In partnership with the University of Suffolk

In partnership with the University of Suffolk

BABS Assignment

Assignment Brief

Course/Programme: BA Business Studies

Level: 4

Module Title: Personal and Professional Development

Module Leader: David Mwaura

Assignment titles: Task 1- Reflective report

Task 2 - Individual Presentation paper

Assignment number: 1 and 2

Weighting: Reflective Journal - 30%

Individual Presentation Paper - 70%

Date given out: January 2024

Submission date: Reflective Journal 26th February 2024

Individual Presentation Paper 25th March 2024

Eligible for late submission (3 working days, with penalty)? Yes

Method of submission: X Reflective Journal- Online only via Turnitin X PowerPoint Slides Exported to Microsoft Word/PDF with supporting notes-Online via Turnitin

Special instructions for submission (if any): Date for results and feedback: Employability skills assessed: Creative and Critical

Self-aware and Self Organised

Confident to Share and Lead

Collaboration

Research and Digitally Literate

Learning outcomes assessed: LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts of reflective learning and personal developmentLO2: Appraise the relevance of personal development to the role of a manager, for one's own and others' developmentLO3: Manage one's own development effectively and apply newly acquired skills

LO4: Monitor one's own and others' performance through giving and receiving feedback.

LO5: Assess development needs and identify resources and opportunities to address themLO6: Develop your own approach to reflective learning and continuing professional development.

Referencing: In the main body of your submission you must give credit to authors on whose research your work is based. Append to your submission a reference list that indicates the books, articles, etc. that you have read or quoted in order to complete this assignment (e.g. for books: surname of author and initials, year of publication, title of book, edition, publisher: place of publication).

Disclosure:

Please include the following statement on the title page of the submitted assignment, followed by your name:

I declare that this assignment is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials used from the published or unpublished works of other people. All references have been duly cited.

All assignments must be submitted to Turnitin.

Note: the Turnitin version is the primary submission and acts as a receipt for the student.

Late submission of the electronic version of the assignment will result in a late penalty mark. Penalties for late submission: Up to 72 hours late, maximum mark of 50%. Over 72 hours late, Refer.

Only the UoS Extenuating Circumstances Panel may grant an extension.

Requests for extensions must be submitted 5 days BEFORE the submission deadline

The grade awarded for this piece of work remains provisional until ratified by LSC Exam Board.

Assessment criteria: see grading criteria

Learning Outcomes tested

(from module descriptor) Assessment Criteria to achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to:

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts of reflective learning and personal developmentComplete a Reflective Journal that assesses your learning process in relation to the Employability/Study Skills of the module.

LO2: Appraise the relevance of personal development to the role of a manager, for one's own and others' developmentRecognise the importance of leadership skills in the development of personal managerial effectiveness.

LO3: Manage one's own development effectively and apply newly acquired skills Recognise the importance of taking control of your individual Personal Development Planning (PDP).

LO4: Monitor one's own and others' performance through giving and receiving feedback. LO5: Assess development needs and identify resources and opportunities to address themIdentify your individual strengths and weaknesses and how you can utilise the conversion and matching strategies to take advantage of available opportunities and minimise the threats.

LO6: Develop your own approach to reflective learning and continuing professional development.

Identify individuals areas for professional development

TASKS DESCRIPTION:

TASK 1 Reflective Journal 30%

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a combination of approaches, ideas, and techniques that will help you manage your learning and growth (CIPD, 2020).

Prepare a reflective journal that discusses how completing this module, or attending the university in general, has contributed to your achievement of the employability and study skills which relate to:

Communication skills: verbal and writtenResearch skills

The use of ICTs

Teamwork and networking

Time and self-management

Problem-solving skills

You should apply a relevant model in your reflection process such as; Kolbs Reflective Cycle or Gibbs Reflective Cycle, etc.

Include evidence with examples to support the achievement of these skills.

Include a plan with objectives to hone these skills in the future.

You can write in first person for this task.

LENGTH

1000 words

FORMATTING AND LAYOUT Informal Report

Please note the following when completing your written assignment:

Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style

Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.

Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and work is appropriately referenced.

Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g. academic books and journals that have been peer-reviewed. The research should be extensive.

All referencing should be in Harvard style.

marking criteria and Student FEEDBACK Assignment (50%)

This section details the assessment criteria. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark.

