(PORT 1) Assessment- Essay 2000 words- Critical Article

Review
Module Title: Strategic Management
Module Code: MBA 7002
Assessment Method: Essay
Level: 7
Module Credits: 20 Weighting: 50 %
Due Date : Word Count: 2000 ± 10%
TBC by Gulf College, Oman
To be submitted Via Moodle
Number of Submissions allowed: 2 ( TWO )

Assessment Task (PORT 1- Essay) 50% :

You are required to write a fully referenced 2000 words critical review on
following journal article topic.

Article: (See separate file for the article)

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION ON STRATEGIC
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
ECOFORUM [Volume 8, Issue 1(18), 2019]

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 1 of 17
 2000 Essay Word Count Guidance
Marks
Sections with (Approximate) word count guide
Allocated

Introduction (200) 10%

Main Body :

A-Discussions (Knowledge) (800 words) 40%

Sections B-Critically evaluation (700 words) 30%

Conclusion (350 words) 10%

Referencing: (Correct use of Harvard Referencing system) 10%

Total Marks 100%

Activity:
This PORT1 (50%) requires you to write 2000 words critical article review and developing the
citation using Harvard referencing format. The above table is ONLY a guide for your
understanding.

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 Guidance notes (2000 words essay)
1. Title page (front cover).
See below

2. Article Review
Here are some things you should consider as you examine a document and
write your review:
As a start, first, skim through the article and then giving it an once-over read.

As you do this, ask the major questions that are central to the review process:

1. What is the purpose of this article?

2. Why is it important to investigate or examine the subject of the article?

3. How are the authors carrying out the task? Are their methods and comments appropriate and
adequate to the task?

4. What do they claim to have found out? Are the findings clearly stated?

5. How does this advance knowledge in the field?

How well do the authors place their findings or comments within the context of ongoing scholarly
inquiry about this topic?

Look at the organization of the article. Can you find answers to the above questions quickly and
easily?

Can you trace the logic consistently from the opening paragraphs to the conclusion?

Then go back to the opening paragraphs of the article. Is the groundwork adequately and clearly
laid to guide readers into the topic that is being addressed? Is it clear what the authors are talking
about?

Do they make the case that this is an important area for inquiry or examination?

An early section of many articles is usually a review of the existing literature on this topic. Do the
authors present a convincing line of argument here—or does it appear that they are just name-
dropping (citing sources that may be important, without a clear underlying logic for how they may
be important)? Do the authors focus on ideas, or merely on discrete facts or findings? Have they
given sufficient attention to theory—the cumulative attempts at prior explanations for the
questions they are investigating?

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In short: How well do the authors set the stage for the problem or issue that they are reporting?

In the case of a research article like this, the section presenting research results is surely the heart
of the article—though not its soul (which the reader should find in the opening paragraphs and in
the discussion section).

The writing style is important.

Consider the three guidelines for successful communication—

to be clear, concise, and correct—and whether the authors have achieved it:

1. Is the writing clear?

Do the authors communicate their ideas using direct, straightforward, and unambiguous
words and phrases? Have they avoided jargon (statistical or conceptual) that would
interfere with the communication of their procedures or ideas? Have they clearly and
satisfactorily explained the key concepts relevant to the article?

3. Is the writing concise?

Are too many words or paragraphs or sections used to present what could be communicated
more simply?

4. Is the writing correct?

Many writers have only a rudimentary grasp of grammar and punctuation, and that results in
meandering commas, clauses in complex sentences that are struggling to find their verbs, and
adjectives or even nouns that remain quite ambiguous about their antecedents in the sentence.

