Individual Business

Assessment 1 - Individual Business Report Assessment Title: Individual Business Report Assessment Due date : Report Submission: 11.59 pm Sunday 21 August, 2016 Note that it is your responsibility to keep a copy of each assessment task that is submitted. Aligned to Course Learning Outcomes: This assessment item relates to the following course learning outcomes: 1. Recognise, comprehend and use the language of management 3. Analyse and articulate the theories, concepts and frameworks in respect of planning, organising leading and controlling dimensions of managing an organisation and apply them ethically to real-world case studies and other contexts 5. Demonstrate introductory skills and competencies of undergraduate academic research, academic writing, group work and oral presentations in forms appropriate to purpose and audience Purpose and Description Purpose: To introduce you to conducting research, writing and referencing within organisational management. Description: You must select ONE ONLY (1) of the two following Business Report Options. Business Report Option # 1 Your CEO in a Management Consultancy and Research Organisation (Hawkeye Research) has become interested after attending a Seminar called “Working At Peak Performance” (WAPP). The various aspects of ‘WAPPING’ were explored and endorsed very positively by the presenter and the CEO would like further research and a Report done. The possibility of the entire organisation WAPPING could create significant productivity gains and the CEO, a convert to Continuous Improvement and a previous US Presidential Award Baldridge Winner, has creative dissatisfaction in his DNA. As Head of HR at Hawkeye Research (HOHRHR), you are to write a Report that demonstrates your ability to target research, reference correctly using credible sources including internet, published books and at least six reputable journal articles on the topic of sleep, exercise, nutrition and mental health for peak human performance. In writing the Report look at least at the academic literature on Work-Life Balance, Personal and Organisational Productivity. Your Report must provide a list of recommendations for staff at Hawkeye Research who want to improve and maintain their physical and cognitive acuity and their overall health so as to perform at their best in a sustained manner. You do not need to draw up a budget or an implementation schedule at this time. That is not within the scope of this Report. Be sure to indicate the limitations of your Report, given its relative briefness but do point to additional matters that could need investigation for a more fulsome report. Business Report Option # 2 Transition Energy Company Limited (TECL) is a newly formed venture that is considering investing in Methane Gas energy sources. As a responsible corporate citizen firmly subscribing to sustainability practices and to intergenerational equity, TECL have commissioned your Research Company, Hawkeye Research Pty Ltd, to look into any likely, high impact consequences that may arise from proposed gas extraction activities using a process called "fracking", or fracturing to release coal seam gas (CSG) methane. Specifically, TECL seeks a Report about any possible adverse effects of gas extraction under the four headings of air quality, water quality, land usage, and community health. TECL, as part of its Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed or not, wants a list of any identified impacts, the likelihood of those impacts and the consequences of those impacts. Based on the research evidence canvassed, the Report should conclude with Recommendations about investment in this type of energy source. In addition, based on the research, you may make additional recommendations regarding further research that might be needed to form a more fulsome understanding of impacts associated with this energy source. In writing the Report look at least at the academic literature on ethical behaviour, social responsibility, sustainability. Whichever option is chosen, the Business Report you attempt must demonstrate your ability to target research and reference correctly using credible sources including internet, published books and at least six reputable journal articles on the topic. It is important that your sources are credible and that you write the Business Report in the standard Business Report format. You will need to find out about business report structures yourself as well as hearing about them in the two hour weekly meetings. Additionally, be sure to do the University’s INFOSKILLS Tutorial and look at the relevant sections on research, writing and referencing of the Communications Handbook by Summers and Smith (citation below) that are part of your textbook pack. Assessment Length 2000 words. While there is some marginal flexibility to length, students who submit assessment that is excessively under or over the word count should expect their grade to be reduced. Ten percent (10%) of overall word count either way is generally acceptable. Assessment Weighting 20% of all available marks for this course. Assessment Criteria Six criteria will be used for the Report • Structure: is structure in business report format? • Content: is content in the requested scope? • Research: is the Report well researched? • Argument: is the Report well argued, supported by evidence? • Written expression: is the Report well written? • Presentation: is the Report well presented in regard to presentation of citations and an accurate and appropriate reference list? Refer to the marking matrix in Blackboard Assessments section for a fuller description and explanation of these criteria. Referencing Style: The “Gold Guide” is designed to assist you to understand and meet academic requirements, by summarising important points and providing website links. It gives you essential information on the basics of academic writing and critical thinking, essay writing, referencing, business reports, presentations and teamwork. The referencing style in the “Gold Guide” is APA style which is the Faculty standard for Business courses. An electronic copy of the Gold Guide is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/149918/Gold-Guide-NBS-APA-Referencing-Resource.pdf Feedback is provided: Feedback will be provided in writing online. How to Submit: Report Submissions are to be made through turnitin ONLY. Further Information will be supplied: In order to support this assignment, ‘conducting research’, Report writing’ and ‘referencing’ workshops are provided in the Workshops and Tutorials. Additional Report Writing and Referencing guidelines are provided on Blackboard and in the Handbook by Summers and Smith on Communication Skills. Personal assistance can be provided by Tutors / Workshop Leaders during consultation time or by appointment. Additional assistance is available through the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL).