Higher National Diploma in Business
Assignment Brief
Submission Format:
It is important to recognise that project work is reliant on gathering information/data that can be analysed. The scale of the project means that there must be time for both primary and secondary research. An advised model would be to use secondary research to provide a context within which to conduct and interpret primary data collection. The project could then yield data/information which could be compared with the findings of secondary research.
In assessing the project, the assessor should be able to see how project objectives have been met, how students have explored the research material relevant to the project objective, how students have developed and formulated their outcomes and answers to the central questions posed by the objectives and what they have learned in ca
ying out their project. An important part of the conclusion must be an awareness of the significance of results. Well edited, focused writing and presentation, where the key decisions, developments, lines of argument and salient research are explained succinctly, is preferable to unstructured writing and presentation in which little attempt to select or edit material has been made.
It is important to recognise that there are many different presentation formats and it is important that students think carefully about the suitability of any presentations for their target audience, if this is a chosen format. Their presentations should be appropriate to the audience, both in terms of the nature and level of material they use and also in terms of length. Students should be guided to produce presentations which give a succinct account of the main arguments or developments from their project. The question and answer session should address issues raised by the presentation, but also give students an opportunity to review their work.
Students are to submit as evidence for the unit in addition to their project findings, a project management plan, a completed log book and performance review. The project management plan is designed to define how the project is to be planned, executed and monitored. The project management plan should give details of the actions required for the integration and co-ordination of various planning activities to ca
y out the project. The project log book is designed to provide evidence of the project development process and ongoing reflection. It should provide evidence that the student as thought about the direction of their project and in particular, what problems they encountered and steps taken to address them. The performance review will provide evidence of reflection and evaluation of the project management process and individual performance.
Business project report should be in formal report format with word count of 2, XXXXXXXXXX.
In addition, student needs to conduct a personal performance review at the end of the project of around 500 words
Unit Learning Outcomes:
1. Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme.
2. Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project.
3. Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis.
4. Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance.
Assignment Brief:
Students are expected to undertake independent research and investigation for ca
ying out and executing a business project which meets appropriate business aims and objectives.
You will be provided with a scenario below and the type of project to be completed based on a topic related to the theme. The submission is in the form of an individual written report with the following sections.
Section A: Project management plan
1. Establish your aims and objectives for the project. Outline objectives and timeframes based on the scenario set by your tutor.
2. Produce an appropriate project management plan that includes relevant actions to meet objectives and timeframes. (Cost, Scrop, quality control, risk management)Project Timeline Chat, work Breakdown structure are necessary.
Section B: Project findings, research and analysis
3. Conduct research to generate knowledge which will form the basis for analysis of the scenario posed in the
ief.
4. Analyse your findings and draw conclusions to form the basis for recommendations.
5. Present and produce your project in an appropriate manner for the intended audience.
6. Communicate your recommendations in an appropriate manner for the intended audience.
(In addition to the assessment criteria, you are required to complete a project logbook to record ideas, changes and developments as they progress and complete the project. You should attach the project logbook in the appendix of your report. A logbook template is attached at the end of the assignment
ief.)
Section C: Performance review
7. Complete a performance review that addresses the following:
a. The success of the project and its usefulness in supporting organisational performance
. Your own performance(as a project manager).
(You should at least include a reflection on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning and performance. A performance review template is attached at the end of this assignment
ief.)
XXXXXXXXXXTheme:
The impact of digital technology on business activity
Digital technology has revolutionised the way we conduct business. Over the last decade it has dramatically changed traditional business models and transformed business activities. The use of digital mobile technology has provided businesses with a wealth of choice and opportunity. This has enabled existing products to become more profitable and innovative new products to be developed, leading to increasingly diverse product portfolios. Its impact is evident at the core of all key business systems:
● Administration - cloud technology enables effective filing, storage and sharing of information.
● Communication- social media and mobile technology allows businesses to connect, communicate, collaborate and build relationships on a global scale.
● Storage and Distribution - `The Internet of Things’ is connecting and integrating systems throughout business structures.
● Production - Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are driving Innovation and product growth.
However, changes in the way we work are not without their challenges as businesses have to adopt and deal with change management, recruit and sustain creative talent, invest in new technologies and respond to an ever increasing competitive environment.
This unit will enable students to examine the impact of digital technology on how we conduct business through the context of a given project. This will provide the opportunity for students to contextualise the implications of digital technology in the workplace and how it is shaping the future workforce. It will also enable them to explore both the challenges and opportunities that rapid technological advances represents for businesses.
All students must complete the same topic below:-
The chosen topic is:
“How digital technology has transformed business activities e.g. operations, marketing, accounting, HR.”
Formative Feedback Opportunity
Two interim review dates with the tutor are:-
· 08 September, 2018, Sat
· 08 December, 2018, Sat
Student will be given one further opportunity to receive a formative feedback. If you would like to receive Formative Feedback on your assessment, please submit a draft or produce an outline/ plan to submit to your assessor on or before the last lecture session by email. You will then receive a formative feedback from your assessor within a week through e-mail or in scheduled class. Please note that any draft assessment submitted after the given date will not be able to receive formative feedback.
Grading Criteria:
All learning outcomes below must be met in order to pass the grades below
Grading Criteria
Learning Outcome
Pass
Merit
Distinction
LO1 Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme
P1 Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario.
P2 Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk and resources.
P3 Produce a work
eakdown structure and a Gantt Chart to provide timeframes and stages for completion.
M1 Produce a
comprehensive project
management plan,
milestone schedule and
project schedule for monitoring and
completing the aims and objectives of the project.
LO1 & 2
D1 Critically evaluate the
project management
process and appropriate
esearch methodologies
applied.
LO2 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project
P4 Ca
y out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives.
M2 Evaluate the accuracy
and reliability of different research methods applied.
LO3 Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis
P5 Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques.
P6 Communicate
Appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis to draw valid and meaningful conclusions.
M3 Evaluate the selection
of appropriate tools and
techniques for accuracy
and authenticity to support and justify recommendations.
LO3 & 4
D2 Critically evaluate and
eflect on the project
outcomes, the decision making
process and
changes or developments
of the initial project
management plan to support justification of
ecommendations and learning during the project.
LO4 Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable
organisational performance
P7 Reflect on the value of
undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning and performance.
M4 Evaluate the value of the project management process and use of quality research to meet stated objectives and support own learning and performance.
Further Guidance:
1. You should write this assignment as a formal report.
2. You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources used are co
ectly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of academic unfair practice.
3. You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and wide ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the Harvard system.
4. You should use diagrams and tables of figures where appropriate ensuring to reference their source using the Harvard Referencing method.
5. You are required to write your assignment within 2,000-2,500 words for business project report and another 500 words for personal performance review. You are required to ensure that the assignment addresses all of the assessment tasks. In the interests of good academic practice, an assignment submitted with excessive word counts (i.e. more than 10% in excess of the limit) may be returned to you if there are too many i
elevant materials.
6. The word count excludes the title page, reference list and appendices. Where assessment questions have been reprinted from the assessment
ief these will also be excluded from the word count. ALL other printed words ARE included in the word count. Printed words include those contained within charts and tables.
7. Your assignment should be submitted as a single document.
8. You could access HN Global for additional resources support and reading for this unit. For further guidance and support on report writing please refer to the Study Skills Unit on HN Global. Link to www.highernationals.com
9. You will have two