MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
MBA 5004 ASSESSMENT GUIDE
Managing Decision Making Process
Assessment Overview
| Assessments | Overview | Weight | Due Date |
| Assessment 1 Discussion Participation | You will be assessed based on your accessible login on LMS, your use of the CHAT and your interaction with other students in the discussion forums and in your responses to questions posted on these forums. | 20% | Week 4, 6, 8, 10 Sunday by 11.55pm |
| Assessment 2 Data Collection Platform Development Individual Assignment | Students will develop a model platform to analyse, interpret and report sets of complex information based on data drawn from specific organisational sources. Students will need to demonstrate their ability to develop a model to organise and report the data in a suitable manner to inform the decision-making processes of the organisation. | 40% | Week 8 Sunday by 11.55pm |
| Assessment 3 Consultative Report Group Assignment | Students will build on the data collection developed in the previous assessment to develop a range of quantitative descriptor statistics and present statistically valid inferences and recommendations in a Consultative Management Report. | 40% | Week 14 Sunday by 11.55pm |
The following instructions are strictly applied throughout our MBA programme:
- The assessments are an important part of unit progression and are to be attended to diligently. Hence, no attempt at an assessment task means no marks.
- Assessment tasks must be submitted within the timeframe given. Late submission will attract a 10%deduction in the mark for each day the submission is late.
- Assessment guidelines must be followed, for example, if the assessment involves a written report of 2,000 words, the word count is important. If the word count is more than ±10% outside the guideline, there will be a deduction of 5% off the final mark.
- All assessments must be submitted to VIT, Australia. The primary place of submission is LMS (refer to LMS User Guide). In case of unavailability of LMS, assessments need to be submitted by email, MBALSA@vit. edu.au.’
- Students are required to achieve an overall mark of 50% to pass the unit.
- The authorised agent/local facilitator can help students understand the various parts of the assessment and also will be appointed as “Invigilator” (supervision only) for the assessment.
NOTE: For all assignments, the preferred layout is in 12-point Calibri, with 1.5 line spacing, 2.5cm left-hand margins and bold headings. Whenever you use the ideas and arguments of other writers, you must make reference to the writers and their work. By acknowledging the work of others, you avoid plagiarism. The APA style requires a reference list at the end of your assignment. It is arranged in alphabetical order by author surname.
Referencing guides
You must reference all the sources of information you have used in your assessments. Please use the APA referencing style. referencing style when referencing in your assessments in this unit. Refer to the Library’s referencing guides for more information.
Academic misconduct
VIT enforces that the integrity of its students academic studies follow an acceptable level of excellence. VIT will adhere to its VIT Policies, Procedures and Forms where it explains the importance of staff and student honesty in relation to academic work. It outlines the kinds of behaviours that are “academic misconduct”, including plagiarism.
Late submissions
In cases where there are no accepted mitigating circumstances as determined through VIT Policies, Procedures and Forms, late submission of assessments will lead automatically to the imposition of a penalty. Penalties will be applied as soon as the deadline is reached.
Inclusive and equitable assessment
Reasonable adjustment in assessment methods will be made to accommodate students with a documented disability or impairment. Contact the unit teaching team for more information.
Short extensions and special consideration
Special Consideration is a request for:
- Extensions of the due date for an assessment, other than an examination (e.g. assignment extension).
- Special Consideration (Special Consideration in relation to a Completed assessment, including an end-of-unit Examination).
Students wishing to request Special Consideration in relation to an assessment the due date of which has not yet passed must engage in written emails to the teaching team to Request for Special Consideration as early as possible and prior to start time of the assessment due date, along with any accompanying documents, such as medical certificates. For more information, visit VIT Policies, Procedures and Forms.
Inclusive and equitable assessment
Reasonable adjustment in assessment methods will be made to accommodate students with a documented disability or impairment. Contact the unit teaching team for more information.
Contract cheating
Contract cheating usually involves the purchase of an assignment or piece of research from another party. This may be facilitated by a fellow student, friend or purchased on a website. Other forms of contract cheating include paying another person to sit an exam in the student’s place.
