BRISTOL BUSINESS SCHOOL 
ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/25
Assessment Brief
Submission Details:
Module title: Critical Business Enquiry Project
Module code: UMCD9W-30-3
Assessment title: Task 1 Learning Portfolio
Assessment type: Portfolio
Assessment weighting: 60% of total module mark
Size or length of assessment: (no +/- 10% to be used)
Module learning outcomes assessed by this task:
• MO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of academic research in business, management and organisational knowledge
• MO2 Demonstrate an ability to evaluate different research approaches and methodologies • MO3 Demonstrate an informed understanding of alternative approaches to the development of academic knowledge about business and management
• MO4 Demonstrate a scholarly, critical and comprehensive understanding of one of a range of pervasive and contemporary business issues
• MO5 Be familiar with relevant business (and other) databases
• MO6 Interpret and evaluate published business and management research from a variety of disciplinary and philosophical perspectives
• MO7 Design and implement an extended research project involving the use of complex intellectual resources
• MO8 Be self critically reflective on the quality of own work
Submission Deadline:
Submission Deadline: Before 14:00 on 18th March 2025*
*This submission is eligible for the 48 hour late submission window
Submission format: Word.doc or PDF
Marks and Feedback due on:
N.B. all times are 24-hour clock, current local time (at time of submission) in the UK Marks and Feedback will be provided via: A feedback form and marking rubric
Completing the Assessment:
What am I required to do on this assessment:
To complete the portfolio and project tasks for this module, you will need to choose a topic from a list that is provided, and which relates to your programme of study.
All provided topics are intentionally broad, therefore one of the core things you will need to do early in the module is work out how you’re going to narrow down this topic to a sub-topic. Advice and guidance will be provided during the lectures and tutorials to help students choose theirtopic and determine a sub-topic.
Task 1 – Learning Portfolio 60%
Task 1 Learning Portfolio is broken down into 5 compulsory sections:
Please see the next page for a detailed overview of each section.
• Section 1: Introduction
• Section 2: Annotated Bibliography
• Section 3: Mind Map (with written explanation)
• Section 4: Trends in Methodologies (with written explanation)
• Section 5: Supervisory Log and Reflection on Feedback
Section 1: Introduction
Introduction: 500 – 700 words (minimum to maximum)
For the introduction section you should state what your chosen sub-topic is and why it is important to both academics and practitioners.
1.1. Statement of topic
Firstly, you need a few sentences just outlining / explaining what your sub-topic is. You chose a topic from the list, but you will have also narrowed down the focus somewhat – so what is that focus?!
1.2. Importance of topic
You need to provide some context to your chosen sub-topic. For example: Is it a relatively new area or one that dates back decades? Has it been very heavily researched? Is it something that has only been explored in certain countries or cultures? Why is it important / interesting to a) academics, b) practitioners, c) society, d) Governments, e) you?!! When it comes to talking about the importance of the topic to you, don’t be afraid to add a little bit of personality here, when people are passionate about something, it is infectious, so sell it to the reader!
Section 2: Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography: No word limit – we expect approximately 35-40 references in your bibliography – you may have more, that’s fine.
2.1 Annotated Bibliography
To collate and organise your selection of journal articles we will be showing you how to produce an annotated bibliography. Essentially this is just a list of journal articles with core information included about the author(s), date, title of the journal, title of the journal article, general topic under investigation, specific research methods used and key findings of the study. There may be other things you want to include but these help you generate a useful summary of each article you read.
The annotated bibliography can be presented in an excel table and we will show you how to complete this during the taught sessions.
Section 3: Mind Map of Themes key ideas from literature plus written explanation Mind Map: No word limit, this will be visually presented
Written Explanation: 1000 – 1500 words (minimum – maximum)
3.1 Mind Map of Themes
You will need to present a visual summary of how the ideas and findings of the literature connect. You will need to present this information visually in some form of table, mind map, or infographic.
3.2 Written Explanation
Based on reading your selection of journal articles in your annotated bibliography you will need to summarise the core findings and connections across these articles and state how this has informed your Mind Map.
We will show you how to complete this during the taught sessions.
