Assessment Brief
Module title: Consultancy Management
Assessment Point: Second assessment point
Assessment task: Individual Reflective Account
Word count limit: 1000 words (+/- 10%) / (NOT inclusive of appendices, NOT inclusive of references) Submission deadline: Please consult VLE.
Submission procedure: Please submit via the submission link on VLE.
Submission Record Extenuating circumstances
Ensure you are familiar with the process for submitting a claim for extenuating circumstances. If you experience any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your ability to attempt or submit the present assignment, please follow the relevant instructions on VLE in order to submit your claim for extenuating circumstance prior to your submission deadline.
Academic misconduct including plagiarism
Ensure that you are familiar with the relevant regulations regarding academic misconduct. By submitting the present assignment you declare that it is your own work and that the material and sources of information used, including internet sources, have been fully identified and properly acknowledged. In addition, you confirm that the presented work has not been submitted for any other assessment. You also acknowledge that the faculty reserves the right to investigate allegations of plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct which, if proven and dependent on the severity level of the offence, will result in a penalty that may affect your progress.
Late submissions
Note that all work handed in up to 3 working days after the submission deadline will be accepted and marked but the mark will be capped at 50% (if the work) passes unless you have been granted an extension to the submission deadline or a deferral in accordance with the Extenuating Circumstances Policy. Work submitted more than 3 working days after the submission deadline without a granted extension to the submission deadline or a deferral in accordance with the Extenuating Circumstances Policy will not be accepted and will be recorded as 0%.
By submitting your work you acknowledge that you have read and agreed with the above statements.
General Guidance
Your assignment should be word typed processed (handwritten assignments are not accepted), using Times New Roman size 12 font, double spaced, with numbered pages and your student number printed as a footer on every page.
The word limits stated for this assignment excludes the reference list at the end of the assignment but includes all text in the main body of the assignment (including direct quotations, in-text citations, footnotes, tables, diagrams and graphs).
Please be aware that exceeding the word count limit will affect the academic judgement of the piece of work and may result in the award of a lower mark.
Appendices are not considered a supplement thus will not be assessed as part of the content of the assignment. As such, they will not contribute to the grade awarded, however it may be appropriate to use an Appendices section for any material which is a useful reference for the reader. Please note that appendices are not included in the word count.
The majority of references should come from secondary sources (e.g., journal articles, conference papers, statistics or company's reports, etc.). Although you can also utilise area-specific textbooks. You must ensure that you use the University of Suffolk’s Harvard style of referencing.
Please indicate the word count length at the end of your assignment.
Marking and assessment
This assignment will be marked out of 100%
This assignment contributes 20% of the total module marks.
Learning outcomes assessed in this assessment
LO.1. Define an organizational problem or opportunity and scope the associated issues
LO.2. Acquire, analyse, critically evaluate and apply information to a range of organizational contexts
LO.3. Develop creative and feasible solutions within their context
LO.4. Critically evaluate and integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations and appreciate the relationships and interactions across various organizational areas
Task: Summative Assessment 2 (1000 word Reflective Account)
Provide a critical self-reflection of the process of completing consultancy report/ assignment 1
For completing this Task successfully, you must summarize all the academic knowledge you receive from the module’s content and professional benefits you received while critically analysed the case study/company including consulting implications and strategic business issues, during the development of summative assignment 1 during the 4th Week of this module.
The indicators of a good reflection are:
• It is personal to you
• It is clear how the learning relates to your role or prepares for a future role
• It outlines the content and method of the learning activity
• It describes how your knowledge, skills and attributes have developed
as a result of the learning activity.
• It identifies any further gaps or learning you did not cover and how you might fill these.
• It describes how your current practice might change as a result
• It indicates how you will use knowledge acquired for your career benefit
A strong Assignment Critical Reflection Requires addressing to the following issues:
• High personal effectiveness:
• Critical self-awareness
• Self-reflection and self-management;
• Sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and
• The ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience.
As this is a self- reflective practice within your writing you can use of the first person such as ‘I’ or ‘we’.
Your work should include and cover the following sections/aspects and content (as shown and stated in the table below). The specific percentage marks allocated to each section/aspect of your work is stated below. Please also note that the Level 7 marking criteria (located towards the end of this assessment brief) will also be used to reflect this overall grade.
