Bachelor of Business (Hons)

BUSINESS ETHICS & SOCIAL

RESPONSIBILITY
(MGT305)

FEBRUARY 2023 SEMESTER

ASSIGNMENT 1, 2 & 3
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT

▪ In your assignments be sure to include your name (short or preferred name in brackets),
Student ID# and e-mail address on the Title Page.
▪ Please also include a Table of Contents with page numbers.
▪ An Introduction and a Conclusion are required.
▪ Photographs, Diagrams etc. should be used to illuminate the text.
▪ Avoid using low credibility references such as Wikipedia, Internet sources or popular
newspapers or magazines as these will LOSE you marks.
▪ Upon completion of your assignment, it must be uploaded in the assignment submission
point provided in the LMS Turnitin
▪ All assignments must be written and uploaded in the LMS Turnitin using Word Document
Only.

ASSIGNMENT 1 (INDIVIDUAL)
Value: 20%
Length: 2500 - 3000 words

ASSIGNMENT TASK:

Evaluate how Kant’s theory might be applied to an ethical issue of your choice.
(Do not choose an environmental issue.)

Note:
▪ This assignment must be completed INDIVIDUALLY.
▪ Assignment must be written in an essay format applying all academic formalities.
▪ When there is evidence that a student has plagiarised sources or there are other forms
ofcheating, zero marks will be awarded to the student for that particular assignment.
ASSIGNMENT 2 (GROUP)
Value: 30%
Length: 3000 - 3500 words

“An eye-catching advertisement with a powerful message can pique your customer’s attention and
ultimately generate interest needed to buy the product. But sometimes, marketers would go overboard and
in their thirst for sales or influence over a target demographic. As a result, marketers may publish an
advertisement that’s either unethical or misleading.”

QUESTION:

Evaluate with relevant examples the unscrupulous tactics that marketers use to get a message
across.

Note:
▪ This is a GROUP assignment. Each group consist of minimum 4 students.
▪ All the theories used must be referenced appropriately. When there is evidence that a
student has plagiarised sources or there are other forms of cheating, zero marks will be
awarded to the student for that particular assignment.
▪ This assignment should be written in a report format.
▪ Students are encouraged to obtain information beyond the given literature in attemptingthe
questions.

Further Details and guidance on the assignment:

Here is a list of things to consider:
• The main body of the report will consist of 4 sections .

• There will be another two sections, which will be your overall introduction and overall conclusion.
The introduction and conclusion are the responsibility of all team members
• They will need to introduce and conclude on the two topics chosen
• Each of the 4 sections must be written by each individual student, for which a mark worth 10% will be
rewarded.
• Each student indicates which section they have written with their name next to the section in the
contents page.
• Your final document will be a maximum 3500 words with additional references list not included in
the word count. There is a 10% limit under or over the word count.
• The research and ideas for each section can be decided upon by the whole group, the introduction and
conclusion can be done by the whole group, but the actual writing of each of the four sections must be
done by each individual student.
• In your groups you must use a minimum of 12 sources, 4 of these sources must be academic
literature (one academic journal article or text book reference per section). The remaining eight
sources could also include professional journal articles (including CIPD material), a broad sheet
newspaper article (not a tabloid newspaper like the Sun, The star), a research survey or report, a
government web site etc. I do not want you to use blog sites
The point to the exercise is for you to:
• practice your research skills,
• to introduce you to Unethical Marketing related issues,
• help you practice working in a team
• to give me an idea of each of your individual writing, so that I can give you useful and constructive
feedback for assignment 2.

Working in groups:
As this is a group exercise that requires you to work in a team, you must communicate and coordinate
responsibilities and duties. You must also be supportive to other members of your group. It is advisable
that you have a group meeting early on (in week 4 at the very latest) and decide who will do what.

Duties in the group that need to be included, that need to be:

• a coherent overall introduction,
• a coherent overall conclusion,
• a clear and correct reference list with correct in-text references (follow Harvard style),
• a clear contents page (with a clear indication of which student did what section),
• clear report structure and writing
• organisation of group meetings.
ASSIGNMENT 3 (INDIVIDUAL)

Value: 50%
Length: 3000 - 3500 words

TASK:

Starbucks is known globally for its acceptance of different cultures. The company states,
“Starbucks actively creates and promotes an environment that is inclusive of all people and their
unique abilities, strengths and differences, and promotes diversity as a strategic and competitive
business advantage for the company” (Starbucks Business Ethics and Compliance, 2011). Such
mentality allows them to thrive on different cultures enough to see it as a competitive edge.

a) Analyse the general environment and task forces that affect the diversity, as well as the challenges
faced by Starbucks managers when managing diverse employees.

b) Evaluate the impact of diversity on the performance of Starbucks.

