Word count: 2,500 words (maximum)
You will write a research essay based on review of relevant literature and case studies on the following topic:
Analyse the challenges that long-established companies OR small businesses face in digital transformation and explain how they can overcome those challenges using digital strategy.
Your essay shall be structured, but not limited, as follows
• Introduction: definitions and discussions of key concepts as well as a description of the essay structure.
• Provide a critical analysis of relevant literature: this should identify and explain relevant theories, arguments and perspectives regarding the topic. You can take a specific position on the topic and discuss the literature to support, refute or demonstrate your position. Here you are free to create appropriate sub-section headings.
• Discussion of the main challenges, problems and issues businesses face in relation to the topic (or your specific position).
• Conclusion: discussion of the overall coverage of the topic including emerging trends about the future.
• References.
Process
• Locate relevant sources (databases, journals, books). You are expected to refer to refereed (peer reviewed) academic papers more so than websites.
• Identify relevant literature (at least 10 relevant Journal articles. Start with the course references list to support your initial exploration of the themes, concepts and issues that may apply to the topic).
• Analyse and synthesise the literature to produce an analytical essay that addresses not only “what” questions but also “why”, “how” and “in what sense” questions.
Submission Instruction
• This essay should not be more than 2,500 words excluding reference.
• The essay shall be formatted as: 12pt font Times New Roman; 1.5 line spacing and 2.54 (standard setting) margin.
• There is no need for an executive summary or abstract.
• Your analysis and recommendations will need to be supported with clear and relevant supporting evidence from both scholarly and other sources described under the list of evidence.
• All sources including models and frameworks must be cited using the Harvard referencing method.
Marking guide
• Introduction: An accurate statement of the topic is provided and key terms are defined with relevant citations. An overview of the themes, arguments and issues to be discussed is presented.
• Evidence based discussion and critical analysis: Relevant and valid answer to the essay topic that uses high quality references to underpin all arguments/points. Logical flow and development of ideas. Synthesis and critical analysis are underpinned by appropriate literature; use of relevant theories, concepts and frameworks to support analysis; own input, insight and interpretation.
• Conclusion: A clear and complete summary of key arguments, issues and themes is presented that corresponds to the outline presented in the introduction. Accurate implications and/or recommendations are provided.
• Presentation: Clarity of structure, quality of presentation, style and readability.
• Referencing: Appropriate citation of sources and evidence used; use of Harvard referencing and citation style.
Criteria
Introduction
An accurate statement of the topic is provided and key terms are defined with relevant citations. An overview of the themes, arguments and issues to be discussed is presented.
10 to >8.0 Pts Excellent
Outstanding application of effort. Criteria requirements ( that is, accurate statement of topic, definition of key concepts, overview of what to expect in the rest of the rest of the essay) fully achieved.
Evidence based discussion and critical analysis
Relevant and valid answer to the essay topic that uses high quality references to underpin all arguments/points; Logical flow and development of ideas. Synthesis and critical analysis is underpinned by appropriate literature; use of relevant theories, concepts and frameworks to support analysis; own input, insight and interpretation.
25 to >19.75 Pts Excellent
Outstanding application of effort. Criteria requirements fully achieved.
Conclusion
A clear and complete summary of key arguments, issues and themes is presented that corresponds to the outline presented in the introduction. Accurate implications and/or recommendations are provided
5 to >3.95 Pts Excellent
Outstanding application of effort. Criteria requirements fully achieved.
Organisation and Presentation
Clarity of structure, quality of presentation, style and readability.
5 to >4.0 Pts Excellent
Excellently presented and organised throughout
Referencing
Appropriate citation of sources and evidence used; use of RMIT referencing and citation style.
5 to >4.0 Pts Excellent
10+ highly relevant journals used. All evidences cited consistently using RMIT citation and referencing guide