Internal Assessment: Written Commentary

Business and Management: HL

Contents
Contents Introduction Stage 1 Planning, Concept testing Possible questions Exam questions Presentation Research proposal Checklist for Research Proposal Stage 2 The First Draft Collecting the data Collating the data Writing the first draft IB Format Checklist for first draft Stage 3 - The final draft Reworking the first draft Writing the analysis & evaluation Checklist fro analysis & evaluation Writing conclusion & recommendation Checklist: conclusion & recommendation Completing the project IB Requirements Checklist for writing final report Appendices Assessment criteria Assessment Checklist Letter of confidentiality Time schedule Page Number p3 p5 p5 p6 p6 p8 p10 p12 p14 p14 p16 p18 p18-22 p22 p24 p24 p24 p26 p26 p26 p27 p27-29 p30 p31 p32-35 p36 p37 p38

Written Commentary
Introduction
The written commentary, which is the internal assessment module for the Business & Management course will count for 25% of your final mark. As such, it is very important. The SL internal assessment is a written commentary. Students need to demonstrate the application of business and management tools, techniques and theories to a real business issue or problem. Students must select a real issue or problem, not a fictional one, and must produce a commentary with a title presented as a question. The commentary must refer directly to a single business organisation, but may consider industry-wide issues that impact on that organization. The commentary must be based on primary and/or secondary data, selected for its suitability, depth and breadth. It is important that you, with your teachers guidance, choose a project which: Engages your interest Is realistic in terms of resources Meets the criteria for assessment

What does all this mean?

You need to find between three and five different sources of information that allow you to write up to 1500 words on a real business issue or problem. Examples of suitable sources of information Secondary sources might include: Market research surveys Articles from the local, national or international press Financial reports Business accounts Business plans Mission statements Web-based surveys Extracts from company web sites Government and other statistics Academic publications. Primary data might include: Responses to questionnaires (students should include a blank copy of the questionnaire and a tally/summary of results) Transcripts of interviews and discussions with focus groups Results of surveys. 3

It is not possible to score highly on criteria A unless the supporting documents provide a range of views, are linked to your question, and show some depth of understanding. You will need to answer a question (The title of the commentary), so make sure your title is phrased in such a way that it allows you to answer it AND to back that answer up.

Stage 1 The Planning

There are three elements in this 1. 2. 3. section. They are: Concept testing Presentation Research Proposal

1.

Concept Testing

After your teacher has introduced the coursework then you need to think about a suitable decision. You will be given 2 weeks to come up with an appropriate decision. You are advised to consult your teacher during the two-week period. You need to be aware that the single biggest cause of stress with this coursework is in the right choice of decision. Get it right and the Business Report writes itself, get it wrong and you are scrabbling for things to say and of course, you lose marks straightaway! The following points have all caused problems in the past: Your decision has to involve a real company, most probably your parents, friends or neighbours but be aware you may have problems getting the data you need when you need it make sure they are aware. Dont just rely on daddy as he can often be away at the critical time You may need to convince the business of the confidentiality of your research. This is assured only three people will see the data you, your supervisor and the business itself. A letter of confidentiality is available on request. Even so ,many businesses do not give out accounts and other sensitive documents be prepared for this. Your decision has to be current you cannot take a decision that has already been made by the company and write a report in retrospect. Your decision has to be answered by you not daddys staff / company Your decision has to be answerable within 1,800 words dont choose a big decision, keep it simple and straightforward Your decision must not be descriptive. Avoid questions beginning with how instead aim for should?

Some possible questions to ask:

When sounding out a Business it is best that both you and they know what is involved in the project. We have had students change their projects during the last week because the company kept on delaying, and not giving information until it was virtually too late. Make sure that this dies not happen to you! To help you, here are a number of questions that may need answering before starting your project.

Which decisions are you currently making that I could investigate? What data could you provide me with? Which personnel do I need to talk to? When would be a convenient time to visit the organisation? Can I undertake some research for you? Why are you making this decision? Who is responsible for this decision? When does the decision have to be made by? How can I help you? Is there any information that you need to know?

