Assessment Informa-on Systems /Brief 2021/22
Module title Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making (CPSDM)
CRN 59112
Level 4
Assessment title Assessment Brief: Portfolio
Weighting within module This assessment is worth 100% of the overall module mark.
Submission deadline date and time Portfolio (Friday 17th December 2021 at 16:00)
Module Leader/Assessment set by: Richard Dron, r.m.dron@salford.ac.uk , 0161-295-5507
How to submit
You will submit your Portfolio assignment on Blackboard through the link labelled “Portfolio Assignment” that can be found in the Assessment folder on Blackboard.
Please note that late submissions are accepted up to one week (7 days) after deadline and all late submitted work is capped at 40%
Assessment task details and instructions
This assignment has only one part which makes up 100% of the assessed work.
Students are tasked with developing a concept for a solution to a relevant business challenge related to a specific case study; the tutors will provide a list of problems from which students will pick.
This is a continuous assessment with a single (1) formal assessment point during the module. With support from tutors, students will be required to develop an innovative solution to a business challenge based on their research.
Throughout the entire module process, students build a digital portfolio that illustrates the challenges, decisions, their learning, and solution development journey. The digital portfolio of material will also include content related to concepts and theories discussed in taught sessions, as well as design decisions made about their proposed solution. Further details in relation to the expected submission can be found below.
Portfolio (100%)
Content: Continuously, throughout the module you will contribute to and curate your portfolio; this will be an online collection into which you should include evidence of your lecture content and workshop activities; this could be a number of types of artifacts such as:
• Images
• Photos
• Sketches
• Videos
This is not an inclusive list because this is a creative assignment, and you have some freedom to choose what creative artefacts will make up this digital portfolio, although there are expected content items listed below. Furthermore, in addition, you can include personal reflections, reviews of any guest speakers and relevant articles that you have read whilst researching your problem and solution. Finally, you should also upload outputs developed within the practical workshop sessions, which will contribute to your overall portfolio for assessment and provide content for feedback and discussion.
The set expected contents of your portfolio are as follows:
1. A detailed explanation of your:
a. Problem.
b. Solution.
These must be included and will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. Materials created within workshops: for example, annotated images, diagrams, models, group work etc, that you have developed during workshops and in response to lecture content.
3. A summary/precis of articles that have informed the work as part of the research into your problem and solution. The minimum number of articles considered should be 3 – the work should also be referenced using Harvard style references: https://www.salford.ac.uk/sites/default/files/202001/Referencing-Quick-Guide.pdf
4. A reflective piece on the problem and the progress of your solution where you consider the challenges, achievements, and your observations about the problem-solving process; this could be in the form of either:
a. Embedded media (such as a video).
b. A short narrative.
Nature of submission: A digital portfolio, created on the WordPress (http://wordpress.com) of content to include items specified above (in exceptional circumstance a Word document will be accepted).
Length of submission: Requirements are specified above, however as a guide, the entire portfolio should be the equivalent of a piece of work requiring the effort for 2,500 words.
Format of submission: One WordPress URL should be submitted electronically via the assessment area on the Blackboard module. In exceptional circumstance a Word document will be accepted and can be uploaded to the same submission area.
Assessed intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Describe and identify examples of VUCA in the business world
2. Understand the challenges faced by specific businesses from a VUCA point-of-view
3. Recognise the range of different problem-solving techniques available
4. Select and appropriately apply a specific problem-solving technique 5. Read and effectively use existing business cases for learning
Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills
1. Identify business problems
2. Use creative techniques to shape a response to an identified problem
3. Apply systems thinking approaches to problem solving and solution generation
Transferable Skills and other Attributes
1. To develop digital literacy skills and research, analyse and communicate findings to differing audiences.
2. An ability to recognise and respond to opportunities for innovation.
3. An ability to critically review the literature (academic and practitioner), which includes identifying all of the key developments in a particular area of study, critically analysing them and identifying limitations/avenues for further development or explanation.
4. Develop reflective skills for continued learning, set goals and identify resources for the purpose of learning.
Module Aims
• To develop an understanding of different approaches to problem analysis and the areas in which they can be effectively applied
• To provide a detailed understanding of systems thinking concepts
• To provide students with the opportunity to undertake detailed analysis of a complex business problem, applied through case study analysis
• To encourage student creativity.
• To develop skills in solution generation and decision making
Word count/ duration (if applicable)
Requirements are specified above, however as a guide, the entire portfolio should be the equivalent of a piece of work requiring the effort for 2,500 words.