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 (PORT 1 -50%) (2000 words) Essay Marking Scheme
Your
Sections /
Marks Individual Marking Scheme Score
/100
None, muddled. Some attempt, a Good clear structure, beginning,
Structure (10) 0–3 little disjointed. middle and ending.
4–7 8 –10
None, little Some relevance, a High relevance, no errors of fact, all
relevance to title, few errors of fact, statements supported by evidence.
many errors of most statements 8 –10
Content (10) fact, statements supported by
not supported by evidence.
evidence. 4–7
0–3
Poor spelling and Spelling and Excellent spelling and grammar, all
grammar, poor grammar fairly tables and figures support the text.
Presentation layout, poor use good, tables & 8 –10
(10) of tables & figures mostly
figures. support text.
0–3 4–7
Missed the jest Does not focus on Some points Major points
of the article. major issues. selected selected and
0–4 5–9 couple minor discussed.
issues or no 15 – 20
Analysis (25)
supporting
example High relevance,
explained. insightful analysis.
10 – 14 21 - 25
None, little Relevant but Relevant but High relevance,
relevance. rambling or demonstrating demonstrating a
0–3 repetitive. little good understanding
Discussion (15) 4–7 understanding of wider issues
of issues in the related to the field.
field. 13 – 15
8 – 12
Does not write Brief mention of Articulates your thoughts on the
any of your own thoughts, but did article in clear manner. Discusses
thoughts or not elaborate. No what you learned from reading the
Your Thoughts ideas about what mention of article or ideas you might use in
(10) is discussed in learning from the future.
the article. reading the 8 – 10
0–3 article.
4–7
None, or do not Some valid Good, valid conclusions that logically
follow logically conclusions that follow from earlier content.
Conclusions
from earlier mostly follow from 8 –10
(10) content. earlier content.
0–3 4–7
None, Does not Some attempt but Good referencing, no omissions.
follow Harvard citations and 8 –10
Referencing
style, or very references not
(10) poor. matching.
0–3 4–7
Student Name: Student ID:
Total Marks:
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General instructions

Coursework must be submitted online (MOODLE) as per the dead line set by Gulf College,
Muscat Oman.

You will two chances to submit your work, only the final submission will count.

The only circumstance in which assignments can be uploaded late via Turnitin is if a Mitigating
Circumstances (MC) form is submitted at the same time. In these circumstances work may be
submitted within five (5) working days. Make sure to secure MC form and submit the same to
the concerned staff.

Write the number of words used, excluding references, at the end of your assignment. Provide
the list of sources you used at the last page of your assignment with proper label ‘References’.
You may include diagrams, figures etc. without word penalty. The number of words will be + or –
10% of the total words allowed.

A work declaration must be included just after the reference page of your assignment. This
ensures that you prepare your work in good faith. Any form of collusion and/or academic unfair
practice will be dealt with according to the pertinent rules and regulations of the partner
university. Please read carefully the plagiarism guide.

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 6 of 17
Instructions to students:

 This assessment word count is 2000

 Your student identification number (ID) must be clearly stated at the top of each page of your
work.
 Each page must be numbered.
 Please use a minimum font size of 12
 Times new Roman Font Style
 1.5 line spacing and justify alignment
 All referencing must adhere to Institutional requirements.(Harvard Referencing Style)
 A word count must be stated at the end of your work.
 If applicable, all tables and figures must be correctly numbered and labelled.

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 7 of 17
 USE THIS FRONT COVER

CRITICAL REVIEW

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON

STRATEGIC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Name: ________________________

Student No: ___________________

Degree Programme： MBA (Gulf College, Oman)

Course: Strategic Management (MBA 7002)

Date:

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 8 of 17
Plagiarism

1. Plagiarism, which can be defined as using without acknowledgement another person’s words or
ideas and submitting them for assessment as though it were one’s own work, for instance by
copying, translating from one language to another or unacknowledged paraphrasing. Further
examples of plagiarism are given below:

Use of any quotation(s) from the published or unpublished work of other persons, whether
published in textbooks, articles, the Web, or in any other format, which quotations have not been
clearly identified as such by being placed in quotation marks and acknowledged.

Use of another person’s words or ideas that have been slightly changed or paraphrased to make
it look different from the original.