Examples of past questions

Possible decisions that have worked well in the past: (grades 6-7)

Should company x employ an expatriate or a local manager? Should company y purchase another photocopy machine? Ringisho, should Japanese management techniques be introduced into company 5

Decisions that have just worked in the past: (grades 4-5)

Should company x change its marketing strategy to allow for growing public concerns about the environment? Should company Y relocate to China? Should Company z change its marketing strategy? Decisions that have failed in the past: (grade 3)

How can company x change its marketing mix? Can company y increase awareness of its product?

Will company c increase market share by reducing the price of its top branded product for a limited time period every year? 2. Presentation After you have chosen your company and your decision then you need to think in terms of how you may go about answering the question. To help you we ask that you present your idea to your supervisor and the class and they can give you immediate feedback. You will complete a form in the following format this is the format used by the Research Proposal so use it!

Student:

Overall Mark:

B & M (HL) Business Report: Presentation

Research Question:
Grade

Theoretical framework: Methodology: Action plan:

Grade

Grade

Grade

Presentation:

Grade

Notes: Each category should be awarded marks in accordance with the IB (and college) 1-7 scale: Poor 0 2 marks Average 3 - 5 marks Strong 6 7 marks Each item is explained below: Research Question: The question is viable within the word limit. The student has shown an appreciation of the nature of the question and has used their imagination to produce a question that will allow them to excel. Theoretical Framework: The student has shown the importance of the report to the organisation and addresses the need to formulate a strategy to consider the material being discussed. 7

Methodology: The student has chosen appropriate techniques that will be useful for their research. They have a mix of quantitative and qualitative material. They have shown some evidence of understanding of how the techniques may be applied. Action Plan: The student has created an effective plan of action. The process of writing the report has been addressed and indicates an awareness of the need to organise their time efficiently and flexibly. Presentation: The presentation was effective and stimulating. It was a useful vehicle for the student to air their views, gain feedback and generate further issues to be considered.

3.

The Research Proposal

This is the core element of this section the IB wants you to produce this at the start of the coursework and to use it to plan your report. It is expected that you will modify this as you go along, the IB even expects you to alter it by handwriting on the original document! The Research Proposal must outline: The research question The rationale for study Areas of the syllabus to be covered Possible sources of information Organizations and individuals to be approached Methods to be used to collect and analyse data, and the reason for choosing them The order of activities and timescale of the project. .Anticipated possible difficulties

The Research Proposal must be in the following format:

Format
Research question Theoretical framework - state the research question - give the rationale for study - show areas of the syllabus to be covered - indicate methods to be used to collect and analyse data, and the reason for choosing them

Methodology

Action plan

- show the order of activities & timescale of the project. - name organisations and individuals to be approached - outline possible sources of information - specify possible difficulties

The Research Proposal must be between 200 and 300 words. Suggested approaches to each section
To help you organize the Research Proposal it may be wise to follow these suggestions below of course you do not have to but be aware that you only have 200-330 words to play with so organising your material is critical. Research Question Just state it Theoretical Framework Syllabus Areas 1 Syllabus Areas 2 Syllabus Areas 3 Methodology Collect data Primary research Secondary research Analyse data business technique 1 business technique 2 business technique 3 Reasons Why? Reasons Why? Reasons Why? Reasons Why? Reasons Why?

Overall Rationale

Action Plan Date Action Source Anticipated Difficulty Modification

Checklist for your Research Proposal

Research Proposal 1. Is it 200 300 words? 2. Does it contain: a research question? a theoretical framework? a methodology? an action plan? 3. Is the Research Proposal a working & active document? 4. Does the research question look forward & enable recommendations to be made? 5. Is the project realistically achievable? 6. Does the research question need amending? 7. Do both teacher and student agree that the research question is achievable within the word limit? 8. Have issues of confidentiality & ethics been discussed? 9. Action Plan Are there specific dates for action? Are contact individuals identified? Is there a clear structure to the action plan? Are sources of information identified? Have possible difficulties been anticipated? Student Teacher

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Summary of Stage 1
Time May 2nd 13th WB May 23rd WB June 6
th

Activity Concept Testing Presentation Research Proposal

Internal Assessment

External assessment

Note: Even though the Research Proposal is expected to be produced at the beginning of the project it will not be marked before the end of the piece as it must be modified in some shape or form.