Feedback arrangements
You can expect to receive formal feedback:
• Formative feedback will be given in class sessions leading up to submission dates
• 15 working days after the submission date marks will be available on Blackboard and you will need to login to BB for written feedback
• Please email Richard Dron r.m.dron@salford.ac.uk if you want to discuss your results
Support arrangements
You can obtain support for this assessment by:
• There will be a number of assessment workshops timetabled into your schedule
• Attending the class sessions as there will be support available on request
• Email Richard if you have pursued the above options and still need additional support askUS
The University offers a range of support services for students through askUS.
Good Academic Conduct and Academic Misconduct
Students are expected to learn and demonstrate skills associated with good academic conduct (academic integrity). Good academic conduct includes the use of clear and correct referencing of source materials. Here is a link to where you can find out more about the skills which students require http://www.salford.ac.uk/skills-for-learning.
Academic Misconduct is an action which may give you an unfair advantage in your academic work. This includes plagiarism, asking someone else to write your assessment for you or taking notes into an exam. The University takes all forms of academic misconduct seriously. You can find out how to avoid academic misconduct here https://www.salford.ac.uk/skills-for-learning.
Assessment Information
If you have any questions about assessment rules, you can find out more here.
Personal Mitigating Circumstances
If personal mitigating circumstances may have affected your ability to complete this assessment, you can find more information about personal mitigating circumstances procedure here.
Personal Tutor/Student Progression Administrator
If you have any concerns about your studies, contact your Personal Tutor or your Student Progression Administrator.
Assessment Criteria
Crea-ve Problem Solving and Decision Making PorAolio Mark
Problem definition and solution presentation: 25% The digital portfolio represent a detailed explanation of your problem and solution - this must be included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module. /25
Background research: 25% Does your por=olio represent an excellent demonstra on of background research? Does it consider and reference a wide variety of sources? /25
Using digital media to present ideas: 25% Are ideas and resources combined in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional? /25
Communica-ng concepts and alignment to the brief: 25% Does the digital portfolio meet the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment? Is it designed in a specific way making an original contribution and is it well communicated? /25
Total: 100% /100
Reassessment
If you fail your assessment, and are eligible for reassessment, you will need to resubmit on a date TBC. For students with accepted personal mitigating circumstances, this will be your replacement assessment attempt. Students should be aware that there is no late submission period at reassessment (this includes those students who have an accepted PMC request from a previous attempt).
If you need to be reassessed, the school will email you and you will have the opportunity to improve your work as the reassessment will be the same task and you will be informed about the submission date? You will be invited to a reassessment drop-in session to support you through the process.
Grade Descriptors
Level of
Performance % Mark Grade Descriptors
Outstanding 90 - 100 1. An outstanding digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. An outstanding demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. An outstanding combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional.
4. An outstanding digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Excellent 80 - 89 1. An excellent digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. An excellent demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. An excellent combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional.
4. An excellent digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Very good 70 - 79 1. A very good digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. A very good demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. A very good combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. A very good digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Good 60 - 69 1. A good digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. A good demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. A good combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. A good digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way
that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Fair 50 - 59 1. A fair aXempt at a digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. A fair demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. A fair combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. A fair aXempt at a digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Adequate 40 - 49 1. An adequate aXempt at a digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. An adequate demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. An adequate combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. An adequate aXempt at a digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Unsatisfactory 30 - 39 1. An unsa sfactory aXempt at a digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. An unsa sfactory demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. An unsa sfactory combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. An unsa sfactory aXempt at a digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Poor 20 - 29 1. A poor aXempt at a digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. A poor demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. A poor combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. A poor aXempt at a digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Very poor 10 - 19 1. A very poor aXempt at a digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. A very poor demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. A very poor combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. A very poor aXempt at a digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
Extremely poor 1 - 9 1. An extremely poor aXempt at a digital portfolio representing a detailed explanation of your problem and solution is included, which will have been designed continuously throughout the taught sessions of the module.
2. An extremely poor demonstra on of background research considering and referencing a wide variety of sources.
3. An extremely poor combina on of ideas and resources presented in an original and crea ve way to address the assignment brief in an engaging manner with content and design that is professional
4. An extremely poor aXempt at a digital por=olio that meets the brief closely, responding to the key requirements of assignment, designed in a specific way that makes an original contribu on and that is it well communicated.
No attempt 0