Management Strategic Change
Assessment Brief and Feedback Form
Module title: Managing Strategic Change
Assessment Point: Second assessment point
Assessment task: Individual word Essay
Word count limit: 2,000 words (+/- 10%) / (NOT inclusive of appendices, NOT inclusive of references)
Submission deadline: Please consult VLE.
Submission procedure: Please submit via the submission link on VLE.
Submission Record
Extenuating circumstances
Ensure you are familiar with the process for submitting a claim for extenuating circumstances. If you experience any extenuating circumstances
that may have affected your ability to attempt or submit the present assignment, please follow the relevant instructions on VLE in order to submit
your claim for extenuating circumstance prior to your submission deadline.
Academic misconduct including plagiarism
Ensure that you are familiar with the relevant regulations regarding academic misconduct. By submitting the present assignment you declare that
it is your own work and that the material and sources of information used, including internet sources, have been fully identified and properly
acknowledged. In addition, you confirm that the presented work has not been submitted for any other assessment. You also acknowledge that the
faculty reserves the right to investigate allegations of plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct which, if proven and dependent on the
severity level of the offence, will result in a penalty that may affect your progress.
Late submissions
Note that all work handed in up to 3 working days after the submission deadline will be accepted and marked but the mark will be capped at 50%
(if the work) passes unless you have been granted an extension to the submission deadline or a deferral in accordance with the Extenuating
Circumstances Policy. Work submitted more than 3 working days after the submission deadline without a granted extension to the submission
deadline or a deferral in accordance with the Extenuating Circumstances Policy will not be accepted and will be recorded as 0%.
By submitting your work you acknowledge that you have read and agreed with the above statements.
General Guidance
Your assignment should be word typed processed (handwritten assignments are not accepted), using Times New Roman size 12 font, double
spaced, with numbered pages and your student number printed as a footer on every page.
The word limits stated for this assignment excludes the reference list at the end of the assignment but includes all text in the main body of the
assignment (including direct quotations, in-text citations, footnotes, tables, diagrams and graphs).
Please be aware that exceeding the word count limit will affect the academic judgement of the piece of work and may result in the award of a
lower mark.
Appendices are not considered a supplement thus will not be assessed as part of the content of the assignment. As such, they will not contribute to
the grade awarded, however it may be appropriate to use an Appendices section for any material which is a useful reference for the reader. Please
note that appendices are not included in the word count.
The majority of references should come from primary sources (e.g., journal articles, conference papers, reports, etc.) although you can also utilise
area specific textbooks. You must ensure that you use the University of Suffolk’s Harvard style of referencing.
Please indicate the word count length at the end of your assignment.
Marking and assessment
This assignment will be marked out of 100%
This assignment contributes 50% of the total module marks.
Learning outcomes assessed in this assessment
3. Critically evaluate different management / leadership styles in relation to managing change.
4. Analyse the influence of position, power and organisational politics in relation to self-interest and creating a shared vision.
5. Critically evaluate the outcomes of change interventions
Task: Summative Assessment 2 (2000 word Essay)
Evaluate, using examples to support your discussion, how a nuanced understanding of resistance to change may be useful in managing
employees through change.
Your work should include and cover the following sections/aspects and content (as shown and stated in the table below). The specific percentage
marks allocated to each section/aspect of your work is stated below. Please also note that the Level 7 marking criteria (located towards the end of
this assessment brief) will also be used to reflect this overall grade. Please remember that the achievement and demonstration of all 3 learning
outcomes are being assessed in this assessment.
Note the suggested structure for your assignment:
Section/aspect Content to cover Marks available
Introduction
(250words)
Setting the scene and outline of the approach taken
in addressing the task. Background (relevant to the
task) information about assignment describing
scope, objectives, methods of investigation.
10 Marks
Problem identification
(500 words)
Evaluate, using examples to support your
discussion, how a nuanced understanding of
resistance to change may be useful in managing
employees through change.