Notes:

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Stage 2 The Data Collection & Collation

There are three elements in this section. They are: 1. Collecting the data 2. Collating the data 3. Writing the first draft

1.

Collecting the data:

You must collect both primary and secondary data. There are two factors that are important when deciding what type data to collect: How is it to be used? How reliable is the data? Use of the data. Your data has to be useful, that is it must be linked to a particular business technique. There is no point in collecting company accounts unless you will use them appropriately. In fact you will lose marks if you include unnecessary or irrelevant data. The first thing then is refer back to your theoretical Framework and decide how to apply the data you will collect to your chosen theories. Here are some of the possible business techniques used in the past: Decision Making Model Statistics Marketing Models Investment Appraisal CPA Benchmarking Leadership Theory Ratio Analysis Networking Budgeting Motivational Theory GANTT Charts Ansoff Matrix Communication Theory Forecasting Decision Trees TQM SWOT Analysis FFA PEST Analysis Ishikawa Fishbone BCG Matrix Surveying & Sampling Techniques Channels of Distribution Organisational Charts

None of these is better than another it is all a matter of relevance. However, given the maximum word limit of 2,000 words you cannot choose more than 4 at an absolute maximum. More is certainly not better you lose marks for going over the word limit and for including extraneous material. We recommend two general points: 3 techniques. at least 1 qualitative and 1 quantitative technique. 12

Reliability of the data One of the single biggest mistakes students make is to rely on only one source of data. This makes the data and your analysis invalid. It is too biased to be useful again you will lose marks here if you have single source data. Examples of single source data are when the source for your information is: a survey an interview a textbook a website one person only the business itself Data Source

Invalid Conclusion This data is unreliable because there may be intended or even unintentional bias. It is only one point of view and may distort your conclusion. Data Source Data Source

Valid Conclusion Data that is reliable will lead to a valid conclusion. The way to achieve this is to triangulate the data that is back it up with at least one other source. The more triangulated the data the more valid will be the conclusion. Commonly primary data is backed up with secondary data.

2.

Collating the data

After you have collected the data then you have to begin the task of organising it in your project. This crucially depends on when and how you will collect the data. We expect students to have all of their data ready by the start of grade 12. If you have no evidence of any data by that time then the chances are you never will have and so we will ask you to start again with a different business and another decision. 13

Once you have all of the data then you need to consider two points: Arranging the data Referencing the data Arranging the data: You need to consider what forms of presentation you will want to use. Some common types are set out below. Maps Pie charts Excerpts Diagrams Tables Histograms Quotations Venn Diagrams Calculations Bar Charts Articles Flow diagrams Accounts Organisational charts Interview Transcripts Mind Maps

Once again no one form of presentation is better than another. However, you must think in terms of standardisation presentation is much more effective if there is a consistent style. Secondly, you must source every piece of data you include. This is critical; you will lose marks if you do not. Sourcing can also be useful as it points to the reliability of your data. At the very worst you could also be accused of plagiarism if you do not source all the data.

