HOW to write a comprehensive answer for online examination?

Introduction (should cover 10% of the estimated total word count) – ADDRESSES WHY
 Students are expected to write a short background (What is the logic, what is the problem/s
being faced by organization/managers and importance of the topic in resolving problems,
how it originated, what is the current impact or challenge it is posing, etc)
 Scope of the answer (what are the content areas covered in the answer)
 Aim/contribution of addressing issues stated in the question (how it is going to help
managers/ leaders; how addressing the answer supports the body of knowledge in the field of
business management)
Body (should cover 80% of the estimated total word count) – ADDRESSES HOW
 Definitions, concepts and principles of the related topic (this section highlights students’ ability
in capturing the theoretical knowledge from books/websites/journal articles, etc.) Citation should
be provided where applicable.
 Interpretation of the understanding (here students are required to provide their own
interpretation of the topic based on the variety of definitions/concepts outlined in the previous
section. It usually starts with the summarized paragraph: From the above given definitions….)
 Analysis of the Challenge/Problem being studied (here students are expected to provide an
evidence of using analytical tools such as SWOT, PEST, Value Chain Analysis etc., to study the
problem at hand. This proves students’ ability of how to use recommended tools or methods in
their textbook or syllabus). Citation should be provided where applicable.
 Application (Students can also use examples of findings from experts/researchers in the field or
their own prior findings from research (if any) with intention of applying solutions for problem
being studied.). Citation should be provided where applicable.
 Evaluation of the findings (students are supposed to demonstrate their critical arguments and
provide managerial implications. Students also provide their recommendations for the problems
identified. Most scholars also provide a comparison table of findings from management experts
in the field). Citation should be provided where applicable.
 A conceptual map (This is OPTIONAL but for securing higher distinction marks; students can
offer a simple diagrammatic representation of the complete study. E.g. a flow chart diagram.
This is a unique ability in academic writing that only few are willing to master. It helps students
to forever retain the overall study in their memory).
Conclusion (should cover 10% of total word count) – ADDRESSES WHAT
 Summary of the findings (Students are not supposed to bring any new additional information
here. It should make clear “What did you find out”. This paragraph starts with words; In
conclusion,).
 Future development areas (Students can also suggest where future researchers can focus on for
further developments. What are/could be other gaps that the study needs to be address in future.)
*Note: This is the standard for writing answers for long answer questions. For short answers students can
use short paragraphs along with bullet points)
** Other requirements: Font Size: 11, Font Type: Times New Roman, Paragraph style: Justified alignment, Line spacing: 1.5.
Try to maintain 6/7 lines in a paragraph, Heading/Subheading/Bullet points should be used appropriately. Question number
and numbering used inside the answer script should not be misleading/confusing. Students can either use report/essay format
to structure their academic writing presentation. Start every question on a fresh page.
Last Updated: 14.05.2020 11.58 PM