Summarising another person’s ideas, judgments, diagrams, figures, or computer programmes

without reference to that person in the text and the source in a bibliography or reference list.

Use of services of essay banks and/or any other agencies.

Use of unacknowledged material downloaded from the Internet.
Re-use of one’s own material except as authorised by the department.

2. Collusion, which can be defined as when work that has been undertaken by or with
others is submitted and passed off as solely as the work of one person. This also applies
where the work of one candidate is submitted in the name of another. Where this is done
with the knowledge of the originator both parties can be considered to be at fault.

3. Fabrication of data, making false claims to have carried out experiments, observations,
interviews or other forms of data collection and analysis, or acting dishonestly in any other
way.

Plagiarism Detection Software (PDS)

As part of its commitment to quality and the maintenance of academic standards, the University reserves
the right to use Plagiarism Detection Software (PDS), including Turnitin. Such software makes no
judgment as to whether a piece of work has been plagiarised; it simply highlights sections of text that
have been found in other sources.

The use of plagiarism detection software fulfills two functions. The first is to enhance student learning
(i.e. as a developmental tool); the second is to guard against and identify unfair practice in assessment.

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 Generic Marking Rubrics:
0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 100
Very Poor Very Poor Poor Satisfactory Good Very Good Excellent Outstanding Exceptional
An attempt to Poor Basic Good Very good Excellent Outstanding Exceptional
answer the discussion of discussion of discussion of discussion of discussion of discussion of discussion of
basic the the points in the the points in the main the main the main
requirements assessment assessment assessment; the points in the points in the points in the
of the task but task; task; limited relevant assessment assessment assessment assessment
lacks clarity; irrelevant ideas and ideas; task; relevant task; highly task; highly task; highly
highly ideas and concepts; relevant ideas and relevant ideas relevant ideas relevant ideas
irrelevant ideas concepts; limited use of materials concepts; and concepts; and concepts; and concepts;
and concepts; irrelevant relevant reflects relevant excellent outstanding exceptional
Introduction
highly materials materials subject materials presentation of presentation of presentation of
10%
irrelevant which reflects which reflects knowledge; reflects relevant relevant relevant
materials very limited limited assignment thoroughness materials materials materials
which reflects subject subject objectives are of subject which reflects which reflects which reflects
No very limited knowledge; knowledge; set knowledge; thoroughness thoroughness thoroughness
answer subject no clear assignment assignment of subject of subject of subject
given or a knowledge; no assignment objectives are objectives are knowledge; knowledge; knowledge;
totally assignment objectives unclear defined clearly defined clearly defined clearly defined
irrelevant objectives set assignment assignment assignment
answer. objectives objectives objectives