Referencing the data: Continuing with this idea you should be aware that the IB takes referencing the data very seriously indeed. Not just because of the plagiarism issue but because the Bibliography, Reference and Appendix show the extent of your research. However, be warned the project is not marked by weight in fact the more padding you add the more chance you have of losing marks. The Appendix this is used for material that would otherwise destroy the flow of your argument. E.g. sample questionnaires or company accounts. The IB is not impressed with students who try and beat the word limit by dumping huge 14

tracts of materials in the appendices. The golden rule is only put it there if you have used it and if you dont need to use it dont! The References this is a list of all the sources you have used in your Report. They should be referenced by a system of easily traceable footnotes. This list does not have to be extensive some Reports may not have much referencing at all, this is fine, in fact much better than a long list meant to impress. What is important is that only material that you have used goes in here. The Bibliography this is used for material, which you have not used directly in the project but which has been useful as background support. Once again you are not expected to have an extensive list but of course you should have more than just your standard textbook. The IB will check this section to see how much research you have actually done. The IB will expect you to use one of the standard Referencing formats whether it is Harvard, say, it does not matter as long as you use one but only one in the whole project.

3.

Writing the first draft:

The IB expects you to have created more than one draft of the Business Report. This is to show that you have modified your work as you go along. This does not mean that you have to produce endless drafts. A first draft is not a complete run through of all the material. Rather it is meant to be the completion of the first phase of the Business Report. It is not set in stone but it should be a fairly solid foundation. A complete Business Report format is set out below and we have indicated the parts that you would be expected to complete by your first draft. You can of course do more than this but the parts set down below are a minimum and will be assessed as such when you come back to college in the first week back after the long holiday. Section 1. Title Page Minimum to be completed for first draft

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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Acknowledgements Contents Page Executive Summary (Abstract) Introduction Research Question Procedure or Method Main Results or Findings Analysis & Evaluation (Discussion) Conclusion & Recommendation Date & Signature Bibliography & References Appendices

To help you decipher all these elements below are some comments made by the IB on each section: Section IB Comments

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1.

Title Page This should give a clear indication of what is contained in the research project. Example of a title page: To: CEO Title: Should Macaroni Electronics redesign the layout of their factory?

Author: Date:

Candidate name/number 23 / 11 / 05

Subject/Level: Business & Management (HL) Circulation: Words: CEO, Board 1,994

This is a good example of a title because it: is a question is specific is manageable encourages the application of business terms looks forward and demands recommendations.

2.

Acknowledgements

This section should acknowledge any individual who has made the production of the report possible. This should include the major headings in the report, beginning with the executive summary. Page numbers should be clearly indicated. 17

3.

Contents Page

4.

Executive Summary (Abstract)

The executive summary provides a review of the document as a whole, outlining conclusions drawn and recommendations made. Together with the title, the executive summary should provide a clear overview of the document. it is imperative, therefore, that it is explicit yet brief. This should not be a cut & paste from the introduction or Research Proposal.

5.

Introduction

The function of the introduction is to demonstrate background knowledge about the organization and to give a clear outline of the topics under investigation. It is not to be cut & pasted from a company website or document. This shows a lack of critical thinking and will lose marks.

6.

Research Question

This is a clear unambiguous question that indicates the scope of the investigation, and requires an answer. A well-devised question is more likely to result in a report that achieves high marks. The research question should be reviewed at the end of the process and amended if necessary.

7.

Procedure or Method

This should be a summary of the primary and secondary research undertaken and the business techniques applied. It should also include an assessment of the validity and reliability of the data collected (for example, partiality and scope) and the methods employed. The candidate should explain any changes made as the work progressed. The purpose of the analysis of the results section is to clarify what the raw data has revealed. This should include a summary of the data collected and findings, and should, where appropriate, be supported by tables, graphs and statistics. 18

8.

Main Results or Findings

9.

Analysis & Evaluation (Discussion)

This involves interpreting the results and findings clearly and succinctly. Candidates should identify the main issues emerging from the research and explain their significance. The discussion should be sequenced and coherent. It should also be carefully referenced. The conclusions must follow from the analysis and discussion. This is not the place to introduce new facts or arguments. Conclusions are normally presented as a list of fairly brief statements. Recommendations should be precise and there should be practical proposals for action that stem from the conclusions. If the results of the research are inconclusive the candidate should recommend further research to be undertaken.

10.

Conclusion & Recommendation

11. 12.

