1. The student is required to research a business topic, drawing information from a number of sources, prepare and give a talk to a group, and answer questions. Simply presenting facts and figures from another module in your course is not accepted. Reproducing material from a text book, journal or website is not acceptable either.
2. The student will do fact-finding, assess data and information, present the information in a coherent way, and possibly try to persuade the audience to adopt the presenter' s view or evaluation of the matter.
3. At Level 8, students are expected to analyse a business situation or trend, give a critical evaluation of the matter, and possibly make recommendations about how to optimise or profit from the situation.
What the seminar should include (as appropriate to the subject matter):
1. Introduction, outline the topic, background theory, recent developments, how you researched/ prepared the seminar.
2. Main findings, explanation and analysis of the subject matter, cause and effect relationships, who gains- who loses, discuss practice by businesses or state actors in relation to the subject. Besides published (secondary) sources, students are encouraged to interview business people, managers or officials to get their current view.
3. If you recommend a particular action or policy, give your arguments to persuade the audience (or decision maker) that your advice is sound.
4. Provide a list of references used as sources of information
5. You are encouraged to use transparencies or overheads
Assessment of Business Environment Seminars is based on two dimensions- content and delivery.
1. Content (Evidence of research, thought, analysis, evaluation)
Marks will be awarded for:
• Evidence of quality and quantity of work
• Use of multiple secondary sources
• Comprehensive treatment of the topic
• Analytical approach - go beyond explaining the facts
• Integration of your ideas on the topic, evaluation of the process
• What are the implications? What should be done?