25 Marks
Critical Discussion
(500 words)
Utilise academic research using literature from
journals, books as well as undertake a critical
evaluation making effective use of evidence and
scholarly sources towards the topic under
investigation.
25 Marks
Application of theory
(400 words)
An evaluation, using examples to support the
discussion and demonstrate practical application of
theoretical concepts.
15 Marks
Conclusion
(350words)
Effective summary of key points. 10 Marks
Layout and Referencing
(list of references can take as
many pages as necessary and
not included in the limit/word
count)
High quality presentation that conforms to
principles of academic writing and contains
minimal errors in sentence construction, grammar
and punctuation. The assignment followed
appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text
citations and referencing.
15 Marks
Total: 2000 words
Additional resources
Please consult VLE for recommended reading of previous weeks
Marking Criteria
Level 7
In accordance with the FHEQ, at the end of Level 7 students should have a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or
new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. They will be able to
demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create
and interpret knowledge in the discipline. They should have a conceptual understanding that enables them to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship
in the discipline and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. They will also be able to deal with
complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and
non-specialist audiences. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning
and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Assessment category
Coherent and detailed
knowledge and understanding
of the subject area, at least some
of which is informed by the
latest research and/or advanced
scholarship within the discipline
Cognitive and intellectual
skills
Application of theory to
practice (for courses with
a professional practice
element)
Reading and referencing Presentation, style and
structure
Work that significantly
exceeds the specified
word limit may be
penalized
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9 0
% -1
0 0
%
Exemplary systematic, theoretical
and conceptual understanding of
knowledge at or informed by the
forefront of the field of study,
demonstrating highly
sophisticated grasp of the subject
matter
Exceptional critical
evaluation and awareness
of current problems, and
contemporary issues and
debates that draws on new
insights or perspectives
within the field. Work
demonstrates exemplary
ability to synthesise current
research and advanced
scholarship in an original,
creative and innovative
manner.
Sophisticated, systematic
and innovative application
of knowledge and theory to
professional practice within
the discipline. Flawless use
of systematically selected
literature to justify and
express reasoned
judgements and decisions
in relation to complex
issues and problems at a
professional level
A very high level of
critical engagement across
a systematic and fully
appropriate range of
relevant and current
academic, research,
policy- and practice-
related literature
demonstrating deep and
selective reading and
initiative along with
highly consistent accurate
referencing
Exemplary presentation
of work that is fluent
and flawless throughout.
8 0
% – 8 9
% Excellent systematic, theoretical
and conceptual understanding of
Sophisticated critical
evaluation and awareness
An excellent level of
originality and innovation
A very high level of
critical engagement across
Outstanding
presentation of work
knowledge at or informed by the
forefront of the field of study and
showing sophisticated depth,
breadth, detail and clarity
of current problems, and
contemporary issues and
debates that draws on new
insights or perspectives
within the field. Work
demonstrates a very high
level of originality and
creativity in the student’s
approaches to synthesising
current research and
advanced scholarship
within the subject area
in the application of
knowledge and theory to
professional practice within
the discipline.
Demonstration of excellent
critical awareness and
evaluation and the ability to
effectively critique and
employ current academic
literature in making
reasoned judgements and
decisions in relation to
complex issues and
problems at a professional
level
an extensive range of
relevant and current
academic, research,
policy- and practice-
related literature
demonstrating deep and
appropriate reading and
initiative along with
highly consistent accurate
referencing
that is logically and
coherently structured
with a strong or original
central argument(s),
conveyed with a high
level of fluency and
eloquently
communicates
compelling, coherent
conclusions to specialist
and non-specialist
audiences
Level 7
Coherent and detailed knowledge
and understanding
Cognitive and intellectual
skills
Application of theory
to practice
Reading and referencing Presentation, style and
structure
P a ss
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7 0 %
– 7
9 %
A high level of systematic,
theoretical and conceptual
understanding of knowledge at or
informed by the forefront of the
field of study and showing
considerable depth, breadth, detail
and clarity
A high level of critical
evaluation and awareness
of current problems, and
contemporary issues and
debates that draws on new
insights or perspectives
within the field. Work
demonstrates a significant
level of originality and
creativity in synthesising
current research and
advanced scholarship
within the subject area
A high level of
originality and
innovation in the
application of
knowledge and theory
to professional
practice within the
discipline.
