Coursework Assignment Brief
Semester E15
Module Code PM103
Module Title Management Information and Communication Systems (MICS)
Programme MBA Strategic Management Full-time
Level: Level 7
Awarding Body: University of Plymouth
Module Leader Neil McLellan
Assessment Task Business information and communication flow
Produce a formal report in which you provide a critical evaluation of the role of ERP and CRM systems in an organisation of yourchoice.
Describe the role played by wireless networks and other types of networks in involving different parts of the organisation, or other organisations.
Outline and critically discuss the business functions performed by the ERP and CRM systems, the flow of data and information in the ERP and CRM systems.
Evaluate how management, and other users, can use the information from these systems both tactically and strategically and state what form the information may take, and address issues with mobile devices and BYOD.
State your conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Assessment format Word Report
Presentation: No
Any special requirements: All work should be submitted on the Student Portal along with an acceptable Turnitin Report
Word limit 3,000
Deadline date for submission: Wednesday 2nd December 2015 by 12 midday
Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment Understand the nature and content of MICS and how they improvemanagement decision-making.
Evaluate the strategy of MICS in different types oforganisations.
Demonstrate how MICS are able to integrate the various management functions to enhance the overall performance of organisations.

Assessment criteria Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria Maximum marks for each section
Content, style, relevance, originality Employs a wide range of recent journal literature to provide a clear and detailed picture of the current situation 30
Format, referencing, bibliography Structured as a professional report, fully using the Harvard Reference System 20
Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion Shows clear analysis and evaluation of the findings and clearly indicates how management decisions impact the results 50

Students should conform to the conventions of the above assessment format in the preparation of their assignments. The relevant assessment criteria have been stated to enable and guide students in the preparation of their work. Achievement of the learning outcomes and the application of relevant theories to the assessment task should be demonstrated.
How to structure the assignment report
Title Page
Assignment title, module code, full name and student code, as well as submission date.
Table of Contents
A list all the chapters, sections, headings and sub-headings. Appendices and Figures should be provided as well as all page numbers as clearly as possible.
Introduction
This provides an overview of the topic being considered and how you will approach it.
Findings and Analysis
• This is the substance of your report. The structure will vary depending on the material being presented. Headings and sub-headings should be used to indicate clearly the different sections
• The following headings may help to add structure: situation; problem; solution; evaluation. It is not sufficient simply to describe a situation. Analysis and a critical approach are essential
• Charts, diagrams and tables can be used to reinforce your arguments, although it may be better to include the more complex ones as an appendix.
Conclusions
These draw out the implications of your findings. Deductions are based on the facts described in the findings and analysis. Remember not to include any new material here.
Recommendations
Indicate what you think should be done to improve or develop the situation in specific ways. Highlight the steps for action.
References
This is a record of all the named sources you have quoted from or reproduced in your report. Please use The Harvard System for all references
Bibliography
It contains all reading you have conducted in preparation for writing the report but have not used in reference. It allows the reader to assess whether the background reading undertaken was balanced and a variety of courses utilised.
Appendices
Detailed documentation of points made in the findings. Examples include: technical data, questionnaires, letters sent, tables, charts or leaflets. An appendix contains supplementary information that you consider to be too long, complicated or not quite relevant to include in the main section of the report, but is still relevant to your reader. Each appendix should be referred to in your text. You should not include something as an appendix if it is not discussed in the report.

