Swinburne School of Business, Law, and Entrepreneurship
Assessment Task 1B
BUS30032
Business Consulting Project
Semester 1 2024
Problem Analysis Report
Assessment Type
1. Apply business management principles, concepts, and theories
using problem-solving techniques together with Design
Associated Unit Learning Thinking tools to analyse a business problem.
Outcomes (ULO’s) 2. Demonstrate the ability to formulate and justify innovative
plans/recommendations for achieving the client’s project
goals.
Group or Individual task Individual
Value (%) 20%
Due Date 11:59 PM on Sunday the 31st of March 2024
1. Word count: 1500 words, excluding cover page, references,
and appendices if any (+/- 10% of the word count is
Submission details/form acceptable).
2. Individually submitted through Turnitin
3. Referencing style: APA Style of References
Purpose of the assessment:
This assessment aims to equip students with problem analysis skills essential before delving
into the ideation of solutions for a given problem. Students are expected to conduct a
comprehensive problem analysis, unravelling the nature of the problem, understanding the
affected parties and their characteristics, and examining the causes and effects of the
problem. These tasks foster a deeper sense of empathy regarding the given problem, enabling
students to adopt the perspective of another individual or organization. This proficiency is a
crucial skill and a professional capability founded on open-mindedness, mitigating cognitive
biases, and minimising blind spots in decision-making.
Please see the next page for specific and detailed information on the assessment task.
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Detailed assignment instructions:
You are tasked with conducting a comprehensive problem analysis by addressing the
following questions. To uphold the rigour of this analysis, it is essential to utilise pertinent
frameworks, models, and tools discussed in Weeks 1-4 of this unit.
Prepare a report covering the following tasks from (a) to (c).
a) Problem Definition: Examine the core of the problem relevant to the assigned project
task. Clearly articulate the nature of the issue to establish a robust foundation for
subsequent analysis.
b) Parties Affected by the Problem: Conduct a comprehensive stakeholder analysis to
identify those impacted by the problem. Analyse the level of impact on each party,
gaining insights into their roles and interests in the problem.
c) Root Causes and Effects of the Problem: Thoroughly analyse the causes and effects
associated with the problem. Uncover the root factors contributing to the issue and
examine its repercussions on various aspects, such as the client's operational
processes, market positioning, and customer satisfaction.
Important:
• Simply reproducing the content in the project brief is not sufficient.
• Please note that you need to use the tools or frameworks (e.g., problem tree analysis,
five whys, stakeholder analysis) discussed in the Unit appropriately when answering
to above questions.
• You are not required to provide solutions and recommendations to the client at this
stage.
• Support your explanations with evidence from internal (e.g., client’s organisational
reports, customer feedback, survey findings, discussions with the Client) and external
sources (e.g., industry reports, newspapers, journals, and government publications)
where appropriate.
Suggested format:
• Your response should be presented in a report format. It is not required to include an
Executive Summary, introduction, and conclusion.
• You have the freedom to structure the report creatively, depending on your creativity.
However, ensure that you address all the sections from (a) to (c) as outlined above.
• Utilise diagrams, graphics, and tables to present information in a concise, creative, and
effective manner.
• Format the document using a 12-point font size and 1.5 line spacing.
• Research:
o Underpinning all your work is extensive research drawing on relevant sources. This
includes, but is not limited to, industry reports; academic publications (textbooks,
articles, working papers); government reports; news regalia, and authoritative
websites. You must cite and support your claims.
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o Please use the APA Style of references to cite and reference your work.
• Submission: Submit via Canvas.
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Rubric
CRITERIA HIGHER DISTINCTION DISTINCTION CREDIT PASS FAIL
(100-80) (79-70) (69-60) (59-50) (49-0)
Problem definition The problem description The problem description is The problem description The problem description The problem description is
(5 marks) demonstrates generally clear and specific, is specific, but clarity is is somewhat broader, broad and lacks clarity,
exceptional clarity and although some minor inconsistent. While there and ambiguities have with the presence of
specificity. It not only ambiguities are present. The are instances of precision been noted. While the ambiguities. The
identifies the core issue overall identification of the in identifying the core central issue is identified, identification of the core
but also articulates its core issue is sound, but issue, there are also there is room for issue is either absent or
nuances and complexities there may be slight room for areas where the improvement in terms of insufficient, and the
with precision. The improvement in refining description lacks clarity. specificity. The description may not align
language used is precise, certain details to enhance Some aspects of the description encompasses with the expected focus of
avoiding ambiguity and precision. The description problem may be open to a wider scope, and the project. It could be
ensuring a demonstrates a good interpretation or require certain details may lack perceived as being about a
comprehensive understanding of the further elaboration for a the necessary precision, random client or failing to
understanding of the problem, but minor more thorough leading to potential address the required
problem. The description clarifications could further understanding. uncertainties. problem adequately. A
reflects an advanced level enhance its specificity. Refinement in Enhancements in focus substantial revision is
of analytical thinking, Overall, the description communication and the and clarity would necessary to narrow down
showcasing a profound effectively conveys the main use of clearer language contribute to a more the focus, increase
insight into the intricacies issue but with some minor would enhance the targeted and precise specificity, and ensure that
of the problem at hand. It areas of potential overall clarity of the problem description. the problem aligns with the
effectively sets the stage improvement. problem description. The Attention to refining project's objectives.