Note:
▪ This is an Individual Assignment
▪ This assignment must be written in an essay format.
▪ Candidates should take note that you will have to obtain a pass grade for this component
inorder to obtain an overall pass for this subject.

Marking criteria

Your assignment will be graded taking into account the extent to which you have:
▪ addressed the assignment tasks set, kept to the topic and covered only relevant issues;
▪ shown in the content of your discussion that you have collected and read relevant
literature;
▪ expressed other people's ideas in your own words and gone beyond what they have said
on the topic by adding your own ideas, opinions and experiences;
▪ demonstrated that you understand the concepts, theory and debates covered by the
question; taken a critical orientation to the literature you read, the issues you raise and
the debatesyou discuss;
▪ structured your paper into a clear flow of argument or reasoning that makes sense and is
persuasive;
▪ been clear and concise in your descriptions, analysis, discussion and expression;
▪ given attention to the rules of writing in relation to paragraphing, punctuation, spelling,
etc.
▪ appropriately cited references; and
▪ kept to the approximate word length.

Please refer to the marking matrices in Assignment Resources on Interact for further
information

To obtain a pass, students must:

• demonstrate a general understanding of the relevant philosophies of ethics
• present an assignment that conforms to the ‘presentation of assignments’ criteria, and is
written coherently.
• prepare a bibliography using the APA referencing system
Higher marks will be given according to the degree that students:
• demonstrate a clear understanding of the theoretical and practical application of the
relevant
• philosophies of ethics
• show clear evidence of logical thinking and critical and reflective judgment
• adhere to the presentation of assignment guidelines.
• structured your paper into a clear flow of argument or reasoning that makes sense and is
persuasive;
• been clear and concise in your descriptions, analysis, discussion and expression;
• given attention to the rules of writing in relation to paragraphing, punctuation, spelling,
etc.
Individual Report Marking and Feedback Sheet
Module Code &Title
Topic Date & Time
Name . .
Please refer to Grading Criteria in the Assignment Brief when awarding marks. Each criteria has equal weightage; C1 to C3 assess life skills while C4 to C6 assess breadth and depth of knowledge.
Grading Criteria 100m X% Comments / Feedback / Feed Forward
C1. Presentation & structure:
Follows logical structure, good time management, use of appropriate visual
aids, good voice control, fluent and articulate. /100 /5
C2. Use Academic Resources with Harvard Referencing
Use a minimum of 10 academic sources and citations/links provided in the
presentations. /100 /10
C3. Content
Identify a current business issue faced by relevant industry on evidence-
based research; able to summarise the issue(s) with clarity. /100 /20
C4. Business Application & Integration of Data/Literature
Analyse and identify the root cause of the business issue in the respective
industry, supported with evidence. /100 /35
C5. Discussion /Analysis /Critical evaluation &/or Reflection
Clear line of argument, development of discussion, provide relevant and
achievable recommendations. /100 /30

Total (Assessor) - Convert to 100 marks /100

Total (Peer Reviewer/Moderator) /100

Internal Moderator Comments External Examiner Comments (if applicable)

UG Grading Criteria for HBS Coursework (Individual Assignment)
Presentation & structure Use & presentation of Harvard Content/ Terms/ Findings/ Business Application & Discussion /Analysis /Critical
GROUP
Referencing Definitions/ Calculations Integration of Data evaluation &/or Reflection
REPORT
/Literature
Task details Follows report structure & keeps to word Follows Harvard style for in-text citation Content included - Key challenges and Integration & application of Line of argument, development of
limit of 2200 words & Reference List. Used a minimum of 10 strategic approaches to people information - Contemporary discussion - Analysed issues and made
academic resources management and the links to business issues, theories and models with relevant/suitable recommendations
strategies links to people management supported by literature
80-100 Outstanding... Presentation & report Outstanding... Standard of referencing Outstanding... Exploration of topic showing Outstanding... Business insight & Outstanding... Level of discussion/analysis/
structure, with numbered paragraphs, list of within text & consistent use of Harvard excellent knowledge & understanding application. critical evaluation &/or reflection.
contents/figures &appendices. referencing system. through thorough & appropriate research. Breadth, depth & integration of Highly developed/ focused work.
Outstanding
Articulate & fluent academic writing style with Accuracy of in-text references & full Impressive choice and range of appropriate literature/data into work.
ideas cross referenced. No grammatical / details shown in Reference list. content.
spelling errors.