Contract cheating warning:
By paying someone else to complete your academic work, you don’t learn as much as you could have if you did the work yourself.
- You are not prepared for the demands of your future employment.
- You could be found guilty of academic misconduct.
- Many of for pay contract cheating companies recycle assignments despite guarantees of “original, plagiarism- free work” so similarity is easily detected by TurnitIn.
- Penalties for academic misconduct include suspension and exclusion.
- Students in some disciplines are required to disclose any findings of guilt for academic misconduct before being accepted into certain professions (e.g. law).
- You might disclose your personal and financial information in an unsafe way, leaving yourself open to many risks including possible identity theft.
- You also leave yourself open to blackmail – if you pay someone else to do an assignment for you, they know you have engaged in fraudulent behaviour and can always blackmail you.
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Grades
We determine your grades to the following Grading Scheme:
| Grade | Percentage |
| A | 80% – 100% |
| B | 70% – 79% |
| C | 60% – 69% |
| D | 50% – 59% |
| F | 0% – 49% |
Assessment 1
Discussion Participation
| Weight | Length | Due Date | Learning Outcomes |
| 20% | Participate in discussions as shown below | Week 4, 6, 8, 10 Sunday 11.55pm | 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5, 6, 7 |
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Introduction
› 1. You are expected to participate in at least three (3) different ‘Discussion Participation’ forums. You should begin at least one thread and provide at least three posts in response to other participants’ threads. Posting should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. Word totals for each post should be in the 100-200 words range.
› 2. In the discussion, you can state if you agree or disagree with the paper or post presented, explain why with supporting evidence and concepts from the readings or a related experience. Include a reference, link, or citation when appropriate.
› 3. Your discussion should demonstrate an organized set of thoughts and ideas. You can incorporate cor relations with the assigned readings or topics. Stay on topic. You need to demonstrate evidence of crit- ical thinking in your responses or interactions. Avoid summarizing or copying from websites or blogs, this is your discussion and thoughts about particular discussion points.
› 4. Contribute to the learning community by being creative in your approaches to topics, being relevant in the presented viewpoints, and attempting to moti- vate the discussion.
› 5. During the discussion, be aware of grammar and sentence mechanics. Use proper etiquette.
› 6. In discussion: Be aware of grammar and sentence mechanics. Use proper etiquette and be professional all time.
› 7. Remember that being respectful is critical at all times in the classroom, online and during forum chat discussions.
Submission Instructions
The Assessor will assess you on the following :
Discussion and Participation
- Are made in a timely fashion, giving others an opportunity to respond.
- Are thoughtful and analyse the content or question asked.
- Pose new possibilities or opinions not previously voiced.
- Are ideas expressed clearly, concisely. Uses appropriate vocabulary. Is attentive to spelling and grammar.
- Spend the time to construct creative, challenging and engaging discussions, which promote participation.
Assessment 1 • Marking Criteria
You will be assessed on the following marking criteria for this assessment based on the lecturer’s observation of your discussion participation.
Rate Student from 5 = Very Good, 3 = Good, 1 = Average.
Assessment 2
Data Collection Platform Development • Individual Assignment
| Weight | Due Date | Learning Outcomes |
| 40% | Week 8 Sunday 11.55pm | 1, 2, 4, 5 |
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Introduction
You must develop a data analysis, interpret and report platform based on the selected organization sources. The platform needs to developed using Microsoft Excel. You need to write a report on how you devel- oped it and the use of this data analysis platform. You should be able to use the platform to analyze a set of complex data from a selected organization to influ- ence management decision-making processes.
The report should be written in appropriate business language so that your analysis and discussion have an objective tone. Your writing should be clear and concise and be in your own words. Use headings and subheadings to guide the reader and include tables or diagrams to interpret your findings more clearly.
Follow below guide to complete your assignment.
› 1. Use Microsoft Excel to demonstrate your ability to analyse and interpret and report appropriate data for organisational decision-making.
› 2. A report on –how you produced the platform-MS Excel, the data set you have used to analyse, why you have used the data from that particular organ- isation and why you chose certain types of analysis and interpretation of data using graphical view, then your conclusions.
