| Category |
Assignment |
Subject |
Business |
| University |
- |
Module Title |
Problem Solution Essay |
Description:
In this final assignment, students are required to compile comprehensive "office documentation" in the form of a problem-solution essay. This documentation will serve as a reference for other departments or superiors within the company regarding the business problem and the proposed solution. The essay should provide an overview of the identified problem, possible solutions, and a justification for the chosen solution.
Requirements:
Essay Length: 1,500 words (+/-10%)
Students must synthesise AI-generated content with their research and writing to create a cohesive paper. The AI-generated content should not be more than 50% of the total paper, meaning approximately 750 words. The paper should integrate this AI content seamlessly, ensuring that the final product is cohesive and reflective of the student's understanding and critical analysis. Note that no more than 10% of the paper can consist of direct quotations. Instead, paraphrasing, summarising, and integrating AI content and original research in a meaningful way is required.
Additional Requirement:
When submitting the final draft, students must use the "Track Changes" feature in MS Word to show what has been revised from the first draft. Submissions without tracked changes will be penalised.
Sources:
- A minimum of four sources is required, out of which at least two must be academic/semi-academic (e.g., books, journal articles, trade journals).
- Trade journals are business-related texts, such as articles from the Harvard Business Review, reports from reputable business research organisations, and industry white papers, which are also acceptable. A business-related text generally refers to materials that analyse, discuss, or provide insights into business practices, management, finance, or related fields.
- Sources must be provided with a URL link. If books are used, they should come from Perlego, and the appropriate link should be provided as well.
AI Tool:
- For the AI-generated content, students should use Chatgpt4 (free or subscription-based).
- All AI interactions must be documented, including prompts and outputs, and included as an appendix.
Essay Structure:
1. Introduction:
- Introduce the business problem.
- Provide an overview of the essay's structure and purpose.
2. Body:
Problem Identification:
- Describe the problem in detail, including its background and impact on the company.
Solution #1:
- Present the first potential solution, including its advantages and disadvantages.
Solution #2:
- Present the second potential solution, including its advantages and disadvantages.
Chosen Solution and Justification:
- Identify which solution you support and provide a thorough justification for your choice, including how it addresses the problem and its feasibility.
3. Conclusion:
- Summarise the key points discussed in the essay.
- Reiterate the importance of addressing the problem and the benefits of the chosen solution.
4. References:
- Include all sources cited in the essay using the Harvard Style.
5. Appendix:
- Include all AI-generated prompts and content.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Identify a Business Problem:
- Choose a problem/topic from the list of topics provided at the beginning of the semester that businesses are facing today.
2. Research and AI Use:
- Using your research and Chatgpt, identify two competing solutions to the problem.
3. Analyse Solutions:
- Assess the respective advantages and disadvantages of the two solutions, combining insights from your research and the AI-generated content.
4. Compare and Choose:
- Choose your criteria for evaluating the solutions, select the one you prefer, and justify your choice in the essay.
5. Writing the Essay:
- Write a 1,500-word paper following the structure outlined above, ensuring the AI and your original content are cohesively integrated.
Assessment Criteria:
- Problem Identification (20%): Clear and detailed description of the problem, including its background and impact.
- Solution Presentation (30%): Comprehensive presentation of both solutions, including their advantages and disadvantages.
- Justification of Chosen Solution (30%): Strong justification for the chosen solution, demonstrating its feasibility and how it addresses the problem.
- Essay Structure and Clarity (10%): Clear and logical structure, including a well-written introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Language and Referencing Accuracy (10%): Correct use of Harvard Style Referencing.
AI Policy - Level 4:
Level 4:
Students can use AI freely to support their work in completing the assignment, leveraging AI for data gathering, drafting, and refining the report.
Documentation: The student must maintain comprehensive records of all AI interactions, including data gathering, drafts, and refinements.
Disclosure: All AI use must be thoroughly documented and disclosed, detailing each step of the AI's contribution.
Example Disclosure: "Throughout the preparation of this report on the role of international organisations in peacekeeping, AI tools were extensively used. Chatgpt 4.0 was employed to gather data, generate initial drafts, and refine the final submission. Prompts included: 'Gather data on the role of the UN in peacekeeping,' 'Draft a section on the challenges faced by international peacekeeping missions,' and 'Refine the final report for clarity and coherence.' All AI-generated contributions were critically evaluated and integrated.