for a sophisticated and in- identification of the issue specific aspects of the
depth analysis, providing is generally on target, but issue could strengthen
a solid foundation for improvements in the overall quality of the
subsequent project coherence and problem statement.
development activities. explicitness would
contribute to a more
consistently clear
representation.
Identification of An exemplary analysis of A comprehensive analysis of The analysis of affected The analysis covers a The analysis offers insights
affected parties (6 affected parties, enriched affected parties and their parties and their fundamental number of into only a few indirectly
marks) by their characteristics, is characteristics is characteristics is deemed relevant affected parties affected parties and their
meticulously supported underpinned by empirical satisfactory, yet the and their characteristics, characteristics, with
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by empirical data sourced data obtained from reliable occasional presence of but major omissions and evident omissions of
from reputable and information sources, major omissions and a significant lack of primarily affected parties.
reliable information showcasing a commendable intermittent reliance on empirical data, OR the analysis is about a
channels. The depth and level of thoroughness. unreliable information occasionally relying on random client,
breadth of the analysis Although minor omissions sources detracts from unreliable information incorporating irrelevant
demonstrate a superior were observed, the analysis the overall robustness of sources, are notable. parties to the assigned
understanding of the remains substantiated by the analysis. While the Although some relevant project. The absence of
subject matter, and the credible data, contributing understanding of parties are identified, the empirical data or reliance
utilisation of high-quality to a well-rounded affected parties is gaps in both data and on unreliable information
empirical data enhances understanding of the parties evident, there is room for comprehensiveness sources further diminishes
the credibility and involved. improvement in remain apparent. the credibility and
robustness of the enhancing data quality completeness of the
findings. and completeness. analysis. Substantial
revisions are imperative to
align with the expected
standards.
Causes and effects An exemplary analysis A commendable analysis A satisfactory analysis A basic analysis utilising The analysis and discussion
of the problem (6 utilising appropriate employing appropriate utilising appropriate appropriate analytical of causes and effects are
marks) analytical tools or analytical tools or analytical tools or tools or frameworks general, lacking the
frameworks frameworks thoroughly frameworks explores and explores and discusses application of appropriate
comprehensively examines and discusses the discusses most of the some of the causes and analytical tools or
explores and discusses causes and effects causes and effects linked effects linked to the frameworks and failing to
the causes and effects associated with the central to the central problem central problem given by address the client's
linked to the central problem given by the client. provided by the client. the client. Major problem context.
problem provided by the Rare omissions are present, Some minor omissions omissions are present, Alternatively, a mere list of
client. The analysis and the discussion is robust, are noted, but the impacting the depth of relevant causes and effects
demonstrates a superior showcasing a high level of discussion is generally the discussion. However, linked to the client's
understanding, with the proficiency and well-structured and the analysis reflects a problem is presented,
application of understanding of the demonstrates a sound foundational lacking depth and analytical
sophisticated tools that problem. understanding of the understanding of the rigour. Significant
yield nuanced insights problem. problem. improvements are
into the problem's necessary to align with
intricacies, resulting in a expected standards. OR the
highly detailed and analysis is about a random
insightful discussion. client.
5
Writing style and Well-written and Well-written and organised Above-average writing Average and/or casual Poor writing style lacking in
research (3 marks) organised using standard using standard English, style and logically writing style that is standard English, clarity,
English, characterised by characterised by elements organised using standard sometimes unclear the language used, and/or
elements of a strong of a strong writing style with English with occasional and/or with some errors frequent errors in
writing style and free minor errors in grammar, errors in grammar, in grammar, punctuation, grammar, punctuation,
from grammar, punctuation, usage, and punctuation, usage, and usage, and spelling. A mix usage, and spelling. Needs
punctuation, usage, and spelling. The references are spelling. The references of different referencing work. No references or
spelling errors. All the in the correct format with are in the required conventions was noted majority incorrectly
references are in the minor errors. A notable format with occasional but most are in the formatted.
correct format. effort to explore literature omissions of information correct format. Limited OR references are
Outstanding effort to and supporting material. in formatting. Limited exploration of additional irrelevant to the content.
explore literature beyond exploration of additional material or sources Poor exploration of
the provided material. material or sources beyond those provided in additional materials.
beyond those provided in the class.
the class.
