and Learning practice in your chosen organisation.
/10
Shows deep critical reflection of and engagement.
A strong and reasoned argument is made to support the recommendations.
Shows detailed critical reflection of and engagement.
A strong argument is made to support the recommendations.
Shows a degree of critical reflection of and engagement. Notes alternative perspectives and provides examples where necessary to support recommendations .
Examples of alternative perspectives are provided; reflection is superficial rather than meaningful. Shows a basic level of engagement.
Engagement is minimal. Recommendations are reached providing no or little evidence. Shows scant engagement.
Academic and professional communication skills:
Follows an essay structure.
Writing style must follow professional literacy: Citations and a final reference list that follows the
APA6 guidelines accurately; the quality of writing and presentation: accurate mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.); use respectful language to discuss all people; avoid emotive language; employ inclusive, non­sexist language. Minimum of ten (10)
citations/references used.
/10
Structure uses clear and concise topic and linking sentences, and connected paragraphs. Sophisticated level of professional language achieved. Paragraphs succinct with excellent ability with grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Impeccable referencing in APA6. Outstanding presentation.
Structure that uses paragraphs and sentences. Extensive use of topic and linking sentences. Leads the reader through the argument in a clear and logical way. Follows guidelines comprehensively. Professional literacy well demonstrated. Substantial ability with grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Ample relevant, accurate referencing using APA6.
Clear structure. Adequate use of sentences and paragraphs. Guidelines followed clearly. Level of professional language used. Paragraphs are succinct. Generally good ability with grammar, and spelling; appropriate vocabulary. Significant but limited referencing.
Structure is apparent, fair use of topic and linking sentences and paragraphs. Some of the guidelines followed. Only general level of professional language achieved. Adequate level of control over grammar, fair ability with spelling and vocabulary. Referencing lacks specificity with some inaccuracies.
No apparent structure. Poor sentence and paragraph construction. Guidelines not followed. Language not professional, inclusive or respectful. Paragraphs off the point. Inadequate ability with grammar, poor vocabulary and spelling. Insufficient and/or inaccurate referencing.
Total marks:
/45
Presentation
Presentation requirements are as follows :
The Assessment must adopt an essay structure and not that of a management report.
Writing style must follow professional literacy.
Citations and a final reference list must be included that follow the APA6 citation guidelines accurately.
The quality of writing and presentation: accurate mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc.); use respectful language to discuss all people; avoid emotive language; employ inclusive, non­sexist language.
Minimum of ten (10) citations/references used.
For more detailed guidance, please refer to the CSU Study Guide and Tips at student.csu.edu.au/study/guidesandtips.
Requirements
Two requirements are worthy of note :
1. Students must use APA referencing in their assessments ­ see student.csu.edu.au/study/referencing­at­csu for more details.
2. Students must submit their assessment using Turnitin.com.
**Full details of how to set up an account on Turnitin and submit an essay are included in a short two page guide found in the Resources folder in Interact2.**
**Please use only the details in this guide, they are specific to this subject. Do not use other IDs given to you by other personnel within CSU.**
Sub : Marketing Management
Marketing in Context
Value: 40%
Due date: 04­Jan­2016
Return date: 25­Jan­2016
Length: 2000 Quality Words
Submission method options
Alternative submission method
Task
Assessment rationale
This assignment requires you to become well versed in exemplary marketing organisations and those who don't perform as well. Based on your course material to date and secondary research, including chats (personal communications) conducted over Christmas functions, develop a Slideshare or Prezi for presentation to your management team with 5 examples of either impressive or less than impressive marketing capability across a range of organisations or industries.
Your justified (through research) cases should include brief details of the organisation and then specifically brief discussion on how they organise internally for marketing, their STP approach (or lack of it), how their marketing or concepts are working in the current Marketing environment and aspects of the marketing mix which they are leveraging well (or not).
Examples might be from global corporations, NFP, government or your favourite coffee house (or micro business). Sources of information should include a range from journal articles to contemporary and including fresh sources like trending topics on social media.
