M002 SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY (JULY 2012) Components/Grading 1 Executive Summary Setting of Context.

(to be no more than one page)

0 Inadequate

1 Limited

2 Basic

3 Proficient

4 Accomplished

5 Exemplary

No Executive Summary or Inadequate information provided.

Very brief attempt at an Executive Summary. May be more an Introduction rather than a summary. No inclusion of recommendations. No in-text referencing.

Limited attempt at providing an Executive Summary. Partial articulation of the key features of the submission. Limited inclusion of recommendations. Limited referencing. Limited attempt to set the submission in context. Demonstrates a very limited attempt at analysing and evaluating information/data. Very basic and descriptive in form.

An Executive Summary is presented which partially highlights the key features of the submission. Limited inclusion of recommendations but with brief rationale. Limited referencing. Sets the submission partially in context.

Overall well presented Executive Summary that articulates the key features of the submission including recommendations with rationale. Overall good referencing. Sets the submission in context.

Coherent well presented Executive Summary that clearly articulates the key features of the submission including recommendations with rationale. Fully referenced. Sets the submission firmly in context.

LO1 Critical analysis and evaluation. Specifically of the external environment of a given organisation.

No evaluation of data. No critical investigation. Lack of understanding of the basic issues.

There is very limited evaluation of data/ information. Limited criticality presented. Statements are very descriptive.

Demonstrates a limited level of interpretation, critical evaluation and categorisation. This part of the submission is generally descriptive in form.

Demonstrates the ability to interpret, critically evaluate and categorise. Appropriate frameworks and models are used for the analysis. A range of implications for the organisation are

Demonstrates the ability to interpret, critically evaluate and categorise to an exceptionally high standard. Interrelationships are clearly developed and illustrated. Implications are

explored.

fully explored.

External Environment: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the appropriate models, theories and frameworks Practical application (QAA requirement for MBAs)

Inadequate information provided. Lack of understanding of basic issues.

Very limited knowledge and understanding of the relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. There is very limited demonstration of practical application of the models, theories and frameworks to the organisation. There is very limited evaluation of the data/information. No criticality presented. Statements are very descriptive.

No demonstration of practical application of the models, theories and frameworks to the organisation.

Demonstrates a limited level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates limited practical application of the relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation.

Demonstrates a reasonable level of knowledge and understanding of relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates a reasonable/good level of practical application of relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation.

Demonstrates a good level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates a very good level of practical application of relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation. Demonstrates the ability to interpret, critically evaluate and categorise. Appropriate frameworks and models are used for the analysis. A range of implications for the organisation are explored.

Demonstrates an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding of relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates an exceptionally high level of practical application of relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation. Demonstrates the ability to interpret, critically evaluate and categorise to an exceptionally high standard. Interrelationships are clearly developed and illustrated. Implications are fully explored.

LO2 Critical analysis and evaluation. Specifically of the internal environment of a given organisation.

No evaluation of data. No critical investigation. Lack of understanding of the basic issues.

Demonstrates a limited attempt at analysing and evaluating information/data. Basic and descriptive in form.

Demonstrates a reasonable level of interpretation, critical evaluation and categorisation. This part of the submission is generally descriptive in form.

Internal Environment: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the appropriate models, theories and frameworks Practical application (QAA requirement for MBAs)

Inadequate information provided. Lack of understanding of basic issues.

Very limited knowledge and understanding of the relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. There is very limited demonstration of practical application of the models, theories and frameworks to the organisation. Very limited evaluation. Very limited understanding of the SWOT framework demonstrated. Poor application. Numerous errors. Demonstrate a very limited understanding of the organisations operations.

No demonstration of practical application of the models, theories and frameworks to the organisation

Demonstrates a limited level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates limited practical application of the relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation.

Demonstrates a reasonable level of knowledge and understanding of relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates a reasonable/good level of practical application of relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation.

