Coursework 2 – End of Module Assignment – Essay
50% Weighting of the Module Marks
ESSAY QUESTION:
“Critically discuss what leadership means to successful entrepreneurship and the contribution it may make to recognising business opportunities that can exploited by likely future trends in the 21st Century.”
2500 words +/- 10% Excluding references, bibliography and appendices
Assessment criteria for the final essay are:
- Focus on question set;
- Quality of argument and analysis
- The depth and extent of your knowledge of relevant concepts, writers and ideas;
- The depth and extent of your knowledge of relevant reading and research;
- The application of these to the business environment
- Originality in discussion and analysis.
- Ability to write clearly in a recognised academic style, which is suitable for essay
writing,
- Ability to reference appropriately.
The assessment criteria above mean in simple terms that you must show you have knowledge of what has been taught on the course, and that you can use this to answer a question in an informed way, presenting arguments in a clear and well-structured academic way.
Grading indication for essay assessment
70+ Structure Overall clarity, focus and coherence
Text Selective use of reference material correctly referenced
Analysis Critical and comparative use of relevant concepts and theories
Independence Clear evidence of independent and original thinking based on
analytical material.
60+ Structure Focus on question set and a clear answer
Text Selective use of research material correctly referenced
Analysis Identification and grasp of appropriate concepts and theories
Where appropriate, the ability to apply theories to experience
50+ Structure Mostly focused on question and evidence of an attempt at structure.
Text Correctly referenced research material which is relevant to the
question set
Analysis Evidence of identification of some of the issues
40+ Structure Partially focussed on question
Text Little use of reference material and inadequate referencing
Analysis Descriptive rather than analytical, with ideas presented as
unsubstantiated opinions.
Failure(less than 40%) A demonstrable lack of structure, understanding of question set
and/or material used.
Little or no analysis.
Substantial errors and inadequate length.
Evidence of plagiarism.
Essay Question – Guidance
You need to deconstruct the question into its constituent parts and then address them and how they relate to, impact and affect each other.
Such as;
- Leadership and leadership types
- Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship
- Success
- Decision making
- The Business Environment
- Complexity
- Future Trends
Define them, relate them to theory, models, concepts, ideas, opinions, facts and the literature – I expect both books, journals, newspapers, on-line sources – all full Harvard referenced for ALL sources. I expect separate references, bibliography, and webliography. The quality, variety, depth and breadth of the references and your reading is more important than quantity, but I would be surprised if you use less than 15 sources.
I expect you to bring your knowledge and analysis together in a sustainable argument that focuses on, and answers the question set. Therefore you need to JUSTIFY what you say by supporting EVIDENCE and appropriate EXAMPLES from the theory, models, concepts, ideas, opinions, facts and the literature, the business environment, as well as your own experience, contemporary business examples or case studies, lectures , your own coursework 1 experience or from your knowledge and/or experience gained in other modules.
From this do not be afraid to draw your own conclusions that lead on from your arguments. You are entitled to your opinions, but make sure you have justified them.
Lastly make sure you both spell check and proof read your work.
The assessment criteria above mean in simple terms that you must show you have knowledge of what has been taught on the module, and that you can use this to answer a question in an informed and structured way, presenting arguments in a clear and logical academic way and using relevant literature/research.
Assessment format:
The required format for the presentation of your assessment (both pieces: joint report and essay) is as follows:
Front page to show: Name, Assignment title, Module code/title, Seminar leader’s name, Due Date.
Format: A4 layout, typing double spacing of lines.
