Academy of Sport and Physical Activity

MSc Sport Business Management

MODULE TITLE: Work-Based Learning Project MODULE CODE: 66-704319-AF
MODULE LEADER: Chris Moriarty

Task 1: REPORT
First Sit
The primary aim of this assessment task is to prepare a report based on your Work-Based Learning Project which is aimed
at a practitioner audience. This assignment allows you to evidence your ability to learn independently, and to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of issues relevant to the industry sector for your WBL Project host organisation. You will be
required to carry out applied research in order to identify substantial and implementable recommendations for your host
organisation.
Please refer to Assignment Guidance for the Report table (see page 4) for further broad guidance on the content of the
report. Please note that this guidance sets out broad principles for your project format and structure. Given the diverse
and individual nature of WBL Projects, it is important that you work with your SHU Academic Supervisor and your Host
Organisation Mentor to agree a suitable format and structure which is based around the principles set out in the
Assignment Guidance for the Report table.
Overall, you are required to:
 Devise a format and structure which allows for presentation of your work in a manner appropriate for a
practitioner audience.
 Provide a clear rationale for your project leading to a clear and logical set of aims and objectives for the project.
 Clearly set the project within its organisational context by providing an in-depth analysis of relevant current issues
outside and within the host organisation
 Adopt an appropriate approach to your research which is explained and justified in a style and format which is fit
for a practitioner audience. You should provide a very clear and accurate account and justification of what you did
and why you did it
 Design a suitable and clear structure for the presentation of findings, discussion and conclusions and
recommendations and present the information and discussion in a format which takes account of the nature of
the project and the practitioner audience. Specifically, you must ensure that:
o The findings are of a sufficient quality for you to be able to use them either:
 to develop a fully justified management plan in an appropriate format for the host organisation, or
 to develop a critical and reflective discussion of findings for the host organisation
o Extensive, relevant, clear and specific recommendations are made for the host organisation (which may be
in the form of a relevant management plan for the organisation).

The assessment will be summatively assessed by the submission of a written report.

The assessment is worth 75% of the overall module grade, and is assessment 1of 2

The intended learning outcomes of this assessment task are to

 Critically evaluate the ways in which theory and previous research might be used to establish an appropriate
research project which will support the organisation;
 Devise a research design relevant to the project objectives; collect and analyse appropriate sector-based data,
discuss results and relate them to previous work in relevant subject areas;
 Critically evaluate the potential impact of your project with your work based mentor and establish policy
implications and reflect on the impact of the project on your own personal and professional development;
 Present the findings of the research in the form of a management report in a professional manner.

Submission type: Online (Blackboard)

Turnitin1 used: Yes
Feedback method: Inline
Feedback type: Inline
In-Module Retrieval (IMR)2 available: Yes
Non-Assessment3 Requirements: No

Word Length, Duration and Penalties

The word length/duration of this assessment, excluding references, is 15,000 words. You must include a word count at the
end of the assignment before the References list. Words included within tables within the main report count towards the
word count.
1 grade point will be deducted for work which exceeds the word limit/duration by more than 10%.

Format
Your work must be submitted in Microsoft Word (*.doc or *.docx) format.
The task should include Module Title, Module Code, Name and Student Number (not your Student Login) in the ‘header’ at
the top of the document. Standard presentation requirements (size 11 font, 1.5 line spacing, 2.5 cm margins) should be
adhered to.

Handing-In Details
Please submit your assessment via
a) the online submission point on the module Blackboard site

1
Turnitin is used by academic staff to ascertain whether cheating, as defined by the University assessment regulations, has taken place. It should also
be used to evaluate your assignment for accidental plagiarism prior to the hand-in date
2
In-module retrieval refers to a feature of a module's assessment design whereby if you achieve below 40 in an assessment task at the first attempt
you are given an opportunity of reworking the assessment task for a capped mark of 40%
3
It may be stipulated for some modules that you have to do something in order to undertake assessment on a module. Any assessment where these
requirements are not fulfilled will not be classed as a valid attempt and will receive a mark of zero. Further details can be found later in this assessment
brief
AND
b) the Turnitin link on the Module Blackboard site
You will find both these links under the 'Assessment / Reassessment' tab on the module Blackboard site.
Feedback will normally be available fifteen working days after the hand-in date. You will be notified when feedback
becomes available.

Enquiries
Chris Moriarty c.moriarty@shu.ac.uk
Further Assessment Details
DESCRIPTION
Report Format and Structure
Format and structure which allows for presentation of your work in a manner appropriate for a
practitioner audience.
Excellent document coherence with a clear and logical structure.
Evidence of a clear vertical thread in the way each of the chapters of report leads logically on to the
next.

What the Project is about – The Project Rationale

Provide a clear outline of the project, why it is significant, the overall purpose of your research,
emphasising the practice-related dimensions of the project (i.e. the potential impact on the host
organisation) rather than the literature-related ones.
This should lead logically to a clear statement of aims and objectives for the project
Clearly explain the structure of the report.