Your presentation which should run for a maximum of 15 slides (plus titles and bibliography) aka 15 minutes.
The use of www.prezi.com or www.slideshare.net is recommended, you will need to present publically it is expected you will build your presentation with graphics, video and other engaging material to demonstrate your expertise in understanding great marketing and as a marketing communicator!
Rationale
This assessment has been designed in order to:
Assist you to develop and demonstrate your understanding about the nature of marketing and the performance of organisations.
Allow you to develop your research and critical thinking skills; and
Provide you with further experience in academic and business writing and communication.
Develop a deeper understanding of organisational issues around marketing and its execution Prepare a report and presentation to communicate to your work place peers examples of high and low performance marketing organisations.
Providing a shareable link so all students can interact and -like- your material for powerful shared learning.
Marking criteria
This assignment is worth 40% of the total mark, .
Your assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:
Key issues Are the questions all answered fully, with theory explained, cited, and applied? Demonstrated understanding of the theory is the main assessment criteria – this understanding will be shown through clear explanations of the relevant theory, as well as sound application of that theory to the organisation studied.
Critical analysis: Is some in­depth analysis evident or has the source material been accepted uncritically?
Research: Has research from a range of authoritative sources been integrated into your work?
Structure: Is the essay developed logically and well­structured? Does the writing flow well? Writing style: Is the style concise and lucid or is it difficult for the reader to get the point? Is the
grammar and language appropriate for a postgraduate level academic essay? Presentation: Have you presented a quality product with tidy layout, and free of typos?
Word limit: Does the assessment meet the word limit?
Referencing: Have books and articles which have contributed directly to the assessment been acknowledged appropriately throughout the essay? Has a well formatted reference list been included?
The assignment specifically addresses the following learning outcomes
2 be able to find relevant and important information about organisations, their industries and marketplaces from secondary sources;
3 be able to evaluate the key marketing aspects of segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) and be able to analyse an organisation's approach to STP;
5 be able to discover and evaluate how contemporary issues of environment, social media and other technology, society and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) might affect marketing.
Marking Rubric follows:
LO = Learning Objective
MBA503 /40
LO
HD (85­100%)
D (75­84%)
CR (65­74%)
P (64­50%)
F ( .50%)
Q1. Select 5 diverse organisations and introduce them as relevant cases for examples. /10
LO2/5
Has addressed the question of the assignment comprehensively and imaginatively. Has addressed the question of the assignment coherently and with some attempt to demonstrate imagination.
Has addressed the main question of the assignment.
Some of the work is focused on the aims and themes of the question.
Fails to address the task set.
Q2.For each organisation you have identified internal, external marketing influences, and STP.
/10
LO3
Has addressed the question of the assignment comprehensively and imaginatively. Has addressed the question of the assignment coherently and with some attempt to demonstrate imagination.
Has addressed the main question of the assignment.
Some of the work is focused on the aims and themes of the question.
Fails to address the task set.
Q3. For each organisation you have identified and described marketing mix aspects important to the case. /10
LO3/5
Has addressed the question of the assignment comprehensively and imaginatively. Has addressed the question of the assignment coherently and with some attempt to demonstrate imagination.
Has addressed the main question of the assignment.
Some of the work is focused on the aims and themes of the question
Fails to address the task set.
Q4. You have developed a report/presentation targeting your management peers to clearly communicate high and low marketing performance.
LO5
Has addressed the question of the assignment comprehensively and imaginatively. Has addressed the question of the assignment coherently and with some attempt to demonstrate imagination.
Has addressed the main question of the assignment.
Some of the work is focused on the aims and themes of the question
Fails to address the task set.
Presentation
Format
This is a report/presentation, you may be as creative as you like in developing a compelling presentation to highlight your well justified grasp of examples of high and low performance marketing.
The use of Slideshare and Prezi allow for a higher level of creativity and communication of this reporpt including audio, video, graphic and colour and movement use it to your advantage.
A bibliography is a must, no executive summary is required.
Requirements
A holistic, concise and informed assignment on the outlined questions.
Assignments must be submitted on www.turnitin.com