Demonstrates a very good level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates a very good level of practical application of relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation. Demonstrates a very good understanding of the SWOT framework and its application.

Demonstrates an exceptionally high level of knowledge and understanding of relevant theory in response to the assignment brief. Demonstrates an exceptional level of application of relevant models, theories and frameworks to the organisation.

LO3 Evaluation of the organisations strategic decisions within the context of its internal and external environment. Use of SWOT analysis.

No evaluation. No understanding of SWOT framework demonstrated.

Demonstrates a limited understanding of the SWOT framework and its applications. Several errors in the analysis. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the organisations operations and requirements.

Demonstrates a reasonable understanding of the SWOT framework and its application. There are some errors.

Demonstrates a detailed understanding of the SWOT framework and its application.

Demonstrates an understanding of the organisation, its operations and requirements.

Very poor or no understanding of the organisations operations demonstrated.

Demonstrates a reasonable understanding of the organisations operations and requirements.

Demonstrates a good understanding of the organisations operations and requirements.

Demonstrates a detailed and coherent understanding of the organisations operations and its

requirements. LO4 10 Demonstrate the ability to draw a coherent and consistent set of recommendations, as appropriate. Invalid recommendations. Lack of information base. Unsubstantiated recommendations based on anecdotal and generalisations. Recommendations not /poorly grounded in reality. There is no linkage to preceding material in the assignment. Limited approach. Recommendations poorly developed with limited theoretical and practical evidence. Issues of grounding within reality. There is very limited or no linkage to preceding material in the assignment. Good overall approach. Recommendations generally coherent supported by theoretical and practical evidence. Recommendations generally grounded in reality. There is limited linkage to preceding material in the assignment. Very good approach, partially analytical. Recommendations well defined and supported by theoretical and practical evidence. Recommendations grounded in reality. There is some linkage to preceding material stated in the assignment. Analytical approach with clearly and well defined recommendations. Coherent and consistent supported by theoretical concepts and practical evidence. Recommendations grounded in reality. Clearly links recommendations to preceding material stated in the assignment. Demonstrates valid and relevant number of connections between the data provided and the strategic approach taken by the organisation. Demonstrates a very strong

LO5 11 Evaluation and interpretation of data

There are no connections developed. Inadequate information base.

There are very limited connections developed between the data provided and the strategic approach taken by the organisation.

Demonstrates limited connections between the data provided and the strategic approaches taken by the organisation. These connections are

Demonstrates a reasonable/good number of connections between the data and the strategic approaches taken by the organisation. These connections are mainly descriptive in form. Limited level of

Demonstrates valid and relevant number of connections between the data provided and the strategic approach taken by the organisation. Demonstrates a very good level of

12 Conceptualisation

Demonstrates no understanding of the assignment requirements. Inadequate information base. The submission is confused and undeveloped.

Demonstrates little in the way of understanding the assignment. The submission is often confused or underdeveloped.

descriptive. Very limited level of detail provided. Attempts to demonstrate a logical and coherent understanding of the subject material. However some aspects are confused an under developed. Very limited research undertaken.

detail provided.

Generally demonstrates understanding in a logical and coherent manner.

detail and understanding of the data provided. Demonstrates understanding in a logical and coherent manner. Some recognition of inconsistency in material.

13 Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research at an appropriate level.

14 Quality of resources used

There is no evidence of independent research. Inadequate research skills prevent use of learning resources and problem solving. If sources are used not acceptable at Level 7.

There is very little evidence that independent research has been conducted to address the assignment.

There is some evidence of exploring the subject area beyond the standard texts outlined in the module guide and on 002 Moodle site.

Demonstrates the ability to research the subject to a consistently good standard .

awareness of the intricacies of the data provided. Demonstrates the ability to recognise consistency and reconcile inconsistency between information using cognitive skills. Demonstrates a high level of rigour and consistency. Demonstrates the ability to research the subject to a consistently high standard.

Material used is irrelevant or largely irrelevant to the task. Sources lack reliability and validity.

