Individual evaluation of Balanced Scorecard framework

Trimester B Assignment Overview

RESEARCH NOTE: You will need to collect different types of information to carry out the presentation assignment. It is important that you do not take all your information from one source as it is likely to be heavily biased. It is also important that you do not rely solely on company literature as this is likely to put forward a view of the world that suits company management. Students are expected to demonstrate up-to-date research on the chosen approach, the sector of choice, and applied examples of how a company(ies) within that sector has(ve) deployed the approach for the purpose of continuous improvement and/or innovation within the sector.

(1) A ‘critical assessment’ requires you to analyse the role in terms of both benefits and challenges associated with the approach. Therefore your assessment should encompass several arguments and/or perspectives.

(2) You should undertake a keyword academic literature search for findings on the application of your chosen approach. You are therefore expected to apply (referenced) examples of organisations which have implemented – (or are currently exploiting) the approach. The evidence must come from findings which have been published in academic literature or sourced through available organisational / body documentation, with complete reference details given (using the Harvard referencing system) within the reference page.
(3) You should also discuss the implementation challenges faced by organisations in energising commitment and participation when deploying the approach. Again, arguments should be based on findings conveyed in secondary literature in terms of challenges encountered, lessons learned and benefits gained.
(4) You may also wish to reflect on weaknesses in the evidence reviewed and identify any research gaps in the literature which highlights opportunity for further research.
(5) Remember that as this is a ‘formal presentation’ – you must structure your submission in accordance with reporting conventions.

Part1

Individual evaluation of Balanced Scorecard framework (10%): 600 words

This encompasses a written independent (critical) evaluation of the role and value of your Balanced Scorecard framework in facilitating continuous improvement. This may include further critical assessment and application by way of sectoral insight, to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the framework, over and above findings presented within your group. Please note that this is an ‘academic assessment’ therefore within this section, arguments MUST be underpinned by reference sources.

Part 2
Individual Reflection / Review (20%): 800 – 1,000 words
As part of your portfolio you must also include an individually written personal reflection that draws out the lessons learned from the process of working in a team and participating in the presentation. This should be structured into two parts as outlined below:

Part One – Team Development, Peer Support & Peer Assessment
Your reflection may give consideration to the following:

• How high was commitment to the team? Were meetings well attended?
• What were the key stages in the team development? How well did the team work together (a) at the start, (b) during meetings, and (c) on the day of the presentation?
• What roles were performed within the team? By you and others?
• How could the team working process have been improved – in hindsight, what you personally had done differently individually and/or collectively as a team?
• What challenges did your team face in the peer assessment process?
• What personal insights have you learned about yourself, as a result of the learning journey on this part of the module (Trimester B)?

Part Two – Presentation Strengths and Weaknesses
Critically compare the structure, content and delivery of your presentation to other presentations delivered by the cohort.
Critically discuss examples of good and poor practice from observations of others’ presentations in relation to the following:
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of your team presentation in terms of visuals, flow, and timing compared to (a) the remit and marking criteria; and (b) the other presentations that you observed in class?

• What were the strengths and weaknesses of your team presentation content
and analysis compared to (a) the remit and marking criteria; and (b) the other
presentations that you observed in class?

You may wish to make use of appendices to summarise your evaluation of presentation groups within a table, and focus your discussion in the main body, on several poignant reflections only, where lessons have been learned.

Your individual report should be submitted to Turn-it-in prior to submission, to enable you to ‘self-check’ that you have referenced properly throughout the report. The Turn-it-in system has been specifically set up to allow you to submit as many times as you feel is necessary to avoid possible allegation of plagiarism.