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Submission Requirements
Assignments and other assessments must be submitted through the Canvas assessment
submission system.
Please ensure you keep a copy of all assessments that are submitted.
Detailed submission instructions and associated rubrics can be found under the “suggested
format” and “rubrics” sections on pages 2-6 of this document and in the Assessment section
of Canvas.
Assessment declaration and statement of authorship
1. I have not impersonated or allowed myself to be impersonated by any person for the
purposes of this assessment.
2. This assessment is my/our original work and no part of it has been copied from any other
source except where due acknowledgement is made.
3. No part of this assessment has been written for me by any other person except where
such collaboration has been authorised by the lecturer/teacher concerned.
4. I have not previously submitted this work for this or any other course/unit.
5. I give permission for my assessment response to be reproduced, communicated,
compared and archived for plagiarism detection, benchmarking or educational purposes.
I understand that:
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s work as though it is your own. It is a form
of cheating and is a very serious academic offense that may lead to exclusion from the
University. Plagiarised material may be drawn from published and unpublished written
documents, interpretations, computer software, designs, music, sounds, images,
photographs, and ideas or ideological frameworks gained through working with another
person or in a group. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in written,
graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs
when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited.
I agree and acknowledge that:
1. I have read and understood the Declaration and Statement of Authorship above.
2. I accept that use of my Swinburne account to electronically submit this assessment
constitutes my agreement to the Declaration and Statement of Authorship
3. If I do not agree to the Declaration and Statement of Authorship in this context, the
assessment outcome may not be valid for assessment purposes and may not be included in
my aggregate score for this unit.
Further information relating to the penalties for plagiarism, which range from a formal
caution to expulsion from the University, is contained in the Student Academic Misconduct
Regulations 2012 which is available on the Policies and Regulations website.
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Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the action or practice of taking and submitting or presenting the thoughts,
writings or other work of someone else as though it is your own work. Plagiarism includes any
of the following, without full and appropriate acknowledgment of the original source(s):
The use of the whole or part of a computer program written by another person:
• The use, in essays or other assessable work, of the whole or part of a written work
from any source including but not limited to a book, journal, newspaper article, set of
lecture notes, current or past student’s work, any other person’s work, a website or
database
• The paraphrasing of another’s work,
• The use of musical composition, audio, visual, graphic, and photographic models,
• The use of realia that is objects, artefacts, costumes, models, and the like.
Plagiarism also includes the preparation or production and submission or presentation of
assignments or other work in conjunction with another person or other people when that
work should be your own independent work. This remains plagiarism whether or not it is with
the knowledge or consent of the other person or people. It should be noted that Swinburne
encourages its students to talk to staff, fellow students and other people who may be able to
contribute to a student’s academic work but that where independent assignment is required,
submitted or presented work must be the student’s own.
Enabling plagiarism contributes to plagiarism and therefore will be treated as a form of
plagiarism by the University. Enabling plagiarism means allowing or otherwise assisting
another student to copy or otherwise plagiarise work by, for example, allowing access to a
draft or completed assignment or other work.
Swinburne University uses plagiarism detection software (such as Turnitin) for assignments
submitted electronically via Canvas. Your Convenor will provide further details.
The penalties for plagiarism can be severe ranging from a zero grade for an assessment task
through to expulsion from the unit and in the extreme, exclusion from Swinburne.
Consequently, you need to avoid plagiarism by providing a reference whenever you include
information from other sources in your work.
Extensions and Late Submission
Late Submissions - Unless an extension has been approved, late submissions will result in a
penalty. You will be penalised 10% of the assessment’s worth for each calendar day the task
is late, up to a maximum of 5 calendar days. After 5 working days, a zero result will be
recorded.
Referencing
To avoid plagiarism, you are required to provide a reference whenever you include
information from other sources in your work. Further details regarding plagiarism are
available in Section C of this document.
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Referencing conventions required for this unit are: APA Referencing System
Helpful information on referencing can be found at:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/library/referencing/
Group Work Guidelines (Optional)
A group assignment is the collective responsibility of the entire group, and if one member is
temporarily unable to contribute, the group should be able to reallocate responsibilities to
keep to schedule. In the event of longer-term illness or other serious problems involving a
member of group, it is the responsibility of the other members to immediately notify the Unit
Convenor or relevant tutor.
Group submissions must be submitted with an Assignment Cover Sheet, signed by all
members of the group.
All group members must be satisfied that the work has been correctly submitted. Any
penalties for late submission will generally apply to all group members, not just the person
who submitted.
Student Study Support Services
You should talk to your Unit Convenor or tutor, for information on academic support services
available for Swinburne students. Alternatively, see the Student Services and/or the Library
Website for further study support resources.