Why the Project is required - Project Background and Context

Clearly set the project within its organisational context by providing an extensive and in-depth
analysis of relevant current issues outside and inside the host organisation.
Make effective use of a balance (as appropriate) of published literature and internal information
provided by the host organisation.
Concludes with a clear summary of the significant issues to emerge from your review of the project
background and context, with consideration of how these relate to your project.

How the Project was carried out – Research Approach

Adopt an appropriate approach to your research which is explained and justified in a style and format
which is fit for a practitioner audience.
You should provide a very clear and accurate account and justification of what you did and why you
did it in order to address the research aims and objectives for your project.
Limitations of the approach are acknowledged and discussed in relation to both method and data.
What was found and what this means for the host organisation
Design a suitable and clear structure for the presentation of findings, discussion and conclusions and
recommendations in a format which takes account of the nature of the project and the practitioner
audience. Specifically, you must ensure that:
o The findings are complete, clear, relevant and valid with reference to the host organisation
and the project’s purpose, aims and objectives.
o The findings are of a sufficient quality for you to be able to use them either:
o to develop a fully justified management plan in an appropriate format for the host
organisation, or
o to develop a critical and reflective discussion of findings for the host organisation
o Extensive, relevant, clear and specific recommendations are made for the host organisation
(which may be in the form of a relevant management plan for the organisation).

References and Referencing

Use of 6th edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing system.

