Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-GB
X-NONE
X-NONE

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;}

“The balanced scorecard (BSC) has been a high profile performance measurement concept over the last two decades. Worldwide consultancy companies are selling the BSC concept and many companies have adopted a performance framework labelled the balanced scorecard. Also, many research articles have been published on issues related to the BSC concept. However, the success of the BSC has been mixed.”

(Norreklit, H. and Mitchell, F. 2012, Management Accounting Research, 23, 1, pg1)

 

Your essay may cover many different aspects of performance measurement, but areas that you may wish to consider are:

·       The benefits of the BSC when compared to traditional performance measures

·       Changing environment and requirements of a performance measurement system

·       Development and popularity of the BSC (e.g. strategy maps)

·       Current developments and trends in performance measurement

 

 

 

1. Your essay should have an overall length of 2,000 words (plus or minus 10%). A word count MUST be given. In line with University Guidelines, you will be penalised for a paper excessively over or under the word count.  All references and quotes made within the body of your essay are included in the word count.  The bibliography and reference list given at the end of your essay is not included in the word count. 

 

2. The paper should be presented on A4 and typed in double line spacing in Verdana 11pt font with text justified.  The paper should be securely stapled at the top left corner. You will also be required to submit an electronic copy of your coursework to the drop box available on the moodle page.

 

3. References to text, articles etc. should be cited using the “Harvard” system of citation.  A leaflet on this referencing system and how to use it is available in the library. 

 

4. The final draft of your coursework should be run through the Turnitin software (incorporated into the drop box facility).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As stated above, you have been asked to prepare an essay – not a report.  This means that your submission will be less structured than a report but not less formal in its language and referencing.  As indicated, you will be penalised for a word count excessively over or under 2,000 words. You are allowed 10% difference either way i.e. the essay should not be less than 1,800 words nor more than 2,200.

You are expected to develop an analytical discussion, not a descriptive discussion of specific techniques. I have highlighted some areas and key points you may want to consider within the question set:

·       DO NOT use your word count to provide a lengthy description of the BSC – be concise

·       The BSC was first introduced in 1992 – how has it developed since then?

·       How does the BSC compare to other performance measures, what are its key features?

·       Consider surveys and case studies that can demonstrate the success (or not) of the BSC

·       You could consider how the BSC addresses issues linked with other areas of performance measurement such as ROI/RI and value based performance management

·       A good answer will also identify current and future trends in performance measurement techniques

 

Use direct quotes sparingly.  Most of the arguments and ideas you read should be put into your own words, properly referenced and formed into the arguments you’re setting out.  Too many quotes make it look as though you haven’t understood the meaning of what you’ve read.  Show me you can put an argument together.

 

 

Your coursework mark will be weighted as follows:

Presentation, language & structure	10%
Wide research and proper referencing	20%
Critical analysis, knowledge and understanding	70%

Further information on each section is detailed below:

Language and Structure

·     Grammar and spelling

·     Presence of typing errors

·     Good layout

·     Good structure

·     Formal essay style

Wide research and proper referencing

·     Use of quality journals as well as web sites and technical articles

·     Correct and consistent referencing style (Harvard style required) in citations and reference list

·     Up to date references

·     Wide range of references (not Wikipedia and similar web sites!)

·     Use of academic journals, magazines, newspapers and textbooks

Knowledge, understanding and explanation

·     Discussion of key debates

·     Explanation and demonstration of understanding of issues

Critical Evaluation of the key debates

·     Good use of quotes and references to enforce debates and arguments

·     Ability to analyse various viewpoints within relevant debates and arguments

Synthesis of critical discussion