Engaging in a Structured Debate on a Contentious Issue in Business Sector

Completion of this work will satisfy the following learning outcomes from module:

LO1 - Apply critical thinking skills to develop a supported argument.

LO4 – Critically evaluate the transferable skills developed on the course.

TASKS

You will consider a contentious issue relating to the business sector and engage in a structured debate. All students should put forward a supported argument, either for or against, demonstrating a range of research applied to support their argument. In the planning stage you will decide what to argue for and against on the debate.  Each student will be required to produce a report that encompass the arguments to be presented, for and against research should be included. (LO1)

Each student is also to produce a reflection to critically evaluate the transferable skills demonstrated within the preparation for the debate. Consider how the skills learnt on the course to date have supported and enabled you to complete this task.    (LO4)

Other relevant assessment information:

• You will need to include and reference at least 6 different sources including 3 academic textbooks, 1 academic journal and reputable news articles that help provide supporting evidence for any assertions that you make within the debate, this will be assessed through your supporting notes.
• Your engagement within the debate will be assessed through the analysis within the report.
• The completion of your work will satisfy 50% of the assessment for this module. Word count for your Debate report is 1,000 (+ or - 10%). The reflection should be 1,000 words (+ or - 10%). Your notes, including your research and reflection should be submitted online, through Turnitin. You must include both a reference list and bibliography

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

The skills development opportunities identified in this assignment are:

• Development of speaking skills through a debate
• Apply appropriate leadership and management skills in planning and preparing a debate.
• Create a structured argument.
• Demonstrate and evaluate transferable skills.
• Take a holistic approach to problem solving.

MARKING CRITERIA

Task Indicative Content Marking

Plan and engage in a debate. Apply critical thinking to support an argument.  

Produce a reflection to critically evaluate transferable skills Comprehensive notes produced associated with the argument presented.  All sides of te argument considered and critically analysed. Impartial presentation of facts to support the argument demonstrating critical thinking skills.

Clear structure of the topic to be presented within the debate. Topic debated managed effectively. Good use of business language

Reflection that critically evaluates the skills demonstrated in the planning and preparation for the debate, theory on transferable skills to underpin your evaluation, consideration of skills developed over the course should be explored.

Attribution of higher grades are associate with:

• good use of spelling, grammar and punctuation throughout all written work
• effective use of the Harvard referencing format.
• evidence of wide reading around topics to support arguments and reflection.
• judgements made and conclusions drawn supported by business theory evident within all written work.