Presentation
Appropriately structured with due regard to the normal conventions of management/business
writing.
Use of third-person, past tense and a formal writing style.
Level 7: Academy of Sport and Physical Activity Grade Descriptor
Class Category General Characteristics
Exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding evidenced by own independent insight and critical awareness
of relevant literature and concepts at the forefront of the discipline; evidence of extensive and appropriate independent
inquiry operating with advanced concepts, methods and techniques to solve problems in unfamiliar contexts; Cogent
Exceptional
Distinction arguments and explanations are consistently provided demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively using a
Distinction
(Exceptional) sophisticated level of the English language in an eloquent and professional manner appropriate to the audience; a sustained
academic approach to all aspects of the tasks is evidenced; academic work extends boundaries of the disciplines and is beyond
expectation of the level and may achieve publishable or commercial standard.
High Distinction Excellent knowledge and understanding evidenced by some clear independent insight and critical awareness of relevant
concepts some of which are at the forefront of the discipline; evidence of appropriate independent inquiry operating with
Distinction Mid Distinction core concepts, methods and techniques to solve complex problems in mostly familiar contexts; Arguments and explanations
(Excellent) are provided that are well-supported by the literature demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively appropriate to the
audience; a sustained academic approach to most aspects of the tasks is evidenced; one or more aspects of the academic
Low Distinction
work is beyond the prescribed range and evidences a competent understanding of all of the relevant taught content.
High Merit Very good knowledge and understanding is evidenced as the student is typically able to independently relate taught concepts
together some of which are at the forefront of the discipline; evidence of some competent independent inquiry operating
Merit with core concepts, methods and techniques to solve familiar problems; Arguments and explanations are provided that are
Mid Merit
(Good) typically supported by the literature and in some cases may challenge some received wisdoms; competently uses all taught
methods to communicate effectively; an academically rigorous approach applied to some aspects of the tasks is evidenced;
Low Merit
some beyond the prescribed range, may rely on set sources to advance work; demonstrates autonomy in approach to learning.
High Pass Satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the area of study balanced towards the descriptive rather than critical or
analytical and mostly confined to concepts that are not at the forefront of the discipline; evidence of some independent
Pass Mid Pass reading and research to advance work and inform arguments and approaches; Arguments and explanations are limited in
range and depth although some are adequately supported by the literature albeit descriptively rather than critically;
(Sufficient)
competently uses taught method to communicate appropriately; although the approach applied to some aspects of the tasks
Low Pass may lack academic rigour, there are some clear areas of competence within the prescribed range. Relies on set sources to
advance work and communicated in a way which shows clarity, but structure may not always be coherent.
Borderline Fail Knowledge and understanding is insufficient as the student only evidences an understanding of small subset of the taught
concepts and techniques; fails to make sufficient links between known concepts and facts to adequately solve relevant
Mid Fail aspects of the brief; little ability to independently select and evaluate reading and research with almost total reliance on set
sources and unsubstantiated arguments/methods; communication may be competent in places but fails to demonstrate
FAIL structure, clarity and/or focus; inability to adequately define problems and make reasoned judgements; the general
Low Fail
approach to tasks lacks rigor and competence.
Knowledge and understanding is highly insufficient as the student is unable to evidence any meaningful understanding of
Very Low Fail taught concepts or methods; very limited evidence of reading and research to advance work; inadequate practical skills as
the student is unable to use and apply such skills to address problems or make judgements; limited or lack of understanding
 of the boundaries of the discipline and does not question received wisdom; approach to learning lacks autonomy and
approach to tasks is not sustained; inability to communicate coherently.
ZERO Zero Work not submitted, work of no merit, penalty in some misconduct cases.
 THRESHOLD ASSESSMENT CRITERIA TO PASS (LOW PASS) AND MID DISTINCTION CLASS WORK
Grade
Criteria Pass
Report Format A relevant format and structure has been adopted which allows
for presentation of your work in a manner which is on the whole
and Structure
appropriate for a practitioner audience.
Some document coherence with mostly clear and logical
structure.
Some evidence of a vertical thread. Most chapters of the report
lead logically on to the next.
Project Rationale Mainly clear outline of the project, with some explanation of
project’s significance. The overall purpose of your research has
been set out, but with some omissions. The practice-related
dimensions of the project (i.e. the potential impact on the host
organisation) could have been more developed.
Mostly logical discussion leading to a clear statement of some
relevant aims and objectives for the project
The structure of the report is explained.
Project Context The project is set within its organisational context and a there is
some analysis of relevant current issues outside and inside the
& Background
host organisation.
Overall, there is an appropriate balance of published literature
and internal information provided by the host organisation.
There is a summary of some issues to emerge from your review
of the project background and context, and some consideration
of how these relate to your project.
Research A mainly appropriate approach to your research has been
adopted. The approach is explained and justified in a style and
Approach
format which is fit for a practitioner audience.
You have provided a mostly clear and accurate account with
some justification of what you did and why you did it in order to
address most of the research aims and objectives for your
project.
Some limitations of the approach are acknowledged and
discussed in relation to some aspects of both method and data.
Distinction
An excellent format and structure has been adopted which allows for
presentation of your work in a manner entirely appropriate for a
practitioner audience.
Excellent document coherence with a clear and logical structure.
There is a very strong vertical thread and each of the chapter of the
report leads logically on to the next.
A very clear outline of the project, excellent explanation of project’s
significance. The overall purpose of your research has been set out
extremely clearly, emphasising the practice-related dimensions of the
project (i.e. the potential impact on the host organisation) rather than
the literature-related ones.
Highly logical discussion leading to a very clear statement of highly
relevant aims and objectives for the project
The structure of the report is very clearly explained.
The project is very clearly set within its organisational context and a
very extensive and in-depth analysis of relevant current issues outside
and inside the host organisation has been provided.
Very effective use of an excellent and highly appropriate balance (as
appropriate) of published literature and internal information provided
by the host organisation.
Concludes with a very clear and highly insightful summary of the
significant issues to emerge from your review of the project
background and context, and an excellent consideration of how these
relate to your project.
A highly appropriate approach to your research has been adopted.
This has been very clearly explained and justified in a style and format
which is highly appropriate for a practitioner audience.
You have provided a very clear and accurate account and justification
of what you did and why you did it in order to fully address the
research aims and objectives for your project
Limitations of the approach are acknowledged and very effectively
discussed in relation to both method and data.
What was found A mainly appropriate structure for the presentation of findings,
discussion and conclusions and recommendations in a format
and what this
which takes some account of the nature of the project and the
means for the practitioner audience:
host organisation
o The findings are relevant and valid with reference to
the host organisation and the project’s purpose, aims
and objectives.
o The findings are of a n acceptable quality and you
have used them either:
o to develop a justified management plan in
an appropriate format for the host
organisation, OR
o to develop a somewhat critical and
reflective discussion of findings for the
host organisation
o Some relevant, clear and fairly specific
recommendations are made for the host
organisation (possibly In the form of a relevant
management plan for the organisation).
Reference Attempted use of the American Psychological Association (APA)
system, but with errors.
Presentation The presentation that mostly adheres to the guidelines provided
but has spelling and punctuation errors and is written in a style
that lacks clarity, is not fully appropriate and does not take
account of the practitioner audience.
A highly suitable and very clear structure for the presentation of
findings, discussion and conclusions and recommendations in a
format which takes account of the nature of the project and the
practitioner audience:
o The findings are complete, very clear, highly relevant and
valid with reference to the host organisation and the
project’s purpose, aims and objectives.
o The findings are of a very high quality and you have used
them either:
o to develop a fully justified management plan in
an appropriate format for the host
organisation, OR
o to develop a highly effective critical and
reflective discussion of findings for the host
organisation
o Very extensive, highly relevant, clear and specific
recommendations are made for the host organisation
(possibly In the form of a relevant management plan for
the organisation).
Excellent use of the American Psychological Association (APA) system
for both citations and reference list
Excellent presentation, that adheres to the guidelines provided. The
work is written in a highly appropriate way and is of publishable
quality