Note the suggested structure for your assignment:
Section/aspect Content to cover Marks available
Introduction (200 words) Setting the scene and outline of the approach taken in addressing the task. Background (relevant to the task) information about assignment describing scope and objectives. 20 Marks
Main Body
(600 words) Summarize all the academic knowledge you received from the module’s content and professional benefits while critically analysed the case study/ summative assignment 1. In doing so:
- Critically reflect on your personal learning experience
- Make effective use of the relevant literature that contributed to your learning (but not extensive)
- Provide your own argument and show evidence of critical thinking i.e. Learning from Experience and Moving Forward, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, waya of moving forward. 45 Marks
Conclusion (200words) Effective summary of key points provided in the reflection 20 Marks
Layout and Referencing (list of references can take as many pages as necessary and High quality presentation that conforms to principles of academic writing and contains minimal errors in sentence construction, grammar and punctuation. The assignment followed 15 Marks
not included in the limit/word count) appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text citations and referencing.
Total: 1000 words
Additional resources
Please consult VLE for recommended reading of previous weeks
Marking Criteria
Level 7
In accordance with the FHEQ, at the end of Level 7 students should have a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. They will be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. They should have a conceptual understanding that enables them to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. They will also be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate selfdirection and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Assessment category
Coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding of the subject area, at least some of which is informed by the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline Cognitive and
intellectual skills
Application of theory to practice (for courses with a professional
practice element)
Reading and referencing Presentation, style and structure Work that significantly exceeds the specified word limit may be penalized
Exemplary systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at or informed by the forefront of
the field of study, demonstrating highly sophisticated grasp of the subject matter Exceptional critical evaluation and awareness of current problems, and contemporary issues and debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates exemplary ability to synthesise current Sophisticated, systematic and innovative application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Flawless use of systematically selected literature to justify and express reasoned A very high level of critical engagement across a systematic and fully appropriate range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practicerelated literature demonstrating deep and selective reading and Exemplary presentation of work that is fluent and flawless throughout.
research and advanced scholarship in an original, creative and innovative manner. judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level initiative along with highly consistent accurate referencing
Excellent systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at or informed by the forefront of the field of study and showing sophisticated depth, breadth, detail and clarity Sophisticated critical evaluation and awareness of current problems, and contemporary issues and debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates a very high level of originality and creativity in the student’s approaches to synthesising current research and advanced scholarship within the subject area An excellent level of originality and innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of excellent critical awareness and evaluation and the ability to effectively critique and employ current academic literature in making reasoned judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level A very high level of critical engagement across an extensive range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practice-related literature demonstrating deep and appropriate reading and initiative along with highly consistent accurate referencing Outstanding presentation of work that is logically and coherently structured with a strong or original central argument(s), conveyed with a high level of fluency and eloquently communicates compelling, coherent conclusions to specialist and nonspecialist audiences
Level 7 Coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding Cognitive and
intellectual skills
Application of
theory to practice
Reading and referencing Presentation, style and structure
A high level of systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at or informed by the forefront of the field of study and showing considerable depth, breadth, detail and clarity A high level of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems, and contemporary issues and debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates a significant level of originality and creativity in synthesising current research and advanced scholarship within the subject area A high level of originality and innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of excellent critical awareness and evaluation and the
ability to select and use academic literature in making reasoned judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level A high level of critical engagement across an extensive range of relevant and current literature demonstrating wide and appropriate reading and initiative along with highly consistent accurate referencing Excellent presentation of work that is logically and coherently structured with a strong or original central argument(s), conveyed with a high level of clarity of expression and which clearly communicates valid, coherent conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
An effective, systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge mostly at or informed by the forefront of the field of study An effective level of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and A good level of originality and innovation in the
application of knowledge and A good level of critical engagement across a good range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and High quality presentation of work that is largely logically and coherently structured with a generally strong central
and showing good depth, breadth, detail and clarity debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates some effective originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area theory to professional practice.