The marks available for each criterion are shown. Lecturers will use the space provided to comment on the achievement

of the task(s), including those areas in which you have performed well and areas that would benefit

from development/improvement.

Common Assessment Criteria (applied to all parts of the project) Marks available Marks

awarded

1. Research-informed Literature: Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions. 15 2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject: Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline. 15 3. Analysis: Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence 30 4. Practical Application and Deployment: Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems. 30 5. Skills for Professional Practice: Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation. 10 TOTAL 100 Assignment Mark (Assessment marks are subject to ratification at the Exam Board. These comments and marks are to give feedback on module work and are for guidance only until they are confirmed. ) 72 Hours Late Submission Penalties (tick if appropriate) %

TASK 2- Individual Presentation Paper 70%

You are required to prepare an individual presentation paper on your career plan.

Select a field of professional interest: Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, International Business, Accounting or Project Management, etc., and identify your dream job and career paths within the selected field. You will need to identify your strengths and discuss how they will help you with your chosen career path. For information on careers and employability, you can visit UoS Careers and Employability Service page: https://www.uos.ac.uk/life-at-suffolk/careers-employability-and-enterprise/ or any other relevant sources.

In the presentation paper:

Describe a given professional field.

Discuss and analyse your career paths.

You may use graphs to illustrate your career paths.

Identify your strengths and link them with possible career paths.

Identify possible challenges and discuss how you can overcome them with your strengths.

You can write in first person for this task.

LENGTH

15 PowerPoint slides (excluding title slide and reference list slide) with supporting notes (2000 words maximum) below the slides.

NOTE: Turnitin will not display slide notes if you submit your work as a PowerPoint presentation! Therefore, you must export your slides into a MS Word document/PDF with your supporting notes below each PPT slide before submission.

FORMATTING AND LAYOUT Individual Presentation Paper

Please note the following when completing your written assignment:

Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style

Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.

Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and work is appropriately referenced.

Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g. academic books and journals that have been peer-reviewed. The research should be extensive.

All referencing should be in Harvard style.

marking criteria and Student FEEDBACK Assignment (50%)

This section details the assessment criteria. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark.

The marks available for each criterion are shown. Lecturers will use the space provided to comment on the achievement

of the task(s), including those areas in which you have performed well and areas that would benefit

from development/improvement.

Common Assessment Criteria (applied to all parts of the project) Marks available Marks

awarded

1. Research-informed Literature: Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions. 15 2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject: Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline. 15 3. Analysis: Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence 30 4. Practical Application and Deployment: Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems. 30 5. Skills for Professional Practice: Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation. 10 TOTAL 100 Assignment Mark (Assessment marks are subject to ratification at the Exam Board. These comments and marks are to give feedback on module work and are for guidance only until they are confirmed. ) 72 Hours Late Submission Penalties (tick if appropriate) %

GENERIC ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Level 4

In accordance with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, at the end of Level 4 students will be expected to have demonstrated knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles of a subject, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study. They should be able to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study. They will have learned how to evaluate different approaches to solving problems and will be able to communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments. They will be able to undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment and will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

Level 4 FAIL MARGINAL FAIL SATISFACTORY

(3rd / Pass) GOOD

(2.2 / Pass) VERY GOOD

(2.1 / Merit) EXCELLENT

(1st / Distinction) EXCEPTIONAL

(1st / Distinction)

Category 0-29% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-84% 85-100%

Engagement with literature (including reading, referencing,

academic conventions and

academic honesty) Little or no evidence of reading and/or reliance on inappropriate sources.

Views and findings mostly unsupported and non-authoritative.

Referencing conventions used incoherently or largely absent. Poor engagement with essential reading. No evidence of wider reading. Reliance on inappropriate sources, and/or indiscriminate use of sources. Heavily reliant on information gained through class contact. Inconsistent and weak use of referencing. Engagement with a limited range of mostly relevant and credible sources but with some reliance on information gained through class contact. Some omissions and minor errors.

Referencing conventions evident though not always applied accurately or consistently. Engagement with an appropriate range of literature, including sources retrieved independently. Some over-reliance on texts rather than other sources. Referencing may show minor inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Engagement with a wide range of literature, including sources retrieved independently.

Selection of relevant and credible sources. Generally sound referencing, with no/very few inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Engagement with an extensive range of relevant and credible literature. Consistently accurate application of referencing. Exceptional engagement with an extensive range of relevant and credible literature. High-level referencing skills consistently applied.