The written report must be of 1,500 words in length excluding references. The referencing style must follow the APA referencing style.
Task
The organisational decisions you make in relation to this assessment must be made with regards to the following:
- Reduction of Staff overhead by 30%
- Increased sales by 20%
- Improved Staff Morale by 20% on the previous year
- Improved Customer Experience by 30% on the previous year
- Retention of Customer Service Staff
- A merger with another company of similar size
- Increased occupancy by 15%
- Other specific targets…
This is an individual assessment and you must choose one of the above targets that relate to your organisation or another organisation of your choice. You need to research all the data that will inform management in such a way that they will have sufficient data and information that they are able to make the decisions appropriately.
You also need to analyse the data interpret data and report your findings.. To analyse the data, you need to decide what analysis you should use, how to model it and how to report it . Once you have decided this, you need to build your analysis on MS excel format and create a dashboard that interpret the information with representation of the different visual data summary options for the management decisions. That means you need to take into consideration that if the original data changes, how will this change the final data that you present to your management for decision making.
You required to set up the MS Excel dashboard to assist any user to make decisions. You are to provide decision making outcomes for the organization by using these tools and validate the importance of specific analysis and interpretation for the management decisions. Next, add at least 4 recommendations panel that has suggestions for each of the decisions that the management may make including risks and investments, losses of reputation or revenue, etc…
Your submission will include two submissions:
Report + Excel work file
You will be assessed as follows:
- Structure of the written report: Background information is relevant, issues are logically ordered, recommendations clearly relate to the issues.
- Identify main issues: Prioritize choices, justify and prioritize issues chosen.
- Analyse the issues: Each issue is discussed using relevant concepts and principles, insight is shown in analyzing the information.
- Demo of the recommendations panel: Identify recommendations from the case study, show decisions that you have captured for the recommendations to be put into practice.
- Write clearly and concisely: Arguments are explicit and succinct, appropriate headings are used, gram- mar and spelling are accurate.
Submission Instructions
For all major assessments, both formative and summative, the preferred layout is in 12-point Calibri, with 1.5 line spacing, 2.5 centimetres left-hand margins and Bold headings. All assessments must be submitted with a completed and signed cover sheet. Whenever you use the ideas and arguments of other writers, you must make reference to the writers and their work using the APA referencing style. By acknowledging the work of others, you avoid plagiarism.
All submissions are to be submitted through Turnitin. Drop-boxes linked to Turnitin will be set up in Moodle. Assessments not submitted through these drop- box- es will not be considered. Submissions must be made by the assessment due date.
The Turnitin similarity score will be used in determine any plagiarism of your submitted assessment. Turnitin will check conference web-sites, Journal articles, on- line resources and your peer’s submissions for plagiarism. You can see your Turnitin similarity score when you submit your assessments to the appropriate drop- box. If your similarity score is of concern you will have a chance to change your assessment and resubmit.
However, re-submission is only allowed prior to the submission due date and time. After the due date and time have elapsed you cannot make re-submissions. Thus, plan early and submit early to take advantage of this feature. You can make multiple submissions, but please remember the teaching team will only grade your last submission, and the date and time you submitted will be taken from that submission.
Assessment 2 • Marking Criteria
You will be assessed on the following marking criteria for this assessment.
Criteria Mark
DATA ANALYSIS
Data Analysis Model was appropriately built and well organised. /7
Compare, contrast and critically evaluate sources of data as influences for decision- making was well described. /7
Potential external data sources were well identified. /7
REPORT STRUCTURE
The report contains introduction and conclusion, paragraphs well-formed and linked. /5
Systematic presentation of argument, detailed critical analysis carried out. /5
STYLE AND COMMUNICATION
Balanced, objective academic style. /3
Accurate spelling, grammatical sentences, correct punctuation, concise and precise writing. /3
Correct use of APA style in terms of in-text citation and referencing/bibliography. /3
General Comments/Strengths:
Suggestion for Improvement:
Total mark/Grade /40
Overall student assessment score
Assessment 3
Consultative Report • Group Assignment
| Weight | Due Date | Learning Outcomes |
| 40% | Week 14 Sunday by 11.55pm | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Introduction
In Assessment 3 you are to prepare a report detailing a strategic plan to reach the stated organisational target you already selected and presented the related anal- ysed data in Assessment 2.