An attempt to Poor Basic Good Very good Excellent Outstanding Exceptional

answer the understandin understandin understandin understanding understanding understanding understanding
basic g of the g of the g of the of the theories and and and
requirements theories and theories and theories and and concepts comprehensio comprehensio comprehensio
Knowledge No of the task but concepts; concepts; concepts; in relation to n of the n of the n of the
40% answer lacks clarity; inability to ability to ability to the theories and theories and theories and
given or a very poor relate the relate the relate the assessment; concepts concepts concepts
totally comprehensio theories and theories and theories and ability to relate related to the related to the related to the
irrelevant n of the concepts to concepts; concepts; the theories assessment; assessment; assessment;
answer. theories and other fields of limited discussion of and concepts; ability to relate ability to relate ability to relate
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 concepts; study; poor discussion of the terms discussion of the theories the theories the theories
unable to discussion of the key terms needed in the the terms and concepts and concepts and concepts
relate the the key terms needed in the assessment. needed in the to other fields to other fields to other fields
theories and of the assessment. assessment. of study; of study; of study;
concepts to assessment. discussion of discussion of discussion of
other fields of the key terms the key terms the key terms
study; unclear needed in the needed in the needed in the
discussion of assessment. assessment. assessment.
the key terms
of the
assessment.
No An attemp to Poor Basic Good Very good Excellent Outstanding Exceptional
answer judge the case judgement of judgement of judgement of judgement of judgement of judgement of judgement of
given or a but no the case with the case with the case with the case with the case with the case with the case with
totally originality; no originality; limited originality; perception and high degree of high degree of high degree of
irrelevant appraisal of appraisal of originality; appraisal of originality; perception and perception and perception and
answer. arguments arguments appraisal of arguments appraisal of originality; originality; originality;
with no pros with no pros arguments provide pros arguments appraisal of appraisal of appraisal of
and cons; and cons; provide and cons; provide valid arguments arguments arguments
critique of critique of limited pros critique of pros and cons; provide strong provide strong provide strong
theories with theories with and cons; theories with critique of and valid pros and valid pros and valid pros
no details; no no details; critique of details; theories and cons; and cons; and cons;
consideration very limited theories with consideration supported by critique of critique of critique of
Evaluation
of evidences to consideration limited of evidences details; theories and theories and theories and
30%
address the of evidences details; to address the consideration concepts concepts concepts
issues; no to address the limited issues; of evidences supported by supported by supported by
solutions issues; very consideration solutions relevant to relevant relevant relevant
raised in the limited of evidences raised in the theories to details; details; details;
assessment solutions to address the assessment address the consideration consideration consideration
task raised in the issues; limited task. issues; of various of various of various
assessment solutions solutions to evidences evidences evidences
task raised in the problems relevant to relevant to relevant to
assessment raised in the theories and theories and theories and
task. assessment concepts to concepts to concepts to
task. address issues; address issues; address issues;
solutions to solutions to solutions to
Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 2 of 17
 problems and problems and problems and
issues raised in issues raised in issues raised in
the assessment the assessment the assessment
task. task. task.

An attempt to Poor synthesis Satisfactory Good Very good Excellent Outstanding Exceptional
summarise the of the synthesis of synthesis of synthesis of synthesis of synthesis of synthesis of
assessment assessment the the the points of the main the main the main
task; very poor task; weak assessment assessment the points of the points of the points of the
synthesis of summary of task; task; good assessment assessment assessment assessment
the assessment the points satisfactory summary of task; very good task; excellent task; task;
Conclusion/
task; very weak presented; summary of the points summary of summary of outstanding exceptional
Synthesis
summary of weak position the points presented; the evidences; the evidences summary of summary of
10%
No the points on the points presented; clear position strong position presented; the evidences the evidences
answer presented; raised unclear on the points on the points profound presented; presented;
given or a very weak position on raised raised position on the profound profound
totally position on the the points main points position on the position on the
irrelevant points raised raised raised main points main points
answer. raised raised
Includes very Includes very Includes a Includes a list Includes a Includes a Includes a Includes a
limited list of limited list of limited list of of required comprehensiv comprehensive comprehensive comprehensive
references references references number of e list of list of list of list of
from online mostly from mostly from references references references references references
References
sources with online sources sources but mostly mostly from from all from all from all
10%
no Harvard which are not including from sources sources sources sources sources
No referencing following books and including including including including including
references style proper online sources books, online books, e- books, e- books, e- books, e-
given Harvard with no sources, and books, online books, online books, online books, online

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 3 of 17
 referencing proper journals with sources, sources, sources, sources,
system Harvard lapses on on journals and newspapers, newspapers, newspapers,
referencing the use of publications journals and journals and journals and
system Harvard with minor publications publications publications
referencing mistakes on using the using the using the
system the use of proper Harvard proper Harvard proper Harvard
Harvard referencing referencing referencing
referencing system system system
system

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 4 of 17
Referencing guide:

The University regulations on plagiarism and unfair practice must be

observed. Your attention is drawn in particular to the need to
acknowledge all sources of information by clearly referencing all
material using the Harvard Convention. The Cardiff School of
Management reserves the right to ask for further proof of the nature and
source of material used and you are advised to keep complete records of
such sources.