70-79 Excellent ... Presentation & report structure,
with numbered paragraphs, list of
contents/figures, appendices & cross
Excellent
referencing.
Articulate & fluent academic writing style.
Only a minor error.
Excellent... Standard of referencing
within text & consistent use of Harvard
referencing system.
Accuracy of in-text references & full
details shown in Reference list.
Excellent ... Level of knowledge &
understanding demonstrated.
Evidence of appropriate reading.
Covers all relevant points & issues.
Excellent ... Business insight &
application.
Breadth, depth & integration of
literature/data into work.
Excellent... Level of discussion/analysis/
critical evaluation &/or reflection clearly
developing points in the appropriate way
with thorough consideration of all
possibilities.

60-69 Very good... Presentation & report structure, Very good... Standard of referencing Very good... Level of knowledge & Very good... Business insight & Very good... Level of discussion/analysis/
paragraphing, use of numbering, list of within text & consistent use of Harvard understanding demonstrated. application. critical evaluation &/or reflection & a few
contents/figures, appendices & cross referencing system. Covers most relevant points & issues. Breadth, depth & integration of ideas/points could benefit from further
Very Good
referencing. Accuracy of in-text references & full Few errors / omissions in literature/data into work. development &/or evaluation/comparison.
Fluent academic writing style. details shown in Reference list. content/calculations.
Very few grammatical errors & spelling
mistakes.
50-59 Good... Clear presentation & report structure, Good... Standard of referencing within Good... Grasp of the topic & some of its Good... Business insight & Good... Level of discussion/analysis/ critical
use of numbering & appendices. text & consistent use of Harvard implications presented. application. evaluation &/or reflection but more
Good Writing is mainly clear but some spelling &/ or referencing system. Knowledge & understanding is Breadth, depth & integration of ideas/points could be addressed
grammatical errors. Accuracy of in-text references & full demonstrated. literature/data into work. /developed further.
details shown in Reference list. Minor errors / omissions in content/
calculations.
40-49 Satisfactory... Basic report structure. Satisfactory... Basic referencing within Satisfactory... Content / level of knowledge Satisfactory... Business insight & Satisfactory... Basic evidence of
Not always written clearly & has grammatical text & consistent use of Harvard of the topic. Addresses part of the task. application. Limited integration discussion/analysis/ critical evaluation &/or
& / or spelling errors. referencing system. Some errors / omissions in content/ with literature/ data. reflection but some points superficially
Satisfactory
Accuracy of in-text references & full calculations. May benefit from further Use of literature/data but limited made so need further development.
details shown in Reference list. research. in breadth OR depth.
30-39 Weak... Report format, limited or poor Weak...Use of Harvard referencing Weak... Limited content / knowledge/ Weak... Unsatisfactory evidence Weak... Limited evidence of
structure. system with errors & inconsistently calculations. Limited or muddled of business application & insight discussion/analysis/ critical evaluation &/or
Muddled work with many spelling & / or applied. Limited referencing within the understanding of the topic/question. Work needs to show better links reflection.
Marginal
grammatical errors. text. Limited accuracy of in-text Does not meet all the learning outcomes. between practical application More development & comment needed.
Fail references compared to those in the final and theory. May need to do more than describe.
Reference list.
20 – 29 Inadequate... Report format and poor Inadequate... Use of Harvard Inadequate... Lacking in relevant content/ Inadequate... Lacks evidence of Inadequate... Lacking / inadequate level of
paragraphing / signposting. referencing with many errors &/or knowledge/calculations. Content irrelevant business application & insight. discussion/ analysis/critical evaluation & /or
Clear Fail Inappropriate writing style inconsistencies. / inaccurate. Does not meet all the learning Some literature irrelevant to reflection. Descriptive.
Poorly written &/or poor spelling & grammar. Must see CASE outcomes. topic. Must see CASE
Must see CASE
1 – 19 Nothing of merit... Poorly written work, Nothing of merit... No or little attempt Nothing of merit... Unsatisfactory level of Nothing of merit... No evidence Nothing of merit... Unsatisfactory level of
lacking structure, paragraphing / signposting. to use the recommended Harvard knowledge demonstrated. of appropriate business discussion/analysis/critical evaluation &/or
Many inaccuracies in spelling & grammar. referencing system. Content used irrelevant / not appropriate/ application & insight. reflection
Little or
Must see CASE Must see CASE to the topic. Does not meet the learning Must see CASE
Nothing of outcomes.
merit
 Assignment No.: __