Task
This is a group report . The group is required to choose one data platform from assessment 2 and write a consultative report on how to achieve the recommendations that you have suggested in Assignment 2.
You must write a Consultative Report discussing a strategic plan on how your organisation can achieve the stated future growth target based on the Data Analysis in Assessment 2.
Your report needs to take into consideration the following aspects:
- The Key Business initiative (Stated Target) of your organisation and its background.
- The data analysed in Assessment 2.
- All the recommendations related to the options and decisions in Assessment 2.
- Consultation with Management and other Stake holders regarding Strategic Objectives, Key Perfor- mance Indicators, Measures of Success in reaching the Target.
- Risks and mitigations to reach your Target.
- Implementation Plan including Steps and Mile stones to reaching your Target for the next 12 months.
- Based on your analysis, what are the best ways forward with regards to:
a. Human resources issues
b. Marketing plans
c. Communication plans
d. Budgets and expenses - Some theoretical basis for your solutions and decisions.
- The Consultative Report should be written in appropriate business language so that your analysis and discussion have an objective tone.
- Your writing should be clear and concise and be in your own words.
- Use headings and sub heading to guide the reader.
- Use visual data representations to support your discussion.
- Report Conclusion.
The Consultative Report (per team) must be in the range of 2,000 words in length excluding references. You must reference using the APA referencing style.
Reflective Piece: A further 300 – 500 words reflection paper should be submitted per student.
Submission Instructions
For all major assessments, both formative and sum- mative, the preferred layout is in 12-point Calibri, with 1.5 line spacing, 2.5 cmleft-hand margins and Bold headings. All assessments must be submitted with a completed and signed cover sheet. Whenever you use the ideas and arguments of other writers, you must make reference to the writers and their work. By ac- knowledging the work of others, you avoid plagiarism. All submissions are to be submitted through Turnitin. Drop-boxes linked to Turnitin will be set up in Moodle. Assessments not submitted through these drop- boxes will not be considered. Submissions must be made by the assessment due date.
While completing this assessment consider the following:
a. Structure of the written report: Background infor- mation is relevant, issues are logically ordered, recommendations clearly relate to the issues.
- Identify main issues: Prioritise choices, justify and prioritise issues chosen.
- Analyse the issues: Each issue is discussed using relevant concepts and principles, insight is shown in analysing the information.
- Discuss alternatives: Consider all viable short-term and long-term alternatives to potentially solve each issue, examine the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.
- Explain resources: Identify individuals from the case study, enumerate the time frame and monitoring processes required for the recommendations to be put into practice.
- Write clearly and concisely: Arguments are explicit and succinct, appropriate headings are used, gram- mar and spelling are accurate.
- Reflective Piece: You need to write a 300 – 500 word reflecting on your experience and learning in this exercise and how this may be applied in your own organisation.
Assessment 3 • Marking Criteria
You will be assessed on the following marking criteria for this assessment.
Criteria Mark
ARGUMENT
Data Analysis Model was appropriately built and well organised. /5
Compare, contrast and critically evaluate sources of data as influences for decision- making was well described. /5
Potential external data sources were well identified. /5
STRUCTURE
The report contains introduction and conclusion, paragraphs well-formed and linked. /3
Systematic presentation of argument, detailed critical analysis carried out. /3
STYLE AND COMMUNICATION
Balanced, objective academic style. /3
Accurate spelling, grammatical sentences, correct punctuation, concise and precise writing. /3
Correct use of APA style in terms of in-text citation and referencing/bibliography. /3
REFLECTION AND GROUP CONTRIBUTION:
Your learning and experience doing this exercise. /5
How can you apply your Model in your workplace. /5
General Comments/Strengths:
Suggestion for Improvement:
Total mark/Grade /40
Overall student assessment score