The sources usually indicative/directed reading. Some sources may not be suitable in terms of academic/

Good range of literature. Generally reliable and validated sources.

Has used a variety of relevant, reliable and validated sources.

Has used an excellent range of relevant, validated and reliable sources beyond the sources stated within the module guide and on the

15 Perspectives

Does not recognise or relate to different perspectives.

Little recognition or relatedness to different perspectives.

professional levels, reliability and validity. Limited reference to and understanding of different perspectives.

002 Moodle site.

Recognises that there are alternative perspectives.

Demonstrates recognition of multiple perspectives which may influence/affect a personal point of view. Demonstrates the ability to re-format a range of ideas, perspectives and /or information towards a given purpose. A detailed and thorough approach. Relevant and well constructed response to all/majority of the requirements of the assignment brief.

Demonstrates an understanding of multiple perspectives and through these can develop a personal point of view.

LO6 16 Synthesis of information from a variety of sources to support perspectives.

17 Coverage of Assignment Requirements.

There is no organisation of ideas. Difficult to follow logic. No information sources used. Inadequate information base. Very limited or non-existent response to the assignment brief. Very few of the requirements of the assignment brief addressed. This may be expressed as a significantly reduced word

There is little organisation of ideas, perspectives and information.

Demonstrates the ability to partially collect, collate and categorise information in a fairly structured format. A fair, if limited, response to answering a limited number of the requirements of the assignment brief.

A limited response to the assignment brief. Few of the requirements of the assignment brief addressed.

Demonstrates the ability to collect, collate and categorise ideas, perspectives and/or Information in a predictable and standardised format. A good response to answering a majority of the requirements of the assignment brief.

Demonstrates the ability to transform variety of ideas, perspectives, information and/or concepts towards a given purpose. A very detailed and thorough approach. Highly relevant and well constructed response to all the requirements of the assignment brief.

18 Clarity of expression (accuracy, spelling, grammar, punctuation)

count. Significant problems with structure and accuracy in expression. Very difficult to follow and understand.

The overall and specific meaning of the writing is unclear. There are consistent grammatical and spelling errors throughout the submission.

The overall meaning can generally be understood. However the quality of the writing is variable. There are consistent errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Demonstrates a limited attempt to provide a logical and coherent approach. Would not be acceptable if presented to a Board of Directors. Partially follows the requirements as stated in the module guide. There is an attempt to provide both in-text citations and a reference list within the Harvard

Writing style generally fluent. Spelling, grammar and punctuation generally accurate.

Fluent writing style. Spelling, grammar and punctuation accurate. Very good use of grammar and syntax.

Exceptionally fluent writing style. Engaging to read. Spelling, grammar and punctuation accurate. Compelling use of grammar and syntax.

19 Presentation of the assignment. Level of professionalism.

The submission is disorganised and incoherent. Does not follow the requirements as stated in the Module Guide. Not Level 7 standard.

Overall the work is disorganised and incoherent. Does not follow the requirements as stated in the Module Guide.

Demonstrates an overall coherence and structure. Some problems with the format and the level of professionalism. Generally follows the requirements as stated within the module guide.

Demonstrates a logical and coherent approach to the work. Well structured in a professional format. Follows the requirements as stated in the module guide.

Demonstrates a clear focus, logical approach to the work. Well structured in a professional format. Follows the requirements as stated in the module guide.

20 Referencing

In-text citations are absent. Reference list either absent or doesnt conform to Harvard format.

In-text citations, reference list are either absent or unsystematic (including not in Harvard format).

A reasonable level of accuracy in terms of both in-text citations and the reference list is presented. Generally conforms to

Both in-text citations and the reference list are generally accurate and in-line with the Harvard format. A

Both in-text citations and the reference list are consistently accurate and in line with the Harvard

Ignorance of scholarly conventions. OVERALL TOTAL:

format. However there are various levels of errors in the referencing.

the Harvard format. A few minor errors.

few minor errors.

format. No errors.