Throughout your assignment you should been referring to the work of other
people. This must be properly referenced as a reader may wish to consult the
original text.

It is essential to cite ALL sources of references and to acknowledge works

consulted.

There are many referencing styles, like Harvard, APA, MLA, MHRA,
OSCOLA, Vancouver and Chicago.

For this assignment, use ‘HARVARD’ referencing format.

Please explore the following comprehensive link to referencing.

‘Cite Them Right Online’

Link to www.citethemrightonline.com refining guide.

End of Assignment Brief

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 1 of 17
Guidance Notes

Further Guidance Notes on referencing.

As stated above do not forget to explore the ‘Cite Them Right Online’
web link:

For this assignment, use ‘HARVARD’ referencing format.

Please explore the following comprehensive link to referencing.

‘Cite Them Right Online’

Link to www.citethemrightonline.com refining guide.

In the text you should refer to pieces of work in a consistent manner. The
required method for doing so is the Harvard system, as noted below:

Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 2 of 17
Harvard System

References are indicated in the text as follows:

(Name, Date) e.g. - (Jones, 1999)

Where there are two authors:

(Name and Name, Date) e.g. - (Jones and Kemp, 1998)

Where there are more than two authors, all authors should be listed on first
use, thereafter ‘et al’ is acceptable:

(Name et al, Date) e.g. - (Jones et al, 1991)

Use a,b,c etc. to indicate different publications by the same author(s) in the
same year.

e.g. ...In contrast to others (Jones, 1996a; Jones, 1996b Norman, 1988;),
Mathews (1999) suggested that...

When listing authors in this way you must use either alphabetical (names as
listed above) or chronological order (date of publication as listed below), so it
is also feasible to write:

e.g. …In contrast to others (Norman 1988, Jones 1996a, Jones 1996b),
Mathews (1999) suggested that…

Short quotes, less than three lines of typescript should be run into the text like
this: "Most writers, even professionals, have trouble getting started" (Becker,
1986:45).

Where you have a longer quote, indent it, single-spaced with no quote marks:

They start over and over again, destroying reams of paper, working over the
first sentence or paragraph again and again as they find each successive try
unsatisfactory in some new way (Becker, 198:45).
Essay 2000 Words- Critical – Strategic Management (MBA 7002) - Gulf College OMAN Page 3 of 17
Please note where the full stop occurs in these quotes. The source must be
part of the sentence. Please also note that page numbers are given for quotes.

One point: try not to use too many quotes, make sure the ones you use are
pertinent, otherwise it ends up messy and disjointed - they will seldom all be
relevant. Quotes should rarely exceed 8 lines.

At the end of the dissertation you will include a list of references in

alphabetical order - books, journals, conference papers etc. all together. The
name of the book, journal, conference paper should be underlined and the
date of publication, place of publication and publisher given e.g.

Balchin, P. and Bull, G. (1987) Regional and Urban Economics London:

Harper

Inverted commas should be used with chapters from edited collections, and
article titles e.g.

Bateley, R. (1989) ‘London Docklands: An Analysis of Power Relations

Between UDCs and Local Government’ Public Administration Vol. 67
pp167-187

Cardiff City Council (1971) South Butetown: Proposals for the Seventies
Cardiff: Planning Department

Cawson, A. (1985) ‘Corporatism and Local Politics’ in Grant, W. (Ed.) The

Political Economy of Corporatism London: Macmillan

Duffy, H. (1989) ‘ Title of Article’ London: Financial Times 28th February

Saunders, P. (1981a) Social Theory and the Urban Question London:

Hutchinson

Saunders, P. (1981b) ‘Notes on the specificity of the Local State’ in Boddy,

M. and Fudge, C. (Eds) The Local State: Theory and Practice Working
Paper 20 University of Bristol - SAUS

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