Date & Signature Bibliography & References

All reports are appended so. The project should contain a correctly presented bibliography acknowledging all material referred to in the research. Quotations from textbooks and other sources of information should be acknowledged in the main body of the text or through the use of footnotes. Candidates should be discouraged from including inappropriate materials such as lengthy company management reports. should include only relevant information that supports or emphasizes what is discussed in the report. They will include examples of photographs, documents, questionnaires, numerical raw data in tables and statistical calculations. These

13.

Appendices

Checklist for your First Draft

First Draft 1. Is there sufficient data? primary research secondary research 2. Has the data been sourced? Student Teacher

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3. Is the theory applied to the organisation under investigation?

Summary of Stage 2
Time June July June July June - July Activity Collecting data Collating data Writing first draft Internal Assessment External assessment

Note: This section will be assessed during the first week back in College were you will have the opportunity to discuss issues and make changes. The first week of Grade 12 will be solely for work on the coursework. If you have not prepared sufficiently then you will find it difficult to make up the ground during the busy term ahead.

Notes:

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Stage 3 Writing the final Report

There are four elements in this stage. They are: 1. Reworking the first draft 2. Writing the analysis & evaluation 3. Writing the conclusion & recommendation 4. Producing the completed project (Research Proposal & Business Report)

1.

Reworking the first draft:

It is very unlikely that you will have a perfect first draft but hopefully the bulk of your work is useful and just needs reorganising and streamlining. Review the material with your supervisor and dont forget to make amendments to your Research Proposal. The IB expects you to do this! Sometimes you will have realised that your whole project will not work out, now is the time to recognise the fact and you still have time to change dont keep your worries to yourself. This process can begin as soon as you come back to College after the long holiday, remember the sooner you start the sooner you will finish. This is really important as experience shows us that the students that get the most stressed during this term the ones who leave things to the last minute invariably score the lowest marks for most of their subjects. However, dont spend too long on this, there should be no need to keep reworking old material. If things look solid then move onto the next section.

2.

Writing the Analysis & Evaluation:

This is the most significant area in the whole project. Just under 30% of your total marks (7% of your final exam!) come in here. It pays to get this bit right, so to help you consider the following points: Link the analysis to your research data Be succinct and ordered Integrate your data, analysis and evaluation Avoid relying too heavily on a single source (the business) Use independent sources 21

An example:

Avoid unsupported generalisations Be critical dont take everything for granted

Imagine a student is writing a Report on whether a Hi Fi company should change its existing marketing strategy; they might produce the following SWOT Analysis as part of their data. Strengths 1. 2. 3. 4. Weaknesses:

The company is making strong sales. 1. There are many (but smaller) competitors The company has a well motivated 2. The changes may cost money workforce The company produces the best quality products They have very loyal customers Threats: 1. The competitors can steal their ideas

Opportunities: 1. 2. 3. The company can expand The company can earn more profits The company can increase awareness.

Source: Company x (interview with CEO) Now they will need to analyse that data they will face some immediate problems because the data is single sourced and weak. Any analysis from this would score 2-3 out of the 7 marks from this section. What could the student do? They could link the data to another source Product positioning map made from customer (not just this companies customers) responses. Company responses (not just managers but workers & suppliers too) SWOT Independent market research from What Hi Fi magazine

Analysis & Evaluation

Checklist for your Analysis & Evaluation

Analysis & Evaluation 1. Are the ideas coherent & consistent? Student Teacher 22

2. Is there evidence of critical thinking? 3. Are judgements made? 4. Is there evidence to back up the analysis & evaluation?

3.

Writing the Conclusion & Recommendation

This section should really be quite brief and it must continue on from the previous material. Some points that you may want to bear in mind when writing your conclusion: There should be no new material introduced here The conclusions should be brief statements (even bullet points) The conclusions must be consistent with the evidence presented Dont ignore evidence because you dont agree with it. The recommendation should once again follow on from the conclusion and it should be brief and consistent. It must include the following elements: A yes/no recommendation Unanswered questions should be stated Suggestions to resolve these unanswered questions are made

Checklist for your Conclusion & Recommendation

Conclusion & Recommendation 1. Are there both conclusions and recommendations? 2. Do they refer to the research question previous discussions (analysis & evaluation) findings 3. Are there any inconsistencies with previous discussions? (eg new ideas not previously discussed) 4. Have recommendations been costed and are they realistic? 5. Have unanswered questions been acknowledged? Student Teacher

4.