Section 4: Trends in Methodologies plus written explanation
Trends in Methodologies: No word limit, this will be visually presented
Written Explanation: 1000 – 1500 words (minimum – maximum)
4.1. Overview of trends in methodologies
You will present the ratios of different methods used, e.g. empirical or theoretical, qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods and specific data collection methods). These will be presented in a table, graph or pie charts.
• Balance between theoretical and empirical studies
• Balance between qualitative and quantitative (and mixed methods) studies • Incidence of specific types of research, e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies. • Specific analysis processes / methods – statistical / thematic analysis / content analysis
4.2 Written Explanation
Evaluation of the methods used across the articles you have selected and identify any methodological gaps.
We will show you how to complete this during the taught sessions.
Section 5 – Supervisory Log and Reflection on Feedback
Supervisor Log: No word limit – use the template provided.
Reflection: 1000-1500 words (minimum – maximum)
5.1 Supervisor Log
You will need to keep a record of each of the four supervisory meetings you have with a supervisor this can just be the time and date of the meeting – use the template provided.
5.2 Reflection on Feedback
Throughout the module, you will have 4 x 30-minute meetings with your supervisor.
You must include evidence of your supervisory meetings, which includes your written notes from each of your meetings, any feedback (verbal or written) received, and some reflection on the meeting / feedback.
Typed notes are preferable as they are often clearer, however photographs or scans of handwritten work are perfectly acceptable if they are legible.
After each meeting you will need to provide some reflection on the feedback you received. The reflection can include a summary of the content of the meeting and how you utilised any feedback provided by your supervisor. It’s useful to potentially also consider the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the module as this demonstrates your learning.
Knowledge
How did the knowledge of the topic develop over time?
What were the key findings / takeaways?
How can this knowledge development be useful to your future?
Skills
How did you collect articles?
How did you extract information?
How did you critique the information?
How can this be useful in the future / where how can you apply these techniques?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where should I start?
To start with the assessment, make sure you have fully read the assessment brief and module handbook. Initially you will need to attend all the taught sessions as we will outline step by step what you need to do and how you need to complete each section of the portfolio.
What do I need to do to pass?
Please look at the marking criteria for this assessment and ensure you know what to do to achieve the minimum mark (40%).
How do I achieve high marks in this assessment?
Refer to the marking criteria in the marking grid and the characteristics of work that achieves a higher 2:1 or 1st. Ensure you use ALL your supervisor meetings to get the most out of the support provided. In addition, the Module Leader will host regular drop-in sessions, so fully utilise these too.
How does the learning and teaching relate to the assessment?
Each tutorial will focus on specific sections of both Task 1 and Task 2 so please see the list provided below. Is imperative you intend every single session to ensure you know exactly what you need to do for each section.
Lecture 1: Assignment Overview and Topic Choice
Lecture 2: Introduction and Annotated Bibliography
Lecture 3: Mind Map
Lecture 4: Trends in Methods
Lecture 5: Supervisor Log / Reflection and Poster
Lecture 6: Practitioner and Research Recommendations
Lecture 7: Review and Q&A
Tutorial 1: Topic choice
Tutorial 2: Annotated bibliography
Tutorial 3: Mind Map
Tutorial 4: Trends in Methods
Tutorial 5: Poster
Tutorial 6: Practitioner and Research Recommendations
What additional resources may help me complete this assessment?
• In addition to the taught sessions, we will provide Help Sheets which break down each section of the two tasks you need to complete.
• You will be allocated a supervisor for the Literature Review.
• The module leader will also provide regular drop-in sessions.
• There is an FAQ document that will be published once the module has started.
• The module leader will hold regular (optional) ‘Get Writing, sessions in the second semester to give you some accountability with your writing.
What do I do if I am concerned about completing this assessment?
UWE Bristol offer a range of Assessment Support Options that you can explore through this link, and both Academic Support and Wellbeing Support are available.
For further information, please see the Academic Survival Guide.
How do I avoid an Assessment Offence on this module?
Use the support above if you feel unable to submit your own work for this module.
Please refer to academic-conduct-policy-and-academic-misconduct-procedures (1).pdf
