Individual Essay

Assessment 2 – Essay (20%)

Learning outcome 2, 3 & 4

Weight: 20%

Due: Week 9 (in class)

Words: 1200-1500 words

Objective:

Prepare an essay that demonstrates research and analysis of scholarly articles. The essay should be clear and demonstrate an understanding of the critical key issues and relate this to the relevant theories, research and related material. Your textbook should serve as an initial starting point for commencement of your work.

General Instructions:

Choose one (1) question from the list below. Your essay needs to have at least 10-12 references in it. Use the prescribed textbook and 1-3 other current relevant textbooks.

At least five (5) of your references should be recent, relevant, peer refereed journal articles sourced from credible databases (namely Google Scholar, Ebsco Host (Business Source Premier) or Emerald). Avoid general Internet sites.

Annotated Bibliography Task

There are two (2) parts to undertaking and completing this assessment task. Firstly as a hurdle requirement you need to submit an annotated bibliography which basically summarizes contrasting perspectives or approaches from the scholarly research (Due week 4). This could include contrasting perspectives on the particular essay topic. You must paraphrase two (2) recent peer reviewed or scholarly articles.

More specifically you need to address the following:

Paraphrase the author(s) key theories, research approach and findings

Discuss and critique the underpinning theories, arguments and point out potential strengths and limitations to the author(s) perspective

Contrast the respective author(s)views and or research methodology highlighted in the respective journal articles

Having completed the annotated bibliography task, and received feedback, you will then complete your essay by undertaking more extensive research on the chosen essay topic (refer list below). The two articles and annotated bibliography information can be integrated into the essay.

Recommended textbook (assignments)

It is strongly recommended that students access the following textbook that provides practical and detailed information on essay writing, report writing, academic writing as well as oral presentations. The details are:

Jane Summers & Brett Smith, Communications Skills Handbook published by John Wiley& Sons Ltd. There are several editions available.

Essay Questions (Select ONE of the following topics)

1.     Discuss some contrasting views and perspectives from the academic literature in relation to the. What are some issues or challenges that can arise for managers and businesses when communicating cross culturally?

2.     Discuss some contrasting views and perspectives in relation to globalisation. What are some arguments for and against Globalisation?

3.    Discuss some contrasting views and perspectives from the academic literature in relation to the challenges associated with international strategic alliances.

Criteria for Grading Written Work:

Planning (30%) – selecting and weighing relevant and reliable evidence, and structuring valid arguments based on that evidence showing discrimination in selecting key points and summarising the issues; a coherent, logical ‘flow’ of arguments from one point to the next; no point discussed in excess of its relevance to the main question.

Content – Understanding (30%) – demonstrating a broad and deep knowledge of the substantive subject-matter, including but not limited to the set textbooks and readings, particularly those most relevant to the question: covering all major viewpoints relating to the set question or your own selected topic.

Content – Analysis (30%) – demonstrating your own independent and critical thinking in reaching conclusions (e.g., not merely restating or describingarguments, or making untested assumptions, on matters open to dispute).