INDIVIDUAL ESSAY ASSIGNMENT (100%)

Semester 1, 2021-22
Deadline: 10th January 13:00

You are to produce a convincing 3000-word analytical essay based on a choice of topic from the
list below. This should be an in-depth examination of specific aspect(s) of operations and supply,
with a focus on relating academic theory to contemporary international business operations.

The instructions are as follows: Explore the topic with reference to either:
(a) an international organisation/corporation; or
(b) a country/region of the world.

Question: What is the current state of the chosen topic in context of the organization or country/
region?

Question: What are the main challenges and issues facing your organisation/country/region of
choice in the adoption of this new supply chain technology/concept?

You must ensure the essay fits appropriately with the topic and material delivered on this module.

The structure of your assignment is one of personal choice, but it clearly must have an Introduction
and a conclusion, in addition to any sections in the main body. Please use an appropriate literature
support for the essay.

- 3D Printing
- Big Data and the Internet of Things
- Omnichannel Distribution
- Decarbonisation
- Data Analytics and AI
- Blockchains
- Industry 4.0
_______________________________________________________________________
Important Notes:
• Your assignment must be 3000 (+/- 300) words in length.
• Your assignment represents 100% of the total module assessment;
• Marks will be allocated on content and discussion, references to supporting material, overall
presentation;
• Ensure you include a full list of references to your sources;
• Evidence of reference to other sources AND logic of argument will be duly rewarded. Please note
the word “reference” above – a detached bibliographical listing of other sources not referenced in
the main body will not be rewarded!
• Reference your sources in the main body of your essay using the Harvard system (surname, date,
page number if appropriate).
• You must submit your assignment electronically using the link provided on the KLE pages before
the deadline date and time indicated below – no hard copy is required!.
• It must be your own work – – please note the Turnitin software automatically checks your
electronic submission for plagiarism against published sources and other student submissions!
• Further instructions on submission will be provided as appropriate.
The deadline for submission is 10th January 2022; 13:00.
Marking guide for the assessment

CRITERIA WEIGHT

SETTING THE SCENE

• Clarity in selecting the organisation and operation. /20
• Critical analysis of the organisation/ operation
• Analysis of the problem/ challenges
• Ground this discussion with appropriate theories and concepts
CURRENT STATE
• Explain the chosen topic within the domain of operations and SC /30
• What is the current state of implementation of the topic within the chosen
context?
• Examples of current implementation within the chosen context
• Ground this discussion with appropriate theories and concepts

CHALLENGES
• What are the main challenges and issues facing your /35
organisation/country/region of choice in the adoption of this new supply
chain technology/concept?
• Are these challenges specific to this context or in general applicable more
generically.
• Ground this discussion with appropriate theories and concepts
STRUCTURE & PRESENTATION
• The layout, structure, and presentation of the report provides a good flow of /15
information
• Use of appropriate visuals
• All information sources are correctly referenced
• Complete reference list, using an appropriate academic method, linked to
the text where each source is mentioned

TOTAL % /100