Producing The Completed Project

This final section involved tidying up and putting the whole project together. There are three areas to consider: Organising the material Meeting IB requirements Making Hard / Soft copies But first you will be interested to know that you may have a choice of hand in Dates. We are aware that the term is long and there are many other IB deadlines in it. So to help you organise 23

your time effectively at the beginning of the term we will ask you to indicate which of the four weeks set out below you would like to hand in the completed project on. 30 20th 27th 4th
th

Date October November November December

Surprisingly most students do not automatically choose the last date; good students tend to go for earlier dates maybe to get the thing out of the way! However, if you have chosen a date then you will be expected to stick with it. Organising the material The project will be bound as one document but the Research proposal must be kept separate from the Business Report. We suggest the following format:

Title Page

Research Proposal

Title Page (copy)

Business Report

Meeting IB Requirements The following are the general requirements made by the IB, you must make sure that you have met these: Action Page Numbering: Requirement All pages in the report must be numbered consecutively, beginning with the Introduction. The Report should use the numbered sectional format (like this document). The report should be word-processed and the number of words should be included on the title page. Research Proposal : 200- 300 words Business Report : 1,800 2,000 words 24

Word Limit

Authenticity

Candidates who exceed this limit will score 1-2 out of 4 marks in the criterion Presentation of the written report', (see assessment criteria). The maximum word limit does not include supplementary information such as: 1. title page, 2. executive summary, 3. diagrams, 4. figures, 5. tables, 6. references 7. and appendices. Your supervisor will ensure that the assignment is your own work. If there is doubt, authenticity may be checked by a discussion on the content of the assignment. This would involve close scrutiny of one or more of the following: your research proposal the first draft of the assignment the references and bibliography for your assignment the style of the writing compared with your other work You will be required to sign a written declaration when submitting your assignment, to confirm that it is your own work. Supervisors are also required to verify the same thing. The general educational aim should be to encourage the seeking of advice and information through discussions initiated by you, the candidate. Therefore you will not be penalised for seeking guidance in conducting your investigation. However, if you have not been able to complete your report without substantial teacher support, this will be indicated to the IB. The teacher should play an important role during both the planning stage and whilst you are working on the project. However, it is your responsibility to initiate both discussion and the framework for the discussions. Teachers will allocate a maximum of 6 consultations with individual students. Although team work is allowed for the purpose of the research report, group work should go no further than data collection, and individual contribution to the data collection must be identified. You must write up your research report on your own. It is probably best to conduct the whole investigation individually. You are allowed to use the same company for both Extended 25

Teacher Guidance

Group work

Extended Essays

Essays and Business Projects; however, the data collected and the analysis must be completely unrelated. Making hard / soft copies As mentioned in the beginning the student is directly responsible for providing the supervisor with a soft copy of the business project. This is for your benefit so it really is up to you to make sure you do so and that you make it in a suitable format. It must be a single file of text only material. If you do not do what is required the College cannot support you in the case of plagiarism.

Checklist for Writing the Final Report

Writing the Final Report 1. Is there an Executive Summary? 2. Has subject specific terminology been used throughout the report? 3. Is there a Bibliography & reference Section? 4. Do the bibliography & Referencing follow a consistent format? 5. Are there Appendices? Are they relevant? Have they been referred to in the main text? 6. Is there superfluous material? 7. Is the written report in the word limit? 8. Is the word count provided on the report? 9. Would the report be useful & practical for management? 10. Has the research question been answered? Student Teacher

Summary of Stage 3
Time September September - October October - November Activity Reworking first draft Writing Analysis & Evaluation Writing Conclusion & Recommendation 26 Internal Assessment External assessment

October - December

Producing the final document

Note: This section will be assessed on the completion of the project your ability to meet deadlines organise your time and work to schedule are important. You will not find out the final mark, as it is liable to be moderated twice (once internally & once externally) before the mark is verified and included in your final exam grade.