Demonstration of
excellent critical
awareness and
evaluation and the
ability to select and
use academic literature
in making reasoned
judgements and
decisions in relation to
complex issues and
problems at a
professional level
A high level of critical
engagement across an
extensive range of relevant
and current literature
demonstrating wide and
appropriate reading and
initiative along with highly
consistent accurate
referencing
Excellent presentation of
work that is logically and
coherently structured with a
strong or original central
argument(s), conveyed with
a high level of clarity of
expression and which
clearly communicates valid,
coherent conclusions to
specialist and non-specialist
audiences
6 0 %
– 6
9 %
An effective, systematic, theoretical
and conceptual understanding of
knowledge mostly at or informed
by the forefront of the field of study
and showing good depth, breadth,
detail and clarity
An effective level of
critical evaluation and
awareness of current
problems and contemporary
issues and debates that
draws on new insights or
perspectives within the
field. Work demonstrates
some effective originality
A good level of
originality and
innovation in the
application of
knowledge and theory
to professional
practice.
Demonstration of
consistently good
A good level of critical
engagement across a good
range of relevant and
current academic, research,
policy- and practice-related
literature demonstrating
appropriate reading and
some initiative along with
High quality presentation of
work that is largely
logically and coherently
structured with a generally
strong central argument
conveyed with a clarity of
expression and which
communicates clear
conclusions to specialist
and creativity in
synthesising current
research and scholarship
within the subject area
critical awareness and
evaluation and
reasonable ability to
use the academic
literature in making
reasoned judgements
and decisions in
relation to complex
issues and problems at
a professional level
consistent accurate
referencing
and non-specialist
audiences 5
0 %
– 5
9 %
A sufficient but limited level of
systematic, theoretical and
conceptual understanding of
knowledge at times at or informed
by the forefront of the field of study
but showing adequate depth,
breadth, detail and clarity
A sufficient but limited
level of critical evaluation
and awareness of current
problems and contemporary
issues and debates, with
some reference to new
insights or perspectives
within the field. Limited
evidence of originality and
creativity in synthesising
current research and
scholarship within the
subject area
A reasonable but
limited level of
originality and
innovation in the
application of
knowledge and theory
to professional
practice within the
discipline.
Demonstration of
some good critical
awareness and
evaluation and some
ability to use the
academic literature in
developing judgements
and decisions in
relation to complex
issues and problems at
a professional level
Sufficient critical
engagement with a
reasonable range of
relevant and current
academic, research, policy-
and practice-related
literature demonstrating
mainly appropriate reading
but limited initiative and/or
some minor inconsistencies
and inaccuracies in
referencing
Generally good
presentation of work that is
sufficiently logical and
coherent in structure with a
discernible central
argument. May present
limited originality and lack
some clarity of expression,
but an identifiable
conclusion reasonably
communicated to specialist
and non-specialist
audiences
Level 7
Coherent and detailed
knowledge and understanding
Cognitive and intellectual
skills
Application of theory
to practice
Reading and referencing Presentation, style and
structure
M a rg
in a l
fa il
4 5 %
– 4
9 %
Knowledge and understanding of
the subject matter is incomplete,
uninformed or limited in its
scholarship within the field of
study, or lacking sufficient depth,
breadth, detail or clarity
Critical evaluation is
limited or lacks awareness
of current problems and
contemporary issues and
debates. Insufficient
reference made to new
insights or perspectives
within the field, or
insufficient evidence of
originality and creativity in
synthesising current
research and scholarship
within the subject area
Insufficient degree of
originality or
innovation in the
application of
knowledge and theory
to professional
practice within the
discipline.