Knowledge and understanding (Knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles of a subject.) Major gaps in knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles of the subject matter. Inclusion of irrelevant material. Substantial inaccuracies. Gaps in knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles, with flawed or superficial understanding. Some significant inaccuracies and/or irrelevant material. Limited knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles within the subject area. Some elements may be missing. Knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles is accurate with a good understanding of the field of study but lacks depth and/or breadth. Competent knowledge of the basic underlying concepts and principles. Exhibits very good understanding. Excellent knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles of the subject. Exceptional, detailed knowledge and understanding of the basic underlying concepts and principles

Cognitiveand intellectual skills

(Evaluate underlying concepts and principles of a subject and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements.)

Wholly or almost wholly descriptive work. Little or no evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles.

Failure to develop arguments, leading to illogical or invalid judgements. Minimal or no use of

evidence to back up views.

Largely descriptive work, with superficial evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Weak interpretation of data, flawed development of arguments and judgements. Information accepted uncritically, uses generalised statements made with scant evidence and unsubstantiated opinions. Ideas sometimes illogical and contradictory. Limited attempt at evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles, tending towards description.

Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data but with some errors. Some evidence to support emerging arguments and judgements but these may be underdeveloped or with a little inconsistency / misinterpretation.

Good evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data, with minor errors.

An emerging ability to use evidence to support the argument.

Mostly valid arguments and logical judgements. Sound evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data accurately. Ability to devise arguments using evidence to make mostly appropriate and valid judgements.

Excellent evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles. Can interpret qualitative and quantitative data accurately and with some insight. Excellent ability to devise arguments using evidence and make appropriate and valid judgements. Exceptional evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles-based evidence. Outstanding interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.

Exceptional ability to devise arguments using evidence and make wholly appropriate and valid judgements.

Practical skills

(Different approaches to solving problems in particular contexts.)

Limited or no use of taught, basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Little or no appreciation of the context of the application.

Very weak evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts. Rudimentary application of taught, basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques but without consideration and competence. Flawed appreciation of the context of the application.

Weak evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts.

An adequate awareness and mostly appropriate application of basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Basic appreciation of the context of the application.

Can identify problems in particular contexts and propose basic alternative approaches or solutions though there may be errors. A good and appropriate application of basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Clear appreciation of the context of the application.

Good evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts and proposes mostly appropriate solutions. A very good application of a range of basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

Very good consideration of the context of the application. Very good evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts and proposes appropriate solutions. An advanced application of a range of taught, basic methods, materials, tools and/or techniques.

The context of the application is well considered, and insightful.

Excellent evidence of different approaches to problem-solving in particular contexts and proposes appropriate solutions. Exceptional levels of application and deployment skills in particular practical contexts. Outstanding identification of problems in particular contexts and formulation of wholly appropriate, thoughtful solutions / different approaches.

Transferable skills for life and professional practice

(Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments; the qualities needed for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility within a structured and managed environment.) Work is poorly structured, disorganised, inaccurate and/or confusingly expressed. Very weak use of language and/or very inappropriate style. Failure to work effectively individual or as part of a group. Little or no evidence of the skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

Work is poorly presented in a disjointed manner. It is loosely, and at times incoherently, structured, with information and ideas often poorly expressed. Weak use of language and/or inappropriate style. Flawed approach to individual or group work, meeting only partial obligations to others. Limited evidence of the skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility. Mostly ordered presentation and structure in which relevant ideas / concepts are reasonably expressed. Work may lack coherence and/or accuracy in places. Can work as part of a group, meeting most obligations to others but perhaps with limited involvement in group activities.

Demonstrates the basic skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility, with some areas of minor weakness. Mostly coherent, organised and accurate work, in a suitable structure and is for the most part clearly expressed. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with clear contribution to group activities.

Demonstrates the skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility, with some areas of strength and some of minor weakness. Work is accurate, coherent, fluent, well-structured and organised.

Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with very good contribution to group activities. Demonstrates very good skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility, with just occasional minor weakness. Work is coherent, very fluent and is presented professionally. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with an excellent contribution to group activities. Demonstrates excellent skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility with an appetite for further development.

Work is accurate, exceptionally coherent, very fluent and presented well. Can work effectively independently and/or as part of a team, with an exceptional contribution to group activities. Demonstrates exceptional skills for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility with an appetite for further development.