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)