Assignment Cover Sheet

Student Information (For group assignment, please state names of
Grade/Marks
all members)
Name ID

Office
Module/Subject Information
Acknowledgement
Module/Subject Code
Module/Subject Name

Lecturer/Tutor/Facilitator

Due Date
Assignment Title/Topic

Intake (where applicable)

Word Count Date/Time

Declaration

. I/We have read and understood the Programme Handbook that explains on plagiarism, and I/we testify
that, unless otherwise acknowledged, the work submitted herein is entirely my/our own.
. I/We declare that no part of this assignment has been written for me/us by any other person(s) except
where such collaboration has been authorized by the lecturer concerned.
. I/We authorize the University to test any work submitted by me/us, using text comparison software, for
instances of plagiarism. I/We understand this will involve the University or its contractors copying my/our
work and storing it on a database to be used in future to test work submitted by others.

Note:1) The attachment of this statement on any electronically submitted assignments will be deemed to
have the same authority as a signed statement.
2) The Group Leader signs the declaration on behalf of all members.

Signature: Date:

Email:
 Feedback/Comments*
Main Strengths

Main Weaknesses

Suggestions for improvement

Student acknowledge feedback/comments

Grader’s signature Student’s signature:

Date: Date:
Note:
1)A soft and hard copy of the assignment shall be submitted.
2)The signed copy of the assignment cover sheet shall be retained by the marker.
3)If the Turnitin report is required, students have to submit it with the assignment. However, departments may allow
students up to THREE (3) working days after submission of the assignment to submit the Turnitin report. The assignment
shall only be marked upon the submission of the Turnitin report.
*Use additional sheets if required.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Honesty and Responsibility

Academic integrity is an important tenet for HELP University (the “University”). In pursuit
of the highest standards of academic integrity, the University holds its students to the highest
ethical standards defined by the Rules and Regulations section of the Academic Handbook.
All students studying a HELP University programme are subjected to and are bound by the
Student Academic Misconduct Rule to assure academic honesty. Students are required to
sign a pledge on the assignment cover sheet before submitting your assignments.

What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is academic dishonesty or academic theft, and it is a serious academic offence.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the followings:
1. quote, paraphrase or summarise someone else’s ideas, theories or data, in whole or in
part, without appropriate acknowledgement;
2. borrow ideas, opinion or words, in whole or in part, from other sources without
properly crediting the author(s);
3. use any facts, statistics, diagrams or graphs, in whole or in part, without
acknowledging the source clearly;
4. claim or imply original authorship of someone else’s ideas, theories or data, in whole
or in part, as your own;
5. employ or allow someone to help to revise, amend or write your work and pass off as
your own original work;
6. collaborate with or allow other students to copy your work; and
7. draw on sources more than what you have acknowledged by citations.

While a student is not discouraged to discuss an assignment with his/her friends or

classmates, the work he/she submits must be done by the student alone. If a student shares
his/her assignment with other students and they plagiarise it, the student is as guilty as those
students who plagiarised his/her assignment. All parties to plagiarism are considered equally
guilty. Under no circumstances should a student be involved in collusion with other
students unless he/she is permitted to work on an assignment jointly by the lecturer/tutor. If
a student is unsure what constitutes plagiarism, he/she is obliged to consult the lecturer/tutor
on the matter before submission of his/her assignment.

When and How to Reference?

Knowing when and how to cite is a student’s responsibility. If he/she is in doubt or need
more help on this matter, the student may consult the lecturer/tutor. The following list
comprises some of the sources a student will need to reference. The list is by no means
exhaustive, but simply consists of the most common sources used by students to complete
their work.

