M528 coursework assignment

Academic year 2008/9

Coursework Title:	Supply chain and product manufacturing analysis
Coursework Due Date:	April 5, May 3 and May 22, 2009
Lecturer:	C Nguyen

COURSEWORK DESCRIPTION

The objective this coursework is to develop your ability to conduct self-directed research, analysis and reflection about supply chain and product manufacturing concepts. Studying real examples of organizations and products that use these principles will make it easier for you to apply the same concepts to your own future work experiences.

There are 3 articles required for this coursework, each with its own submission date and mark. The coursework mark is the average of all marks with the highest mark counted twice. This coursework contributes 50% to the M528 unit mark.

Each article must be approximately 650 words in length (excluding reference citations). Articles should inform the reader in a way that is easy to understand and reflects your own personal style. You may use supporting images, charts, diagrams and other visual elements from outside sources as long as each source is properly cited within your report using the Harvard APA referencing and citation format.

Article 1 was due April 5, 2009
Select a specific business in the electronics manufacturing industry. Write an article that compares and analyzes:

The corporate structure of the business.
The business model.
The market value of the business.

Article 2 was due May 3, 2009
Select a specific electronic product. Write an article that compares and analyzes:

2 product design principles that have been applied to manufacture that product.
The impact of those design principles on the quality of the product.
The impact of those design principles on the price of the product.

Article 3 was due May 22, 2009
Select a specific electronic product. Write an article that compares and analyzes:

The current environmental impact of the product.
A relevant supply chain principle that could improve the environmental impact.
A relevant product design principle that could improve the environmental impact.

COURSEWORK SUBMISSION

Students are required to submit their coursework online using the Mosaic website.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Each coursework article will be marked according to the following criteria:

(1) Analysis and reflection (50 marks)

Marks	Criteria
40–50	Article indicates an understanding of the relevant principles which is supported by thoughtful personal reflection and considerations of technical, financial or environmental issues.
35–39	Article contains effective analysis of the relevant principles which is supported by thoughtful personal reflection and considerations of technical, financial or environmental issues.
30–34	Article contains analysis of the relevant principles with some personal reflection and considerations of technical, financial or environmental issues.
25–29	Article addresses the relevant principles with some considerations of technical, financial or environmental issues.
20–24	Article has some considerations of technical, financial or environmental issues and the relevant principles.
0–19	There is insufficient consideration of the relevant principles.

(2) Evidence of research (30 marks)

Marks	Criteria
22–30	Article contains supporting evidence that is creatively applied, highly relevant and well organized.
21	Article contains supporting evidence that is highly relevant and well organized.
18–20	Article contains supporting evidence that is relevant and organized.
15–17	Article contains relevant supporting evidence.
12–14	Article contains minimal supporting evidence.
0–11	There is insufficient supporting evidence.

(3) Writing mechanics (20 marks)

Marks	Criteria
16–20	Article effectively uses a personal style that has a purposeful and easy to follow structure with very few grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
14–15	Article has a purposeful and easy to follow structure with very few grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
12–13	Article has a clear structure and few grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
10–11	Article has some structure and some grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
8–9	Article has minimal structure and some grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.
0–7	Article has an ineffective structure and contains many grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.