Demonstration of poor
critical awareness and
evaluation or a lack of
ability to use the
academic literature in
developing judgements
and decisions in
relation to complex
issues and problems at
a professional level
Insufficient critical
engagement with relevant
and current academic,
research, policy- and
practice-related literature.
Lack of evidence of wider
reading or a lack of
initiative or inconsistent
and inaccurate referencing
Presentation of work shows
insufficient organisation or
central argument, and is
lacking in logical and
coherent structure. Poor
clarity of expression
weakly communicating to
specialist or non-specialist
audiences
F a
il
3 0 %
– 4
4 %
Limited knowledge and
understanding of the subject matter
shown. Work is not sufficiently
informed by scholarship within the
field of study and is insufficient in
depth, breadth, detail or clarity
Insufficient evidence of
critical evaluation and
awareness of current
problems and contemporary
issues and debates.
Insufficient reference to
new insights or
perspectives within the
field and lacking in
originality and creativity in
Little evidence of
originality and
innovation and a
significant lack of
application of
knowledge and theory
to professional
practice demonstrating
little critical awareness
and evaluation and a
Little evidence of critical
engagement with relevant
and current literature. Poor
use of appropriate sources
and/or inconsistent and
inaccurate referencing
Often poorly presented
work that is disorganised,
has an ill-formed central
argument, and lacks a
logical and coherent
structure. A lack of clarity
of expression or fails to
communicate effective
conclusions to specialist or
non-specialist audiences
synthesising current
research and scholarship
within the subject area
lack of ability to use
the academic literature
to make judgements
and decisions in
relation to complex
issues and problems at
a professional level
< 3
0 %
Inadequate and limited knowledge
and understanding of the subject
matter shown. Work is not
informed by scholarship within the
field of study and significantly
lacks depth, breadth, detail or
clarity
Descriptive work with little
or no evidence of critical
evaluation and awareness
of current problems and
contemporary issues and
debates. No evidence of
awareness of new insights
or perspectives within the
field. Little or no synthesis
of current research and
scholarship within the
subject area
No evidence of
originality and
innovation and little to
no application of
knowledge and theory
to professional
practice. Demonstrates
no critical awareness
and evaluation and a
distinct lack of ability
to use the academic
literature in an
effective manner
No evidence of critical
engagement with relevant
and current literature. Lack
of use of appropriate
sources and inconsistent
and inaccurate referencing
Poorly presented and
disorganised work that
lacks a logical and coherent
structure, lacks a well-
formed central argument
and shows a significant
lack of clarity of expression
with very weak or
irrelevant conclusions, that
may be incoherent to
specialist or non-specialist
audiences
Feedback form
Student Number:
Section/aspect Content to cover Marks available
Introduction
(250words)
Setting the scene and outline of the approach taken
in addressing the task. Background (relevant to the
task) information about assignment describing
scope, objectives, methods of investigation.
10 Marks
Problem identification
(500 words)
Evaluate, using examples to support your
discussion, how a nuanced understanding of
resistance to change may be useful in managing
employees through change.
25 Marks
Critical Discussion
(500 words)
Utilise academic research using literature from
journals, books as well as undertake a critical
evaluation making effective use of evidence and
scholarly sources towards the topic under
investigation.
25 Marks
Application of theory
(400 words)
An evaluation, using examples to support the
discussion and demonstrate practical application of
theoretical concepts.
15 Marks
Conclusion
(350words)
Effective summary of key points. 10 Marks
Layout and Referencing
(list of references can take as
many pages as necessary and
not included in the limit/word
count)
High quality presentation that conforms to
principles of academic writing and contains
minimal errors in sentence construction, grammar
and punctuation. The assignment followed
appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text
citations and referencing.
15 Marks
Total: 2000 words
Date: Grade: Marker’s signature:
Provisional grade subject to change and/or confirmation by the Assessment Boards.