Notes:

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Appendices 1. Assessment

General The method or assessment used by the IB is criterion referenced, not norm-referenced. This means that the method of assessing the Business and Management Research Project judges each candidate in relation to identified assessment criteria and not in relation to the work of other candidates. Assessment Criteria The Higher Level Business and Management Research Project is assessed against five progressive criteria which are related to the objectives established for the programme. Criterion A refers to the research proposal while criteria B-E are used to assess the written report. The assessment criteria are as follows: Criteria Criterion A Criterion B Criterion C Criterion D Criterion E Concept Research Proposal Use of sources, Data and Theoretical Concepts Analysis and Evaluation Conclusion and recommendations Value to Management Mark (max) 4 5 7 5 4

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Achievement Levels A Research Proposal only. 0 1 2 Criterion A should be used to assess the research Proposal

There is no Research Proposal. The Research Proposal, and in particular the research question, are inappropriate. The research Proposal, and in particular the research question, are generally appropriate but they are not consistently clear and focused. There is an attempt at planning, but little indication of the theoretical framework or methodology to be employed. There is little or no recognition of possible difficulties. The Research Proposal, and in particular the research question, are entirely appropriate, clear and focused. There is a more than adequate action plan, and a clear indication of the theoretical framework and methodology to be employed. Some possible difficulties have been anticipated. The Research Proposal, and in particular the research question, are entirely appropriate, clear and focused. There is a well-defined, succinctly presented action plan, and a clear indication of the theoretical framework and methodology to be employed. Possible difficulties have been anticipated and the project appears to be realistically achievable. Use of Sources, Data and Theoretical Concepts (Written Report) There is no use of sources, data or theoretical concepts. The sources and data are inappropriate or inadequate. There is a very limited understanding of relevant theoretical concepts and these concepts have been misused. The sources and data are generally appropriate, but inadequate. There is a limited understanding of relevant theoretical concepts but these have not been used effectively. The sources and data are generally appropriate and adequate. There is an understanding of relevant theoretical concepts and some evidence of their being used effectively. 29

B 0 1 2 3

4 5

The sources and data are entirely appropriate and more than adequate. There is a sound understanding of relevant theoretical concepts and consistent evidence of their being used effectively. The sources and data are excellent. There is an in-depth understanding of relevant theoretical concepts and consistent evidence of their being used very effectively.

C 0 1 2 3 4

Analysis and Evaluation (Written Report) There is no analysis or evaluation. The analysis and evaluation of the findings are very limited and the discussion is superficial. Ideas and references to issues are dispersed throughout the report, which lacks order and coherence. The analysis and evaluation of the findings are limited and the discussion tends to be superficial. There is limited evidence of an attempt to put the ideas and references to issues in sequence in a coherent order. The analysis and evaluation of the findings are adequate but the discussion is unnecessarily descriptive. There is some integration of ideas and issues in a coherent order and some evidence of critical thinking. The analysis and evaluation of the findings are generally appropriate and adequate. The discussion is generally probing but at times unnecessarily descriptive. There is some integration of ideas and issues in a logically coherent order, and adequate evidence of critical thinking, but they are not sustained throughout the report. The analysis and evaluation of the findings are appropriate and adequate. The discussion is probing. There is sound integration of ideas and issues, generally in a logically coherent order, and evidence of critical thinking throughout most of the report. The analysis and evaluation of the findings are entirely appropriate and more than adequate. The discussion is probing and generally informative. There is a very good, sound integration of ideas and issues in a logically coherent order, and consistent evidence of critical thinking throughout the report. The analysis and evaluation of the findings are excellent. The discussion is probing, indepth and informative. There is an excellent integration of ideas and issues in a logically coherent order, and consistent evidence of critical, reflective thinking throughout the report.