Assignment Marking Guide

Criteria Fail
(below 50%) Pass
(50-59%) Good Pass
(60-69%) Distinction
(70% +)
Identification of and approach to the problem or task with clearly defined objectives. Does not grasp or address the problem or task. No clear objective and limited exploration of possible approaches to the problem or task. Broadly addresses the problem or task but lacks some clarity or shows limited consideration of contextual issues. Some justification of the methods of investigation. Clearly addresses the problem or task and demonstrates ability to understand contextual issues and the implications of change. Clear objectives. Considered justification of investigation methods. Very clearly identifies and discusses the problem or task and demonstrates comprehensive awareness of contextual issues and understands the possible difficulties of change. Comprehensive justification of investigation methods.
Sources of reference and underpinning data Very little evidence of reference to relevant literature or current practice. Some use of relevant literature or current practice applied to the problem or task. Clear and adequate use of relevant literature and current practice underpin the approach taken in dealing with the problem or task. Some critical evaluation of the validity and usefulness of literature. Reference to contemporary research findings for benchmarking purposes. Comprehensive use of up to date and relevant literature, and current practice in dealing with the problem or task. All stages of the work underpinned by reference to relevant sources. Takes a holistic, critical and evaluative approach to evaluating what he / she has read, including methodological limitations of research findings.
Information collection and analysis Inadequate collection and analysis of information. Descriptive rather than analytical. No linkage of theory and practice. Adequate information collected and some analysis and application to the problem or task. Some linkage of the analysis to relevant literature. Competent collection of information that is analysed and used in problem identification and resolution. Critical evaluation of organisational practice, including benchmarking of HRM practice outside the author’s own organisation, and relevant linkage of the analysis to relevant literature. Comprehensive collection of information that is analysed and clearly applied to resolution of the problem or task. Takes a critical but constructive approach and integrates a wide range of thinking and on the subject, including examination and evaluation of leading-edge / innovative practice in other organisations.
Conclusion or final outcome.
Conclusions or final outcome unrelated to information collected. Contains a number of unsupported observations or actions. Conclusions or final outcome broadly follows from the information collected and are reasonably logical. Conclusions or final outcome developed logically from the information obtained.
Addresses most of the key issues. Conclusions or final outcomes are developed logically and show full appreciation of the information collected. Detailed conclusions or outcome clearly supported by analysis. All of the key issued are addressed and potential barriers/difficulties identified.
Recommendations Recommendations do not follow from the facts. No exploration of feasibility and ease of implementation. Fails to reach informed recommendations. Recommendations are broadly logical and practical but some work required for effective implementation. Recommendations are appropriate and capable of implementation. Some consideration of resource implications
e.g. finance, time, training. Practical and logically developed recommendations that consider implications of implementation in terms of feasibility (resources, competences and capability) and acceptability to key stakeholders and how this can be achieved (change management, influencing strategies)

Coursework Assignment Brief
Semester E15
Module Code PM103
Module Title Management Information and Communication Systems (MICS)
Programme MBA Strategic Management Full-time
Level: Level 7
Awarding Body: University of Plymouth
Module Leader Neil McLellan
Assessment Task Business information and communication flow
Produce a formal report in which you provide a critical evaluation of the role of ERP and CRM systems in an organisation of yourchoice.
Describe the role played by wireless networks and other types of networks in involving different parts of the organisation, or other organisations.
Outline and critically discuss the business functions performed by the ERP and CRM systems, the flow of data and information in the ERP and CRM systems.
Evaluate how management, and other users, can use the information from these systems both tactically and strategically and state what form the information may take, and address issues with mobile devices and BYOD.
State your conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Assessment format Word Report
Presentation: No
Any special requirements: All work should be submitted on the Student Portal along with an acceptable Turnitin Report
Word limit 3,000
Deadline date for submission: Wednesday 2nd December 2015 by 12 midday
Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment Understand the nature and content of MICS and how they improvemanagement decision-making.
Evaluate the strategy of MICS in different types oforganisations.
Demonstrate how MICS are able to integrate the various management functions to enhance the overall performance of organisations.

Assessment criteria Explanatory comments on the assessment criteria Maximum marks for each section
Content, style, relevance, originality Employs a wide range of recent journal literature to provide a clear and detailed picture of the current situation 30
Format, referencing, bibliography Structured as a professional report, fully using the Harvard Reference System 20
Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion Shows clear analysis and evaluation of the findings and clearly indicates how management decisions impact the results 50

