Operations and Supply Chain Management: Critical Discussion of Two Key Areas

Executive Summary/Abstract

Please select any of the two key areas from the topics covered as part of operations and supply chain management. Critically discuss the theories/framework/current practices from key academic literature (appx 1500 words) and how these theories apply to your place practice including the past and current application, challenges during application, how to overcome those challenges and how the selected areas are contributing to the success of your organisation (appx 2000 words).

1.Executive Summary/Abstract (5%): A concise but well- rounded summary which provides an overview of the report contents and key findings (this is not an introduction). Your Executive summary should provide an overview of your report and include your results/findings, conclusions and recommendations. It should not just list what topics you are going to cover. It should be between ½ - 1page in length.

2.Introduction (5%): Provide an interesting start to the report and clearly state the purpose. Your introduction should conclude by outlining the scope of the report.

3.Select 2 areas and discuss in detail (30%): Critically discuss the relevant theories/frameworks that are contemporary in nature and then critically assess how 2 of the topics covered in the lecture are important to the organisations in your sectors including current and past issues, challenges, trends etc. Your arguments should be supported by appropriate sources from peer-reviewed academic and other relevant credible sources.

4.Critical analysis and discussion (40%): This section should include a critical evaluation of

•Why the discussed theories are critical to the successful operation of your organisation in particular. You can signpost the reader to some of the factors you highlighted for the sector your organisation operates in point 3, but please avoid any rhetoric repetition.

•How the theories/frameworks mentioned in point 3 are applied to your organisation

•The challenges of applying these theories/frameworks in your workplace operations.

•Any plans/remedial actions to overcome those  challenges that are already in place. (Please note that  the plans you would like to suggest should come under the recommendations under Concluding Remarks NOT here) 5

Marking Criteria

5.Concluding Remarks (10%): Summarise and highlight the key points from the whole report and include a summary of your recommendations.

6.Referencing (5%): The use of consistent and coherent citation and referencing style (Harvard is the recommended style). Please note that, although your ‘style’ of referencing is rewarded under this heading, plagiarism can result in a zero mark for the entire report and referral to the University Disciplinary Committee.

Select 2 areas and discuss in detail

7.Report Presentation (5%): Marks will be awarded for the report structure, general layout, the use of language.

Whilst it is expected that you will submit your assessment(s) on time, there may be occasions when you face difficulties which are beyond your control. In these circumstances you may wish to seek an extension to the date of submission. You should contact your module leader in the first instance. Full details on the process can be found in section 10 of the University Assessment Regulations

However, it is acknowledged that it may not be possible to grant an extension to a submission deadline on all occasions. For example where this would be beyond the date you should be receiving feedback or if the request is made too close to the date of the assessment board. In these circumstances you should follow the Mitigating Circumstances Policy If you need additional help or support in completing the form you should contact your

Personal Tutor or the Advice Centre in the Students’ Association

All requests for an extension must be submitted before the deadline. Extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances only:

For documented medical reasons - any such requests for an extension must be supported by a doctor’s note; or

In the case of extenuating personal circumstances, such as bereavement, documentary evidence must normally be submitted to support any request for an extension.

Please plan your time carefully and remember to back-up any work you do on a pc or laptop at frequent intervals. The loss of work due to a crash/ICT failure, loss of USB pen, etc is insufficient reason for an extension. extension? Unless an extension has been granted by the module leader, using the procedures indicated above, students handing in the assessment late will not be accepted. A non- submission/‘Fail at First attempt’ will be recorded, and students will have to undertake the  second diet assessment.

Some guidelines for writing style of your report in this module only.

Please note that this is just a suggestion from my experience, you need to contact Learning Development Centre of the University to find out more opportunities on getting help on the academic writing.

Formal Writing style

•With the exception of the Reflection Report (3rd element) - Avoid use of ‘I’ ‘we’

–Only if really pushed “The author” or “The writer”

•Don’t use contractions

–Do not use contractions

–Unless part of direct quote you are using

•Page numbers – required, as with

•Numbered Sections and Subsections

–Often the most important part of business reports; provides a half to one page (maximum) synopsis of the whole report, written in your own words (therefore should not incorporate quotes or referenced citations.

–It should summarise the key points and findings of your report. It is NOT an outline of contents that explains what the report WILL do. It explains what the report has done (i.e. normally written in past tense) with conclusions and a clear summary of recommendations if appropriate.

–e.g. topic; key areas of literature; methods; findings;

•It is NOT an ‘introduction’

•Usually limited to one page max (1/2 page should suffice however if appropriate – take up to 1 page)

–Easy to print

–Quick to read

–Note that Journals are more restricted e.g. 500 words

•Single line spacing allowed in this section only

–Even if e.g. 1.5 X line spacing for main document