5 6

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D 0 1 2 3 4 5

Conclusions and Recommendations (Written Report) There are no conclusions and recommendations. The conclusions and recommendations are inconsistent with the evidence presented. Some of the conclusions and recommendations are occasionally consistent with the evidence presented, but not all directly address the research question. There are significant omissions, and unanswered questions have not been acknowledged. The conclusions and recommendations are mostly consistent with the evidence presented and directly address the research question. There are minor omissions, but unanswered questions have been partially acknowledged. The conclusions and recommendations are entirely consistent with the evidence presented and directly address the research question. There are no omissions and unanswered questions have been fully acknowledged. The conclusions and recommendations are entirely consistent with the evidence presented and directly address the research question. There are no omissions and, where appropriate, unanswered questions are fully acknowledged. Future action to resolve them is proposed. Value to Management (Written Report) The report and executive summary are of no practical value to management. The report and executive summary are of very limited practical value as a working document to management. The use, if any, of subject-specific terminology is confused and confusing. The bibliography and references, if provided, are inadequate. The appendices, if provided, are irrelevant. The report and executive summary are generally of practical value as a working document to management. The use of subject-specific terminology is generally correct. The bibliography and references, if provided, are adequate. The appendices, if provided, are relevant. The report and executive summary are of good, practical value as a working document to management. The use of subject-specific terminology is consistently correct. The bibliography and references are more than adequate. The appendices, if provided, are directly relevant. The report and executive summary are of excellent, practical value as a working document to management. The use of subject-specific terminology is sophisticated and consistently correct. The bibliography and references are excellent. The appendices, if provided, are directly relevant. There is no superfluous material.

E 0 1

Assessment criteria - checklist A Appropriate question 31

Action plan Theory Methods / Techniques Potential difficulties Realistic question B Excellent sources Understand concepts Effective use of concepts Excellent analysis Excellent evaluation Probing discussion Integration of ideas Reflective thinking Consistent conclusion Consistent recommendation Address the research question No omissions Unanswered questions acknowledged Future action proposed Report Executive summary Practical Use language of business Bibliography Appendix Footnotes No surplus materials

2.

Letter of confidentiality

An official headed copy of the following letter is available on request from the Business Office should you require it.

Dear Sir / Madam LETTER OF CONFIDENTIALITY 32

This is to certify that the student showing you this letter is a Business & Management IB student at the United World College of South East Asia, and has to write a 2,000 word assignment, counting for 20% of their course. Any information you release to the student will be treated in the upmost confidence. Only the student, sponsor and possibly the Examiner will see the final piece. If necessary the organisation can remain anonymous throughout the report. When the coursework is complete, the student will present you with a bound copy, should you wish. Thank you for your co-operation. Yours faithfully,

Phil Woolrich Economics & Business Education Dept

3.

Time Schedule
Hand out Booklets & start the project Presentation of Research Proposal Hand in Research Proposal Collect data, start writing up 1st draft 2 weeks in class to check 1st draft Organise material, seek out sponsor 1 week in class to produce the final document 33

Week Beginning 8th May Week Beginning 22nd May Week Beginning 5th June Holidays Week Beginning 14th August Term Time Week Beginning 6th November

Week Beginning 13th November

Write up the Executive Summary, Appendices & Bibliography

Deadline: Hand in the complete Business Project during one of the following weeks1. 2. 3. 4. Note Your sponsor may wish to see you, or evidence of your work at any time. Be prepared. It is not acceptable to use the class time to do some research on the internet or some other time filler. You are expected to use the lessons productively. Try and get the bulk of the work done as early as is possible there is a direct correlation between students who come back with a complete 1st draft in August and those who get a high grade. The first slot for handing in completed Reports is early. You can of course, hand in work even earlier! My printer/computer broke down is not an excuse just a delaying tactic the deadline is final. There are no extensions. 30th 20th 27th 4th October November November December Early Deadline Normal deadline Normal deadline Normal deadline

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