Students should conform to the conventions of the above assessment format in the preparation of their assignments. The relevant assessment criteria have been stated to enable and guide students in the preparation of their work. Achievement of the learning outcomes and the application of relevant theories to the assessment task should be demonstrated.
How to structure the assignment report
Title Page
Assignment title, module code, full name and student code, as well as submission date.
Table of Contents
A list all the chapters, sections, headings and sub-headings. Appendices and Figures should be provided as well as all page numbers as clearly as possible.
Introduction
This provides an overview of the topic being considered and how you will approach it.
Findings and Analysis
• This is the substance of your report. The structure will vary depending on the material being presented. Headings and sub-headings should be used to indicate clearly the different sections
• The following headings may help to add structure: situation; problem; solution; evaluation. It is not sufficient simply to describe a situation. Analysis and a critical approach are essential
• Charts, diagrams and tables can be used to reinforce your arguments, although it may be better to include the more complex ones as an appendix.
Conclusions
These draw out the implications of your findings. Deductions are based on the facts described in the findings and analysis. Remember not to include any new material here.
Recommendations
Indicate what you think should be done to improve or develop the situation in specific ways. Highlight the steps for action.
References
This is a record of all the named sources you have quoted from or reproduced in your report. Please use The Harvard System for all references
Bibliography
It contains all reading you have conducted in preparation for writing the report but have not used in reference. It allows the reader to assess whether the background reading undertaken was balanced and a variety of courses utilised.
Appendices
Detailed documentation of points made in the findings. Examples include: technical data, questionnaires, letters sent, tables, charts or leaflets. An appendix contains supplementary information that you consider to be too long, complicated or not quite relevant to include in the main section of the report, but is still relevant to your reader. Each appendix should be referred to in your text. You should not include something as an appendix if it is not discussed in the report.

Assignment Marking Guide

Criteria Fail
(below 50%) Pass
(50-59%) Good Pass
(60-69%) Distinction
(70% +)
Identification of and approach to the problem or task with clearly defined objectives. Does not grasp or address the problem or task. No clear objective and limited exploration of possible approaches to the problem or task. Broadly addresses the problem or task but lacks some clarity or shows limited consideration of contextual issues. Some justification of the methods of investigation. Clearly addresses the problem or task and demonstrates ability to understand contextual issues and the implications of change. Clear objectives. Considered justification of investigation methods. Very clearly identifies and discusses the problem or task and demonstrates comprehensive awareness of contextual issues and understands the possible difficulties of change. Comprehensive justification of investigation methods.
Sources of reference and underpinning data Very little evidence of reference to relevant literature or current practice. Some use of relevant literature or current practice applied to the problem or task. Clear and adequate use of relevant literature and current practice underpin the approach taken in dealing with the problem or task. Some critical evaluation of the validity and usefulness of literature. Reference to contemporary research findings for benchmarking purposes. Comprehensive use of up to date and relevant literature, and current practice in dealing with the problem or task. All stages of the work underpinned by reference to relevant sources. Takes a holistic, critical and evaluative approach to evaluating what he / she has read, including methodological limitations of research findings.
Information collection and analysis Inadequate collection and analysis of information. Descriptive rather than analytical. No linkage of theory and practice. Adequate information collected and some analysis and application to the problem or task. Some linkage of the analysis to relevant literature. Competent collection of information that is analysed and used in problem identification and resolution. Critical evaluation of organisational practice, including benchmarking of HRM practice outside the author’s own organisation, and relevant linkage of the analysis to relevant literature. Comprehensive collection of information that is analysed and clearly applied to resolution of the problem or task. Takes a critical but constructive approach and integrates a wide range of thinking and on the subject, including examination and evaluation of leading-edge / innovative practice in other organisations.
Conclusion or final outcome.
Conclusions or final outcome unrelated to information collected. Contains a number of unsupported observations or actions. Conclusions or final outcome broadly follows from the information collected and are reasonably logical. Conclusions or final outcome developed logically from the information obtained.
Addresses most of the key issues. Conclusions or final outcomes are developed logically and show full appreciation of the information collected. Detailed conclusions or outcome clearly supported by analysis. All of the key issued are addressed and potential barriers/difficulties identified.
Recommendations Recommendations do not follow from the facts. No exploration of feasibility and ease of implementation. Fails to reach informed recommendations. Recommendations are broadly logical and practical but some work required for effective implementation. Recommendations are appropriate and capable of implementation. Some consideration of resource implications
e.g. finance, time, training. Practical and logically developed recommendations that consider implications of implementation in terms of feasibility (resources, competences and capability) and acceptability to key stakeholders and how this can be achieved (change management, influencing strategies)