Demonstration of consistently good critical awareness and evaluation and reasonable ability to use the academic literature in making reasoned judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level practice-related literature demonstrating appropriate reading and some initiative along with consistent accurate referencing argument conveyed with a clarity of expression and which communicates clear conclusions to specialist and nonspecialist audiences
A sufficient but limited level of systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at times at or informed by the forefront of the field of study but showing adequate depth, breadth, detail and clarity A sufficient but limited level of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates, with some reference to new insights or perspectives within the field. Limited evidence of originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area A reasonable but limited level of originality and innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of some good critical awareness and evaluation and some ability to use the academic literature in developing Sufficient critical engagement with a reasonable range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practicerelated literature demonstrating mainly appropriate reading but
limited initiative and/or some minor inconsistencies and inaccuracies in referencing Generally good presentation of work that is sufficiently logical and coherent in structure with a discernible central argument. May present limited originality and lack some clarity of expression, but an identifiable conclusion reasonably communicated to specialist and nonspecialist audiences
judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level


Level 7 Coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding Cognitive and
intellectual skills
Application of
theory to practice
Reading and referencing Presentation, style and structure
Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter is incomplete, uninformed or limited in its scholarship within the field of study, or lacking sufficient depth, breadth, detail or clarity Critical evaluation is limited or lacks awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates. Insufficient reference made to new insights or perspectives within the field, or insufficient evidence of originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area Insufficient degree of originality or innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of poor critical awareness and evaluation or a lack of ability to use the academic literature in developing judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level Insufficient critical engagement with relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practicerelated literature. Lack of evidence of wider reading or a lack of initiative or inconsistent
and inaccurate referencing Presentation of work shows insufficient organisation or central argument, and is lacking in logical and coherent structure. Poor clarity of expression weakly communicating to specialist or nonspecialist audiences
Limited knowledge and understanding of the subject matter shown. Work is not sufficiently informed by scholarship within the field of Insufficient evidence of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and Little evidence of originality and innovation and a significant lack of application of Little evidence of critical engagement with relevant and current literature. Poor use of appropriate sources Often poorly presented work that is disorganised, has an ill-formed central argument, and lacks a logical and coherent
study and is insufficient in depth, breadth, detail or clarity debates. Insufficient reference to new insights or perspectives within the field and lacking in originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area knowledge and theory to professional practice demonstrating little critical awareness and evaluation and a lack of ability to use the academic literature to make judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level and/or inconsistent and inaccurate referencing structure. A lack of clarity of expression or fails to communicate effective conclusions to specialist or nonspecialist audiences
Inadequate and limited knowledge and understanding of the subject matter shown. Work is not informed by scholarship within the field of study and significantly lacks depth, breadth, detail or clarity Descriptive work with little or no evidence of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates. No evidence of awareness of new insights or perspectives within the field. Little or no synthesis of current research and scholarship within the subject area No evidence of originality and innovation and little
to no application of knowledge and theory to professional practice.
Demonstrates no critical awareness and evaluation and a distinct lack of ability to use the academic literature
in an effective manner No evidence of critical engagement with relevant and current literature. Lack of use of appropriate sources and inconsistent and inaccurate referencing Poorly presented and disorganised work that lacks a logical and coherent structure, lacks a well-formed central argument and shows a significant lack of clarity of expression with very weak or irrelevant conclusions, that may be incoherent to specialist or non-specialist audiences
Student Number:
Section/aspect Content to cover Marks available
Introduction (200 words) Setting the scene and outline of the approach taken in addressing the task. Background (relevant to the task) information about assignment describing scope and objectives. 20 Marks
Main Body
(600 words) Summarize all the academic knowledge you received from the module’s content and professional benefits while critically analysed the case study/ summative assignment 1. In doing so:
- Critically reflect on your personal learning experience
- Make effective use of the relevant literature that contributed to your learning (but not extensive)
- Provide your own argument and show evidence of critical thinking i.e. Learning from Experience and Moving Forward, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, waya of moving forward. 45 Marks
Conclusion (200words) Effective summary of key points provided in the reflection 20 Marks
Layout and Referencing (list of references can take as many pages as necessary and not included in the limit/word
count) High quality presentation that conforms to principles of academic writing and contains minimal errors in sentence construction, grammar and punctuation. The assignment followed appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text citations and referencing. 15 Marks
Total: 1000 words
Date: Grade: Marker’s signature:
Provisional grade subject to change and/or confirmation by the Assessment Boards.