1. Books
2. Chapters in books
 3. Journal articles
4. Conference papers
5. Newspaper articles
6. Magazines
7. Websites
8. Study guide

Students are advised to cite in the following cases [1]:

1. When he/she quotes two or more words verbatim, or even one word if it is used in a
way that is unique to the source;
2. When he/she introduce facts that he/she have found in a source;
3. When he/she paraphrase or summarise ideas, interpretations, or conclusions that
he/she find in a source;
4. When he/she introduce information that is not common knowledge or that may be
considered common knowledge in your field, but the reader may not know it;
5. When he/she borrow the plan or structure of a larger section of a source’s argument
(for example, using a theory from a source and analysing the same three case studies
that the source uses);
6. When he/she build on another’s method found either in a source or from
collaborative work in a lab;
7. When he/she build on another’s program in writing computer code or on a not-
commonly-known algorithm; and/or
8. When he/she collaborate with others in producing knowledge.

In general, a referencing system requires two parts:

1. In-text citations
This is information about a source within the text of an assignment.
2. List of references
This is a list of all sources a student has used to research his/her assignment. It is
alphabetically arranged by author surname and appears immediately after the last
page of an assignment.

Different faculties or departments may have different requirement on how referencing for an
assignment should be done. The various formats used for in-text citations and list of
references are available in the following websites:
1. Harvard System
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/library/subjectsandsupport/referencemanagement/harvar
d))
2. Chicago Style (http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/index.html)
3. American Psychological Association or APA Style (http://www.apastyle.org)
4. Modern Language Association of America or MLA Style (http://www.mla.org/style)

Once a student has selected a referencing style for his/her assignment, he/she must follow
the same style consistently throughout the assignment. We strongly suggest that the student
consults the lecturer/tutor about which method to use before submission of his/her
assignment.
Penalties for Plagiarism

The Turnitin Similarity Index for all programmes offered should be not more than 15%.

1
http://www.yale.edu/bass/writing/sources/plagiarism/warning.html, accessed May 18, 2008.
Penalties for plagiarism ranges from mark reduction for the assignment to expulsion from
the University. If plagiarism has been found to have occurred, the action(s) taken will be
determined by the forms of plagiarism implicated:

1. Complete plagiarism
Verbatim copying another person’s work without acknowledgement
- To be referred to a panel2 for further investigation. If the student is found to
be guilty, a grade “FL” is to be awarded for the subject.

2. Substantial plagiarism (Turnitin Similarity Index ≥ 30%)

Near-verbatim copying another person’s work by simply altering the order of the
sentences or the format of presentation or by changing a few words or phrases
without acknowledgement.
- Based on a report submitted by the lecturer in charge of the subject, a Zero
mark will be awarded for the said assessment.

3. Minimal plagiarism (Turnitin Similarity Index ≥ 15%)

Paraphrasing by changing and/or eliminating some words without proper
acknowledgement.
- Based on a report submitted by the lecturer in charge, a deduction of up to
50% of marks the student is entitled to receive for the said assessment.

Pleading ignorance or unintentional plagiarism does not constitute valid reasons for
plagiarism and will not avoid the penalties from being imposed. Excuses for acts of
plagiarism such as the following, but not limited to, will not be entertained:
1. I don’t have time to do the assignment
2. I have too many assignments due on the same day
3. I don’t know, I really didn’t do it
4. I am not aware
5. I don’t understand what plagiarism means
6. I have no intention to plagiarize
7. I forgot to cite the reference
8. I forgot to include the bibliography
9. My English is not good
10. My lecturer/tutor did not explain to me
11. In my country, it is alright to copy someone else’s work
12. My friend copied my assignment when I let him/her to look at my assignment
13. My friend copied my assignment when I allow him/her to use my laptop
14. I did my assignment in the computer lab, someone must have copied my work
15. I asked my friend to submit my assignment and he/she copied my work
16. I discussed my assignment with my friends, so our answers are the same/similar
17. Even though I do not have in-text citation but I have bibliography/reference list

Students should be reminded that it is their responsibilities to take due care throughout their
written work to effectively reference or cite when they use others’ ideas from any source.

2
The panel consists of the HoD as the Chair and 2 to 3 senior academic staff.